Epifluidix™: Epigenetic diagnostic devices to support health screening and diagnostics.
We formulate novel hydrogel systems for the capture and sample human biofluids such as gingival crevicular fluids, saliva, lachrymal fluids, and vaginal fluids.
The company develops devices that can, through minimally invasive means, microsample biofluids for epigenetic screening to inform clinical diagnostic decision making.
THE PROBLEM
Current biomarker sampling techniques for a definite oral cancer diagnosis involves a fine needle aspiration biopsy for pathological analysis. Although a needle biopsy is relatively less invasive compared to closed and open surgical biopsies, oral biopsies are uncomfortable and invasive for a large group of patient population.
The development of collection device for minimally invasively sampling biofluids containing essential epigenetic markers for oral cancer diagnosis has been proposed and is currently being explored. This work can potentially facilitate the development of a clinically relevant cancer diagnostic device.
This device will not only provide a standardised procedure for biofluid sampling but also provide a means of multianalyte detection for various stages of disease progression within a relatively short period.
OUR SOLUTION
The proposed device is a more sophisticated yet user friendly method of collecting oral fluids that does not cause damage to the surrounding tissues or discomfort to patients. The device, that can be partially hydrated prior to application, is placed into the oral cavity or on oral mucosal surfaces further conforming to the shape of the surrounding environment.
This research represents the first stage in developing a minimally invasive point-of-care/near-point-of-care diagnostic kit for oral cancers. This low-cost approach will provide clinicians and patients advanced diagnostic information that is currently not available in routine practice.
Ultimately, this will help guide treatment plans and therapeutic decision making for clinicians, identify oral cancers earlier and will improve healthcare outcomes for patients. The proposed device can be tailored to facilitate capture of various compounds within whole Saliva, gingival crevicular fluids, and oral mucosal surfaces encompassing total circulating miRNA, exosomal miRNA, and specific biomarkers of inflammation. This device can be used as a use – at – home sampling product to enhance oral cancer diagnosis.
OUR TEAM
If you would like any more information about our technology please get in touch with the team.
We always welcome feedback so we can continually improve our offering.