Project description
Immunoassays for simpler, portable diagnostics
For over 50 years, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been a cornerstone in research, diagnostics and drug discovery, known for its high sensitivity and specificity. However, it requires multiple washing steps, specialised instruments and enzyme-labelled antibodies, limiting its accessibility. With this in mind, the ERC-funded ELIDIS project will develop a groundbreaking alternative carrying the same name. It is a two-step immunoassay that uses enzyme-conjugated DNA strands and disposable electrodes, providing the same high-performance results as ELISA but with greater ease. ELIDIS is portable, requiring only a laptop or smartphone to operate, and it has the potential to transform the global immunoassay market, paving the way for simpler, more accessible diagnostic tools in biotech and biopharma labs.
Objective
Since its introduction more than 50 years ago, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) remains one of the most widely used technologies for research, drug discovery and diagnosis. The reasons for this extraordinary longevity are manifold: ELISA combines the high specificity of antibody-antigen interactions with the high sensitivity of enzyme amplification. However, ELISA also has disadvantages: multiple washing steps and reagents are required and a specialized instrument is needed, which is not always available in all laboratories. An innovative immunoassay technology that can overcome the limitations of ELISA while retaining all of its best features would therefore represent a turning point in the global immunoassay market (> $35 billion in 2023).
Under the ERC Consolidator Grant PRO-TOOLKITS, we have developed a novel immunoassay, which we have named Enzyme-Linked DNA Displacement (ELIDIS), which has all the characteristics to meet this need and become an alternative to ELISA. In short, ELIDIS involves 2 steps and is based on the use of enzyme-conjugated DNA strands and disposable electrodes. ELIDIS retains the advantageous properties of ELISA (high sensitivity and specificity) but, unlike ELISA, is easier to perform, does not require enzyme-labeled antibodies and, more importantly, can be performed using portable electronic devices such as a laptop or smartphone without the need for additional instruments.
With these considerations in mind, in this PoC project we will validate the ELIDIS assay as a candidate to replace ELISA in any biotech and biopharma laboratory. To achieve the above goal, we will: 1) Validate the ELIDIS assay for the detection of two model targets (Trastuzumab and EGFR); 2) Develop two prototype kits using disposable sensor arrays and a portable device (or an app/software). 3) Create a manufacturing plan for assay production; 4) Develop an IP strategy for patent filing/maintenance; 5) Create a plan for business/commercialization.
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.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNA
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsmobile phones
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes
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Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsHost institution
00165 ROMA
Italy