UROSENSE

Biomarker Applications for Nanotechnology and Imaging in Diabetes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'UroSense is a focussed research programme to generate new concepts from knowledge creation to knowledge transfer between innovative academic and dedicated industry partners utilising a systematic intersectoral secondment programme. The programme brings leading edge academic European LifeScience capacities of Diabetes research at Dublin City University, Ireland, together with the high-profile protein research center of University of Luxembourg to establish innovative biomarker utilisation. The nano-biotechnologies developed with established life science applications of Tethis S.p.A of Milano, Italy will be the SME partner to translate findings to microfluidic applications while GE Medical System of Sweden will integrate results to the recently established, robust molecular imaging technologies leading to novel diagnostics for the benefit of the diabetes patient. The Chinese partner is a leading biotech company in Guangzhou who will provide not only validation of results but also to develop access to the fastest growing global healthcare market benefiting both academic and industrial partners. All European partners are unequivocally in the leading edge in their own sectors sharing the vision of true impacts achieved with a new collaborative working model including efficient knowledge transfer and a shared clear scientific focus. Our consortium is particularly well balanced, focussed and well resourced to cover the value chain from discovery research to applications utilising novel intersectoral collaborations to expedite the utilisation process.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Diabetic kidney disease causes irreversible damage of kidney function and requires kidney replacement therapy. Non-invasive tools for early diagnostics of kidney damage can save lives and eliminate suffering.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded project 'Biomarker applications for nanotechnology and imaging in diabetes' (UROSENSE) is dedicated to novel biomarker identification in urine for diabetes diagnosis. The ongoing four-year project involves five European countries and China. Biomarker identification is followed by further analysis, translation into nano-microfluidic platforms and molecular imaging.

During the first two years of the project a multitude of biomarkers from urine were identified and isolated. Further improvements in the isolation protocols will lead to the increased yield of markers from both Caucasian and Chinese populations of diabetics.

Verification and further characterisation of biomarker molecules is progressing efficiently. Description of the glycosylation patterns of the urinary biomarkers added novel aspects to their isolation and utilisation. Use of characterised biomarkers in conventional and novel diagnostic methods (including mHealth applications) will take place in the second part of the project.

Translation of the achieved results into nano- and microflow diagnostic applications is under development, including access to a variety of proprietary nanopowder analytics. Assaying the nanopowder properties for selectivity for specific biomolecular groups will now allow selectively choosing the molecular groups of interest for further studies.

Integrating results with the recently established, robust molecular imaging technologies will lead to novel diagnostics for the benefit of diabetes patients.