Project acronym BioBarPro
Project A Hot-Spot Bio-Barcode Strategy for Prognostic Biomarkers In Colorectal Cancer
Researcher (PI) Shana Sturla
Host Institution (HI) EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2015-PoC, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is caused by alterations in genes that regulate tissue growth and the risk of developing CRC is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Although CRC is often preventable by removing precursor lesions, screening efforts have been hampered by low participation rates and by performance limitations of the screening tools themselves. Detection of blood in faeces is currently the most common screening tool, while stool DNA testing of molecular markers has emerged as a biologically rational and user-friendly strategy for the non-invasive detection of CRC and critical precursor lesions. This advance has significantly increased performance in detecting CRC, but still more than half of the precancerous lesions cannot be detected. The stool DNA test performance for detecting precancerous lesions is expected to be improved substantively by including a completely new type of biomarker, those formed earlier than genetic mutations in the process of carcinogenesis. Such biomarkers are DNA adducts; DNA molecules bound to chemicals. If not repaired, these DNA adducts generate mutations. Herein, we propose to expand an ERC-funded research result into a kit for measuring CRC-initiating DNA adducts in a stool sample. This kit will enable personalized feedback that quantitatively integrates environmental and genetic factors in colon-cancer associated DNA damage. We have filed a patent application for the chemical basis of the technology and have partnered with an ETH spin-off for the scientific development of our existing proof of principle assay to a prototype kit. In parallel to the scientific work, during the Proof of Concept phase, we will address a phase of the overall commercialization plan that involves licensing the technology to a business partner in the life sciences sector.
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is caused by alterations in genes that regulate tissue growth and the risk of developing CRC is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Although CRC is often preventable by removing precursor lesions, screening efforts have been hampered by low participation rates and by performance limitations of the screening tools themselves. Detection of blood in faeces is currently the most common screening tool, while stool DNA testing of molecular markers has emerged as a biologically rational and user-friendly strategy for the non-invasive detection of CRC and critical precursor lesions. This advance has significantly increased performance in detecting CRC, but still more than half of the precancerous lesions cannot be detected. The stool DNA test performance for detecting precancerous lesions is expected to be improved substantively by including a completely new type of biomarker, those formed earlier than genetic mutations in the process of carcinogenesis. Such biomarkers are DNA adducts; DNA molecules bound to chemicals. If not repaired, these DNA adducts generate mutations. Herein, we propose to expand an ERC-funded research result into a kit for measuring CRC-initiating DNA adducts in a stool sample. This kit will enable personalized feedback that quantitatively integrates environmental and genetic factors in colon-cancer associated DNA damage. We have filed a patent application for the chemical basis of the technology and have partnered with an ETH spin-off for the scientific development of our existing proof of principle assay to a prototype kit. In parallel to the scientific work, during the Proof of Concept phase, we will address a phase of the overall commercialization plan that involves licensing the technology to a business partner in the life sciences sector.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-12-01, End date: 2017-05-31
Project acronym CARBOTIGHT
Project Diffusion Barrier Layers and Anticorrosive Coatings from Functional Carbon Nanosheets
Researcher (PI) Holger FRAUENRATH
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Materials with excellent diffusion barrier properties are highly relevant for packaging applications (food, pharmaceutics), sealing (car tires), protective encapsulation (microelectronics, photovoltaics, displays), and anticorrosive coatings (automotive). In all these fields of application, there is a strong technological demand for more effective, less costly, and environmentally benign solutions, which constitutes a significant business opportunity. The proposed project aims to develop novel barrier layers and anticorrosive coatings based on functionalized carbon nanosheets that are prepared from reactive, carbon-rich molecular precursors with chemical functional groups that provide surface-specific binding and adhesion. These materials combine the excellent barrier and anticorrosive properties of atomically dense carbon or inorganic thin film coatings with the tailored surface properties of monolayer coatings. Moreover, their preparation will be compatible with scalable and inexpensive solution-phase processing methods such as painting, spraying, or printing, followed by UV curing. The goal of the proposed project is to provide technology demonstrators for a diffusion barrier layer aimed at packaging applications, as well as for a wear-resistant, anti-corrosive coating on a metal surface.
