Nanostrategy for Directly “Reading" Epigenetic Biomarkers by Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

The project aims to build a nanostrategy that could directly “read” the chemical changes of DNA, which is an epigenetic biomarker and clinically useful for disease diagnosis and the selection of the appropriate therapies e.g. personalized medicine. Current technologies to efficiently “read” and understand this change are typically limited by multiple steps and/or the use of indirect analysis methods. This project expects to address this significant problem by using designed nanoparticles and the optical approach, thus avoiding complicated and cumbersome procedures. The anticipated outcomes will tremendously advance our knowledge of biomarkers, nanotechnology and optical approach, thus strengthening the economic viability of Australian medical diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries.