Molecular Diagnostics

The Molecular Diagnostics Research Group (MDRG) at NUI Galway has 20 years experience and an international track record of achievement in the development and application of molecular diagnostics tests for microbial species identification.

To download information on the group please click below 
MDRG Summary 
MDRG Brochure
Key Research Areas
Core R+D activities include:
  • Molecular diagnostic target discovery
  • Nucleic acid based test design
  • Nucleic acid test platform technologies development
  • Collaborative or contract R&D with industry 

 

 

 

 

Research Themes
Molecular Diagnostic Target Discovery
 
Molecular diagnostics which employs nucleic acid probes and usually nucleic acid amplification technologies to analyse DNA and/or RNA in samples has entered mainstream clinical diagnostics. Emerging markets include food, environmental, veterinary and industrial testing. A key component of a nucleic acid based diagnostic test (NAT) is the genomic target that is chosen to identify the microbial species of interest. The target must be inclusive of all strains of the microbial species of interest and capable of specifically detecting the target microbial species while excluding all closely related species or any other microbial species that may be found in the sample environment. The MDRG has developed 3 target technologies (Spacer Probe, RiboSEQ, MycoSEQ) for microbial ID that meet the requirements outlined. Specifically, the features of these platforms include:
  • External sequence conservation enabling universal amplification of the target region
  • Internal nucleic acid sequence variability enabling the design of bacterial and fungal genus and species-specific NATs as appropriate to the test application
  • High copy number RNA target (RiboSEQ, MycoSEQ) providing increased test sensitivity


Nucleic acid-based test design
 
Based on its proprietary target technology, RiboSEQ, combined with real-time PCR and/or real-time NASBA technologies, nucleic acid tests have been developed by the group for a range of bacterial pathogens including Group B Streptococcus (GBS), S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and food pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.

The group has also designed and developed assays for marine microorganisms through a Marine Strategic Research programme undertaken in collaboration with the Irish Marine Institute. The applied research project developed a portfolio of real-time PCR tests for the identification of key harmful bloom species (HAB) that can occur in Irish waters. These tests have been transferred into the Marine Institute and are being used to support the national phytoplankton monitoring programme. The group also led the development of qPCR methods for identification and quantification of HAB species relevant for European waters as part of an EU project (EU SPIES-DETOX) involving academic and industry partners.


The MDRG has also led a joint molecular and clinical exploration of mycoplasmas and other bacteria that may play key roles in triggering multiple sclerosis (MS). The project, a collaboration with Neurology Professor Edward Hogan of NUI, Galway and the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Augusta, Georgia, USA, applied molecular probes to detect traces of Mycoplasma DNA in human MS tissue samples.
 
Nucleic acid-based platform technologies
The MDRG group is broadening its expertise in the application of alternative test platforms for molecular diagnostics. These next-generation detection platforms will use enhanced detection formats, combined with high-copy-number RNA targets for non-amplification based "direct" detection of target organisms. Previously, an EU STREP project, EU SLIC, enabled the group to develop competencies in the area of non-amplified detection formats, a competency which is now being utilised in our evaluation of alternative platform technologies.

The MDRG team is currently developing nucleic acid diagnostic assays for use on biosensor platforms that utilize a variety of transduction mechanisms. These include a variety of optical and electrochemical detection systems as well as novel solutions that utilize next generation labels such as nano-particles, nano-spheres and quantum dots. The use of micro-fluidic systems to enhance assay sensitivity is also being explored.

As part of the on-going expansion of its core capabilities the MDRG is part of an academic collaboration with the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at DCU. The BDI carries out cutting-edge research focused on the development of next-generation biomedical diagnostic devices measuring indicators of disease. MDRG brings to this collaboration its extensive range of technologies and expertise in assay design and development.

 
Commercial Collaborations
 

MDRG technologies have been successfully commercialised through licensing agreements and co development collaborations with both indigenous and multinational diagnostics companies.

The groups first major industrial collaboration was with Roche Molecular Systems and Innogenetics N.V. Using the Spacer Probe technology a range of assays for fungal organisms involved in sepsis were developed by the MDRG team. The assays were incorporated into the LightCycler ® SeptiFast kit which Roche launched onto the market in 2006. The test is designed to detect and identify the 25 most important bacterial and fungal species causing bloodstream infections.


 
        

 

The second industrial collaboration was with major European IVD company. Again MDRG developed through to feasibility a range of assays for the company's chosen platform. The MDRG technologies used in this collaboration were RiboSEQ and MycoSEQ.

The third and most recently completed industrial collaboration was with Beckman Coulter. This major programme involved the MDRG team developing a range of assays for both bacterial and fungal agents using the RiboSEQ and MycoTECH technologies. These assays have been transferred to the Beckman Coulter platform which will be launched onto the European market in 2012.


 

 

In the Irish context, the group is involved with a SME which is currently developing  new niche products for the molecular diagnostics market. This Innovation Partnership is funded through Enterprise Ireland.

The experience the group has gained in working with multinational companies has strengthened our capability in nucleic acid test development. We believe this capability is core to our continued interaction with industry both nationally and internationally.

Technology Offering
The Molecular Diagnostics Research Group has a suite of proprietary technologies for which licensing or co-development opportunities are being sought.
For further information please click on the links below:

RiboTech

Candida Technology

Information on the patent status of each of these technologies is available in the Patent section.

Enquiries relating to the MDRG technologies should be directed to:
 
Dr. Ruairi Friel Commercialisation Executive
Technology Transfer Office
NUI Galway

Email: ruairi.friel@nuigalway.ie 
091 495826
Patents
RiboTECH
 
Title: LepA / Guf1 gene sequences as a diagnostic target for the identification of bacterial species.
Application No: PCT/EP2009/057389
Priority Date: 16 June 2008 Status: undergoing prosecution

Title: Diagnostic Method (TB Application)
Patent No: UK priority filing GB1008719.5
Priority Date: 25 May 2010 Status: undergoing prosecution

MycoTECH
 
Title: Ace2 as a target gene for the molecular identification of yeast and fungal species.
Patent No: PCT/EP2009/057344
Priority Date: 13 June 2008 Status: undergoing prosecution
 
Title: EIF2y gene as a diagnostic target gene for the identification of yeast and fungal species.
Patent No: PCT/EP2009/057337
Priority Date: 13 June 2008 Status: undergoing prosecution

Title: SW15 gene as a diagnostic target gene for the identification of yeast and fungal species.
Patent No.: PCT/EP2009/057346
Priority Date: 13 June 2008 Status: undergoing prosecution

Title: P2/P2A/P2B gene sequences as diagnostic targets for the identification of yeast and fungal species.
Patent No.: PCT/EP2009/057338
Priority Date: 13 June 2008 Status: undergoing prosecution

RiboSEQ  
  
Title: Nucleic acid probe based diagnostic assays for prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
Patent Number: PCT/IE/00/00066
Priority Date: 14 May 1999  Status: Granted EPO, US, others

RiboSEQ - Staph detection
 
Title: Nucleic acid sequences based on ssrA and its transcript tmRNA from the identification of Staphylococcus aureus
Patent No: PCT/EP2010/054570
Priority Date: 8 April 2009 Status: undergoing prosecution
 
RiboSEQ - Salmonella detection
 
Title: A rapid real-time nucleic acid based method for the detection of Salmonella species Patent No:
Patent No.: PCT/EP2010/058039
Priority Date: 8 June 2009  Status: undergoing prosecution
 
Candida Technology
 
Title: A method for detecting C. albicans
Patent Number: PCT/IE/2006/000030.
Priority Date: 14 April 2005 Status: undergoing prosecution
MycoSEQ
 
