Technology Overview

Bionanotechnology and electrochemistry provide the foundations for GeneFluidics' testing platform. Unlike traditional detection methods such as optical analysis, the patented GeneFluidics electrochemical sensor maintains high sensitivity even in unamplified, raw, and mixed samples. Proprietary nanometer-scale sensor surface treatments and a novel detection method provide for the ultra-sensitivity of our electrochemical sensor.

Electrochemical Detection

High Sensitivity Allows Assaying of Unamplified/Raw Samples

GeneFluidics' direct detection module measures health-specific and disease-specific biomolecules (DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and ions) in raw samples with ultra-high non-target amplified sensitivity. Sub-femtomolar (genetic material) and sub-pg/mL (protein) sensitivities are made possible by taking advantage of high turnover enzyme cycling. Cycling occurs when an enzyme is immobilized onto our sensors via an anchor probe/target/signal probe hybrid, substrate solution introduced, and a control bias potential applied at the sensor surface. Because of the short diffusion length (few tenths of a nanometer) between the immobilized enzymes and the sensor, the electron turnover from the corresponding redox reaction is such that over 20,000 electrons are transferred per enzyme per second. This enables a signal to be measured with just a few targets present.

A second factor driving sensitivity is GeneFluidics' exceptionally uniform nanoscale Self Assembled Monolayer ("SAM") (enabled by optical grade sensor flatness), which not only blocks non-specific binding of cellular debris, but also ensures a uniform anchor probe attachment for consistent readings. The SAM also acts as a filter that allows only our specific redox reactant to pass through the molecular matrices.

Materials

Low-Cost Components and Simple Construction Processes

Our design mission was to build a system that could rapidly deliver high-quality diagnostic information at a competitive price point. As such, we have designed for economical materials and manufacturing methods. Our instruments avoid the lasers and alignment systems required in optical detection methods, instead using only electronic circuitry. Our sensor chips are injection molded, using only plastic substrates and other low cost materials. By having designed for these materials from the start, quality is maintained while allowing high production volume and low costs for the end-user.