Skip to main content

Diagnostic Biological Tests/Assays/Genomics/Pretomics

Latest Innovations
Activate Capture + Digital Counting (AC+DC) for ultrasensitive label-free detection of miRNA Professor Brian Cunningham's research group at the University of Illinois has created a technology for ultrasensitive detection of gold nanoparticles, allowing different... Read More Professor Brian Cunningham's research group at the University of Illinois has created a technology for ultrasensitive detection of gold nanoparticles, allowing different assays and applications. These single step, isothermal, room temperature, one-pot assays can process a sample volume as low as ~20 ul. These assays are performed with an inexpensive, small device based on a low intensity LED (no laser), that allows for simple data quantification by counting (no fancy imaging sensor needed) and multiplexing by sample splitting. Applications of this technology include: Activate Capture and Digital Counting (AC+DC) for detection of miRNA, based on gold nanoparticles tags prepared with DNA toehold probes (DNA-AuNPs). (LOD = 100 aM, 2h; no purification and amplification required) Activate Capture and Digital Counting (AC+DC) for detection of proteins, based on secondary antibody-functionalized gold nanoparticles (2oAb-AuNPs) within 15 min (LOD = 10pg/ml) (pictured below) Targeting Recycling Amplification Process (TRAP) for miRNA detection, based on strand displacement reactions (LOD = 0.1aM, 20 min) Activate Cleve and Count (ACC) for ctDNA detection based on gold nanoparticles released after target recognition by CRISPR/Cas (LOD = 1zM, 60 min) (pictured below Related Technology: Photonic Resonator Absorption Microscopy (PRAM) Recent scientific publications include: A compact photonic resonator absorption microscope for point of care digital resolution nucleic acid molecular diagnostics Single-step, wash-free digital immunoassay for rapid quantitative analysis of serological antibody against SARS-CoV-2 by photonic resonator absorption microscopy Digital-resolution and highly sensitive detection of multiple exosomal small RNAs by DNA toehold probe-based photonic resonator absorption microscopy Other articles: Cancer Center at Illinois program leader develops fast, low-cost blood test for detecting early-stage liver cancer Acceleration of cancer biomarker detection for point of care diagnostics
SPOT (Rapid, Accurate, Scalable and Portable Testing) for COVID-Diagnosis Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a COVID-19 testing system named SPOT that consists of a rapid, highly sensitive and accurate assay and a battery... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a COVID-19 testing system named SPOT that consists of a rapid, highly sensitive and accurate assay and a battery-powered portable device. The assay combines RT-LAMP with an Argonaute protein from hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus for a precise recognition and cleavage of target DNA in saliva samples. The simplicity of the SPOT system enables rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 without a trained personnel and minimal sample handling.
Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a low-cost, reusable sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The sensor detects H2O2 over the range of... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a low-cost, reusable sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The sensor detects H2O2 over the range of biologically relevant concentrations (including as low as 0.016 uM) with sensitivity thresholds of up to 4903 uA mM-1 cm-2, with performance demonstrated in test solutions designed to mimic human blood. The device uses Bi2Te3 as its active material and can be fabricated at room temperature using conventional processes, making the sensors far less expensive than alternative commercial or pre-commercial solutions.
Combined Microfluidic & Nanofluidic System for SARS-CoV-2 Detection via Mass Spectrometry RT-PCR RNA based approaches, the most popular method for SARS-CoV-2 detection, are limited by large numbers of consumables and reagents required, the need for well-... Read More RT-PCR RNA based approaches, the most popular method for SARS-CoV-2 detection, are limited by large numbers of consumables and reagents required, the need for well-optimized protocols, challenges with mutations, and RNA lingering after infectivity. Researchers at the University of Illinois, led by Dr. Aaron Timperman, have developed a protein-based rapid, reliable and inexpensive nanofluidic/microfluidic system to detect viral proteins with limits of detection at clinically relevant levels. The system receives a sample, purifies the virions, prepares the sample and sprays the sample directly into a mass spectrometry. This protein-based approach allows the collection of additional information such sequence mutations, modifications that affect protein function, and bound antibodies.
Early Detection of HPV-Positive and -Negative Head-and-Neck Cancer through Saliva Based Screening Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a non-invasive method for the early detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and -... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a non-invasive method for the early detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and -negative head and neck cancer using saliva samples. This method has potential research and clinical applications including diagnosis of HPV-positive and -negative head-and-neck cancer. The approach detects several genes characteristic of each type of cancer HNSCC that are commonly detected in head-and-neck cancer. Applications: Diagnosis of HPV-positive and -negative head-and-neck cancer; research applications Benefits: Non-invasive as it only requires saliva from patient Saliva-based screening is quick (i.e., hours) and easy as it uses common laboratory equipment Head-and-neck screening can be completed more than the recommendation of once a year because it is low in cost, fast, and non-invasive. Early detection of HNSCC
Microfluidic In-Channel Electrochemical Senso Prof. Yurii Vlasov and Christopher Kenji Brenden from the University of Illinois have designed an electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting small concentrations of... Read More Prof. Yurii Vlasov and Christopher Kenji Brenden from the University of Illinois have designed an electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting small concentrations of neurochemicals in vivo with high spatiotemporal resolution. The probe design include a thin-layer design with microfluidic channels to decrease probe size and improve the voltage-current response from electroactive biomolecules. Electrodes are placed within the microfluidic channels of the cell to prevent degradation of electrode surfaces by immune responses and attack by biological agents. Valve-free flow switching allows for in situ regeneration and calibration of the probe electrodes without removing the probe from the target biological tissue. This allows for longer measurements periods without experience large drift in electrochemical signals.

Pages