Aptasensor for Sepsis Diagnostic
Overview
This invention provides an electrochemical biosensing method using screen-printed gold electrodes functionalized with DNA aptamer that binds specifically to C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Binding-induced conformational switching of the CRP-targeting aptamer induces a specific and selective signal-ON event. The seamless test offered by this aptasensor empowers frontline clinicians in ERs and clinics to make rapid and informed diagnoses.
Commercialisation opportunities
Co-development, technology licensing
Problem addressed
This invention enables single-step and reagentless detection of CRP in 1 minute, overcoming the current serious delays in sepsis diagnosis caused by time-consuming lab tests and the unavailability of diagnostic labs in ERs and clinics.
Innovation
- POCT: It is a new methodology for point-of-care detection of CRP in a sample processing-free and reagentless manner. This method provides innovative sepsis diagnostic sensors with a low limit of detection and exceptional ease of use.
- Instant Accuracy: This invention provides real-time measurement and analysis of CRP levels in blood, delivering fast and precise results while minimizing wait times and potential errors.
- Continuous Monitoring: It enables ongoing real-time and continuous measurement of inflammatory markers, offering a better understanding of the patient's disease progression and response to treatment.
Key impact
- The aptasensor has a low detection limit and dynamic response windows. With a user-friendly interface, the aptasensor can be used by non-professionals.
- The sensor is highly stable at ambient temperature, making it ideal for transport and storage. In addition, the aptasensor can be adapted for various diagnostic applications by replacing the core aptamers.
Award
- Brozen Medal at the “2023 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions”
Application
- Advance electrochemical diagnostic tools
- Advanced point-of-care (POC) technologies
- Theranostic applications
- Hand-held sensors
Patent
- Patent Pending
Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre
Biomedical instrumentation plays a critical and increasing role, albeit invisible to most people, in the healthcare industry by enabling more accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and earlier intervention and prevention capabilities. Advancing the development of cutting-edge medical devices, actuators and sensors requires collaboration among talented scientists, engineers and clinicians, as well as an environment that facilitates the commercialisation of research results into real-world applications that are accessible to a broader population.
The mission of the Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre is to accelerate progress in translating advanced biomedical instrumentation from research and development into real-world healthcare solutions that benefit people in Hong Kong and around the world. The Centre aims to foster collaboration among top-notch engineers, scientists and clinicians in the US and Hong Kong to develop next-generation microfluidics and low-cost instrumentation technologies. It also takes advantage of Hong Kong’ s vibrant start-up community to commercialise the research work tailored for Asian patients.
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