Diagnostics

DNA nanoswitch calipers are a first-of-their-kind research tool that leverage DNA’s unique molecular qualities to study post-translational modifications on proteins to unlock a new frontier of medicine.

A synthetic biology-based molecular diagnostics platform that enables the creation of low-cost, highly accurate tests for non-clinical settings.

This nanotech-based diagnostic platform uses a unique nucleation mechanism that assembles a DNA "nanoseed" in the presence of a pathogen-derived biomarker that then is amplified within 15 minutes to create a signal for easy detection. It is highly robust, and cost-effective, and can be adapted to detect a variety of biomarkers.

With the imminent threat of new pandemics and frequent disease outbreaks exemplified by the recent Ebola and Zika epidemics, there is a growing need for low-cost, easily deployable and simple-to-use diagnostic tools. The Wyss Institute has developed paper-based synthetic gene networks as a next generation diagnostic technology for use in global healthcare crises and patient...

Handheld electrochemical sensors have revolutionized at-home medical testing for diabetics, but they have not yet been successfully applied to diagnosing other conditions. These sensors are based on the activity of an enzyme, and there are only a limited number of enzymes that can be used to detect biomarkers of human disease. An alternative, much more...

The Lab-on-a-Molecule platform leverages the Wyss Institute’s DNA nanotechnology technology for the high-throughput, low-cost screening of a wide range of chemical and biologic compounds to enable the discovery of first-in-class therapeutics for various conditions.

A non-invasive method to identify biomarkers of disease across cell types and develop diagnostics and monitoring systems.

Passive directional valves enable smaller and more complex microfluidics applications across of broad spectrum of future technologies, including diagnostics, drug development, and tissue engineering.

Soft, conductive hydrogels match the physical properties of the human brain, enabling the creation of electrodes and implantable devices that can improve brain-machine interfaces while reducing the risk of injury.

Sparkle is revolutionizing the binder assay industry by harnessing novel chemistry to create instant fluorescent biosensors for a wide variety of uses.

Electrochemical biosensors using a novel surface chemistry offer new opportunities for portable diagnostics with the potential to detect many disease biomarkers in animals and beyond.

The Problem The COVID-19 pandemic has made it starkly clear that the world lacks rapid, accurate diagnostic tests for pathogens. When patients arrive in a medical facility for treatment, the triage process is hindered by diagnostic tests that are inaccurate or take a long time to produce results. In addition, patients who are asymptomatic and...

In emergency medicine, blood lactate levels are a reliable real-time indicator of the severity and mortality risk of conditions that occur as a result of poor blood circulation and oxygen supply to organs and tissues (hypoperfusion), such as in patients with sepsis, cardiac arrest, stroke, major trauma, cystic fibrosis and other conditions. Lactate levels also...

A suite of diverse, multifunctional DNA nanotechnological tools with unique capabilities and potential for a broad range of clinical and biomedical research areas. Our DNA nanotechnology devices were engineered to overcome specific bottlenecks in the development of new therapies and diagnostics, and to help further our understanding of molecular structures.

The molecule histamine plays a primary role in the anaphylaxis reaction, which is a major cause of illness and death in people with severe allergies. Histamine is a very small molecule composed of only seventeen atoms, making it a challenging target to detect. To date, no diagnostic test exists that can measure histamine levels accurately...

The burgeoning field of synthetic biology is designing artificial gene circuits that recognize molecules in their environment and respond by regulating genes with desired activities. In the future, such capabilities could allow the engineering of cells as diagnostic or therapeutic devices, factories for the production of clinically or industrially coveted molecules, and as specialized devices...

Over 15 million Americans are at risk of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction triggered by exposure to certain foods, materials, medications, and insect bites. Every three minutes, a food reaction sends someone to the emergency room. In most individuals, anaphylactic shock can be prevented by administering the counteracting drug epinephrine, as soon as an attack...

The body’s ability to stop bleeding, also known as hemostasis, is critical for survival. For patients with blood clotting disorders, medical conditions requiring the use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet drugs, or who require treatment with extracorporeal devices that circulate their blood outside of the body, it is essential that care providers can rapidly monitor their...