Toshiba Corp. said Friday it has developed a system that helps detect and analyze DNA on a portable, easy-to-use platform.
The Genelyzer avoids the high degree of complexity and high costs of conventional fluorescence-based DNA detection systems, Toshiba said.
The system is based on an electrochemical DNA chip that can analyze and type DNA sequence variations.
Toshiba said it hopes to supply leading research institutes worldwide with the Genelyzer. In Japan, only a limited number of clinical laboratories and other special facilities currently perform DNA detection and analysis.
Development of the system was supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization and will be followed by feasibility tests at research institutions, Toshiba said.
The company said one notable test program will be conducted in an alliance with the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Toshiba's medical research partner, on gene analysis relating to anti-HIV drugs.