Biosensor Technology Will Offer Immunoassay at POC

A unique biosensor technology has the potential to offer lab-quality immunoassay results at point of care (POC).

The new technology, Magnotech, offers the possibility of taking certain complex in vitro diagnostic tests out of the laboratory and into a decentralized setting--including critical care treatment centers, ambulances, general practitioner clinics, and the home. Its biggest impact is likely to be on improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Integrated into a disposable biosensor cartridge that inserts into a hand-held analyzer, Magnotech uses magnetic nanoparticles to measure target molecules in very low, picomolar concentrations in blood or saliva--in a few minutes. The main features of the Magnotech technology are: small sample volumes, ease of use, multianalyte systems, sensitive lab results, and speed.

Philips has demonstrated proof-of-concept for its new biosensor technology in a variety of biologic assays, including sandwich assays for the detection of cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and inhibition assays to detect several drugs-of-abuse molecules.

Currently, measuring very low concentrations of biomarkers for the diagnosis of, for example, cardiovascular disease, requires laboratory analysis, large sample volumes, and a time-to-result delay of between 30-60 min.

Royal Philips Electronics (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) unveiled the unique biosensor technology, Magnotech, on November 19-22 at Medica 2008, in Dusseldorf, Germany. Marcel van Kasteel, vice president and CEO of Philips Handheld Immunoassays, explained, "Longterm, we envisage that different testing stations--both conventional, automated labs, and these new, mobile handheld systems--will be part of a diagnostic network, using wired or wireless connectivity and sophisticated healthcare informatics solutions to store and assist in interpreting the data. Clinical decision support systems and data mining would be used to enable fast and accurate decision making."

Magnotech is the brainchild of Prof. Dr. Menno Prins, a research fellow at Philips Research, and professor at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE; Eindhoven, the Netherlands) where he is head of the "Molecular Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics” group.

Please see related links below for a video demonstrating the Magnotech technology.

Royal Philips Electronics is a leader in healthcare, lifestyle, and lighting. The company integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer needs and insights.

Related Links:
Royal Philips Electronics
Eindhoven University of Technology
Video: Magnotech technology