This technology is a multiplex, array-based serologic assay for the rapid diagnosis of tick-borne illnesses.
Current methods to diagnose tick-borne diseases (TBDs) consist of multi-step, labor-intensive laboratory methods that measure protein concentrations in serologic samples. However, these approaches are limited in accuracy and sensitivity, often leading to false positives, and fail to diagnose early-stage tick-borne illnesses.
This technology, termed TBD-Serochip, is a programmable peptide microarray platform that can detect antibodies against key pathogens of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in a rapid and accurate manner. An array of up to 172,000 target peptides generates a comprehensive antigenic profile from the most prominent TBD agents, and can be further expanded as new pathogens are identified. Fabrication of the array with semiconductor printing technology enables continuous and affordable modifications for specific needs. As such, this technology has the potential to streamline the diagnosis of TBDs, thereby enabling novel insights into the pathology and epidemiology of TBDs.
This technology has been validated with human serum samples.
Patent Pending (US20200255889)
IR CU17323, CU19325
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman