Point-of-care multiplexed surface plasmon resonance system for rapid biomarker detection supporting rapid diagnostics and treatment monitoring

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are considered a major threat to global health. CVD biomarkers in blood are important indicators for CVD, being currently analyzed in specialized laboratories through expensive and time-consuming procedures (several hours). Therefore, for the rapid detection of biomarkers in undiluted plasma, we developed a new multiplexed and portable diagnostic system, CardioSense, based on a proprietary surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology recently developed by us. For this, we also developed a biosensor for multiplexed SPR measurements, with increased sensitivity and robust to non-specific binding in undiluted plasma, as well as a portable and low-cost centrifugation system for rapid separation of plasma from blood. CVD biomarkers (B-natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin I and myoglobin) are simultaneously detected by sensitive angle resolved SPR measurements in very low volumes of undiluted plasma (~10 μl). The novel system allows biomarker levels detection in minutes, and is cost effective, compatible with mass-production, and could be tailored to other biomarkers with minimal technology change. After testing and validation in clinical trials, the developed point-of-care device is envisaged to be used for rapid diagnosis (of CVD, and other diseases with known blood markers) in point of needs in hospitals (emergency departments).