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. 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 computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications mobile phones
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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.
00165 ROMA
Italy
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.