Prof. Theodore Christopoulos Prof. Christopoulos received a BSc in Pharmacy (1982) and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry (1987) from the University of Athens, Greece as well as a postdoctoral diploma in Clinical Chemistry from the University of Toronto, Canada. From 1989 to 1992 he was a postdoctoral research associate at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Toronto, and from 1992 to 1999 professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Since 1999, he is located at the University of Patras. He is the recipient of the 1997 Grannis award for “Excellence in Research and Scientific Publication” from the U.S. National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. He has published about 100 original research articles, 7 invited review articles and 14 book chapters. His research activity involves the exploitation of nanotechnology for the development of novel biosensors, the development of analytical technology for genomics and proteomics, lab-on-a-chip systems, and analytical instrumentation and automation.
This presentation focuses on the architecture and functional aspects of disposable, dipstick-type DNA biosensors that enable visual detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Their advantages are: simplicity, low cost, portability, no need for specialized equipment as well as elimination of multiple pipetting, incubation and washing steps. For genotyping, the interrogated sequence is subjected to amplification and allele-discrimination reactions. The product is applied to the sample area of the biosensor, which is then immersed in the appropriate buffer. The appearance of a characteristic colored line at the test zone indicates the presence of the ‘normal’ or ‘mutant’ allele in the sample