"Gene Sensors: Detection of Specific Targeted Sequences on DNA"
Alan J. Heeger, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Physics and Materials
University of California, Santa Barbara
After reviewing the need for high sensitivity methods to detect specific targeted sequences on DNA, I will summarize recent progress in our laboratories on two novel approaches:
I. DNA Detection using Water Soluble Conjugated Polymers and Peptide Nucleic Acids
II. Bioelectronic Detection of DNA: The Electrochemical DNA Sensor
Alan J. Heeger serves as Professor of Physics and Professor of Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara and also heads a research group at the university’s Center for Polymers and Organic Solids. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2000) for his pioneering research in and the co-founding of the field of semiconducting and metallic polymers; his research efforts continue to focus on the science and technology of semiconducting and metallic polymers. Current interests include studies of conjugated polyelectrolytes, and the use of such luminescent water-soluble semiconducting polymers (and oligomers) as components in bio-specific sensors. Contact: Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5090; ajh@physics.ucsb.edu; www.cpos.ucsb.edu