Kansas Patent of the Month – September 2023
Foothold Labs, Inc. has committed their talents to making lab-quality results accessible and approachable. To achieve this, they are developing technology that promises to revolutionize the way we conduct electrochemistry tests.
Electrochemical technology is used to test specimen samples to determine the composition of the sample. This is done by identifying the wave pattern of the sample and is often used to detect explosives, narcotics, and toxic industrial chemicals. However, most electrochemistry testing systems require laboratory conditions and are rather expensive. In order to make this technology more accessible, the company has developed a mobile lab-on-a-chip diagnostic system.
The system comprises several key components:
- Testing Receptacle Device: This device is the heart of the system, housing the specimen sample and facilitating the electrochemistry test. It includes a receptacle with a swab guide and a lid.
- Test Sensor Cartridge: Inserted into the testing receptacle device, the test sensor cartridge contains a functionalized electrode strip with an electrode well contact point.
- Diagnostic Device: This device, which can be a potentiostat, is essential for carrying out electrochemical analysis. It includes a docking port for the testing receptacle device.
- Swab Guide: Inside the testing receptacle device, the swab guide plays a crucial role in directing the specimen sample to the electrode well contact point. It includes an angled surface wall and fins to guide the sample effectively.
- Continuous Opening: The lid of the testing receptacle device features a continuous opening aligned with the swab guide, allowing easy insertion of the specimen sample.
The mobile lab-on-a-chip diagnostic system is operated by obtaining a specimen sample on the testing swab and inserting a test sensor cartridge into the receptacle device. The swab is then inserted through an opening in the lid, directly contacting the electrode well contact point. An electrochemical diagnostic technique is applied to analyze the specimen sample’s electrochemical signature.
Marketed as NanoRev, the system is a modular solution, adaptable for a variety of applications including drug tests, stress and fatigue testing, testing for cancer related biomarkers and more. Regardless of the application, the solution provides a method of achieving lab-quality results without the need for a lab or highly trained personnel.
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