Japan Radio Co., Ltd (JRC: Headquarters: Suginami-ku, Tokyo, President: Takayoshi Tsuchida) and OJ-Bio Ltd (OJ-Bio: Headquarters: Newcastle,UK, CEO: Dale Athey) have jointly developed a multichannel SAW Biosensor which is capable of multiple diagnoses.OJ-Bio showcased this latest development at the MedicaTrade Fair from 20 November 2013.
There is a need for rapid, simple and low-cost point of care tests for respiratory viruses. Our technology enables SAW technology to be used to its full potential with biological samples and the resulting devices are able to detect disease antigens in samples from serum, urine, or saliva. The biochips translate antibody-antigen binding events from samples into an electronic signal, successfully combining rapid disease diagnosis with inbuilt wireless connectivity.
OJ-Bio has developed immunoassay-based biosensors for the detection of three respiratory virus pathogens such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A and Influenza B. It enables one chip to detect three different viruses at the same time. It is also possible to apply this technology for the detection of lifestyle related diseases, pregnancy tests, and veterinary diagnostics. As well as respiratory diseases, OJ-Bio is currently involved in clinical development programmes for point of care diagnosis of HIV and periodontal gum disease. A fully functional handheld pilot device has been developed. It consists of a detector and a disposable multichannel chip. The detector connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth.
The device could be used for consumer diagnostic applications, in remote or rural areas or to monitor clinical conditions where the results require rapid interpretation or response.
OJ-Bio exhibited this handheld pilot device at the Medica Trade Fair (Wednesday 20 November - Saturday 23 November, 2013).
The company's advanced technology is now ready for pilot production as a reliable and cost-effective point of care diagnostic sensor. JRC continues to strongly support OJ-Bio to commercialise this SAW biosensor.