TECHNOLOGY:
Rapid and Inexpensive Ellipsometry-based Diagnostics
AFFILIATION:
Rapid Molecular Diagnostics, Richardson, Texas, United States
TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
Area:
Diagnostic technologies for identification of SARS-CoV-2 from human nasal, buccal, or saliva samples
Tech Brief: Ellipsometry is widely used in the semiconductor industry and we have advanced methods of covalently linking oligonucleotide or protein probes to ultra-flat and uniform surfaces. For ellipsometric detection, a polarized light is focused on a test area. Differences in the reflected light indicate increases in sub-angstrom changes in thickness.
SHOWCASE SUMMARY
Org Type:
Early-stage Startup (Seed)
FIGURES OF MERIT
Value Proposition: We offer a short-term solution for COVID-19 testing. High throughput results combined with a low cost could allow daily testing at schools, hospitals, airports, etc. Multiplex detector chips can diagnose any infectious agent (even those not yet emerged or evolved) for long-term market expansion. RMD has buy-in from Hospital Corporation of America and a large COVID-19 test site in Texas for validation and beta testing. The team is experienced with growing biotech startups to valuable companies having definitive exits. Global diagnostic markets are estimated to rise ~$30Bn in 2020 to ~$45Bn in 2024. We aim to be the first to exploit the advantages (speed, sensitivity, low cost) of ellipsometry diagnostics to penetrate these markets. Commercial partners and investors could provide vital infrastructure and funding to accelerate the development of this highly lucrative diagnostic platform.