Completed Projects
Research & Development
The Research and Development Unit offers complete and innovative solutions in the field of parallel bioanalysis by applying spot based analytical technologies utilizing the company know-how in the fields of microarrays, assays development, pico- and nanoliter handling, surface functionalization, array imaging and data analysis.
SCIENION is committed to R&D with the aim of working with our customers to develop innovative products.
Partnerships
Partnerships play an important role in our activities and we value establishing and maintaining strong relationships with our contacts within the scientific, academic and business communities. We are engaged in several joint research projects at national and international levels, some of them publicly funded.
These cooperative projects aim to develop the next generation of technologies, applications and highly qualified products to enable better prevention, diagnosis and therapies for disease indications.
We provide leadership and opportunities in technologies and innovations as well as in accessing, managing, implementing and monitoring projects.
Completed Projects
Below are some of the completed projects in which we were involved.
COLODOR
Integrated-optical detection of volatile organic compounds
COLODOR: Integrated-optical detection of volatile organic compounds using functional polymer coatings
M-ERA-NET
Objective:
Quantitative analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is important for a great variety of applications in consumer health and environment protection. It plays a crucial role in the food industry as frying may cause the release of toxic degradation products. For toxic VOC detection, COLODOR utilizes optical multi-parameter gas sensors. The project objective is the detection of VOCs during hot air cooking as used in modern airfryer cooking equipment. Real-time detection of VOCs will allow optimizing the cooking process to avoid toxic products and at the same time reducing the fat content of the food. Thus, the project will contribute to healthier food preparation and improved consumer well-being.
Duration: 05/2017 – 11/2019
Involved Partners:
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
- ams AG
- SCIENION AG
- Fraunhofer-Einrichtung für Modulare Festkörper-Technologien EMFT
- Philips Austria GmbH
EuroStar Food
Diagnostic methods to detect food pathogens
Multi-analyte diagnostic methods to detect food pathogens
Objective:
Food safety is dependent on timely detection of chemical, biological and/or microbial risk factors. In most cases one factor is determined in a single test (e.g. ELISA). In general, line-based lateral flow tests allow the detection of one factor as well. Both in view of the time needed to perform a test and with respect to high costs this is far from efficient. The food diagnostic sector is looking for multi-analyte diagnostic devices that can be produced at a large scale and in an economically cost-effective way.
Although some multi-analyte ELISAs are available in the human diagnostic sector, the technology would need several improvements to be applicable in the food sector. The Biomolecular Sensing & Diagnostics group at Wageningen University & Research has built up expertise in multi-analyte lateral flow and ELISA methods. Together with Scienion AG and HAN University of Applied Sciences these diagnostic methods will be further developed to commercially marketable products. Part of the project’s activities is focused on large scale production of multi-analyte diagnostic assays and it is anticipated that this can be implemented by the end of the project. The advantage of these multi-analyte diagnostic methods is that the platforms have been known for many years and, in the case of ELISA, can be fully automated on equipment that is widely available. In addition, low-cost reading equipment is available or will be further developed.
Staff time to carry out such multi-analyte diagnostic methods would be the same as for a single-analyte test and, therefore, it is expected that testing can be carried out at much lower cost. This will also drive uptake of testing and encourage the exploitation of diagnostics to improve food safety. The innovation of the new diagnostic devices will also rely on the ultra-low volume dispensing of reagents in a microarray of spots that will enable the simultaneous detection of a range of risk factors in a single sample; 8 x 8 arrays per well in ELISA and 5 x 5 arrays in lateral flow tests. Machine vision technology will be applied to achieve the automated interpretation of multi-analyte diagnostic methods, objectify test outcomes and provide data management. A number of food safety-relevant multi-analyte tests will be developed by the participants and marketed world-wide by Beter Vee/ELDC .
The meaning of the innovation for the sector will be the availability of highly efficient, multi-analyte diagnostic tests for the rapid (on-site) detection of food safety risk factors. Furthermore, these new and innovative multi-analyte diagnostic devices can also be adopted by the scientific community to develop multi-analyte assays in other areas. For the society it means increased safety of food products by timely and multi-analyte detection of risk factors. The innovation potential of the new multi-analyte diagnostic devices is high, especially in the human, veterinary, and food safety fields.
