Awaiting Public Project Summary

Existing fluorescent labels used to detect biomolecules in a range of life science assays are either based upon organic fluorophores which have limited lifetime or quantum dots which are high cost, toxic and can only operate in limited chemical environments. Initial research by Intrinsiq Materials and the University of Bath has demonstrated a new radical fluorescent label to address a £520 million medical diagnostics market. This platform technology based on nanomaterials, could be applied to overcome the disadvantages of the existing fluorescent labels. Partnered with Abcam, a global market leader in research-grade antibodies, the objectives of the NANOFLAM programme are to develop and exploit these novel materials as an immediate technically superior alternative to traditional fluorophores and to address radical new potential multiplexing applications.

The PROCID programme is designed to prove the cost effective use of printed copper in low cost antibody based biosensors for disease detection, initially targeting the STD’s Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. This will provide a step change in ease of detection to combat and overcome the spread of infections. Key objectives include: development of low-cost biosensors based around immobilised antibodies, tailoring the biosensing system to rapidly detect the target organisms (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) and development of a printing-based fabrication process for mass-manufacturing of the biosensors. The overall aim is to successfully integrate and deliver a functional prototype system that provides a low-cost sensor-based platform for rapid detection of infectious disease, with real potential for commercialisation by the industrial partners, and in doing so reduce NHS costs, increase detection rates, help combat major health hazards, and facilitate the implementation of tele-healthcare. The consortium consists of distinguished specialist partners – Leeds University, ELISHA Systems Ltd, The Ryedale Group, The Needham Group, Amies Innovation and P1 Technology, with Intrinsiq Materials leading the programme and providing their novel copper ink and sintering technology.

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.