“muF4NaS” Platform: micro-Fluidic Platform for Neuroactive Steroids separation and detection

Technology description


The name of the technology: “muF4NaS” Platform: micro-Fluidic Platform for Neuroactive Steroids separation and detection
Challenge: There are no commercially available lab-on-a-chip solutions for neuroactive steroids separation/detection. However, superior start-up is promised by the longlasting collaboration with experts on neuroactive steroids detection and separation in human blood samples, as well as “know-how” in microdialysis and neuroscience/biomedicine
methods, and deep understanding of neuroactive steroids role in neuromodulation and
association with various neurological diseases.
Description: A lab-on-a-chip is a miniaturized device that combines one or several
analyses, such as DNA sequencing, immunoassays, steroids levels, or many others biochemical
detections. The history of lab-on-a-chip is de facto linked to the microfluidics that exploit
chemical-physical properties of liquids at a microscale. Microfluidics allow the analysis and
use of less volume of samples, chemicals and reagents reducing the global fees of applications.
Neuroactive steroids directly modulate the neurotransmitter receptors of the central nervous
system (CNS) by nongenomic pathway and thus influence the excitability of nervous tissue.
They are playing important role in the brain physiology, but also correlated with a
symptomatology and severity of diseases (epilepsy, schizophrenia, etc.).
There is a thin line in a balance of differently polar neuroactive steroids, and a violation of this
balance can serve as an important pointer into disease progression. A lab-on-a-chip solution
that allows to separate and detect neuroactive steroids based on their chemical-physical
properties can be applied to quickly indicate balance disruption.
Commercial opportunity: Lab-on-a-chip solution for the steroids separation and
detection can be later commercially used for:
• validation a neuroprotective effect of neurosteroids in the fetus.
• diagnostics of steroid endocrinopathies (Cushing's Disease / Cushing Disease, adrenal tumors,
gonadal dysfunction, subclinical hypercortisolism, diagnostics of adrenal dysfunctions,
comparison of chronological and physiological age (impact on immunity and mental abilities
from the point of view of adrenal cortex function, classification of some psychiatric diseases -
affective disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, reproductive disorders - (catamenial)
epilepsy, epilepsy in men, complications in pregnancy - intrahepatic cholestasis, premature
birth (namely, the estimation of the date of birth), diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancers,
endometriosis, ADHD.
• Last but not least, to perform timely and inexpensive quantification of disposable steroids.
IP protection status: The IP protection plan is being prepared
Development status:

Phase 2

Corresponds with TRL 3 and TRL 4

Feasibility study. There is a realistic design of the technology and the initial tests in the laboratory are leading to the specification of the technology requirements and its capabilities.

  • TRL 3 represents a complete idea of a technology with the design of concrete steps, tests and experiments that will need to be carried out to verify that the idea is realistic
  • TRL 4 is a verification of functionality in the laboratory. The result of TRL 4 is the so-called Proof-of-Concept. Technology is therefore designed and tested for its functionality under limited conditions
Partnering strategy: Collaboration investment licensing
More information:
Images: No picture inserted
Categories: Research Tools Pharma Diagnostics Life Science and Health
Owner of a technology: Center for Technology Transfer - National Institute of Mental Health CZ (NIMH)
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