The successful development of a new platform technology for the rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of influenza and other respiratory conditions has widespread potential for the detection of a wide range of other infectious diseases.
UK-based OJ Bio has now successfully completed the prototype development of a new wireless POC diagnostic system that accurately and quickly identifies the presence of various disease types in a range of patient samples. The state-of-the-art biosensors at the heart of the OJ Bio system bring together advanced technology from the company’s two parent organisations.
When biological samples (serum, urine, saliva or blood) are applied to the biochip (held in a disposable cartridge), the presence of a disease antigen causes a shift in the phase angle of the surface acoustic wave passing across the chip surface, and this is translated into an electronic signal. This signal can then be detected and its presence (or absence) determined, providing an unequivocal ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ result for a particular disease. Bluetooth connection of the reading device to special diagnostic software enables the test results to be displayed within seconds.
So far, OJ Bio’s work has focused on research into the detection and diagnosis of influenza A and B, common strains previously linked to some major epidemics, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of coughs and chest infections. In addition, a number of other complementary projects are underway to detect the presence of, for example, periodontal gum disease and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
www.oj-bio.com