Technologies

Technologies

Initially the "SSCP" method (for: single-strand conformation polymorphism) was developed in order to detect point mutations; which is the alteration of a single base within a longer sequence. Adapted to so-called "phylogenetic markers", like e.g the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria or the 18S rRNA for fungi, respectively, where different sequences relate to different microorganisms, this technique of sequence-specific separation of DNA allows to identify as well as to quantify all members of a microbial community.

AMODIA has extended this technique in a way that now even functional genes may be used for such studies.

A lateral-flow dipstick (short: LFD) is a detection platform based on the lateral-flow principle. This is capillary forces move a liquid along the surface (= lateral) of a membrane.

Neither use nor read-out of a LFD require a device: the liquid transport is done by capillary forces, and the read-out is possible by the human eye. Expensive detection technique is not required.

NALF is an abbreviation for "Nucleic Acid Lateral-Flow", which describes technologies detecting molecular amplification products on a lateral-flow strip. Typically NALF systems combine lateral-flow strips with a microfluidic system.