Gene check on herbs
Dr Nicholas Sucher heads a research project at the HKUST's Genechip Centre of the Biotechnology Research Institute.
The centre develops innovative genechip technology and genechip-based products and applications that are commercially viable. Genechip technology allows the simultaneous detection and identification of large numbers of DNA sequences using miniaturised, high-density arrays of DNA-based probes.
The BRI is promoting the technology for traditional chinese medicine.
Dr Sucher said herbs and plants previously required experts to identify them. With the new technology, someone like a government inspector could visit a herbalist and confirm precisely the identify and purity of stock.
'Where we have made progress at HKUST is in the chemistry of joining DNA to an inert surface, such as a chip,' Dr Sucher said.
