Magnetic Force-Assisted Biosensor

Project Description

Our research lab, in Boston University Photonics Center’s Business Innovation Center, is focused on the development of new diagnostic tests to support personalized therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from neurological conditions. Given the increasingly decentralized nature of healthcare and clinical trials, in part accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for easy-to-use, cost-effective remote monitoring tools in near-patient settings. To address this unmet need, we are focused on developing an electrochemical-based microfluidic platform to bridge the gap between multiple-biomarker strategies—that are more optimistic with complex, multifactorial diseases/conditions like Multiple Sclerosis—and their implementation as a part of routine clinical care/trials. Our platform—based on novel electrochemical sensing technology developed at Harvard University’s Wyss Institute—selectively detects protein biomarkers captured by antibodies that are coupled to a nano-composite coating on the electrode surface. The goal of this project will be to develop an electrode chip with a magnetic force-assisted enrichment system to improve the detection of low-abundant biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis. Researchers working on this project will learn about the application of protein biomarkers for neurological conditions and some of the interdisciplinary challenges associated with developing near-patient diagnostics.

Mentor

Daniel Lookadoo

2023 Timeline

Week 1: Introduction and general lab training
Week 2: Review the literature and ideate design
Week 3: Develop electrode chip
Week 4: Prototype electrode chip
Week 5: Functionalize magnetic nanoparticles
Week 6: Characterize and optimize functionalized surface
Week 7: Optimize parameters for immunoassay
Week 8: Evaluate prototype
Week 9: Make conclusions and report results
Week 10: Prepare and present findings