Research / Research Highlights

Research Highlights

Research Highlights /

Research Highlights

Professor NAM Jwa-Min Develops Bio-Barcode Which Detects Micro RNA

Professor NAM Jaw-Min (Dept. of Chemistry)
Professor NAM Jaw-Min (Dept. of Chemistry)

Professor NAM Jwa-Min (Dept. of Chemistry)’s research team has developed a new type of DNA-modified gold nanoparticle-based bio-barcode assay. Micro RNA (miRNA) is an indicator of cancer, and the research team found a way to detect miRNA using DNA bio-barcodes which combine with specific miRNAs. When a DNA bio-barcode detects a miRNA, it automatically adheres to the gold nanoparticle. The team then removed the gold nanoparticle and analyzed the remainder using the gel electrophoresis platform. They found that the DNA bio-barcode accurately detected miRNA-155 and miRNA-21. Professor Nam believes this technology can be used for the early diagnosis of novel swine-origin influenza A.

Summary by LEE Hee Un, SNU English Editor, gurume0221@snu.ac.kr