Summary
Materials with excellent diffusion barrier properties are highly relevant for packaging applications (food, pharmaceutics), sealing (car tires), protective encapsulation (microelectronics, photovoltaics, displays), and anticorrosive coatings (automotive). In all these fields of application, there is a strong technological demand for more effective, less costly, and environmentally benign solutions, which constitutes a significant business opportunity. The proposed project aims to develop novel barrier layers and anticorrosive coatings based on functionalized carbon nanosheets that are prepared from reactive, carbon-rich molecular precursors with chemical functional groups that provide surface-specific binding and adhesion. These materials combine the excellent barrier and anticorrosive properties of atomically dense carbon or inorganic thin film coatings with the tailored surface properties of monolayer coatings. Moreover, their preparation will be compatible with scalable and inexpensive solution-phase processing methods such as painting, spraying, or printing, followed by UV curing. The goal of the proposed project is to provide technology demonstrators for a diffusion barrier layer aimed at packaging applications, as well as for a wear-resistant, anti-corrosive coating on a metal surface.
Max ERC Funding
149 500 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-02-01, End date: 2017-01-31
Project acronym DEGLUMINATE
Project Light-Responsive Adhesives for Debond-on-Demand Solutions
Researcher (PI) Christoph Weder
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Adhesives that debond-on-demand through application of an external stimulus are highly relevant for manufacturing (semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, sportswear), healthcare applications (wound dressing, transdermal patches), and numerous other domains, and they can significantly contribute to the sustainable use of materials (repairing, reworking, recycling). In all cases, there is a technological need for effective and environmentally benign solutions that provide secure adhesion during use, while also permitting for a simple and clean separation of bonded parts “on command” without the need for additional complex process steps.
The proposed project aims to develop new debond-on-demand adhesives based on the combination of low-molecular weight functional polymers and light-responsive degradable cross-linking agents. The new materials are expected to combine optimal adhesive properties for a wide range of substrates with a new mechanism that enables straightforward and efficient, ultraviolet light-induced debonding at ambient temperature. The debonding mechanism involves two different effects that are combined in a synergistic manner: the controlled degradation of the cross-linker transforms polymer networks into low-molecular weight polymers, and the simultaneous release of nitrogen gas “propels” the bonded parts away from each other. The degraded polymer residues can be easily removed and clean debonded components are furnished. The overarching goals of the proposed project are to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and implementation by (i) providing a better understanding for the mechanism at play; (ii) demonstrating the effect in a variety of adhesive platforms based on polymers that are employed in current adhesive technologies; and (iii) providing technology demonstrators for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and cold-cured two-component adhesives with debond-on-demand properties.
Summary
Adhesives that debond-on-demand through application of an external stimulus are highly relevant for manufacturing (semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, sportswear), healthcare applications (wound dressing, transdermal patches), and numerous other domains, and they can significantly contribute to the sustainable use of materials (repairing, reworking, recycling). In all cases, there is a technological need for effective and environmentally benign solutions that provide secure adhesion during use, while also permitting for a simple and clean separation of bonded parts “on command” without the need for additional complex process steps.
The proposed project aims to develop new debond-on-demand adhesives based on the combination of low-molecular weight functional polymers and light-responsive degradable cross-linking agents. The new materials are expected to combine optimal adhesive properties for a wide range of substrates with a new mechanism that enables straightforward and efficient, ultraviolet light-induced debonding at ambient temperature. The debonding mechanism involves two different effects that are combined in a synergistic manner: the controlled degradation of the cross-linker transforms polymer networks into low-molecular weight polymers, and the simultaneous release of nitrogen gas “propels” the bonded parts away from each other. The degraded polymer residues can be easily removed and clean debonded components are furnished. The overarching goals of the proposed project are to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and implementation by (i) providing a better understanding for the mechanism at play; (ii) demonstrating the effect in a variety of adhesive platforms based on polymers that are employed in current adhesive technologies; and (iii) providing technology demonstrators for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and cold-cured two-component adhesives with debond-on-demand properties.
Max ERC Funding
149 250 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-06-01, End date: 2017-05-31
Project acronym HETSPRESSO
Project A cartridge based flow chemistry machine for the automated synthesis of N-heterocycles for drug discovery
Researcher (PI) Jeffrey William BODE
Host Institution (HI) EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Saturated N-heterocycles are an important class of compounds and are attractive as scaffolds in the development of new pharmaceuticals. As part of ERC supported research, we identified a new class of chemical reagents – “SnAP Reagents” – that alleviate previous synthetic challenges. These SnAP reagents enable the synthesis of more drug-like saturated N-heterocycles, including some of the most sought after, but most difficult to prepare scaffolds. They have been successfully commercialized and are in high demand.
This high consumer demand, which is indicative of the interest in these products, is despite the disadvantages of this methodology: use of toxic materials, long reaction times, and relatively complicated reaction setups and workups. Furthermore, the sales of the reagents – while successful – have low margins and there are few opportunities for IP protection. We have therefore begun development of an innovative, cartridge-based, fully automated, stand-alone machine for conducting SnAP chemistry in a safe, rapid, and convenient manner. This approach provides a clear roadmap for a sustainable, successful Startup Entity by the development and sale of proprietary machines and disposable cartridges.
The ERC PoC funding will be used to assemble sufficient prototype machines and develop disposable cartridges for initial sales and marketing efforts. The successful assembly of a working prototype will provide the basis for the sale of first generation machines and a revenue stream for establishing a sustainable business. We have already identified interested parties who will purchase the first-generation instruments and provide valuable feedback for improving and optimizing their operation. In the longer-term, it is expected that sales of the disposable reagent cartridges and development of new machines that follow the same principles will emerge as the main activities of the start up company. We will also translate the technology and IP to other chemistries.
Summary
Saturated N-heterocycles are an important class of compounds and are attractive as scaffolds in the development of new pharmaceuticals. As part of ERC supported research, we identified a new class of chemical reagents – “SnAP Reagents” – that alleviate previous synthetic challenges. These SnAP reagents enable the synthesis of more drug-like saturated N-heterocycles, including some of the most sought after, but most difficult to prepare scaffolds. They have been successfully commercialized and are in high demand.
This high consumer demand, which is indicative of the interest in these products, is despite the disadvantages of this methodology: use of toxic materials, long reaction times, and relatively complicated reaction setups and workups. Furthermore, the sales of the reagents – while successful – have low margins and there are few opportunities for IP protection. We have therefore begun development of an innovative, cartridge-based, fully automated, stand-alone machine for conducting SnAP chemistry in a safe, rapid, and convenient manner. This approach provides a clear roadmap for a sustainable, successful Startup Entity by the development and sale of proprietary machines and disposable cartridges.
The ERC PoC funding will be used to assemble sufficient prototype machines and develop disposable cartridges for initial sales and marketing efforts. The successful assembly of a working prototype will provide the basis for the sale of first generation machines and a revenue stream for establishing a sustainable business. We have already identified interested parties who will purchase the first-generation instruments and provide valuable feedback for improving and optimizing their operation. In the longer-term, it is expected that sales of the disposable reagent cartridges and development of new machines that follow the same principles will emerge as the main activities of the start up company. We will also translate the technology and IP to other chemistries.
Max ERC Funding
149 040 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-11-01, End date: 2018-04-30
Project acronym InInVi
Project Automatically Interactivised and Individualised Videos
Researcher (PI) Luc Luc Seraphina Jacobus Van Gool
Host Institution (HI) EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary InInVi originates from augmented reality (AR) research within the ERC project VarCity. Our findings from VarCity of highly robust plane tracking combined with state-of-the-art object recognition enables very robust and qualitatively very high augmentations. In this PoC project, we transfer these findings into commercial applications in the live TV production business. Here, mechanical, inflexible solutions dominate to create overlays or AR animations, for instance step sensors to measure the field of view of a camera. As the purely visually operating proof-of-concept technology allows to overcome many of their limitations, e.g. high set-up costs or the assumption of a fixed camera location, it provides new opportunities in video-on-demand, live TV and live streaming.
Summary
InInVi originates from augmented reality (AR) research within the ERC project VarCity. Our findings from VarCity of highly robust plane tracking combined with state-of-the-art object recognition enables very robust and qualitatively very high augmentations. In this PoC project, we transfer these findings into commercial applications in the live TV production business. Here, mechanical, inflexible solutions dominate to create overlays or AR animations, for instance step sensors to measure the field of view of a camera. As the purely visually operating proof-of-concept technology allows to overcome many of their limitations, e.g. high set-up costs or the assumption of a fixed camera location, it provides new opportunities in video-on-demand, live TV and live streaming.
Max ERC Funding
149 876 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-03-01, End date: 2017-08-31
Project acronym math4AAArisk
Project A mathematical platform for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism risk assessment and surgical planning
Researcher (PI) Alfio Maria Quarteroni
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2015-PoC, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Abdominal Aneurysm of the Aorta (AAA) is a degenerative disease of the last segment of the abdominal aorta, representing the 14th leading cause of death for the 60 to 85 year-old age group in US. An estimated 80 million people aged 60 years and older are at risk in Western Europe. To date the most commonly used clinical protocol for surgical acceptance is based on the estimate of AAA diameter. The report prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality came to the conclusion that: the annual risk of rupture is 1% or lower for a diameter less than 5.5 cm; the 1-year risk of rupture increases with the aneurysm size; it may exceed 10% in the individuals with diameters above 6 cm.
Assessment of AAA rupture risk has long been a topic of interest in clinical research setting. The ability to estimate patient specific probability of AAA rupture can lead to reduced health care costs, adequate and timely patient diagnostic and comfort.
Math4AAArisk aims at the realization of a mathematical platform to support clinicians through the following steps: (A1) From medical imaging to sizing and morphological characterization of AAA, (A2) Preliminary risk evaluation, (A3) Computer simulation and enhanced risk assessment, (B1) Automatic surgery planner, (C1) Anonymous data base storage.
The proposed mathematical platform yields quantitative physical indicators in real time at the sole request of inputting a few clinical measurements; it is patient adapted, as it integrates with patient’s radiological images, under full control of clinicians; it is aimed at improving the diagnostic analysis and possibly the surgical planning. We wish to establish the viability for a market exploitation of the math4AAArisk platform and identify possible later stage funding opportunities.
Summary
Abdominal Aneurysm of the Aorta (AAA) is a degenerative disease of the last segment of the abdominal aorta, representing the 14th leading cause of death for the 60 to 85 year-old age group in US. An estimated 80 million people aged 60 years and older are at risk in Western Europe. To date the most commonly used clinical protocol for surgical acceptance is based on the estimate of AAA diameter. The report prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality came to the conclusion that: the annual risk of rupture is 1% or lower for a diameter less than 5.5 cm; the 1-year risk of rupture increases with the aneurysm size; it may exceed 10% in the individuals with diameters above 6 cm.
Assessment of AAA rupture risk has long been a topic of interest in clinical research setting. The ability to estimate patient specific probability of AAA rupture can lead to reduced health care costs, adequate and timely patient diagnostic and comfort.
Math4AAArisk aims at the realization of a mathematical platform to support clinicians through the following steps: (A1) From medical imaging to sizing and morphological characterization of AAA, (A2) Preliminary risk evaluation, (A3) Computer simulation and enhanced risk assessment, (B1) Automatic surgery planner, (C1) Anonymous data base storage.
The proposed mathematical platform yields quantitative physical indicators in real time at the sole request of inputting a few clinical measurements; it is patient adapted, as it integrates with patient’s radiological images, under full control of clinicians; it is aimed at improving the diagnostic analysis and possibly the surgical planning. We wish to establish the viability for a market exploitation of the math4AAArisk platform and identify possible later stage funding opportunities.
Max ERC Funding
147 400 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-12-01, End date: 2016-11-30
Project acronym mR-NIPD
Project Proof of Concept study for ERC NIPD discovered biomarkers
Researcher (PI) Philippos Patsalis
Host Institution (HI) NIPD GENETICS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Scientific and medical evidence indicate that non-invasive prenatal testing, known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a safer alternative to invasive tests that might put the pregnancy at risk. Modern NIPT examine traces of fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether the fetus is at risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as, but not limited to, Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13) and Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18). In this ERC Proof of Concept Grant (mR-NIPD), we anticipate to correlate already discovered DNA biomarkers of the ERC NIPD (funded ERC) with biomarkers in mRNA transcripts. The method, directly related to the currently funded ERC, will use m6A-specific methylated mRNA immunoprecipitation combined with Next Generation Sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) on fetal and maternal mRNA samples. As a result, we aim to increase the number of fetal specific biomarkers and provide a novel, cost-effective non-invasive prenatal test that will be accessible to all pregnant women independent from social and economic status
Summary
Scientific and medical evidence indicate that non-invasive prenatal testing, known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a safer alternative to invasive tests that might put the pregnancy at risk. Modern NIPT examine traces of fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether the fetus is at risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as, but not limited to, Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13) and Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18). In this ERC Proof of Concept Grant (mR-NIPD), we anticipate to correlate already discovered DNA biomarkers of the ERC NIPD (funded ERC) with biomarkers in mRNA transcripts. The method, directly related to the currently funded ERC, will use m6A-specific methylated mRNA immunoprecipitation combined with Next Generation Sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) on fetal and maternal mRNA samples. As a result, we aim to increase the number of fetal specific biomarkers and provide a novel, cost-effective non-invasive prenatal test that will be accessible to all pregnant women independent from social and economic status
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-12-01, End date: 2018-05-31
Project acronym NeuroPsense
Project Embedded Neuromorphic Sensory Processor
Researcher (PI) Giacomo INDIVERI
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT ZURICH
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Neuromorphic computing has demonstrated high potential for creating computing systems with order-of-magnitude improvements in energy efficiency and robustness to noisy or unreliable sensory signals, such as those inherent in vision. However, a significant roadblock to realizing the full potential of this emerging brain-inspired technology is the current practical need to use inefficient and slow (high latency) legacy von Neumann architectures to convert the input data that needs to be processed, and supply it to the neuromorphic system for further processing.
