The project will strengthening of academic relations between both countries by establishing a close collaboration between Sri Lankan scientists working on malaria disease vector organisms and their control by insecticides, and a German group developing innovative approaches for DNA-based multiplex detection of target site mutations in this organisms. The knowledge of these mutations is key in an effective control, because as soon as the organisms are resistant (by showing certain mutations) the further application of insecticides is counter-productive and the negative impact (side effects etc) will prevail. By monitoring the mutations, the required knowledge can be acquired, and the most effective control approach chosen.
The aim of the project is to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of this approach for the mutation detection in a close and complementary research work at high academic level: The Sri Lankan partner will bring in their knowledge about the mutation sides and their implication of the insecticide control, and will propose respective universal PCR primer as well as hybridization probes. These two sets of information are needed, because the approach is based one (or very few) universal PCR amplifying the mutation regions of the DNA, and a subsequent microarray hybridization, in order to identify the individual mutations contained in the PCR product mixture. From the German side, the microarray will be realized (which contains metal nanoparticle sensors), and flow-through cell for DNA hybridization under temperature control as well as the readout by an imaging spectrometer will be provided.
In the course of the project, the involved young academics will be qualified in an international environment: The Sri Lankan ones will learn about modern optical approaches for DNA-based detection, the Germans will be introduced in a convincing application of their developed bioanalytical approach.

The project is funded by DAAD under the number 2018 VF 0015; 2018 FE 9039.