Objective
"MULTICHIP production of a multiplexed microarrays provides an exciting business opportunity. MULTICHIP offers unique advantages in areas of large societal importance, such as public health, and environmental safety.
Multiplexed microarrays, i.e. arrays with a high number of different biomolecules, are attractive for rapid screening such as early detection of cancer and farm animal diseases, and multitoxin screening of ecosystems. Conventional array production methods lack in quality or multiplexing abilities. Moreover, technologies like dip-pen nanolithography require intensive training of personnel, which seriously limits the potential user groups.
MULTICHIP enables easy, cheap production of multiplexed arrays by stamping biomolecules. Extensive re-use ( up to 75 times) of stamps is possible and MULTICHIP can be used to stamp a wide range (10 kDa – 1 MDa) of biomolecules. MULTICHIP can also stamp on soft surfaces, which is of particular importance for tissue engineering, and reconstructive medicine. These factors greatly enhance application potential.
Stamping techniques have been suggested earlier, but as hydrogels are used for storage of biomolecules in the stamp reservoirs, lifetime, re-use capability (maximum 4-5 times), and range of biomolecules (maximum 150 kDa) that can be stamped are extremely limited. Stamping is only feasible on hard surfaces. In MULTICHIP innovative, robust macroporous polymeric networks are used for biomolecules storage, creating a breakthrough in multiplexed microarray production.
In this project, a business case will be developed for MULTICHIP, covering different markets, and routes for market introduction. Results of market analysis (market size and segmentation, expected sales and financing needs) will be combined with science-based technology comparison into comprehensive documentation for discussion with potential industry partners. Several industries already have expressed their interest in MULTICHIP."
Fields of science
Call for proposal
ERC-2011-PoC
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Funding Scheme
CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept)Host institution
7522 NB Enschede
Netherlands