Handylab Inc., a US based start up has recently come up with their latest technology-'Disposable Bio-Chip' also termed as Lab-on-Chip. The technology that spun out from research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The Bio-Chip, which has been developed over the last eight years at the University and then at Handylab Inc, can replace the current concept of diagnostics laboratories completely.

The chip that witnessed large number of Indians in the core technical team involved in its development was showcased in Pune at 'Tech meet' organised by the Pune chapter of TiE by Dr Nikhil Phadke. He has his roots in Pune and currently he is associated with Handylab Inc. as a senior scientist, who was also involved in the development of the chip. Dr Phadke was invited by TiE to demonstrate the technology.

Delving on the underlying technology Dr Phadke told Pharmabiz, the chip uses its proprietary microfluidic technology for detection and identification of infectious agents, cancer biomarkers and pharmacogentic analysis. The underlying core technologies is the use of on-chip thermo-pneumatic pumps to internally generate pressures to create and propel nanoliter size liquid plugs, and the use of novel heat-actuated valves, which together enable independent and accurate propulsion, control and appropriate mixing of sample and reagents within the microfluidic networks.

The chip enables adaptation of established or novel bench-scale genetic analyses by a simple scale down of the chemistries without the need for any radical modification. "The chip has the potential to run several independent analysis in parallel on a single device that allows for the development of portable multiple pathogen diagnostic systems,'' noted he.

The other set of core technologies, added he, comprise a novel DNA capture and release system that is capable of extracting target nucleic acid from a variety of organisms present in a broad range of clinical matrices (e.g. blood, vaginal swabs, rectal swabs, etc). This system is extremely rapid, has high yields, does not require the use of a centrifuge and has been demonstrated on the microfluidic format.

Commenting on how the chip is going to add new dimensions to the medical field he said, "The simplicity of the integrated microfluidics-based assay method creates the potential for building, for the first time, a self-contained, low-power consuming, device that is capable of accepting real-world samples (at real world sample volumes and sizes) and providing the end user with rapid unambiguous clinically relevant result.'' He further elaborated that the design allows for operation by minimally trained personnel at the point-of-care and without the need for any expensive ancillary equipment or supplies associated with traditional laboratories, and is especially suited for use in remote areas in developing nations

Dwelling on the future opportunities for their latest technology he said, "HandyLab is currently focusing on the North American markets. However, we are very interested in exploring opportunities in India and the developing world, and will be looking into these opportunities in detail in the coming months.'' According to him some of the areas of interest in India are - development of India specific applications such as multiplexed chips for HIV + TB detection along with strain and drug resistance information as well as panels for hepatitis and malaria, opportunities for mass scale manufacture of the disposable plastic chips and their on-board reagents, utilization of existing or novel locally developed standard or emerging disease diagnostic assays for adaptation on the chip format, and ability to carry out clinical trials or preclinical trials. HandyLab is currently exploring funding opportunities both internationally and locally for creating applications for developing regions, said he.

As far as the prices are concerned, disposables will be highly affordable. Said he, "Prices have not been determined as yet and will vary according to the tests desired on a chip. However the manufacturing costs are typically sub-dollar. The reusable portion is more expensive, but is not required in bulk.''