2009 R&D 100 Winner
The eSensor XT-8 System from Osmetech Molecular Diagnostics, Pasadena, Calif., is the first FDA-cleared DNA microarray product based on electrochemical detection of DNA hybridization for molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. The system can detect multiple genetic variations that identify patients at risk for warfarin sensitivity. The eSensor is comprised of two components: the XT-8 instrument and the Warfarin Sensitivity Test Kit, which includes single-use cartridges and the reagents required for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyping. Electrochemical detection schemes eliminate the need for conventionally large, expensive optical scanners. The detection chips are produced inexpensively using printed circuit board-based fabrication technologies. A microfluidic cartridge design circulates the reaction fluid repeatedly through the cartridge, resulting in significant mixing enhancement. This allows the diffusion-limited DNA hybridization step to be completed in less than 10 minutes (as compared to 3 hours in the absence of mixing).
Technology
FDA-cleared DNA microarray product
Developer
Osmetech Molecular Diagnostics