Title: Nucleic acids probes for detection of yeast and fungal species
Patent Number: PCT /IE2007/000123
Priority Date: 15th Dec. 2006  Status: undergoing prosecution
 
Aspergillus Technology
 
Title: Diagnostic Kit for Aspergillus fumigatus species.
Patent No: PCT/EP2009/058858
Priority Date: 10 July 2008. Status: undergoing prosecution
 
Spacer Probe Technology
 
Title: Generation of specific probes for target nucleotide sequences.
Patent Number: IE128789.  
Priority Date: 20 April 1989 Status: Granted  EPO, US, others
 
Spacer Probe Technology  (Fungi)  
 
Title: Nucleic acid probes and methods for detecting clinically important fungal pathogens.
Patent Number: WO 2000/073499.  
Priority Date: 28 May 1999 (EP 99870109.8). 11 June 1999 (US 60/138.621).  Status: Granted US, others
 
 
Publications

Recent Key Publications

1.     Reddington, K., O¹Grady, J., Dorai-Raj, S., Maher, M., van Soolingen, D. and Barry, T.  A novel multiplex real-time PCR diagnostics assay for the identification and differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium canettii and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.   Journal
of Clinical Microbiology. (2011), 49 (2): 651-657.

2.     Scheler, O., Kaplinski, L., Glynn, B., Palta, P., Parkel, S., Toome, K., Maher, M., Barry, T., Remm, M. and Kurg, A.  Detection of NASBA amplified bacterial tmRNA molecules on SLICSel designed microarray probes. BMC Biotechnology (2011), 11:17

3.     Spain, E., Kojima, R., Kaner, R.B., Wallace, G.G., O¹Grady, J., Lacey, K., Barry, T., Keyes, T.E. and  Forster, R.J.  High Sensitivity DNA Detection Using Gold Nanoparticle Functionalized Polyaniline Nanofibres. Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2011), 15;26(5):2613-8.

4.     McCabe, E. M., Burgess, C., D., O'Regan, E., McGuinness, S., Barry, T., Fanning, S. & Duffy, G.  Development and evaluation of DNA and RNA real-time assays for food analysis using the hilA gene of Salmonella enteric subspecies enterica. Food Microbiology (2011), 28(3):447-56.

5.     McCabe, E. M., Burgess, C. M., Walsh, D., O'Regan, E., McGuinness, S., Barry, T., Fanning, S. & Duffy, G. Validation of DNA and RNA real-time assays for food analysis using the hilA gene of Salmonella enteric serovars. Journal of Microbiological Methods (2011), 84, 19-26.

6.     McGuinness, S., Barry, T. & O¹Grady, J. Development and preliminary validation of a rapid real-time RT-PCR based method targeting tmRNA for the specific detection of Salmonella. Food Research International (2011).doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2010.08.012

7.     O'Connor, L., Glynn, B. (2010). Recent advances in the development of nucleic acid diagnostics. Expert Rev. Med. Devices 7 (4).

8.     Glynn, B., O' Connor, L., (2010). Nucleic Acid Diagnostics Biosensors. Recognition Receptors in Biosensors, Mohammed Zourob ed. Springer, New York.

9.     O'Grady, J., Lacey, K., Glynn, B., Smith, T., J., Barry, T. & Maher, M. (2009). tmRNA  a novel high copy number RNA diagnostic target its application for Staphylococcus aureus detection using real-time NASBA. FEMS Microbiology Letters 301, 218-223

10.  Kavanagh, S., Brennan, C., O' Connor, L., Moran, S., Salas, R., Lyons, J., Silke, J. And Maher, M. (2009).Real-time PCR detection of Dinophysis species in Irish coastal waters. Marine Biotechnology DOI 10.1007/s10126-009-9238-6

11.  Touzet, N., Keady, E., Raine, R. and Maher. M. (2009). Evaluation of taxa-specific real-time PCR, whole cell FISH and morphotaxonomy analyses for the detection and quantification of the toxic microalgae Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae), Global Clade ribotype. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 67, 329-341.

