Technology

A biosensor generally consists of two major components: a recognition element which provides the specificity and selectivity of antigens and a physical transducer which translates the reaction event into electronic signal. In our devices, antibodies are used as antigen recognition elements and a shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) device is used as a physical transducer. 

OJ-Bio has the rights to SAW and measurement technology developed by leading electronics company, Japan Radio Co.  From its other parent, Orla Protein Technologies Ltd, OJ-Bio has proprietary technology for the assembly of highly ordered functional protein capture surfaces for such devices. 

Although SAW filters have long been used in wireless communication radios, such as mobile phones, the SAW devices we have developed here are highly innovative. The state-of-the-art sensor devices have air-cavities above the transducers composed of epoxy wall that surround the transducers and glass lids. They can be directly dipped into a liquid and a liquid can be directly applied onto the surface of the devices. This original structure is highly suitable to mass production. It allows a single-use sensor device at low cost.

Japan Radio have been leading manufacturers of Surface Acoustic Wave devices for over 30 years.  The devices are currently used in electronic devices such as mobile phones etc.  The SAW devices can be used as highly sensitive sensors because binding events at the sensor surface produce changes in the surface acoustic wave as it passes across the sensor surface. 

The OJ-Bio Ltd sensors are unique in that they do not require the construction of a channel or chamber over the sensor area.  The terminals are insulated from any liquid passing over the sensor chip.  This unique feature means that for the first time surface acoustic wave technology can be used to its full potential with biological samples.

We have also developed a measurement unit which can be constructed in a very simple hand-held format, similar to a mobile phone.  The ability to link results with a wireless network, and track devices through GPS technology is also available.

Working device and sensor-chip prototypes are available 

OJ-Bio has already developed working prototype readers and sensor chips that can be adapted to different assay requirements.  Importantly the functionality of the control box shown can be incorporated into a small printed circuit board which means that future sensors can be plugged into a hand-held device.