Molecular Diagnostics
Molecular Diagnostics - Related Videos
10:21
Microfluidic Applications for Disposable Diagnostics
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Cited by 1 •
2008
In this interview, Dr. Klapperich discusses the fabrication of thermoplastic microfluidic devices and their application for development of new diagnostics.
07:40
Field Postmortem Rabies Rapid Immunochromatographic Diagnostic Test for Resource-Limited Settings with Further Molecular Applications
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Cited by 25 •
2020
We present a complete protocol for postmortem diagnosis of animal rabies under field conditions using a rapid immunochromatographic diagnostic test (RIDT), from brain biopsy sampling to final interpretation. We also describe further applications using the device for molecular analysis and viral genotyping.
21:15
Diagnostic Necropsy and Tissue Harvest
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2016
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN Many animal experiments rely on final data collection time points that are gathered from the harvesting and testing of organs and tissues. The use of appropriate methods for the collection of organs and tissues can impact the quality of the samples and the analysis of the data that is gleaned for the testing of the tissues. The method of euthanasia of the animal can also impact the quality of...
09:55
Molecular Cloning
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2023
Molecular cloning is a set of methods, which are used to insert recombinant DNA into a vector - a carrier of DNA molecules that will replicate recombinant DNA fragments in host organisms. The DNA fragment, which may be a gene, can be isolated from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic specimen. Following isolation of the fragment of interest, or insert, both the vector and insert must be cut with restriction enzymes and purified. The purified pieces are joined together though a technique called...
12:02
Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
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Cited by 4 •
2008
Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within the LTR sequences of the HIV-1 provirus, resulting in the excision and eradication of the provirus from infected human cells. While still in its infancy, directed molecular evolution will allow the creation of custom enzymes that will serve as tools of molecular surgery and molecular medicine.
FAQs
Sequence-specific hybridization uses complementary nucleic-acid pairing to recognize a selected DNA or RNA sequence. This targeting helps distinguish the molecular signal associated with a pathogen, genetic variant, or other biological state from unrelated material. In diagnostic designs, the approach supports specificity, while assay conditions and signal measurement influence how reliably the target is detected.
Polymerase chain reaction amplification increases the amount of a selected nucleic-acid target before measurement. This can strengthen a molecular signal that would otherwise be difficult to detect, supporting sensitive analysis of pathogens or genetic variants. Because amplification is sequence-directed, the selected target and the design of the integrated assay affect the resulting diagnostic specificity.
These performance factors address different diagnostic needs. Sensitivity supports detection of weak molecular signals, whereas specificity helps identify the intended target rather than unrelated material. Speed affects how quickly results become available, and portability enables testing in settings beyond conventional laboratory platforms. Bioengineering therefore focuses on integrating these characteristics without treating any single performance measure as sufficient.
A typical workflow begins with nucleic acid extraction or another form of molecular sample preparation, followed by target recognition through hybridization, amplification through polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, or biomolecular binding. The resulting signal is then measured and interpreted. Combining these stages into an integrated assay can help improve diagnostic speed, portability, and consistency.
Biosensors convert biomolecular recognition or binding into a measurable signal, while microfluidic platforms help organize small-scale assay operations within engineered devices. Their integration can combine sample handling, target analysis, and signal detection in a more compact format. In bioengineering, these systems are designed to support portable molecular diagnostics with improved speed and practical usability.
Applications include detecting pathogens, identifying genetic variants, and measuring cancer-associated biomarkers. The resulting information can support earlier diagnosis and treatment decisions in personalized medicine, while environmental monitoring uses molecular signals to assess biological targets outside clinical settings. Researchers also apply these approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and characterize broader biological states.