A promising solution to this problem is the recent availability of state-of-the-art neuromorphic sensors, which produce asynchronous event-based output in a form for neuromorphic processing. In parallel, we have developed state-of-the-art neuromorphic processors in the ERC NeuroP project, opening the path to creating fully neuromorphic combined sensing and processing systems.
Here we will demonstrate the potential of this technology by building a proof of concept Neuromorphic Sensory Processor (NSP), which will directly interface the neuromorphic Dynamic Vision Sensor with one of the neuromorphic processor devices developed in the ERC NeuroP project. This will represent the first ever general-purpose, end-to-end, fully neuromorphic vision sensing and processing system available for general usage.
In this project we will build a technology demonstrator and a detailed commercial business case for this technology, and demonstrate both its technological and commercial advantages. Possible applications for the technology include ultra-high performance and ultra-low power visual processing in ambient surveillance, driver assistance, mobile/wearable devices and robotics.
Summary
Neuromorphic computing has demonstrated high potential for creating computing systems with order-of-magnitude improvements in energy efficiency and robustness to noisy or unreliable sensory signals, such as those inherent in vision. However, a significant roadblock to realizing the full potential of this emerging brain-inspired technology is the current practical need to use inefficient and slow (high latency) legacy von Neumann architectures to convert the input data that needs to be processed, and supply it to the neuromorphic system for further processing.
A promising solution to this problem is the recent availability of state-of-the-art neuromorphic sensors, which produce asynchronous event-based output in a form for neuromorphic processing. In parallel, we have developed state-of-the-art neuromorphic processors in the ERC NeuroP project, opening the path to creating fully neuromorphic combined sensing and processing systems.
Here we will demonstrate the potential of this technology by building a proof of concept Neuromorphic Sensory Processor (NSP), which will directly interface the neuromorphic Dynamic Vision Sensor with one of the neuromorphic processor devices developed in the ERC NeuroP project. This will represent the first ever general-purpose, end-to-end, fully neuromorphic vision sensing and processing system available for general usage.
In this project we will build a technology demonstrator and a detailed commercial business case for this technology, and demonstrate both its technological and commercial advantages. Possible applications for the technology include ultra-high performance and ultra-low power visual processing in ambient surveillance, driver assistance, mobile/wearable devices and robotics.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-06-01, End date: 2017-11-30
Project acronym Time2Life
Project Advanced signal processing of time-domain data in mass spectrometry to leverage life sciences
Researcher (PI) Yury Tsybin
Host Institution (HI) SPECTROSWISS SARL
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2015-PoC, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Advances in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences require improved performance of even the most powerful analytical techniques to target the extreme complexity of modern biological samples. Due to its high performance, Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) is the central analytical technique in biomolecular analysis. Fourier transform (FT) drives FTMS by converting the time-domain (transient) data to mass spectra which, in turn, provide the biological information. Although FT is robust, it is inherently slow due to its strict uncertainty principle. Thus, many life sciences applications of FTMS are suffering from a limited throughput – data acquisition in FTMS should be done faster! Recent innovation results of our ERC Starting Grant “Super-resolution mass spectrometry for health and sustainability” have revealed the incredible power that methods of advanced signal processing, whose uncertainty principles are less strict than the FT one, have to offer to the everyday routine high-performance FTMS. Thus, we have rationally implemented existing and developed novel super-resolution and advanced signal processing methods to substantially speed up FTMS. While fundamental and technical feasibilities of our approach have been evaluated favorably at the lab level, turning these research outputs into a commercial proposition is yet to be demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of Time2Life is to translate our technology validated in lab into a robust industry-grade technology that accelerates high-performance biological mass spectrometry via the advanced signal processing of time-domain (transient) data and thus leverages life sciences applications. The industrial and academic end-users would be able to identify and quantify more analytes (e.g., peptides, proteins and metabolites) and thus enhance biological significance and accuracy of their research and clinical work. Notably, we target the unrepresented by SME area of time-domain data analysis in mass spectrometry.
Summary
Advances in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences require improved performance of even the most powerful analytical techniques to target the extreme complexity of modern biological samples. Due to its high performance, Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) is the central analytical technique in biomolecular analysis. Fourier transform (FT) drives FTMS by converting the time-domain (transient) data to mass spectra which, in turn, provide the biological information. Although FT is robust, it is inherently slow due to its strict uncertainty principle. Thus, many life sciences applications of FTMS are suffering from a limited throughput – data acquisition in FTMS should be done faster! Recent innovation results of our ERC Starting Grant “Super-resolution mass spectrometry for health and sustainability” have revealed the incredible power that methods of advanced signal processing, whose uncertainty principles are less strict than the FT one, have to offer to the everyday routine high-performance FTMS. Thus, we have rationally implemented existing and developed novel super-resolution and advanced signal processing methods to substantially speed up FTMS. While fundamental and technical feasibilities of our approach have been evaluated favorably at the lab level, turning these research outputs into a commercial proposition is yet to be demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of Time2Life is to translate our technology validated in lab into a robust industry-grade technology that accelerates high-performance biological mass spectrometry via the advanced signal processing of time-domain (transient) data and thus leverages life sciences applications. The industrial and academic end-users would be able to identify and quantify more analytes (e.g., peptides, proteins and metabolites) and thus enhance biological significance and accuracy of their research and clinical work. Notably, we target the unrepresented by SME area of time-domain data analysis in mass spectrometry.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-09-01, End date: 2016-08-31
Project acronym ULTIMA
Project ULTrafast Imaging sensor for Medical Applications
Researcher (PI) Paul René Michel Lecoq
Host Institution (HI) EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2015-PoC, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women. For lowering the mortality rates and improving life quality, it would be beneficial to diagnose and treat diseases early.
Dedicated Positron Emission Tomography (PET) application Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) has been developed for functional medical imaging of specific breast cancer biomarkers. PEM enables accurate detection of small malignant tumors at an earlier stage. However, it suffers from major limitations on becoming suitable for general screening purposes. One of the limitations is that the process exposes the patients to relatively high ionizing radiation doses causing poor total risk-benefit ratios.
The project addresses this challenge and contributes to providing safe oncology screening possibilities available for larger patient-base. This project will demonstrate the proof of concept of a state-of-the-art nuclear imaging innovation, which will enable the detection of energy deposition with significantly improved energy and time resolution levels of a PET application. Our approach features high quality pictures with considerably lower radio-tracer dose levels than the current commercial scanners. This is enabled by an order of a magnitude improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio over the current time-of-flight PET scanners.
The innovation comprise a novel combination of scintillating and photonic crystals for an improved light output efficiency and fast electronics. As a complementing technology to PEM imaging system, it contributes to safer cancer scanning modality while shortening the scanning process. This results to improved process throughput and vast socio-economic benefits.
Within the project, the imaging system technical performance will be benchmarked to a dedicated medical imaging application, such as PEM. The project also addresses the commercialisation considerations, economical feasibility and assesses the system cost. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with a potential exploitation entity.
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women. For lowering the mortality rates and improving life quality, it would be beneficial to diagnose and treat diseases early.
Dedicated Positron Emission Tomography (PET) application Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) has been developed for functional medical imaging of specific breast cancer biomarkers. PEM enables accurate detection of small malignant tumors at an earlier stage. However, it suffers from major limitations on becoming suitable for general screening purposes. One of the limitations is that the process exposes the patients to relatively high ionizing radiation doses causing poor total risk-benefit ratios.
The project addresses this challenge and contributes to providing safe oncology screening possibilities available for larger patient-base. This project will demonstrate the proof of concept of a state-of-the-art nuclear imaging innovation, which will enable the detection of energy deposition with significantly improved energy and time resolution levels of a PET application. Our approach features high quality pictures with considerably lower radio-tracer dose levels than the current commercial scanners. This is enabled by an order of a magnitude improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio over the current time-of-flight PET scanners.
The innovation comprise a novel combination of scintillating and photonic crystals for an improved light output efficiency and fast electronics. As a complementing technology to PEM imaging system, it contributes to safer cancer scanning modality while shortening the scanning process. This results to improved process throughput and vast socio-economic benefits.
Within the project, the imaging system technical performance will be benchmarked to a dedicated medical imaging application, such as PEM. The project also addresses the commercialisation considerations, economical feasibility and assesses the system cost. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with a potential exploitation entity.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-09-01, End date: 2017-02-28
