LGC is collaborating with Optigene and the University of Southampton to develop rapid in-clinic STI detection kits using Hybeacons technology.
Hybeacons PCR probes are short fluorescently labelled DNA sequences that can be designed to detect sections of DNA sequence with a genetic variation.
The central location of the fluorescent molecule within the probe is said to have considerable advantages over probes that have signalling chemistry at the end of the DNA probe.
LGC developed Hybeacons probes in response to forensic and medical requirements to identify key genetic differences between individuals, or to distinguish micro-organisms.
The probes have characteristics that make them suitable for very rapid diagnostic and point-of-care applications.
Hybeaconsassays have been designed for use in medical genetic as well as infectious diagnostic testing.
LGC is leading the project, known as Client (clinic-based infection examination through nucleic acid technologies), which will receive funding from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).
This TSB initiative, called Fighting Infection through Detection, is aimed at developing clinical equipment and an assay that can detect sexually transmitted infections (STI) in less than 15 minutes.
Optigene will refine and manufacture the desktop amplification device for rapidly testing genetic markers for detection of STIs by the Hybeacons technology.
The company is now developing the device to create a system for amplification that is faster than the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
The device will have two-colour detection but uses simpler instrumentation.
Prof Tom Brown from the School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, has worked with LGC to develop Hybeacons chemistry and, in this programme, will produce a new generation of more powerful fluorophore molecules to enable the Hybeacons probes to detect trace targets with greater accuracy and speed.
The Chlamydia Research Group School of Medicine, University of Southampton, works closely with the Health Protection Agency, based at Southampton General Hospital.
In the Client project, novel and universally conserved sequences from sexually transmitted bacteria will be used as a basis for developing the tests.
This team will also lead the collaboration in the design of the Client testing kits.