Duration: 06/2017 – 05/2020
Involved Partners:
• Wageningen University & Research
• SCIENION AG
• HAN University of Applied Sciences
• Beter Vee/ ELDC
Website of the project and more information here
Immunoplex
Screening of Autoimmune Diseases
Immunoplex – Label Free Screening of Autoimmune Diseases
Objective:
The goal of the ImmunoPlex project is the application of the Low-Q-Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) technology for the development of label free multiplex assays. The microscopic particle based sensors offer advantages as low price, multiplexing capabilities and robustness in the incubation step compared to established label free detection methods for the study of protein interactions as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Within the project assays will be developed for the detection of autoimmune diseases using an 1-way chip measuring the immune response of immobilized capture antigens. The WGM technology allows real time measurement of the binding kinetics.
The new WGM technology for multiplexing of assays has a strong potential of application in other areas as allergy and serological testing.
Duration: 03/2018 – 04/2021
Funding is provided by the BMBF within the KMU-innovativ: Biotechnologie – BioChance Programm.
Involved Partners:
- DIARECT AG
- SCIENION AG
- Surflay Nanotec GmbH
LOGIC
Rapid detection of antibiotics in food
LOGIC
Nano-array lateral flow diagnostics for the rapid detection of antibiotics in food
Objective:
Monitoring antibiotic residues in food is mandatory to ensure consumer protection and to comply with global regulation. The Eurostars project E*LOGIC – Nano-array lateral flow diagnostics for the rapid detection of antibiotics in food – brings together leading expertise for the development of a multiplex rapid immunodiagnostic for the simultaneous detection of 7 key antibiotic targets covering 4 family groups of significant relevance for the food industry (Nitrofurans, Tetracyclines, Nitroimidazoles and Chloramphenicol).
The objective of this project is to develop a prototype kit for multi-analyte antibiotic screening that is suitable for use in both the seafood and honey industries. E*LOGIC will provide a novel and unique rapid multiplex test which is not currently offered on the market anywhere worldwide. This user-friendly diagnostic tool will allow for results within 10 minutes and with detection limits lower than what is required to meet legislation globally.
Within the consortium, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and SCIENION will closely collaborate to develop a miniaturized multiplex lateral flow immunoassay. An array of binding ligands will be printed on a nitrocellulose membrane by using the non-contact sciFLEXARRAYER dispenser. Carbon nanoparticles will be used as detection label. Joint efforts will also include the optimization of several test parameters such as spot volume, concentration of printed proteins, pore size of the nitrocellulose membrane, the amount of carbon nanoparticles label, etc.
Subsequent to this work package, both partners will establish a large-scale pilot batch production line to economically manufacture the multiplex diagnostics. Automation and in-line quality control will be implemented shifting low throughput R&D production into a feasible production line. Required work will also include the implementation of a vision-guided cutting system ensuring precise positioning of the sliced substrate. SCIENION will configure the sciFLEXARRAYER for processing paper-like supports such as nitrocellulose membranes (hardware and software modifications), and will finally be responsible for process integration, optimization and qualification to achieve a smooth and stable process operation.
The resulting prototype kit for the surveillance of the food supply chain will provide major advantages for end users in the seafood and honey industries as well as for government reference laboratories and service laboratories – reducing time and cost of product analysis due to its ease of use, fast sample turnaround time and multiple detection of 4 drug families simultaneously.
Duration: 06/2017 – 05/2020
Program type:
Eurostars
Involved Partners:
Transplant Analytics
Detection of HLA Antibodies using Membranes
Safe Transplant Analytics
Development of a universal immunological detection system based on filter membranes
Objective:
Worldwide, up to 100,000 organ transplants are performed annually. The patient’s compatibility with the donor organ is a key factor for successful transplantations. The Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) system plays a major role in this context. HLAs are characteristic for an individual and represent the major cause of organ transplant rejections. Currently available diagnostic methods to detect transplant-relevant donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) are complicated, time-consuming, costly, or lack sensitivity.
The Safe Transplant Analytics research project aims at the development of a novel system capable of the multiplex detection of different antibodies in a single sample and thus paving the way for a periodic, secure DSA monitoring. The project will be realized by an analysis system, the universal filter array, in which a multi-parameter analysis in microarray format is performed on special, preferably transparent membranes. SCIENION works on developing methods specifically for microarray spotting on filter membranes, which allow for depositing detection points in a minimal space – with minimal use of expensive antigens or antibodies for multiple analytes. Achieving a high immobilization efficiency while preserving the biofunctionality of the antibodies plays an important role in our work. By printing universal hapten antibodies, the arrays can be adapted to different panels of hapten labeled antigens for specific HLA antibody detection.
Due to its platform character the analysis system has the potential of versatile application options in other medical fields. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable and cost-effective test system that improves diagnostic accuracy and that can be easily integrated into the routine of medical standard laboratories.
Duration: 09/2017 – 08/2020
Program type: Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Involved Partners:
microAQUA
Microarrays for the evaluation of fresh-water quality
microAQUA: Universal microarrays for the evaluation of fresh-water quality based on detection of pathogens and their toxins
Objective:
Monitoring the quality of drinking water is of paramount importance for public health. “Water is not a commercial product but a heritage that must be protected, defended and treated as such” (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC). The threat of waterborne diseases in Europe will predictably increase in the future as the human population increases and as a result of globalization and migration from non-EU countries and of climate change. Development of efficient, sensitive, robust, rapid and inexpensive tests to monitor various aspects of water quality represents an essential milestone within the strategy for control and prevention of diseases caused by waterborne pathogens and by algal toxins. Traditional methods for the detection of waterborne pathogens, based on cultivation, biochemical characterisation and microscopic detection are laborious and time-consuming; molecular biological tools have now greatly enhanced our ability to investigate biodiversity by identifying species and to estimate gene flow and distribution of species in time and space. MicroAQUA aims to design and develop a universal microarray chip for the high-throughput detection in water of known and emerging pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa and cyanobacteria) and to assess the water quality monitoring the presence of select bioindicators (i.e. diatoms). A chip able to detect cyanobacterial toxins will also be developed. These innovative molecular tools should be amenable to automation so that they could be deployed on moorings for routine semi-continuous monitoring of water quality. MicroAQUA also aims to identify cyanophages potentially capable of controlling and mitigating the periodical blooming of toxic cyanobacteria in drinking water reservoirs. Overall, these innovative and cost efficient technologies will reduce energy requirements and improve performance of water treatment, and allow rapid management response to new situations brought about by environmental (including climatic) changes.
All about the project and partners here.
Duration: 1/3/2011-30/11/2014
Program type: Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
Involved Partners:
- Università degli Studi di Camerino
- University College Dublin
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6
- Veolia Environnement Recherche & Innovation SNC
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases
- SCIENION AG
- MariLim Gesellschaft für Gewässeruntersuchung mbH
- Istanbul University
- University of Portsmouth
PESTIPLAT
Integrated Platform for Pesticides Detection
PESTIPLAT: Integrated Platform for Pesticides Detection
Objective:
The platform for pesticides detection to be used in food security monitoring (fruits, vegetables, drinking water, milk etc.) and agriculture research laboratories will be a user friendly tool able to perform measurements in 10 minutes time, to diagnose the pesticide presence, to alert and to record data for monitoring and statistical purposes, addressing important issues within the food security. The project’s main objective consists in developing the platform for pesticides detection, including four identical modules each of them containing the following compounds: biosensor, temperature and pH sensors, microfluidic module, fluids delivery control, heating system, computer interface and data acquisition of the sensors network. PESTIPLAT will focus first on development of an amperometric microbiosensor for direct detection of organophosphoric pesticides using miniaturized electrodes, fabricated by using standard microtechnology processes like thin film metal deposition, micro or nanolithography and clean room facilities. The chemistry of deposited enzymatic layer (concentration, enzymatic activity measuring, deposition protocol), the immobilization technique for AChE, the fabrication technique and the electrical characteristics of the enzymatic sensor will be studied and will be optimised. Nanowire polyaniline thin layer will be deposited on working electrode and used as substrate for acetylcholinesterase immobilization in order to increase the sensor sensitivity. The high surface/volume ratio of the polyaniline will lead to a better conduction and improve essentially the sensor sensitivity. The second activity developed will be the microfluidic module hosting the biosensor, pH and temperature sensors. The microfluidic system allows the biochemistry reaction of all four modules, independently, leading at the biosensor activation, acetylcholinesterase reaction and inhibition, electrolyte removal and system washing and sample preparation. The fluids delivery will be provided, using a pumping system. The third activity will provide electrical connections, electronic modules, data processing and acquisition of the sensors network. Also, results will be disseminated and exploited, and the platform will be patented. The main result of the project will be a fully automatic platform for organophosphate pesticides detection at the stage of a prototype.
