Date of Award:

5-2014

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biological Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Anhong Zhou

Committee

Anhong Zhou

Committee

Charles D. Miller

Committee

Kamal A. Rashid

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to quantify and determine the binding of a molecular DNA probe or molecular beacon used in the detection of a known waterborne pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. The objectives of this study are to determine the stability, sensitivity, and selectivity of the molecular beacon in detecting synthesized Cryptosporidium DNA sequences. The designed probe is based on a two-fluorophore system that is different than similar molecular beacons that utilize a fluorophore and quencher detection method. A comparative study between the two probes was also performed to demonstrate enhanced selectivity of the fluorophore based molecular beacon. Magnesium ions are known to affect the stability of DNA, and investigation was also performed to determine the effects on the stability by a thermodynamic analysis of the fluorophore based molecular beacon.

C. parvum is a waterborne pathogen that affects public water supplies and water recreational facilities. To prevent outbreaks or for identification of an unknown pathogen DNA biosensors are being developed. The fluorophore based molecular beacon is a DNA biosensor that can allow for the needed selectivity and sensitivity in DNA detection in the identification and detection of a pathogen in a water supply. This research is aimed at further quantifying the capabilities of a fluorophore based molecular beacon.

The proposed work was funded by the Utah water initiative and the Utah Water Research Laboratory.

Checksum

4d4737022da590d44c9d0ba010d1d3b0

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .