Reactive inkjet printed sensor for micronutrient detection
A novel sensor using reactive inkjet printing for at-home detection of Vitamin D and Zinc from low-volume samples, utilizing silk fibroin for enhanced biocompatibility. Mobile phone-based colorimetric analysis enables rapid, non-invasive micronutrient monitoring.
Overview
The proposed solution is a cutting-edge reactive inkjet printed sensor designed for the detection and quantification of key micronutrients, specifically Vitamin D and Zinc, from low-volume biological samples such as finger-prick blood. By integrating novel biomaterials like silk fibroin, this sensor offers enhanced biocompatibility and stability, paving the way for future direct skin sensing. The initial design uses a colorimetric readout interpreted via a mobile phone-based vision algorithm, making it a compact, disposable, and minimally invasive diagnostic tool suitable for widespread at-home use.
Technical specifications
- Reactive Inkjet Printing (RIJ): Utilizes precise, low-cost, and scalable fabrication to deposit functional biomolecules at picolitre resolution.
- Biomaterials Integration: Employs silk fibroin for superior biocompatibility and mechanical robustness.
- Detection Mechanism: Uses aptamers for Vitamin D and chelators for Zinc detection.
- Readout System: Initial colorimetric readout analyzed via mobile phone application, with future enhancements planned through machine learning algorithms.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the sensors have been fabricated and are undergoing testing with mock samples to establish proof of concept. Calibration curves and sensor optimization are ongoing, with future plans for software development to improve accuracy and expand usability across various biological samples.
About PHAsT Limited
PHAsT Limited is a UK-based biotechnology company that develops and supplies high-performance, microplastic-free biopolymers produced through eco-friendly bacterial fermentation. Using proprietary purification technology, the company creates sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) that serve as biodegradable alternatives to traditional, fossil-based plastics. These materials are engineered to be biocompatible, processable with conventional manufacturing methods, and available in grades ranging from research to medical use. By providing application-ready resins, the company enables clients to integrate sustainable materials into their product lines without requiring changes to existing production workflows.
The company focuses on providing these advanced materials to industries with high performance requirements, such as dental innovation, medical devices, and personal care. PHAsT's solutions aim to address the environmental impact of traditional plastics, including microplastic pollution and carbon emissions, while maintaining the functional benefits of conventional materials. By partnering with manufacturers, PHAsT enables the production of sustainable goods that retain excellent biocompatibility, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, supporting the transition toward greener, circular manufacturing in the biomedical and consumer sectors.
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