Duration: 1/11/2010 – 30/10/2013
Program type: MNT-ERA.NET
Involved Partners:
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMT-Bucharest), Romania
- Romelgen SRL
- HSG-IMIT c/o IMTEK
- SCIENION AG
SurfChem
Quantitative Surface Chemical Analsysis
SurfChem: Traceable Quantitative Surface Chemical Analsysis for Industrial Applications
Objective:
The objectives of the JRP are to provide measurement standards and methods with traceability wherever it is practicable to do so for quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications. This includes:
The provision of new certified reference materials (CRMs) with known and stable surface chemistries as well as with defined thickness and lateral structure for instrument development and calibration as well as verification of industry-relevant surface chemical measurements.
The provision of new fast non-destructive methods of quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial in-line quality control. In particular, this will include the development of advanced techniques for real time, in-situ measurement of catalyst structure and activity on a localised scale to underpin the development of more efficient, selective and cost-effective catalysts.
The provision of metrological methods including development of new CRMs to improve the capability and traceability of technologies widely used in industry for surface analysis such as electron and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray reflectrometry, electron probe microanalysis or ion mass spectrometry.
The research activities listed under objectives 1.) and 3.) are primarily addressed in Work Package (WP) 1 and 2. These WPs deal with reference material and method development for industrial problems of inorganic and organic surface analysis. Analytical methods addressed are photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe micro analysis, X-ray reflectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometery. WP3 is dedicated to the development of traceable fast non-destructive methods of quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial in-line quality control with a focus on contamination on food and high end products. Methods applied in the related tasks are optical methods as IR and Raman, atmospheric pressure secondary ion mass spectroscopy as DESI and wettability testing methods (WCA) as well. By WP4 new advanced optical and SPM based techniques used for real time, in-situ measurement of catalyst structure and activity on a localised scale are specifically addressed.
Each work package is planned considering priority that meets documented industrial needs and that supports transfer into industry by cooperation with relevant companies as unfunded JRP-Partners and by standardization under ISO TC 201 ”Surface Chemical Analysis” and 202 “Microprobe Analysis”. Read more
Duration: October 2011 – September 2014
Program type: EURAMET
Involved Partners:
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
- EJPD Eidgenössisches Justiz- und Polizeidepartement
- INRIM Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica
- NPL National Physical Laboratory
- PTB Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
- SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute
- Chalmers University of Technology
- ION-TOF GmbH
- Kratos Analytical Ltd
- SCIENION AG
- SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH
- Focus GmbH
Lab2Go
Point-of-Care for Measuring Cardiac Troponin-I
Lab2Go – Point-of-Care for Measuring Cardiac Troponin-I
Objective:
The Lab2Go project, co-funded by the European Commission, is a study to determine the value of a point-of-care testing system for measuring cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) at the patients’ bedside as an aid in the diagnosis of patients with the indications of a Myocardial Infarction (MI). A blood sample can be taken and tested by the doctor, nurse or paramedic to provide cTnI measurement during clinical assessment, rather than having to wait for laboratory results.
All about the partners and the project at : www.lab2go.nl
Duration: 01/2014- 06/2016
Program type: Lab2Go is part of the European ICT Policy Support Programme
Involved Partners:
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- Royal Philips
- SCIENION AG
- Microsystems (UK) Limited
- Conworx Technology GmbH
- Klinikum Nuernberg
- Medizinische Universität, Innsbruck
- Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris
- Catharina Ziekenhuis
- St. George’s Hospital, London
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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CardioSAVE
Prognostic test for Acute Myocardial Infarction
CardioSAVE
Prognostic test for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Objective:
This project aims to develop a novel early stage prognostic test for clinical outcome in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This novel test will also be able to monitor treatment response. The tool will be based on (i) a unique set of biomarkers recently discovered by the cardiovascular research group at the Luxembourg Hospital center and for which Firalis controls the intellectual property and (ii) a novel set of markers to be selected using transcriptomic and protein discovery approaches (iii) Biomarkers candidates from another ongoing study (Fibrotargets) focused on cardiac infarct, included to increase the performance of the test. Firalis will collaborate with the SME Scienion (Germany) to translate these novel biomarkers into an actual in vitro diagnostic medical device. For the development and clinical validation of the device, these SMEs will collaborate with university hospitals: the Bad Krozingen Heart Center (Germany) and the leading research institute for genetic and molecular cell biology (IGBMC).
