Low-cost lab on a chip for diagnostics, drug detection and more

European researchers have developed a rapid diagnostic system called LabOnFoil, which is based on smart cards and skin patches combined with a portable reader. Its test results can directly be sent to a remote computer, tablet or smartphone through a wireless connection, thus enabling access from anywhere in the world.

Conventional analytical methods often require a large sample volume and complicated time-consuming protocols. The objective of the project was to develop ultra-low-cost laboratories on chips (LOCs) without penalisation in time response, sensitivity or simplicity of use.

LabOnFoil received €5.3 million in research funding under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). According to project coordinator Dr Jesus Ruano-López, based at the IK4-IKERLAN research centre, 13 partners in eight countries worked during four years on the project, combining “skills in microtechnology, molecular biology, materials and electronics to develop this novel technology for rapid and low-cost diagnosis”.

The product’s cocaine detection patch can identify drugs in human sweat, which it samples straight through the skin. The patch collects data which can be examined in real time by a portable reader or stored for later analysis - over a period from 24 hours to 10 days.

A smart card has been developed to monitor colon cancer. It is inserted in the reader with a few drops of a patient’s blood. The card can identify a specific protein which increases in case of recurrence of the disease. The technique is not invasive and allows a close follow-up of the patient at reduced costs.

Another smart card can detect pathogens in food. It focuses on Campylobacter and Salmonella, the most common bacterial infections in Europe. The water contamination card meanwhile analyses phytoplankton in a sample of seawater, excessive concentrations of which can signal toxins or pollution which may be harmful to humans.

The researchers used foils, instead of traditional wafers, to create the cards and the patch, reducing production costs. After extensive validation tests - involving more than 600 samples - the devices were shown to be robust and reliable; they are now ready to be used by the market.

“The four applications that we developed present a real added value and they can be adapted in different scenarios, faster and more cost effectively than ever before,” noted Dr Ruano-López. In addition, many more applications can be foreseen.

Several companies plan to commercialise the system. Spanish company POC MicroSolutions - a spin-off created by IK4-IKERLAN thanks to the project - is industrialising one of the prototypes for possible launch on the market in 2015. Irish company Biosensia is currently integrating new features to the skin patch in order to create an industrial version. Meanwhile, DTU Nanotech in Denmark is opening a new line of business in the field of technologies for rapid onsite testing of food-based pathogens.

The diagnostic system could enable rapid reactions in cases of health or environmental crisis and, ultimately, save lives.

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