12.  Dolan, A., Burgess, C.M., Barry, T., Fanning, S. and Duffy, G. (2009).A novel quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) for the enumeration of total bacteria, using meat micro-flora as a model. J Microbiol Methods. 2009 Apr;77(1):1-7

13.  McGuinness, S., McCabe, E., 0' Regan, E., Dolan, A., Duffy, G., Burgess, C., Fanning, S., Barry, T. and O' Grady, J. (2009). Development and validation of a rapid real-time PCR based method for the specific detection of Salmonella on fresh meat. Meat Science, 83, 555-562.

14.  Wernecke, M., Mullen, C., Sharma, V., Morrison, J., Barry, T., Maher, M. and Smith, T. (2009). Evaluation of a novel real-time PCR test based on the ssrA gene for the identification of group B streptococci in vaginal swabs. BMC Infectious Diseases 9, 148.

15.  Scheler, O., Glynn, B., Parkel, S., Palta, P., Toome, K., Kaplinski, L., Remm, M., Maher, M. And Kurg, A. (2009). Fluorescent labeling of NASBA amplified tmRNA molecules for microarray applications. BMC Biotechnology (epub).

16.  Grady J., Ruttledge, M., Sedano-Balbás, S., Smith, T. S., Barry, T. and Maher, M. (2009) Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food using culture enrichment combined with real-time PCR. Food Microbiol. 26, 4-7.

17.  Dimov, I. K., Garcia-Corderp, J. L., O'Grady, J., Poulsen, C. R.,Viguier, C., Kent, L., Daly, P., Lincoln, B., Maher, M., O' Kennedy, R., Smith, T. J., Ricco, A. J. and Lee, L. P. (2008). Integrated microfludic tmRNA purification and real-time NASBA device for molecular diagnostics. Lab chip, 8, 2071-2078.  

18.  Sedano-Balbás, S., Gaffney, G., Mortimer, G., Lyons, M., Cleary, B., Murray, M. and Maher, M. (2008). Activated protein C resistance (APCR) and placental fibrin deposition. Placenta. 9, 833-837.

19.  Glynn, B., Lacey, K., Barry, T., Smith, T. and Maher, M. (2008). Reusable surface plasmon resonance assay for the specific detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae tmRNA. J. Rapid Meths. Auto. Microbiol. 16, 208-219.

Presentations
 

Poster Presentations

1.     Reddington K., and Barry. T. Nucleic acid diagnostic tests using novel molecular targets for the detection of microbial pathogens. SGM Irish Division, New insights in molecular microbiology through the manipulation of protein structure and function, 15-16 April 2010 , NUI, Galway

