CALIFORNIA – Motorola Inc. business unit Clinical Micro Sensors (CMS) and GeneScan Europe AG (GeneScan) have announced the formation of a technical collaboration to develop and deliver new

DNA detection tools for genetically modified crops utilizing Motorola’s eSensor™ DNA detection system. 

The eSensor™ detection technology represents a landmark advance in bioelectronic DNA analysis opening the door to eventual ‘on site’ analyses using a hand held device.

The eSensor™ detection platform relies on bioelectronics, a revolution in DNA analysis that will broaden the use of DNA tests. It uses organic molecules to form electronic circuits that can detect and quantify many different DNA targets at once. The eSensor™ detection platform has already been shown effective in studies detecting panels of bacterial or viral targets and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), the most common form of genetic mutation in humans, plants, and animals.

"Motorola’s unique technology platform will help us to address the growing need for flexible DNA-based systems for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)," said Frank-Roman Lauter, GeneScan’s vice president of US operations. "The ability to offer a single test for several genetically engineered traits with the potential for ‘on site’ analyses using future generations of the technology will significantly enhance our ability to service our customers."

GeneScan’s extensive experience in the analysis of GMOs and the monitoring of food safety providers critical access to this area of increasing analytical demand. GeneScan has developed specific DNA probes and quantification systems for the detection of genetically modified crop varieties, and provides associated products and services.

"GeneScan’s position in the marketplace provides Motorola with an excellent opportunity to showcase the value of our eSensor™ DNA detection platform," said Randy Levine, Motorola/CMS’s director of business development. "This collaboration will bring improved capabilities to the agriculture and food industries, enabling better tracking and management of new generations of crops and food products."

GeneScan Europe AG is one of the leading providers worldwide in molecular biology systems. The tremendously fast development of markets and technologies of molecular biology represent one of the greatest challenges at the beginning of this millennium. GeneScan Europe AG meets these challenges by combining many years of experience in analytical food chemistry with modern biochip technology. Additional Information is available at www.genescan-europe.com.

Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. Additional corporate information is available at www.motorola.com.

Clinical Micro Sensors, a business unit of Motorola, is a leader in the field of mass applied genomics – enabling the widespread application of genetic knowledge to medicine and industry. CMS is developing DNA detection units and disposable biochip cartridges, combining universal platform design and advanced bioelectronic technology. 

The Motorola eSensor(™) system is poised to set new standards for rapid, cost-effective DNA analysis in healthcare, agriculture, food safety, animal health and breeding, and environmental monitoring. Additional information is available at www.microsensor.com.