Biobugs
Video
Project / product name: GalectiON
Link to the project: https://youtu.be/K2MpmVtnQLw
Team leader: Juro Oravec
Challenge: 6. Are you kidneying?
Problem: The rate of progression of CKD is usually slow (several years), but people with a combination of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or old age, have increased risk of rapid CKD progression. In such cases, kidney function can worsen in a span of days.
The way patients progress between different stages of the disease is complicated, and is not yet quantified. Yet, we’re using the same biomarkers for all stages.
Solution: One of the novel biomarkers - discovered just this year - is galectin-3.
Galectins are among the most widely expressed class of lectins in all organisms. Some of them are associated with progression of specific diseases.
We spoke with a research group at VŠCHT who are developing prototypes of highly-sensitive galectin biosensors.
Our conversation led to the vision of how the galectin-3 biomarker could be used for CKD diagnosis.
We propose a partnership between IKEM and VŠCHT.
Impact: Currently CKD is identified based on GFR - requires the patient’s presence in the ambulance.
With GalectiON there is no need to test for a lot of biomarkers but one (= less expensive and resource heavy) - rapid, portable, highly sensitive and reliable, skilled lab force not needed.
Feasibility & financials: Prototype is validated, easy to use and interpret by professionals as well as general public.
Plans to be fully deployed in 2-4 year. Partnering IKEM with VŠCHT may bring mutually beneficial collaboration, including early adoption and customisation, fast feedback incorporation.
Device designed for single-sample use, cost estimated to be 5-10 €.
What is new about your solution?: We approached the identification of CKD patients from a non-conventional point of view by developing a new testing device, rather than creating another algorithm for the old way of dealing with the issue.
PS: There are 2 video links, the one under Project URL is the extended verion.
What you have built at the hackathon - text explanation + code (e.g. GitHub link): Primary IKEM data analysis which illuminated the potential solution directions. We chose to carry on with creating a brand new approach to CKD testing - therefore, there is no code for the algorithm.
We identified a new potent biomarker (galectin3) and we found a way to utilise its potential.
What you had before the hackathon, please mention open source as well: We had nothing prepared in advance.
What comes next and what you wish to achieve: Since hardware of biosensor should be available in next 2-4 years, it will also require reliable software for signal analysis. That will be our next focus.