Delta Diagnostics: biosensors are going to save lives worldwide

Now that optical and biological experts have demonstrated the workings of the method in the laboratory, it is a matter of manufacturing a device that must be compact, light and affordable.

This involves point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics, in which a simple device can be used for all kinds of applications at home or at the GP surgery. This is based on the knowledge TNO has developed to detect biomarkers, i.e. proteins that at certain concentrations in the blood indicate specific diseases or disorders.

Rapid analysis

Prototypes have already been realized that are currently being validated for various applications. In the end it has to be a small, light box in which you place a disposable sensor cartridge with a drop of blood. Optical sensors register within a few minutes what protein concentrations are in the blood for a diagnosis. That is one application, but the biosensor can also detect a series of biomarkers at the same time.

Array of applications

There are multiple applications. In acute situations, a doctor or ambulance worker who has been called to help can immediately determine whether a person is having a heart attack or stroke and act on it quickly. For example, in screening applications, cancer can be diagnosed early. The biosensor is also a solution in remote areas where there is no clinical lab or even electricity is lacking.

Delta Diagnostics was founded by TNO in 2018 and will take the device from the lab to production.