Rapid diagnostic biosensors for the detection of respiratory viruses (VIRASENS)
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Inst for Cell and Molecular Biosciences
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and others, such as influenza, are widespread and serious infections especially important in the very young and the very old. RSV for example presents in its early stages much like bacterial infections but the treatment required is fundamentally different e.g. anti /viral or anti bacterial. The wrong decision, either way, leads to lost time and complications which can be avoided by early accurate diagnosis. These diseases are thus prime examples of the need for point of care (POC) diagnosis rather than systems which require samples to be sent to a central laboratory. There are a range of approaches to POC including simple lateral flow devices like those used in pregnancy tests. Orla Protein Technologies Ltd is a company using the results from BBSRC funded research to design sensitive surfaces which allow electronic devices to detect biological molecules. These surfaces are used in a variety of systems but for this study they are employing a surface acoustic wave sensor manufactured in collaboration with a leading Japanese wireless communication firm, the Japan Radio Company. The device, a surface acoustic wave (or SAW) sensor is an electronic version of the well known tuning fork with its own defined note or resonant frequency. If small molecules bind to the surface of the device then this characteristic note changes and can be detected electronically. The signal is then sent wirelessly to a central device along with patient information, time, temperature and even a GPS reading. Thus the results are automatically logged and human error is avoided. The physician gets an immediate answer and can prescribe quickly and appropriately.All this depends upon the quality of the detection which relies upon a 5 nm thick layer which recognises characteristic proteins from the virus. Five nanometres is 30,000 times thinner than a sheet of standard A4 paper and the layer is thus an example of molecular scale engineering. Orla uses molecules which self-assemble into an oriented layer due to their design, thus the assembly upon the device are accomplished in a manner easier than painting / imagine painting a room by simply throwing a bucket of silk emulsion on the walls and ending up with a perfect layer that avoids the woodwork, ceiling and floor! The trick to this is in the molecular design of the mixture and much of this is protein engineering. Proteins are the target that we wish to recognise and usually we use other proteins to recognise them. The best examples of these are antibodies, produced in mice, which have been selected to recognise RSV or other viral proteins. The research project in this group will create engineered proteins that will co assemble with the antibodies to create a highly selective monolayer on the SAW device. This involves modifying the self assembling proteins to make very stable and precisely oriented antibody binding arrays, checking the structure of these proteins by biophysical methods, assembly of the proteins on model surfaces like the ones present on the SAW device and measurement of the resulting behaviour of the layers. The company will carry out measurements upon the devices under real life situations in the hands of prospective customers. The Lakey group will thus concentrate on the molecular engineering of the layer and will add value to the project by its access to facilities and expertise in protein engineering. As a preliminary step we will also use our biochemical knowledge to purify viral antigens from sterile materials supplied by VIRATOM. These are essential for quality control purposes and will provide an important resource to calibrate and improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the device. The final result of the project will be a highly selective and sensitive self assembling layer which can be transferred directly into the mass manufacture of the commercial SAW device.
People |
ORCID iD |
Jeremy Lakey (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Holt S
(2013)
In situ study of the impact of acidic and neutral deposition pH on alkane phosphate film formation and stability on TiO2
in RSC Advances
Lakey JH
(2009)
Neutrons for biologists: a beginner's guide, or why you should consider using neutrons.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Le Brun AP
(2015)
Engineered self-assembling monolayers for label free detection of influenza nucleoprotein.
in Biomedical microdevices
Le Brun AP
(2011)
Self-assembly of protein monolayers engineered for improved monoclonal immunoglobulin G binding.
in International journal of molecular sciences
Le Brun AP
(2011)
The structural orientation of antibody layers bound to engineered biosensor surfaces.
in Biomaterials
Description | We showed that a new diagnostic device based upon an inexpensive component of a mobile phone ( a SAW filter) could be modified with engineered proteins to make it into an accurate sensor for influenza and repisratory syncitial virus |
Exploitation Route | It will be used as a portable point of care diagnostic device |
Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | http://www.oj-bio.com |
Description | Ceation of spin out company OJ Bio. see www.ojbio.com |
First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
Sector | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Impact Types | Economic |
Title | Virasens |
Description | Hand held SAW based point of care sensor linked by blue tooth to a mobile phone, able to detect flu and RSV |
Type | Diagnostic Tool - Non-Imaging |
Current Stage Of Development | Refinement. Non-clinical |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2014 |
Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
Impact | The main impact was the creation of the company OJ BIO which is now activley developing the product with Biomedical Catalyst Funding |
URL | http://www.oj-bio.com |
Company Name | OJ-Bio |
Description | Created as joint venture between Orla Proteins and JRC of Japan to exploit technology partly developed during this grant award |
Year Established | 2009 |
Impact | OJ-Bio which has now created 6 full time jobs in Newcastle. OJ-Bio went on to be awarded a £1M Biomedical Catalyst grant to bring a flu and RSV mobile phone based sensor to the market and has attracted well over £1M in inward investment to the UK. |
Website | http://oj-bio.com/ |
Description | School Visit Ponteland |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We first visit the school and then later host the children in a practical lab in our institute . The result is a lot of excited kids talking about science and asking loads of questions School reports a more informed approach to science lessons after they have spent a day doing research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |