Project description
Novel single-molecule bioelectronic system for clinical biomarker detection
Enabling the detection of several biomarkers simultaneously will improve the sensitivity of tests and diagnostic conclusions. Moreover, biomarkers should be detected with the highest possible analytical sensitivity as they are typically not present in cell populations, and one single molecule can reveal the onset of a pathological state. The EU-funded SiMBiT project aims to develop a bioelectronic system to enable single-molecule detection of both proteins and DNA biomarkers. The objective is the development of a lab-based and cost-effective portable multiplexing array prototype that produces fast results. SiMBiT will be employed for the early detection of human pancreatic neoplasms, performing simultaneous analysis of genomic and protein markers with a minimal sample volume.
Objective
Digitizing biomarkers analysis by quantifying them at the single-molecule level is the new frontier for advancing the science of precision health. The SiMBiT project will develop a bio-electronic smart system leveraging on an existing lab-based proof-of-concept that can perform single-molecule detection of both proteins and DNA bio-markers. Specifically, the SiMBiT activities will develop the lab-based device into a cost-effective portable multiplexing array prototype that integrates, with a modular approach, novel materials and standard components/interfaces. The SiMBiT platform exhibits enhanced sensing capabilities: specificity towards both genomic and protein markers along with single-molecule detection limits and time-to-results within two hours. This makes the SiMBiT prototype the world best performing bio-electronic sensing system ever. SiMBiT will reach these ambitious goals with a multidisciplinary research effort involving device-physicists, analytical-chemists, bio-chemists, clinicians, electronic- and system-engineers. The platform is also single-use and cost-effective and can work in low-resource settings. The SiMBiT field-effect sensing system will be fabricated by means of future mass-manufacturable, large-area compatible, scalable techniques such as printing and other direct-writing processes. 3D printing of a module is also foreseen. The SiMBiT prototype will demonstrate, for first time, a matrix of up to 96 bio-electronic sensors and a Si IC chip for the processing of all data coming from the matrix, multiplexing single-molecule detection. As the Si IC pins are limited the chip area is reduced and its cost minimized, enabling a single-use assay plate. SiMBiT will apply the multiplexing single molecule technology to the early detection of human pancreatic neoplasms in a well-defined clinical context, performing simultaneous analysis of genomic and protein markers with a minimal sample volume, reduced costs and reduced time-to-results.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNA
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologypancreatic cancer
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
50019 Firenze
Italy