Project description
Innovative single-molecule sensing method for protein detection
Current detection thresholds limit protein molecule sensing techniques, necessitating large sample sizes to achieve acceptable levels of sensitivity, bias, throughput, cost, and time for obtaining results. The ERC-funded SM-ProTrack project aims to develop a new single-molecule sensing method that offers unprecedented precision and detail, using silicon nano-channels on a chip and AI algorithms. This technology enables the detection of single proteins from small sample volumes. The project will apply this technology to detect biomarkers for ¬age-related macular degeneration (AMD) based on liquid biopsy, addressing a significant global need, as AMD is responsible for approximately 90 % of cases of legal blindness worldwide. It will validate the technology and establish a strong case for commercialisation.
Objective
Protein molecule sensing techniques are currently hampered by detection limits and require large samples to achieve acceptable levels of sensitivity, bias, throughput, cost, and time to result. Leveraging findings from our NanoProt-ID (ADG ERC), in SM-ProTrack we will develop a novel single-molecule sensing method with unprecedented levels of detail and accuracy. This technology is based on the separation of molecules using silicon nano-channels on a chip, tracking of single molecules, and high-precision identification using AI algorithms. Thus, the technology allows detection of multiplexed, full-length single proteins, from extremely small sample volumes, in a low-cost, portable device.
Here, to advance the clinical relevancy of the technology and build specific commercial value, we will apply it towards Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) sensing based on liquid biopsy. AMD represents 90% of cases of legal blindness globally, affecting ~200 million people’s life quality. To date, a quantitative sensing of AMD biomarkers, has not been possible due to the extremely small volumes of the clinical eye-derived aqueous humour (AH) sample and low abundance of the AMD biomarkers. In collaboration with a leading AMD ophthalmologist, SM-ProTrack will advance the technology to proof-of-principle validation, hence building a solid commercialization case while addressing an unmet global need.
SM-ProTrack will pave the way for a low-cost, highly sensitive technology for single protein molecule sensing, that can provide rapid and accurate results from dilute and small clinical sample volumes with minimal biases. Validated in the field of AMD biomarkers, our technology can be further applied in many other liquid biopsy diagnostics fields.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
32000 Haifa
Israel
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.