Our technology uses the standard building block of modern microelectronics - the silicon transistor - to detect DNA and RNA. The core technology principle is that when matching nucleotides come together during DNA synthesis, they release hydrogen ions, which can be detected as an electrical signal. Conversely, if there is no match, no hydrogen ions are released and no signal is detected. Watch Video
This principle can be used for all kinds of DNA and RNA analysis without the need for fluorescent dyes or labels or precision optics which make current DNA analysis equipment bulky and expensive.
The technology uses unmodified reagents and unmodified microchip technology (CMOS). This provides versatile, disposable, chip-based platforms that are fast, simple and scalable.
Fast. By electronically detecting the release of ions in real-time as they are released in a biological process, we do not introduce any factors that would slow down the reaction and thus the time-to-result. Furthermore, with Genalysis®, we detect DNA while it is amplifying, significantly reducing sample-to-answer workflow time.
Simple. By integrating sensors, circuits and active elements onto a single CMOS chip, our platforms let the multifunction chip do the work so the lab doesn't have to. Our platforms redefine "lab-on-chip".
Scalable. CMOS technology gives us the ability to create chips with arrays of tens to millions of sensors, at ever decreasing cost, so whatever the application, our chips can deliver solutions
Why CMOS Semiconductors?
By manufacturing our chips at the world’s largest foundries using the standard CMOS process that powers devices such as laptops and smartphones, we leverage the economies of scale of the semiconductor industry to deliver cost-effective, disposable platforms tailored to molecular applications.
Furthermore, our approach leads to:
- Improved accuracy through on-chip local signal processing
- Total Connectivity with digital devices and networks
- Low-cost, optics-free instruments (and with Genalysis®, even instrument-free systems)