Diagnostické zařízení pro detekci patogenní oligonukleotidů.

Britská univerzita hledá partnery pro společný projekt vývoje bioanalytického zařízení založeného na nových poznatcích z biomediciální diagnostiky. Metoda vyžaduje detekci sekvencí oligonukleotidů s minimálním zásahem uživatele. Hledaná partnerská společnost by měla být schopná vyrobit prototyp biosensoru pro detekci různých onemocnění.

Description:
The project will focus on development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics devices for the detection of pathogenic oligonucleotides (RNA/DNA). The specific aim is to build a prototype device on the principles of a recent discovery in the field of biomedical diagnostics. This innovative scientific approach enables detection of sequences of oligonucleotide and has application in detection of pathogenic bacteria and in diagnosis of major diseases that include: meningitis, breast cancer, HIV, food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The design of the innovative biochip will comprise a reagent-less methodology, minimal user manipulation (apart from the sample collection) and compatibility with either electrical/electrochemical impedance or fluorescence based measurement methods.
The concept is proven and substantive supporting data available so far indicate excellent levels of discrimination between very similar sequences of RNA/DNA and, more importantly, excellent levels of accuracy.
A partner company/organisation is now sought to develop the technology further from the proof of concept stage and to manufacture a prototype biosensor device. This might include leading an initiative to apply for further funding, specifically targeting industrial/academic partnerships. The UK University offers considerable know-how and data supporting the concept and access to excellent analytical facilities. It is estimated that it would take 12 to 18 months to develop a functional prototype.

Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements of the request:
A specific requirement is that the surface of the biochip used in the device will need to be coated with specific thin film prepared within the partnership. There is scope to use a number of materials (plastic, glass, noble metals…) and to consider different shapes, e.g. curved or flat surfaces.

Comments:
- Type of partner sought: Company/SME or Research Institute

- Specific area of activity of the partner: The business scope of the ideal partner should be within either veterinary or human biomedical diagnostics, ideally with experience of the relevant diagnostic markets and an appreciation of the commercial potential. The opportunity could represent a refinement of the partner’s existing technology.

- Task to be performed by the partner sought: Further technical co-development of the technology with specific application focus and production of a prototype device. Access to an existing detection platform of the partner with the view of transferring their new detection principles on it would be welcome.

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