Prof. Samuel Lo Chun-lap of PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Dr Derek Or Siu-wing of the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a real-time DNA biosensor. It is a hand-held, battery-operated and self-contained sensing device built upon a novel DNA-based bio-chemo-physical conversion method for real-time, rapid, in-situ detections of the presence of a microorganism of interest. The sensing device can be used in the field without the support of a.c. mains supply and laboratory facilities, making it more convenient and versatile for field use.

The invention can help improve the process of DNA matching. Currently, the matching of DNA is a complicated process and it involves the use of bulky equipment. For biological weaponry and health surveillance purposes, there is a strong need to match DNA and identify pathogens in the field and sometimes in extreme environment rapidly and accurately.

Currently, the most accurate microbial identification relies on polymerase chain-reaction (PCR)/DNA-based identification methods. While most PCR/DNA identification equipment claimed to be of small sizes, most of them only refer to the PCR chamber. The bulky fluorescent illuminator and detection device are mostly excluded from their calculation. Further, these classical equipments require alternate current mains supply and wet laboratory facilities support but give no real-time readings. Hence, these classical equipments are not portable by nature and unsuitable to be used in the field.

The invention has scored a Gold Medal at the 39th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.