Cell-free biosensors for micronutrient detection in human samples
Stemloop, Inc. presents a novel cell-free biosensor technology designed to detect key micronutrients in human samples such as blood and saliva. This low-cost, easy-to-use solution provides rapid and visible detection, aiding in health monitoring and diagnostics.
Overview
Stemloop, Inc. has developed an innovative cell-free biosensor technology that enables the detection of various micronutrients in human samples like blood and saliva. Utilizing naturally occurring biosensors extracted from cells, this platform generates visible signals when specific micronutrients are present. The technology aims to provide a low-cost and user-friendly solution for health monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings, enhancing accessibility to essential health diagnostics.
Technical specifications
- Biosensor Mechanisms: Utilizes riboswitch RNA and transcription factor proteins to detect micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and various vitamins.
- Detection Method: Employs a lateral flow assay (LFA) for readout, offering rapid results with minimal steps and complexity.
- Sample Compatibility: Designed for integration with human samples such as whole blood and saliva, enabling direct application in health diagnostics.
- Development Pipeline: Established methods have been used to detect a wide range of compounds, including metals, drugs, and health markers, with documented success in field trials.
Technology readiness level
Current development is at Technology Readiness Level 3, with ongoing efforts to optimize and scale the production of these biosensors for broader application. Future validation includes refining biosensor sensitivity and conducting field trials in at-home settings to ensure practical usability and effectiveness.
About Stemloop, Inc.
Stemloop, Inc. was a biotechnology company founded in 2019 that specialized in cell-free synthetic biology to create programmable, paper-based biosensors. Developed from academic research at Northwestern University, the company’s platform utilized DNA, RNA, and protein components to detect specific chemical analytes and contaminants in environmental and health contexts. The technology was designed to function without the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure, instead providing rapid, inexpensive, and on-site testing capabilities through simple visual signals, such as color changes, when a target substance was present. The company originated in Evanston, Illinois, and received support from various research programs, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
The company focused on democratizing access to testing for critical threats, with a flagship application being the µSense lead-in-water test designed to improve household safety and water quality monitoring. By decentralizing diagnostic capabilities, Stemloop aimed to address challenges that previously required costly and time-consuming analytical chemistry techniques. The company sought to apply its biosensing technology across multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, biomanufacturing, and human health, to deliver actionable information for risk mitigation. Stemloop, Inc. concluded its operations in 2025.
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