Objective "The goal of ""InstantCount"" is to develop low-cost point-of-care blood tests based on microfluidic counting chambers and image cytometry (InstantCount tests) for use in challenging environments, e.g. remote areas in developing countries.Preliminary work on CD4 counting (measuring the concentration of helper T-cells in blood in order to diagnose the progression of an HIV infection) demonstrates the feasibility of the concept.I have assembled a prototype instrument for large area fluorescence imaging, developed the image analysis software and microfluidic counting chambers containing dried reagents. The fabrication of these chambers is simple and the used materials cheap, making affordable diagnostics even in the poorest regions appear feasible.However, a clinical evaluation of the tests outside the laboratory environment in rural areas requires improved reproducibility in the fabrication of the chambers, which would also enable the development of new assays, once the properties of the reagent layers can be tailored according to the requirements of different tests.I propose the development of printing techniques for the fabrication of InstantCount tests. Counting chambers with precisely defined thickness will be realised by printing of microbeads embedded in glue. Printing of different types of hydrogel will offer solutions like self-sealing chambers or timed release of reagents with a wide range of molecular sizes without the need for mixing other than by diffusion.With these techniques, we will realise rapid low-cost point-of-care diagnostics for primary health care in remote areas and small medical practices. Complete blood counts for general health screening, CD4 counting and the detection of parasites in red blood cells such as in malaria will be provided.The project will neither require expensive fabrication methods in clean room facilities nor high-resolution optics in the instruments.Printing can bridge the gap between prototyping and production." Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesmalariamedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesHIVnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsengineering and technologymedical engineeringmedical laboratory technologylaboratory samples analysis Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS7 - Applied life sciences, biotechnology and bioengineering: agricultural, animal, fishery, forestry/food sciences; biotechnology, chemical biology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, industrial biosciences; environmental biotechnology. Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE EU contribution € 1 496 400,00 Address DRIENERLOLAAN 5 7522 NB Enschede Netherlands See on map Region Oost-Nederland Overijssel Twente Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ferdinand Damhuis (Mr.) Principal investigator Markus Beck (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE Netherlands EU contribution € 1 496 400,00 Address DRIENERLOLAAN 5 7522 NB Enschede See on map Region Oost-Nederland Overijssel Twente Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ferdinand Damhuis (Mr.) Principal investigator Markus Beck (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