Website: www.cardio-save.com
Duration: Started in 2014.
Involved Partners:
Charité
Non-invasive blood test for the detection of Down syndrome
Non-invasive blood test for the detection of Down syndrome
Objective:
Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. The Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality and the most common reason for abortions. Current prenatal screening methods such as ultrasound imaging may indicate the presence of Down syndrome, e.g. by measuring the nuchal fold thickness. However, usually an invasive diagnostic procedure (amniocentesis) is required to distinctly confirm the diagnosis. As amniocentesis bears risks for mother and child, a reliable blood test is needed to clarify the presence of trisomy 21.
The present R&D project aims at the development of a miniaturized multi-marker assay to determine fetal trisomy 21 specific protein signatures in maternal blood. Assay development involves new biomarkers identified and evaluated in preliminary studies. This novel blood test is faster and more cost-efficient than competing methods.
SCIENION will develop the printing and immobilization protocols for the antibody probes for the production of the arrays in microtiter plates (sciPLEXPLATES). For detection and data analysis the sciREADER CL2 is used. After the successful development, SCIENION will manufacture the test kit for the global market.
Duration: 09/2017 – 11/2018
Program type:
Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Involved Partners:
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- SCIENION AG
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Rheines Wasser
The Double Challenge
Rheines Wasser: The Double Challenge
Objective:
Professor Fath, a successful competitive long distance swimmer, has been preparing for the Rhine attempt intensively for the last year.But, as the name of the project, “Rheines Wasser”, makes clear, the sporting challenge is not actually the most important thing for him.Andreas Fath will be testing the Rhine all along the 1,231 metres of the river – in a way that has never been done before. Supported by a team of students from Furtwangen University and partners from scientific institutes and industry, he’ll be putting the river to the test. His goal? To raise awareness for the importance of water as a resource and the need for effective water protection.Rapid test results of the Rhine water samples will be presented by Andreas Fath and the project team on an ongoing basis during the swim. Detailed research results will be presented by the chemistry professor at the “7th Annual Hansgrohe Water Symposium”, hosted by Hansgrohe SE, the main sponsor of the project, on 13 November 2014 in Schiltach in the Black Forest.Together with his team of Furtwangen University students, partners and research institutes, Andreas Fath will be analysing the water of the Rhine by posing a variety of scientific questions. The water samples taken during the swim every day will be tested for industrial chemicals, hormones, antidepressants, sweeteners, antibiotics, painkillers, drugs, pathogens and microplastics, among other substances. The project team will also measure current speed, pH values, conductivity and the water temperature.
Daily field samples via flash tests
- Nitrates
- Lead
- Phosphates
- COD
- Ammonia nitrogen
- pH value
Sampling daily – Evaluation upon termination of project within 4-10 weeks
- Microplastics (AWI/Helgoland)
- Pathogens (SCIENION AG/Berlin)
- Heavy metals (Wetsus/Leeuwarden)
- Pharmaceuticals/Fertilizers (EAWAG/Zürich)
- Fluorinated chemicals (TZW/ Karlsruhe)
More information about the project: http://en.rheines-wasser.eu/
Duration: 28/7/2014 – 24/8/2014
Taschentuchlabor
“Lab in a Hankie”
Taschentuchlabor: “The Lab in a Hankie”
Objective:
The project aims at the development of new biosensors for the direct detection of pathogens without complicated purification steps. For this purpose, a new class of sensor-actor-molecules will be generated that integrate pathogen recognition and signalling structures for direct detection of analytes in a complex environment. Through the complete integration of all necessary processing steps on molecular level, a new generation in bioanalytics will be achieved. Today, lab on chip-devices are considered as the next generation in diagnostics. These systems are intended to reduce complex chemical analyses performed in laboratories to the size of a credit card which could easily be placed in a trouser pocket. But already research for the next generation of clinical diagnostics is being carried out: A molecular integrated analysis that can be spun into threads and used for the production of shirts or handkerchiefs – offering thus a “lab in a hankie”. To achieve this, fourteen partners form science and industry focus on the development of new biosensors that can be used for direct detection of pathogens without complicated preparation steps. By these means, biochemical binding reactions should become visible and feasible for diagnostics. Due to the long tradition in the development of biosensors, the region Berlin-Brandenburg provides a solid basis for the design of autonomous biosensors. Through the association of fourteen partners from different fields of science and industry, profound knowledge from complex areas like host-pathogen interaction, signal generation with biomolecules and polymer chemistry are combined. The potential of a third generation of biosensors for early pathogen detection has also been recognised by the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) and is supported by the innovation initiative for the new German Länder.