  1. Barry T., Dorai-Raj S., Reddington, K., Nucleic acid diagnostic tests using novel molecular targets for the detection of microbial pathogens.NCBES Industry Day, Interactive Showcase for Industry, Enterprise and Technology, The R&D challenge. NUI Galway, March 24th 2010
  2. Clancy, E., Nooney, R., Gubala, V., MacCraith, B., Glynn, B., Barry, T., Maher, M., Smith, T., Nanoparticles as labels for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, Materials Ireland 2nd Annual Conference, Dec 14th & 15th 2009, Cork, Ireland (awarded second prize)
  3. Glynn, B., Clancy, E., Maher, M., Smith, T. and Barry, T. Innovative nucleic acid targets for nanotechnology-based microorganism detection. NanoBioTech, Montreux, Switzerland, November 2009
  4. Maher, M., O' Connor, L., Glynn, B., Tuite, N., Mullen, C., O' Grady, J., McGuinness, S., Nielsen, S., Smith, T. and Barry, T. Nucleic acid diagnostic tests based on novel molecular targets for the detection of microbial pathogens. The 6th European Molecular Diagnostics Conference, The Hague, Netherlands, October 2009.
  5. Keady, E., Touzet, N., Raine, R., Patching, J. and Maher, M. Characterisation and detection of Pseudo-nitzschia species in Irish waters. 7th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety, June 14th-19th 2009, Nantes, France.
  6. Maher, M., O' Connor, L., Glynn, B., Wernecke, M., Mullen, C., O' Grady, J., Lacey, K., McGuinness, S., Clancy, E., Tuite, N., Lahiff, S., Barry, T. and Smith, T. Nucleic acid diagnostic tests for the detection of microbial pathogens. European Molecular Diagnostics Congress, May 18th-19th, Stockholm, Sweden.
  7. O' Grady, J., Mullen, C., Jankiewicz, M., Lacey, K., Tuite, N. L., O' Connor, L., Maher, M.,Barry, T., and Smith. T. Nucleic acid diagnostic tests for the detection of microbial pathogens 4th International qPCR Event 'Diagnostics & Molecular Markers' 9-11 March 2009,    Technical University of Munich, Germany.
  8. Keady, E., Touzet, N., Raine, R., O' Connor,L., O' Grady, J., Patching, J. and Maher, M.Real-Time PCR assays for Pseudo-nitzschia species in Irish waters. 4th International qPCR Event 'Diagnostics & Molecular Markers' 9-11 March 2009, Technical University of Munich, Germany
  9. Clancy E., Lacey, K., O' Grady, J., Kurbuch, D., Desmonts, L. B., Gubala, V., Barry, T., Maher, M. and Smith, T. Development of a Nucleic Acid Assay for the Detection of Bacteria by Supercritical Angle Fluorescence. ICTBSB-2009. International Conference on Trends in Bioanalytical Sciences and Biosensors. Dublin, Ireland. January 2009.
  10. Tuite, N. L., O'Grady, J., McGuinness, S., O'Connor, L., Maher, M., Smith, T. and Barry, T. Development of nucleic acid diagnostic tests for detection of microbial pathogens. The Knowledge Foundation's 13th International Conference. DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES 2008. New Developments in Identification of Microorganisms & Chemicals. November 13-14, 2008. Phoenix, AZ USA. www.knowledgefoundation.com
  11. Keady, E., Touzet, N., Raine, R., Patching, J. and Maher, M. Characterisation of Pseudo-nitzschia Species from Irish Waters using Traditional and Molecular Methods and Development of Species-Specific Real-Time PCR Assays. Applied Phycology Conference, National University of Ireland, June 2008.
  12. Keady, E., Touzet, N., Raine, R., Patching, J. and Maher, M. Characterisation of Pseudo-nitzschia Species from Irish Waters using Traditional and Molecular Methods and Development of Species-Specific Real-Time PCR Assays. Regulatory mechanisms in host pathogen interactions, SGM meeting Galway March 27th-28th 2008.
  13. Glynn, B., Barry, T., Maher, M. and Smith, T. Nucleic acid based biosensors for microbial pathogen identification. Materials Ireland Conference, Athlone, April 22nd-23rd 2008.
 
Oral Presentations

1.     T. Barry - Science Experience Workshop: 24th & 25th June, 2010. NUIG. Innovation & Commercialisation in Science: The Molecular Diagnostics Research Group - Commercialisation activities 

2.     Barry, T., Molecular Diagnostics Research Group. SFI / MMI Technology Platforms Web-portal and Workshop. St. James Hospital Dublin. June 3rd 2010

3.     Barry, T., Nucleic acid Diagnostics based on novel targets for the detection of microbial pathogens. SELECT BIOSCIENCES Conference-Advances in Biodetection technologies, Dublin, May 26th, 2010.

4.     Clancy, E. Molecular diagnostics in 2040 - the age of personalised medicine, Science Festival 2009, GMIT, Castlebar, November 12th, 2009.

