Advanced biosensors will detect aggressive tumors, viruses and bacterial diseases
Linnaeus University is developing methodology to diagnose aggressive lung cancer, viral and bacterial diseases in a new project with industry and healthcare. A total of SEK 35 million is invested in advanced biosensors. The project may lead to faster diagnoses and more cost-effective care.
Within the research project “Advanced Materials for Personalized Medicine and Diagnostics (AMPMeD)”, Linnaeus University researchers are developing biosensors, tools that detect specific substances in, for example, blood samples, to identify chemical signs of cancer, bacteria, and viruses.
The research program is hosted by Linnaeus University Center for Biomaterials Chemistry together with five partners. It is funded with SEK 35 million over four years, of which SEK 12 million is granted by The Knowledge Foundation.
“This investment constitutes a drastic increase in the scope of research, the number of partners, and the breadth of research areas involved compared to our previous projects in diagnostics” says project manager Ian Nicholls, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences at Linnaeus University.
Identifies aggressive cancer, viruses and bacteria
In four sub-projects, diagnostic technology is being developed with a focus on detecting biomarkers (small cell lung cancer), viruses (covid-19, hepatitis), bacteria (lyme disease and E.coli related urinary tract infection) and for conducting biosensor-based histology (glaucoma and macular degeneration).
”The four sub-projects are based on two highly sensitive biosensor platforms. One is based on a biosensor technology to be used to detect cancer, viruses or bacteria developed by Attana. The other uses microelectrodes developed together with Luma-Metall”, explains Ian Nicholls.
Simultaneously, the researchers are investigating the possibility of using a new technology for blood sample handling developed by Capitainer. This should lead to more efficient diagnosis of these diseases.
”Collectively, these technologies can potentially lead to faster diagnoses and better cost efficiency in the healthcare sector through self-testing at home”, says Ian Nicholls.
Enables considerable scientific progress
Among the project participants is the bioanalysis company Attana, which has collaborated with Linnaeus University for over ten years, developing diagnostic methods. Most recently, the collaboration has resulted in a commercial antibody test that shows how strong protection against covid-19 is provided by our immune systems.
”This new project brings together commercial expertise in clinical diagnostics, sampling and analysis with scientific expertise in immunology, toxicology, surface chemistry and sensors, as well as important contributions from healthcare. This means that there are resources to make considerable scientific progress while the project can result in competitive products in diagnostics and sampling” says Teodor Aastrup, CEO of Attana.
Additional information:
High-resolution press photos of professor Ian Nicholls: Link
The project ”Advanced Materials for Personalized Medicine and Diagnostics (AMPMeD)” involves Linnaeus University, AroCell AB, Attana AB, Capitainer AB, Luma-Metall AB and Region Kalmar County. It runs July 2023 – June 2027.
Learn more about the project at the project page.
Learn more about Linnaeus University Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry.