Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering have developed a novel assay for point-of-care testing for acute myocardial infarction.
Background:
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a substantial number of deaths and economic burdens. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an event within the spectrum of cardiovascular disease that demands rapid and accurate diagnosis. AMI is commonly detected using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays, which quantify the blood levels of proteins associated with myocardial damage. Existing techniques are costly and bulky, require skilled and trained operators, and have long turnaround times. This limits the use of such assays, particularly in remote and low-income regions, which have a higher prevalence of AMI. There remains an unmet need for a rapid and affordable method of detecting acute myocardial infarction.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering developed a paper-based high-sensitivity vertical flow assay for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). This system integrates a paper-based sensor with (1) nanoparticle amplification chemistry, (2) a portable reader with time-lapse imaging capability and (3) deep-learning analysis algorithms to achieve highly sensitive and accurate quantification of cTnI within 15 minutes. The system reported was designed to perform the assay and amplification with simple and user-friendly operational steps, allowing for point-of-care testing. This device provides a cost-effective point-of-care testing alternative to laboratory-based assays.
Potential Applications:
• Medical diagnostics
• Point-of-care testing
Advantages:
• High sensitivity
• Affordable
• Robust
• High-performance
Development-To-Date:
The first demonstration of the invention is complete (03/2019)
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2024-179
Lead Inventor:
Aydogan Ozcan