5.     Maher M., Nucleic acid Diagnostics based on novel targets for the detection of microbial pathogens. SELECT BIOSCIENCES Conference-Advances in Biodetection technologies, London, October 9th 2009.

6.     Maher M., Molecular Methods in Food Testing. A test in time, Commercial opportunities available for new food-borne pathogen detection methods. Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dublin October 8th, 2009-10-13

7.     Barry T.. Molecular Diagnostics Assay Development: From Discovery to Commercial Technology Development. MEDTEC, Technical Innovation Forum, 23rd September 2009, Galway

8.     Barry, T. Strategy for maximising the national contribution and commercialisation opportunities from FIRM projects. Thursday 30th April 2009, Portloaise, Ireland.

9.     Touzet, N. Characterisation and monitoring of neurotoxin-producing microalgal populations in Cork Harbour. MicroSoc Meeting, NUI Galway, March 2009.

10.  Keady, E. and Maher M. Molecular Methods for monitoring HAB species. 9th annual Shellfish Safety meeting, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. March 2009.

11.  Glynn, B. Biosensor applications of tmRNA. ICTBSB-2009. International Conference on Trends in Bioanalytical Sciences and Biosensors. Dublin, Ireland. January 2009.

12.  Keady, E. Monitoring of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in Irish waters using real-time PCR tests. The 13th International Conference on Harmful algae 2008, Hong-Kong China, November 2008.

13.  Barry, T. Molecular target discovery for application in nucleic acid based diagnostics for pathogens. The Knowledge Foundation's 13th International Conference.Detection Technologies-New Developments in identification of microorganisms and chemicals, Phoenix, Arizona, October 2008.

14.  Touzet, N. Characterisation of mixed Alexandrium populations in the Scottish northern isles using taxa-specific rDNA targeting real-time PCR and whole-cell FISH. Applied Phycology Conference, National University of Ireland, June 2008.

15.  Kavanagh, S. Development and implementation of the Phytotest project. ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) Working Group on Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics. Marine Institute, March 2008.

Proceedings
 

Proceedings

  1. Clancy, E., Dimov, I. K., Garcia-Cordero, J. L., O'Grady, J., Barry, T., Maher, M., Smith, T., Ricco, A. J., Towards the development of integrated microfluidic sample-in-answer-out devices for the detection of mastitis causing pathogens. 2010 IDF Mastitis Conference March 21st -24th 2010.
  2. Glynn, B., Scheler, O., Parkel, S., Kurg, A., Barry, T., Smith, T. And Maher, M. (2008) Mircoarray detection of labeled NASBA products for the specific identification of pathogenic bacteria using tmRNA as a target. Proceeding of the IEEE SENSORS Conference, Italy, October 2008. p. 1072-1075. Sensors, 2008 IEEE.
  3. Keady, E., Touzet, N., Kavanagh, S., Brennan, C., Silke, J., Gallardo-Salas, R., Raine, R., Patching, P. and Maher, M. (2008). Monitoring of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in Irish waters using real-time PCR tests. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Harmful algae 2008, Hong-Kong China, November 2008 (in press).
  4. Keady, E. and Maher, M. Molecular Methods for monitoring Harmful algal bloom species. Proceedings of the 9th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop (2008).
  5. Garcia-Cordero, J.L., Dimov, I. K., O'Grady, J., Ducree, J., Barry, T. and Ricco. A. J. (2009). Monolithic Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform for Bacteria Capture and Concentration, Lysis, Nucleic-Acid Amplification and Real Time Detection. Proc. MEMS 2009, IEEE: New York (2009); pp. 356-359. doi:10.1109/MEMSYS.2009.4805392
Funding
     
Below is a summary of the MDRG funding sources
 
Research Grants

Responsible scientist

Start date

Duration

Value

(Euro K)

Topic

EU-STREP

6th Framework Programme

Majella Maher

Thomas Barry

Terry Smith

1/1/05

3 years

340K

SLIC-Biosensors in Molecular Diagnostics:Nanotechnology for analysis of species-specific Microbial transcripts.

