Biosensors

Introduction

e2v has invented a novel biosensor platform, that it plans to bring to the medical diagnostics and life science markets. It will initially be developed for protein quantification on a point of care platform. The technology combines the advantages of sensitivity from Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (SERRS) with a proprietary displacement assay using a single antibody.  The platform comprises a disposable chip that includes all of the reagents, is simple to use, and provides results in less than 10 minutes.

The SERRS technology allows detection of proteins at very low concentrations. This, coupled with its single antibody structure, enables quantification of biomarkers that are not easily measured on other platforms.

The system offers several unique advantages over other systems available for biomarker point of care analysis. It combines a multiplex capability, high sensitivity and high specificity, with a simple user protocol.  e2v biosensors has secured substantial intellectual property through 2 issued patent families and a further 11 pending.

About e2v Biosensors

e2v biosensors limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of e2v technologies plc (www.e2v.com) focused on developing and commercialising a series of novel, convenient-to-use protein detection tests for use in healthcare and related markets. The e2v biosensor technology combines an antibody capture step with a Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy signal and offers the simplicity of a disposable plastic chip with an assay design that avoids the need for labelling the sample.

In 2003, e2v technologies initiated a strategic R&D programme based on its novel, biosensor platform. Following significant investment in house, this has led to the formation in 2006 of a new subsidiary company called e2v biosensors limited (“e2v biosensors”). e2v biosensors is developing and commercialising a series of novel, convenient-to-use products for protein detection using simple, rapid, highly sensitive, reproducible and accurate methods.

Dr Paul Rodgers of Ithaka Life Sciences (www.ithaka.co.uk) was appointed as interim CEO of e2v biosensors in May 2008.

e2v biosensors has identified Point of Care diagnostics was identified as the principal market opportunity for its technology.  A highly sensitive Point of Care test for the cardiac biomarker Troponin is under development as a demonstrator of the e2v technology. Other opportunities in drug development and life sciences research have also identified.

The company is seeking partners for commercialisation of its technology and is interested in receiving contacts from organisations wishing to participate in the development of novel protein detection tests.