PCR based Genetic marker testing device

Development of a PCR based portable testing device for identification of specific genetic markers. Further development to enable use in the diagnosis of specific infections (Global Technologies Ltd. 2003 - 2007)

Global Technologies Ltd. was established in Dunedin as a joint venture between professor Dianna Hill and the Dunedin based meat company PPCS. The purpose was to investigate using specific genetic markers to trace sheep meat from producer to the market place. A portable testing device was developed which provided simple sampling and testing within a disposable stylus, giving results in about 35 minutes. Biotronics Otago developed electronic control & optical sensing technologies which resulted in a battery powered instrument with the required sensitivity and a laptop based user interface allowing the device to be connected by USB. The chemistry developed for this device allows 3 genetic markers to be detected, providing a real-time PCR test with plotting of results. Although this does not provide sufficient markers for traceability of meats, it is an extremely good diagnostic device for specific organisms or genetic markers. Further work is being undertaken to develop it's potential in the medical marketplace. Further info from www.glotec.co.nz

AFM tip etching equipment

Development of AFM tip etching equipment for the production of nano-pores in flexible membranes (Australo Ltd. 2007)

Nano-pores are the subject of intense research because they have the potential to be used for sizing small particles such as viruses, DNA & other large molecules. To date these pores have been made in rigid materials, however scientists at Australo Ltd. in Dunedin, NZ have developed a system for making these pores in a flexible membrane and then by controlling the membrane stretch, the pore size can be regulated. These pores are made by piercing the membrane with an atomic force microscope needle, which has a very sharp tip. These needles are etched from platinum wire by controlling the etching conditions. Our control system provides highly variable electrical etching conditions and is sequences by a PC applications which allows specific variables to be controlled. Further info at www.australo.com

USB based modular control & monitoring system

Development of a USB based modular control & monitoring system with PC based graphic control software ( Biotronics Otago Ltd. 2007 - 2008)

The need for small, application focused modules with embedded intelligent I/O functions led to the development of the "Maestro" concept. This is effectively a USB hub backplane which allows a number of these application specific modules to be "hot plugged", and associated graphical user interface Software, for setting up & using the module. These modules are USB 2.0 compliant and can also be used as an individual control unit without the backplane. Functions currently offered include optically isolated digital I/O, digital to analog outputs, stepper motor control, optical sensor/amplifier, & optical light sources launched into glass or plastic optical fibre. These can be used in research, teaching or testing environments.

Installation & Maintenance of Specialized Instrumentation

In early years we have been responsible for installation of a diverse range of laboratory equipment including ultracentrifuges, liquid scintillation counters, HPLC separation equipment, gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers & confocal microscopes. With many years experience in electron microscopy, we have been able to provide a service to the Otago University electron microscope facility. This has included Philips transmission microscopes as well as Cambridge & JEOL scanning microscopes. This includes other specialized sample preparation equipment and high vacuum pumping systems.

Neurological tissue stimulator

Development of a neurological tissue stimulator with complex wave-shape capabilities, for medical research in the Dept. of Physiology, University of Otago (1991 - 1992)

Research on the structure & function of the brain often requires the investigation of individual neurons and nerve fibres in thin slices of animal brains. Often rats are used and these thin slices of brain are kept viable for considerable lengths of time in order that stimulation and monitoring of responses can be measured. This is only possible in specialized apparatus which can provide the required environment for the tissue. Micro electrodes apply biphasic electronic pulse trains in various patterns which are required to evoke particular responses. Our device was based on the Hitachi H8 micro-controller and an application board which provided various I/O and memory. Various files could be generated to provide wave shapes and amplitudes required. At the time this device represented an advanced digital physiological stimulator, able to provide a wide range of output conditions.

First PCR machine for NZ ( Biotech Ltd. Dunedin, 1986 )

Development of a neurological tissue stimulator with complex wave-shape capabilities, for medical research in the Dept. of Physiology, University of Otago (1991 - 1992)

On request from a leading molecular biologist Dr. Dick Wilkins from the Otago University Cancer Research Unit, we began the development of a PCR(polymerase chain reaction) machine. This featured a programmable sequence controller with peltier thermo-electric temperature control. These were trialled by several laboratories in New Zealand and assisted genetic research & testing in several bio-medical fields. These were eventually replaced as imported models became more plentiful.

Waste Digester Controllers (Waste Solutions Ltd. 1985 )

The development of the science of waste treatment, at AgResearch Invermay Research Centre in 1984 onwards, was lead by Dr. Tico Cohen. His experimental waste digesters and methane production systems were leading the way in this field. Our multi-channel temperature control system formed part of the advanced operational system. Methane measurements and other performance data were collected & transferred via modem for remote analysis and control.

Red Blood Cell Testing ( University of Otago 1985 )

Red blood cells (erythrocytes), with a diameter of 5um are required to fold & bend, in order to pass through much of the fine capillary network of the human body. The flexibility of these cells depends on normal biochemical functions within the cell membrane and changes in this ability to fold, is responsible for impaired circulation and other medical complications. Investigations on the red blood cell's ability to pass through pores of a known size, has enabled further understanding of the relationship of this property to specific medical conditions. Differential pressure changes across a micro-pore filter were measured against infusion time. The effect of certain natural substances such as evening primrose oil, was accessed and our measurement system allowed correlation with red blood cell flexibility.