EI-Proof of Concept Programme

M. Maher

Louise O' Connor

1/1/05

1 year

53K

Demonstration and validation of a novel gene target for the specific detection of Candida albicans.

Marine Institute-Strategic Programme-Advanced Technologies

M. Maher

Joe Silke

1/5/05

3 years

356K

Nucleic acids tests for phytoplankton in Irish waters

EU-Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge Programme

M.Kane

M.Maher

M. Cairns

1/9/05

4 years

N/A

Proteomics and Functional Genomics in diagnostic target discovery.

EI-Commercialisation fund

T.Smith

T. Barry

M.Maher

1/11/05

2 years

300K

Development and validation of rapid molecular diagnostics assay for Group B Streptococcus based on RiboSEQ platform Technology

SFI-CSET-BDI

T.Smith

T.Barry

M.Maher

1/10/05

4 years

440K

Nucleic acid diagnostics for pathogens associated with bovine mastitis

EI POC

T. Barry

M. Maher

1/10/06

1 year

80K

MycoSEQ-A platform technology for use in fungal nucleic acid based diagnostics design and development

EU 6th Framework Programme

 

M. Maher

Robin Raine

John Patching

1/7/06

3 years

345K

EU-SPIES DETOX-Active biological monitoring and removal of toxins in aquaculture ecosystems and shellfish including the development of a solid phase in-situ ecosystem sampler and detoxification of shellfish

MS society

T. Barry

Ed Hogan

1/1/06

1 year

30K

Investigation of bacterial association in MS

NUIG commercial

T.Smith

T. Barry

M. Maher

1/1/07

2 years

200K

Molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases

FIRM-Food Institutional Research Measure Programme

M. Maher

T. Smith

T.Barry

1/12/06

1 year

100K

Validation of a NAT for L. monocytogenes based on the RiboSEQ target

EI-Commercialisation fund

T.Smith

T. Barry

M.Maher

1/1/08

30/12/09

700K

Novel targets and platforms for nucleic acid based tests.

NUIG Commercial

T. Smith

T. Barry

M. Maher

1/1/08

4 years

7.2 million

Molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases-partnership with Beckman Coulter Inc.

NUIG

Postgraduate fellowship

T. Barry

1/10/08

3 years

15K per annum

Molecular target discovery for microbial pathogens

EI Competence Centre-Genescope

T. Barry

1.6.09

13 months

13K

An integrated genetic analysis system for point of care molecular diagnostics

 

EI Innovation Partnership

T. Barry

1.1.2010

2 years

317K

Molecular Diagnostics for bacterial gastroenteritis (ENTERICBIO-RT)

 

EI Competence Centre-Genescope (Year 2)

T. Barry

1.9.10

12 months

21K

Continuation of funding for an integrated genetic analysis system for point of care molecular diagnostics
Steering Group and Contacts

Steering Group

The steering group comprises:
 

Professor Smith is the Vice President for Research at NUI Galway (Office of the Vice President for Research), a founding member and director of MDRG. He has authored over 100 academic peer reviewed papers. He is also named inventor on key patent applications associated with activities of the research group.

Dr. Thomas Barry is the groups Principal Investigator and a founding member of the MDRG. He is also a college lecturer in Microbiology (Dr. Thomas Barry). Dr. Barry is the named inventor on thirteen filed patents in the area of molecular based diagnostics for the detection of pathogens associated with infectious disease.

Dr. Barry Glynn is a senior researcher leading the nucleic acid based platforms development programme.
 

Dr. Louise O'Connor is a research fellow responsible for the MDRG applied research programme.
 

Contacts

If you are interested in discussing potential opportunities please contact the MDRG
Director: terry.smith@nuigalway.ie
Principal Investigator: thomas.barry@nuigalway.ie
 
For discussions relating to FP7 collaborations please contact either
or