Originally Published EMDM October 2001
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
DIAGNOSTICS
IMEC Develops Diagnostic Biosensors
A fusion of microelectronics and biology has resulted in biosensor technology that may drastically improve point-of-care diagnostics. The research centre IMEC (Leuven, Belgium) is using microsystems techniques to produce biosensors that combine both organic and inorganic materials for the detection of toxicity, pathogens, and antigen concentration in blood.
"This technology is expected to revolutionize the way in which people obtain information about their health," says Andrew Campitelli, group leader for the biosensors group at IMEC, which is the largest independent European R&D centre for the development and licensing of microelectronics, information, and communications technologies. Campitelli is spearheading an effort at the centre to develop a biosensor-in-a-package (BioSIP). "We perform research on biosensors and molecular technology, based on our vision that cross-fertilization of different disciplines such as material research, biochemistry, and micro- and nanoelectronic fabrication techniques will create new ways of sensing," says Campitelli.
The biosensors incorporate microfluidics, and transducer and biochemical interface components. The transducer is linked to a top biological layer that is sensitive to a specific analyte. Antibodies are used as probes to measure antigen concentrations in blood. Also, DNA probes can be immoblized at the sensor surface to recognize their complement and allow for DNA fingerprinting or genotyping to track hereditary disease. "Eventually, we expect to see BioSIPs that can test for any disease, and are so sophisticated that they will be easy for anyone to use," says Campitelli.
The group hopes to develop biosensor packages that are accurate, sensitive, inexpensive, and disposable. "We have to provide reproducability, a small size, and feasible high-volume production before the technology will really take off," says Campitelli. Most technologies that IMEC develops are at least three to ten years ahead of industry. "We expect the biosensors to be commercialized within five years," says Campitelli.
Jamie Graham
Copyright ©2001 European Medical Device Manufacturer
