Project description
New powerful tool for multi-elemental analysis
The diagnosis of diseases such as osteoporosis and kidney malfunction could get a big boost from the commercialisation of Proteus. This is a new mass filter, collision cell and multi-collector inductively coupled mass-spectrometer. Building on the performance of traditional multi-collector ICP-MS, Proteus has demonstrated unique capabilities in traditional fields such as Earth sciences and biomedical research – screening large numbers of samples for research and possible detection of diseases. Specifically, Proteus will aim for high throughput measurements of calcium isotopes in bodily fluids to detect changes in bone mineral balance. The EU-funded PROCOMM project aims to turn the prototype into a commercial model.
Objective
Commercialisation of Proteus. We will develop a case for commercialisation our unique, tribrid (quadrupole mass-filter/collision cell/ multi- collector) inductively coupled mass-spectrometer, dubbed Proteus, built in collaboration with industrial partners Thermo Fisher Scientific. We will explore full workflow applications to open up a business case for turning the prototype into a commercial model. We have already demonstrated its unique capabilities in traditional fields for such instrumentation (Earth, Space and Nuclear sciences), but the rationale for building a commercial instrument is best made by showing its utility in developing a new market in screening large numbers of samples for medical research and possible detection of diseases. Here we will assess the potential of Proteus for accurate, high throughput measurements of Ca isotopes in bodily fluids to detect changes in bone mineral balance, indicative of diseases such as osteoporosis and kidney malfunction. We will work together with a spin-off company, osteolabs GmbH, who lead work in this new market, to produce a compelling case to be presented to Thermo Scientific Vertical marketing, the critical step to commercialisation.
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
BS8 1QU Bristol
United Kingdom