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TECHNOLOGY

A Leader in Technology Development


Diagnostic testing through innovative technologies

We are using a range of technologies to transform healthcare diagnostics. Our innovation and technology cover a few areas:
  • Microfluidics
  • Automation
  • Optical imaging

Combined with scalable and cost-effective precision manufacturing techniques, these allow us to customize detection for various clinical targets, providing affordable and reliable diagnostics for real-world applications.

Automated platform for Next Generation Sequencing

In collaboration with research partners from the EU and the US, Camtech is the technology partner developing a novel, microfluidics-based device that automates sample processing and DNA library preparation from clinical samples.

The device utilises the innovative digital microfluidic (electrowetting) technology which facilitates movement of liquid droplets on a conductive glass layer. This technology allows customised protocols to be programmed on microfluidic chips. We deploy this technology to automate sample processing from patient-derived bacterial cultures to extract and prepare DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS), specifically the Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology. Current methods often rely on trained personnel to perform such analysis. We anticipate that automation of this process would help to identify Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) strains and genes much faster and more effectively, hence enhancing NGS capabilities in the hands of hospitals and enable such analysis to be performed using more cost-effective platforms than before.
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Biological imaging

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) reporters are routinely used in biomedicine. Beetle 'Iuciferases', genetically encoded into cells or organisms, allow a multitude of applications. Light emission is initiated by administration of 'Iuciferin' and measured with sensitive cameras.

BLI is highly sensitive, versatile, simple, safe. However, reporters have several limitations, such as low pH, thermal and spectral stabilities, which confuse and complicate measurements. Camtech is partnering with Bioflares Ltd., which engineered a patented toolbox of thermally and spectrally stable luciferases, to deploy this into a range of diagnostic and research imaging applications . Bioflares overcame a long-standing molecular enigma to engineer 'infraluciferin', the first described NIR bioluminescence, with doubled spectral range. Infraluciferins, together with their activating enzymes, infraluciferases, allows robust simultaneous imaging of multiple targets in different cell types. This technology holds a great potential to investigate cancer and cellular mechanisms not only in vitro but in vivo models as well.

Microfluidics

Microfluidics makes it possible to design systems in which low volumes of fluids are processed to achieve multiplexing, automation, and high-throughput screening. Volumes are small, typically in the μL, nL, pL range. The flow direction can be determined by on-chip fluid control or the use of microvalves. Therefore, many processes, normally carried out in a lab, can be miniaturised on a single chip in order to achieve automation and reduction in labour and reagent costs.

Originally developed at Cambridge University, our patented approach to cell concentration is currently being developed into a rapid concentration and detection platform for determining the level of immunity within individuals. We are also developing a range of novel sensor methods for rapid, sensitive and robust detection in combination with our microfluidic cell concentration techniques.

We are applying microfluidics to automate molecular diagnostic sample to answer testing, sample preparation workflows, rapid/early detection of infectious disease and blood characterisation.