Diagnostic Biological Tests/Assays/Genomics/Pretomics

Latest Innovations
Identification of Methylated Proteins by use of Nanopores for Early Disease Detection While nanopore sequencers available in the DNA sequencing industry are capable of detecting the presence of proteins in DNA strands, they are currently unable to identify... Read More While nanopore sequencers available in the DNA sequencing industry are capable of detecting the presence of proteins in DNA strands, they are currently unable to identify specific proteins that are present. To solve this, Professor Leburton has developed a matched filter algorithm to classify particular epigenetic markers. The algorithm’s novel sensor technology detects and maps regions of hyper- and hypo-methylations across the genome using genetic markers. By calculating electrical current signatures of proteins and comparing them to other current signatures, it identifies the type of protein that exists on the DNA strand. The technology, which can be implemented onto existing hardware, is programmable to identify any protein. Integrating a sensor with signal processing architectures could pave the way to developing a multipurpose technology for early disease detection.
Characterizing Glioblastoma Heterogeneity via Single-cell Receptor Quantification Dr. Princess Imoukhuede from University of Illinois has developed a new quantitative receptor measurement approach for examining glioblastomas (GBM) heterogeneity. This... Read More Dr. Princess Imoukhuede from University of Illinois has developed a new quantitative receptor measurement approach for examining glioblastomas (GBM) heterogeneity. This approach is a paradigm shift in single-cell technologies: from gene-centric to proteomics. It provides never-before-seen insight into GBM heterogeneity that will ultimately enable more effective cancer treatment. It is a sensitive, quantitative approach that enables high-throughput measurements.
Suite of Bioresorbable and Transient Electronics Read More Transient electronic devices belong to a set of technologies, whereby traditional analog electronic circuits and components have been made in new ways. These new electronics exist on a much smaller scale and made of bioinert or biocompatible materials. They are flexible and transient. Transient and bioresorbable technologies are a class of device that have the ability to physically disappear at a programmed rate. Inventions within this suite includedevices and processes with applications rangingfrom medicine to construction, and from defense/securityto indoor/outdoor sensors. These technologies are appropriate for applications where device placement can be costly, invasive, or inconvenient to retrieve. Features Tunable to dissolve at programmed time Bio-compatible Soft, curvilinear surface Transient battery Materials: silicon, magnesium, magnesium oxide Benefits Electronics can now be implanted on surfaces with non-planar contact patches and non-invasive integration on soft, curvilinear surfaces of biological tissues and organs. Application Areas Remaking electronics with these capabilities permits for a plethora of new applications, in medicine, environmental research, biological enhancement, digital financial transactions and traceless surveillance.
Microchip high density hanging drop three-dimension culture platform Dr. Bashir from the University of IL has developed a unique micro-chip integrated with a PDMS well platform for create cell spheroids. The micro-chip utilizes hanging... Read More Dr. Bashir from the University of IL has developed a unique micro-chip integrated with a PDMS well platform for create cell spheroids. The micro-chip utilizes hanging drop culture techniques to create cell spheroids which can then be tested on chip. This invention allows for direct microscopy based characterization while also tracking individual organoids directly on chip. Application Drug testing on tumor spheroids. Benefits Provides the ability to create tumor spheroids and test drugs on chip and allows for tumor spheroids to be formed and subsequently used to test drugs.
Long-Release Hydrogel Nanoparticle Carriers for Drug Delivery Profs. Hyungsoo Choi and Kevin Kim have developed a hydrogel nanoparticle carrier comprising gelatin covalently crosslinked with cyclodextrin, which has a longer drug... Read More Profs. Hyungsoo Choi and Kevin Kim have developed a hydrogel nanoparticle carrier comprising gelatin covalently crosslinked with cyclodextrin, which has a longer drug release profile than other carriers. The invented nano/micro carriers allows delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents that have low aqueous solubility. These hydrophobic molecules are confined inside hydrophobic pockets, and are released as polymer matrix degrades. Application This technology is used for delivering hydrophobic drugs in aqueous environments in the body. Benefit This invention boasts a longer release profile and allows drugs to be released over a longer period of time due to additional crosslinking between gelatin and cyclodextrin.
Rapid detection of intact viruses Professor Yi Lu from the University of Illinois has developed an aptamer-based method for virus detection that is able to distinguish infective viruses from non-infective... Read More Professor Yi Lu from the University of Illinois has developed an aptamer-based method for virus detection that is able to distinguish infective viruses from non-infective virions at concentrations as low as 1 pfu/mL. This technology has been developed on human adenovirus but can be generalized to any virus of interest. Since it is not based on the sequencing of genetic information, it requires no sample preparation and can be completed in ~30 minutes. This technology has great potential utility for diagnostics and environmental testing, specifically water quality testing, for the identification and mitigation of water-borne illnesses including adenovirus.
Rapid detection of target DNA using gFET and LAMP Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a highly sensitive, graphene field effect transistor (gFET) that can detect DNA in samples. This technology uses... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a highly sensitive, graphene field effect transistor (gFET) that can detect DNA in samples. This technology uses Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and crumpled graphene in order to detect the presence of a target segment of DNA within a provided sample. By using crumpled graphene, gFET, and LAMP Dr. Ganguli's technology is able rapidly detect pathogens using entirely electronic means bringing diagnostics directly to point of care medical practice, all while being less expensive, more sensitive, and quicker than other traditional, gold-standard pathogen diagnostics methods. This technology is even able to detect molecular concentrations down to 8 zeptomolar. Publication: Ganguli, A., Faramarzi, V., Mostafa, A., Hwang, M. T., You, S., & Bashir, R. (2020). High Sensitivity Graphene Field Effect Transistor-Based Detection of DNA Amplification. Advanced Functional Materials, 30(28), [2001031]. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202001031
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.