Nanoimmunosensors for detection of cytokines
Acronym: NIMS
Starting Date: 01.01.2007
Czech Science Foundation, Contract Number: KAN200520702
This project aims at developing a concerted research effort towards understanding of basic principles underlying the preparation of rapidly responding, selective, sensitive and robust nanoimmunosensors for detection of biological ligands and especially of cytokines. Four academic groups have joined forces here with three research-intensive industrial partners, in order to develop an expert collaboration aiming on analysis of structure-function relationships of recombinant binding proteins, their immobilization on colloidal nanoparticles and electrode nanoarrays. Nanoarray electrode surface preparation and principles of their integration into biosensors will be studied. The dynamic response range and selectivity characteristics of model immunochromatographic and electrochemical sensors will be evaluated using a model example of interferon gamma detection in defined solutions, as well as in real biological samples derived from blood of individuals suspect of tuberculosis infection.
Integrated and functional Lab-on-Chip
Acroym: InFuLOC
Starting Date: 1.3.2009
7. FP Support for training and carem development of researches (Marie Curie), Grant Agreement Number: 230749
The objective of this project is to create Lab-on-chip devices that allow sensitive analyte detection as well being highly integrated and have high functionality. The project will develop lab-on-chip latform technologies for fluidic manipulations and analyte detection and develop specific Lab-on-Chip (LOC) applications. Integrated and easy to use fluidic manipulations within LOC devices will be achieved through firstly use of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) and through on-chip pressure system and passive valves. We will also demonstrate that LOC devices can be designed to perform sophisticated fluidic operations over a large element array of microchambers. large scale valving integration approach will be used to achieve discrete fluidic operation for each microchamber element within the array. A convenient LOC macro-micro world interface for fluidic, mechanical and electrical elements will be developed as well as sensitive optical and electrochemical strategies for detection. Novel optical detection approach which involves increasing the pathlength of the radiation within the microfluidic channel will be further advanced for highly sensitive optical detection within LOC devices. Sensitive electrochemical transduction will also be developed. The developed LOC platform technologies will be incorporated as part of a disposable cartridge to be inserted within a handheld reader device for bioanalysis. Specifically, we will develop systems for (i) biochemical discharges of airborne enzymes, (ii) continuously monitored bioreactor array and (iii) natural toxic monitor for potatoes. The project will bring together a wide range of leading expertise from the public sector and research organisations to create LOC devices that are reproducible, have a small footprint, are easy to use and demonstrate commercial advantage. The project will lead to long term collaborations between the partners through e.g. the commercialisation of project outcomes.
New generation of electrochemical sensors and biosensors using thin modificated DLC layers
Acronym: DLC
Starting Date: 01.05.2009
Czech Science Foundation, Contract Number: FR-TI1/118
The project aims to develop technology for the production of electrochemickal sensors whose working electrode is modified by DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer which contain fluorine, boron or other aelements. Such sensors are currently not available on market. The project aims also to develop applications of these sensors. Two specialized devices for DLC layer will be developed in project.
New electrochemical senosrs for heavy metal detection
Acronym: DTK
Starting Date: 01.07.2009
Czech Science Foundation, Contract Number: FR-TI1/076
Program research project will cover the new electrochemical methods for detection of heavy metals, based on the parallel measurement of samples and standards. The evaluation unit and software will be designed for the detection of heavy metals using a new electrochemical sensors with microreactor. Research and development of new electrochemical sensors uses and develops technoloii applied BVT Technologies, as a patent in 2009 (PV 2009-22). Evaluation signals of stripping analysis will be dealt with synchronous detection.
Clinical Application for Metabolic Profiling
Project Acronym:EU-CLAMP
Start date: 01.12.2010
End date:30.11.2012
FP7-SME, Grant Agreement Number: 262007
Europe faces a diabetes epidemic. More than 55 million people in Europe are currently diagnosed with diabetes and with an estimated 20% increase by 2030, the disease is certain to stay one of the most challenging health problems this century. Especially as diabetes no longer is a disease exclusively for adults, but affects children, young people and adults of all ages. Despite the high prevalence of diabetes, the choice of anti-diabetic drugs is still limited and two thirds of patients with diabetes do not achieve the recommended glycaemic target levels. For each new anti-diabetic drug, it is essential to investigate the metabolic effect over time. The glucose clamp technique is regarded as the gold standard to evaluate the effectiveness of new anti-diabetic drugs. There are however only a few centres with limited research capacities that have experience in using the clamp technique, because automated clamp devices are no longer commercially available and the existing techniques are confounded by a number of limitations. Increased clamp capacities are urgently needed for the development of new, more efficacious anti-diabetic drugs.
Through the integration of newly emerging technologies proposed in part by the 4 participating SME organisations and with the outsourced research capacity of 3 of Europe s leading RTD performers, the EU-CLAMP project aims to develop a new generation automated clamp device that will overcome the limitations of the existing devices by incorporating micro-dialysis technique for reliable continuous glucose monitoring without blood loss. The EU-CLAMP project will facilitate clamp testing in a more efficient and cost effective manner. In addition to the significant contribution that will be made to development of improved treatment options for diabetes, the project will provide a platform from which the competitiveness of the participating SMEs can be improved offering alignment to the needs of their long term business strategies.