Genome-wide qPCR with increased primer multiplexity for diagnostics and drug screening
This technology is a qPCR method that increases the number of genes measured per experiment, enabling highly multiplexed gene expression testing for drug screening and biomedical diagnostics.
Unmet Need: Fast, cost-effective multiplexed method for analyzing gene expression
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most widely used method for measuring gene expression, but current platforms are typically limited to analyzing only a small number of genes per experiment. In contrast, next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables genome-wide analysis but requires longer turnaround times and higher costs. For narrowly scoped studies targeting a few genes, existing qPCR methods are sufficient. However, faster characterization of the human genome and disease states demands gene expression analysis methods that are both cost- and time-efficient and capable of simultaneously measuring 100–10,000 targets without increasing workflow complexity.
The Technology: qPCR method for increasing the number of genes measured per experiment
This technology is a qPCR method that utilizes unique, optically barcoded microbeads and Raman spectroscopy to measure gene expression in a biological sample. These microbeads are surface-functionalized with relevant primers and loaded into a chip comprising up to 1,000,000 microwells, enabling increased qPCR multiplexity by several orders of magnitude. The ability to measure more genes per experiment decreases turnaround time for gene analysis results and lowers the cost per gene target, enabling characterization of the human genome at higher volumes and analysis of human disease states that involve many gene targets.
Applications:
- Tool for pathogen detection in patients
- Diagnostics for precision medicine approaches
- Drug screening tool
- Research tool for gene expression analyses and nucleic acid detection
- Environmental sampling and surveillance tool for biological contaminants
- Genetics-based prognostics
Advantages:
- Increased number of gene targets per qPCR run
- Broader genome characterization
- Cost-effective
- Lower turnaround time for broad gene expression analysis
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (WO2024/220599)
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU23284, CU22302
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu