Dieter TRAU (PhD, HKUST)

陶 諦 德

Assistant Professor

Division of Bioengineering and

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore 117576

Phone: (65) 65168052 (GMT +8 hours)

Fax: (65) 68723069

email: bietrau@nus.edu.sg

Homepage: http://www.bioeng.nus.edu.sg/people/trau

NEW Featured Paper on evanescent wave biosensor

Microcapsule-PCR technology to perform a million of individual PCR reactions in parallel: We have now published a novel revolutionary way to perform a very large number of individual PCR reactions in parallel in Advanced Functional Materials, 2008. In Microcapsule-PCR, unique permeability controlled microcapsules are used as reaction compartments for PCR. Small low molecular weight dNTPs can diffuse from the outer buffer into the capsules to "feed" the PCR, but high molecular PCR products are accumulated within capsules. Our technology opens new prospective in sequencing, molecular libraries and diagnostics.

FIB-Biolithography a novel biopatterning technique: We have invented the novel biopatterning technology "Focused Ion Beam Biolithography" to make micrometer to nanometer patterns of biomolecules (DNA, proteins) perfectly aligned to micro and nanostructures. Any desired pattern can be made fast and reliable. The work is published in the journal Advanced Materials, 2008. 

We extended the popular LbL method to water soluble templates: Recently we have published the first paper Langmuir, 23, 8827-8832, 2007 on a novel LbL method termed "Reverse Phase Layer-by-Layer Polyelectrolyte Self Assembly" and demonstrated the LbL encapsulation of water soluble templates by using organic solvents. It is now possible for the first time to encapsulate highly water soluble proteins, vitamin C, glucose and inorganic salts with the LbL method. 

Biomolecules in Microfabrication: A new technology to integrate biomolecules into microdevices was recently published in the international journal Langmuir. Our paper "Preservation of the Biofunctionality of DNA and Protein during Microfabrication, Langmuir, 22, 877-881, 2006 describes the first technology to fully integrate Proteins and DNA into the microfabrication process to manufacture Bio-MEMS and Biomicrodevices. For the first time a silicon/glass based substrate was immobilized with DNA and protein molecules and was further processed in microfabrication. Silicon and oxide etching as well as metal deposition, lift-of process steps and mechanical manipulations were carried out leaving the DNA molecules intact by using our novel passivation technique. Biomolecules can be patterned and perfectly aligned with microchannels, reactors electrodes and micromechanics fabricated in the same process with feature sizes of micrometers. The process is photolithography based and scalable for mass production.

Patents in drug delivery granted: The patents EP1190123 and US6833192, granted in 2002 and 2004, describe the LbL coating of microcrystals with applications in drug delivery and bioanalytics. It is one of the core patent of the startup company Capsulution AG. Capsulution AG was founded by Max-Plank Society Scientist, and is dedicated to drug delivery and smart microcapsules.

Patents in diagnostics granted: The patent EP0968412 and US6686208, granted in 2002 and 2004, describe a device and method to carry out evanescent field excitation based fluorescent immunotests. The technology is used by the company pes-diagnosesysteme in their point-of-care diagnostic products.

Patent on new biolabel method granted: The patent DE0010042023C2 was granted on a new biolabel method developed in our research laboratory. The novel biolabel system is described in our publication "Nanoencapsulated Microcrystalline Particles for Superamplified Biochemical Assays" published in Analytical Chemistry, 74 (21), 5480-5486, 2002. The method generates a high signal amplification and has potential applications as a substitute for enzyme labels in diagnostics as well as in field tests. The technology is under commercialization by 8sens biognostic GmbH.

Professional Experience and Employment

National University of Singapore (NUS),  Division of Bioengineering and  Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering,

Researches in bioanalytical microdevices and microencapsulation. Developed the first technology to integrate biological materials into microfabrication processes. Reverse Phase Layer-by-layer encapsulation of highly water soluble materials and drugs. Developed the Microcapsule-PCR technology to perform millions of PCR's in parallel.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, Hong Kong SAR.

Developed a novel biolabel technology based on encapsulated microcrystals (EP patent granted, WO patent pending). Lectured in biochemistry, bioanalytics and analytical methods for bioengineering.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong SAR.

Planned and executed research tasks in the field of DNA-Chip technology. Produced "silicon based" DNA-chips and micro PCR reactors with an interdisciplinary team. Worked in clean room with hands-on micro printing, surface modification and device fabrication. Performed PCR and hybridization experiments in silicon micro devices in a “Lab-on-Chip” approach. Optimized surface and electro chemistry for BioMEMS. AFM surface characterization.

Institute of Chemical and Biochemical Sensor Research (ICB), Münster, Germany.

Developed and prototyped analytical instruments and biosensors for medical and environmental applications. Immunoassay research and bio-conjugation chemistry. Developed optical biodetection methods. Patent applications and patent search. Executed feasibility studies for customers. Presented institute and products at international exhibitions.

Cofounder and shareholder of the biotechnology company’s 8sens biognostic GmbH in Berlin (Germany) innovativeBio.Biz in Hong Kong.

Education

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong SAR.

Developed an encapsulation method for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications based on “Layer-by-Layer” engineered polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules. Constructed a biosensor based on a novel immobilization method for enzymes in the group of Prof. Renneberg.

Aachen University of Applied Science, Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, Jülich, Germany.

Developed an amperometric biosensor system for fat determination in milk products at the Institute of Chemical and Biochemical Sensor Research in the group of Prof. Spener.

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Dr. Matthias Lehmann, 8sens biognostic AG, Berlin, Germany (on biolabel technology)

Dr. Thomas Boerchers, ICB, Muenster, Germany (on biosensors)

Prof. Barford, HKUST, Department of Chemical Engineering (on Metabolic Pathways simulation/modeling software package)

Prof. Hsing, HKUST, Department of Chemical Engineering (on BioMEMS)

Prof. Renneberg,  HKUST, Department of Chemistry (on biolabel technology)

Prof. Yeung, HKUST, Department of Chemical Engineering (on novel materials)

A/P Liu Wen-Tso, on Biomicrodevices

Dr Partha Roy, cell culturing in microchannels

Dr. Stanton, Deputy Head, Genomics Institute of Singapore (GIS)

Dr Daniel Lubrich,  on Nano/Microchannel fabrication

Member of NUS Biomicrodevices Group

Member of NUS Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Initiative (NUSNNI)