All information about the project: http://www.taschentuchlabor.de
Duration: 1/10/2009 – 30/09/2014
Sponsored by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Involved Partners:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Potsdam
- University of Potsdam
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research, Potsdam
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- HZI Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam
- Institute for Thin Film and Microsensoric Technology e.V. Teltow
- Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau
- MicroDiscovery GmbH, Berlin
- BST Biosensor Technology GmbH, Berlin
- CONGEN Biotechnologie GmbH, Berlin
- SCIENION AG, Berlin
- PolyAn GmbH, Berlin
IMRA
Tumor Analysis using miRNA
IMRA: Tumorassoziierte µRNA-Analytik
KMU-innovativ 8: Tumorassoziierte µRNA-Analytik
Objective:
Using the example of breast cancer the functionality (prototype) of an integrated system for isothermal, multiparametric RNA analysis for clinicical diagnosis will be demonstrated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules (19-24 nucleotides long), which regulate gene expression by binding at complementary messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thereby inhibiting the translation or initiating the degradation of mRNAs. A third of the genes encoding proteins are regulated by miRNAs, therefore miRNAs are playing a central role in the control of many biological processes such as development, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis. In 2002 a correlation of miRNAs with cancer was described in chronic lymphocytic leukemia for the first time. Meanwhile, in many human tumors (CLL, lung, breast, pancreatic, thyroid and liver cancer) tumor-specific miRNA signatures associated with clinical-pathological and diagnostic important parameters were found. Due to the proven and growing clinical relevance the clinical diagnosis and primarily prediction are sustainable supported. Technically, the system combines two innovative on-chip components that enable a platform appropriate for any form of multi-parametric RNA analysis. For manufacturers of bioanalytical and diagnostic systems on a molecular basis, the heart of the project approaches the commercial potential as seen more and more important in the near future. Compared to traditional analytical methods the array-based approach for multi-parameter detection is more efficient with respect to time, sample consumption and costs per data point. The development of a cost-effective method for tumor analysis, based on the novel diagnostic method using miRNA has therefore a big new market potential in clinical diagnostics.
Duration: 1/7/2012-13/06/2015
Program type: Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
Involved Partners:
OptION
Optical Microring Sensor
OptION – Optical microring sensor for the quantitative analysis of electrolytes
Objective:
In the production of the sensors for the optION project the coating and functionalization of the microring resonators (MRR) is one of the key elements which controls the sensitivity and selectivity of the electrolyte
analysis in human blood samples.
In order to enable a functionalisation of the chips a primary coating step is required. Hence, different silanization and copolymerisation protocols will be developed. In the second step, the precise deposition of electrolyte binding molecules (ionophores) on the sensors will be carried out. It is a decisive factor to reach a high immobilization efficiency for the binding of the ionophores under preservation of their functionalization. For the characterisation of the modified surfaces contact angle and XPS measurements will be applied. In the next step, application tests of the coated MRR chips will be conducted in collaboration with the Heinrich Hertz Institute and the Charité. The goal of this developmental project is the miniaturisation of the volumes used for the chip coating in order to allow for a cost-effective functionalization of the sensors.
Seven different work phases are planned: surface functionalisation of reference supports, chemical binding tests with a selected ionophore, characterisation of the functionalised surfaces, transfer of protocols to the MRR wafer, immobilisation of different ionophores onto the MRR wafer, application tests and analysing of quality.
The main focus of SCIENION will lie on the silanization of surfaces, the micrometer precise functionalisation of the sensors with ionophores, characterisation of surfaces and determination of the functionality, production process of the biosensors, regulatory requirements and exploitation plan and strategy.
Duration: 5/2018 – 2/2022
Partners Involved:
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- SCIENION AG
- ESCHWEILER GmbH & Co. KG
- Fraunhofer Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institut für kardiovaskuläre computer-assistierte Medizin, Labor für Biofluidmechanik
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie
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PoC-BoSens
Fast and low-cost PoC testing
More information you can find here: https://www.poc-bosens.researchproject.at/home.php
There are multiple potential applications in diagnostics ranging from cytokine determination in cellular stimulation assays to the determination of antibodies relevant in infectious and autoimmune diseases. This novel analysis platform will contribute to the improvement of citizens’ health status and to the sustainability of healthcare systems, as well as stimulate the innovation and market-status of European small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The technology behind the PoC sensing platform will be defined by the combination of an array of photonic transducing elements based on novel three-dimensional bottle micro-resonators (BMRs) and a microfluidic system for transportation of test samples on the transducing elements.
The BMR is a class of resonant structures with high sensitivity, a high grade of compactness, and multiplexing capabilities. The hybrid optofluidic cartridge will allow the development of sensitive (ng/ml down to pg/ml level), fast, portable and low-cost PoC testing which might easily be used by untrained personnel and has the potential for implementation in field medical units, crisis centers and transit screening. Then the quantitative determination of released cytokine biomarkers by employing the PoC-BoSens analysis system will be faster (approx. 15 minutes), trustworthy and with the capacity of low fluid volumes consumption. Further applications could be the detection of antibodies relevant in celiac disease and other diseases where quick diagnostic and monitoring tests are essential. The main challenge here is the successful package and readout of optical resonators without altering their sensing properties. PoC-BoSens will overcome this challenge by exploring photonic platform technologies, assembly, biorecognition and electronic miniaturization strategies, which will be developed by a high-qualified multidisciplinary consortium.
Funding: Photonic Sensing: https://photonicsensing.eu/
Duration: 01.04.2018 till 31.12.2021
Involved Partners:
- Fraunhofer – Institute für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration (IZM)
- MDX Devices GmbH
- IfU Diagnostic Systems GmbH (IFU)
- DIARECT AG
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA)
- SYEL S.R.L. Industrial Automation & Electronic Systems
- Unitive Design and Analysis Ltd.
- SCIENION GmbH
Cell Isolator
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Catching by capillaries in vivo
In oncology, significant progress has been made in recent decades in the early detection and treatment of cancer. Despite all these improvements, the development and growth of primary tumours can lead to a haematogenic scattering of tumour cells early in the course of the disease, which increases the risk of metastases. In addition to the general problems of selectivity and sensitivity, diagnostic methods established to date are limited by the fact that they only refer to a volume limited by the sampling technique, from which the entire organ or organism is extrapolated. A multitude of factors such as the type of sampling, the distribution of pathological cells (e.g. circulating tumor cell, CTC) in the blood or the expansion of tumor tissue in the organism influence the detection of pathological characteristics. Due to their physical and biological properties, CTCs can be isolated from the blood using various technologies and then used for further diagnostics, prognosis of the disease and therapy adaptation. According to current literature, the targeted detection limit for CTCs, for example, is approximately 9 cells per litre of human blood.
Conventional methods by taking up to 30 mL of blood are not sufficiently sensitive for this detection, only the in vivo enrichment of these cells can overcome the limitation. GILUPI GmbH is currently manufacturing the GILUPI CellCollector® with which rare cells can be enriched in vivo. This medical device essentially consists of a stainless steel wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm coated with gold and polymer. On the polymer surface (cell-repellent), specific antibodies are covalently bound (anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule; anti-EpCAM) and make it possible to specifically bind antigen-expressing cells. After introduction into the arm vein of a patient, the rare cells are enriched on the functionalized surface. The limitation of this procedure is that due to the geometry (diameter of the vein approx. 3 mm, product diameter 0.5 mm) not all passing rare cells come into contact with the product surface. In addition, not all target cells express the antigen targeted by the covalently bound antibodies. In addition, a solution must be developed to separate the specifically bound cells from the surface of the CellCollector®. Through the consistent further development of the dispensing methods available by SCIENION AG for different types of biomolecules, it will be possible in future to print combinations of different types of capture molecules on the polymer surface of the CellCollector® and thus increase the sensitivity of the future product. In addition, SCIENION AG has the technological possibilities to separate the cells bound on the surface of the CellCollector® and thus provide a more precise diagnosis on the basis of individual cells.
Funding: BMBF Zwanzig20 – smart3 – Smart Health
Duration: 01.09.2018 till 28.02.2022
Partners:
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik
• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik
• SITEC Industrietechnologie GmbH Chemnitz
Array-based solutions
Array-based solutions have emerged as a viable platform for detection of pathogenic organisms in clinical and environmental samples. SCIENION technology enables the deposition of small capture molecules in reduced surfaces. Several examples of applications of sciDROP PICO proprietary technology can be found here.