| SMART
Sensing
Cambridge
Life Sciences has been working in immunosensor
development for several years, being involved
in a number of collaborative research projects
with other companies and academic institutions.
Together with the Medical School of the University
of Newcastle we have developed a novel immunosensor
based on capacitance measurements of enzyme-catalysed
polymer degradation. It works by monitoring
the capacitance changes in an electrode, which
result from the partial or complete removal
of an insulating polymer film from its surface
due to the occurrence of an enzymic reaction.
The figure below shows a diagram of the operation
principles of the sensor.
There
are endless possible applications for this generic
detection and measurement platform, from its
natural specificity to its ability to provide
quantifiable results it offers different solutions
for everyone.
Keep
it Specific
Because
interference and noise leads to dubious results.
The
biological/chemical recognition step intrinsic
to the immunosensor allows for precise reliable
detection of the analyte of interest without
the interference of other species. Accuracy
makes immunosensing ideal for applications in
health diagnostics, environmental monitoring
and food industries. Single tests to evaluate
any one component and multiple tests to generate
characteristic fingerprints of a sample, both
can be achieved following an immunosensor approach.
Keep
it Measurable
Because
a yes/no answer might not be sufficient and
is subject to the operator's interpretation.
An
immunosensors' ability to incorporate impedance
analysis techniques means a quantitative result
is generated for each test, eliminating the
need for further tests leading to more expensive
and time consuming procedures. With no extra
steps necessary, simple to use and simple to
analyse, they are perfect where on-site decisions
need to be made; on-field applications, emergency
services or home use.
Keep it Adaptable
Because
inflexible designs make incompatible fast-ageing
technology.
Immunosensors can be manufactured in different
shapes and applied to any biological or chemical
process which involves changes in the electrostatic
characteristics of the sample. Therefore, the
same sensing body is able to measure a whole
range of analytes only by changing the biological/chemical
recognition step. Complete families of devices
can be designed using a generic immunosensor
as a common platform, reducing development costs
and effort. From groups of markers for a specific
disease in medical diagnostics to a heterogeneous
collection of properties in quality control
for environmental control or food production,
the possibilities are endless.
Keep it Robust
Because
rapid testing is not about handling with care
and trained personnel.
Immunosensors
use treated plastics as solid substrate. As
long as they are kept dry while stored they
can be kept in optimum condition for years,
they are virtually unbreakable, ideal for portability,
emergency situations and field use.
Keep Technology
Friendly
Because
technology is about putting science into practice
and making ideas work.
Immunosensor
devices keep it simple. Economical and easy
to construct sensors able to work as transducing
platforms for multiple analytes, their broad
applicability, reliability and wide dynamic
range make them adaptable to virtually any field
and situation.
Let
us know your needs and explore the solutions
this novel immunosensor technology has to offer.
Immunosensors
in Practice - Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis
Heart
and circulatory diseases are to blame for the
highest percentage of deaths in the Western
world nowadays. Poor diagnostic efficiency lead
to numerous mistakes and misuse of hospital
resources and prompt, accurate diagnosis is
still seeing as a future aim.
Cambridge
Life Sciences together with the University of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne has applied immunosensors'
technology to the development of a quantitative
near-patient device to allow for rapid prediction
of MI episodes and reliable cardiac monitoring
at Emergency Units, paramedics, GP surgeries,
etc…More
Contact
us if you are interested in this or other
applications.
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