Rapid DNA/RNA field detection with highly sensitive BIOFET graphene sensors
Hememics Biotechnologies offers a graphene-based BIOFET biosensor platform for rapid, label-free DNA/RNA detection in field conditions. The HemChip and HemBox systems deliver picomolar sensitivity without amplification, enabling multiplexed molecular diagnostics for pathogens such as PRRSV, SARS-CoV-2, ricin, and SEB in under five minutes.
Overview
Hememics Biotechnologies has developed a field-ready biosensor platform that uses monolayer graphene field-effect transistors (BIOFETs) to detect DNA and RNA targets with high sensitivity and selectivity, without the need for nucleic acid amplification. The platform addresses two long-standing barriers to commercializing BIOFET diagnostics: scalable graphene sensor manufacturing and dry, room-temperature preservation of ready-to-use sensors. By integrating patented bio-preservative chemistry with a portable reader and disposable biochip, the system delivers lab-quality molecular results at the point of need in challenging environmental conditions.
The technology has been validated against multiple targets including SARS-CoV-2, ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), demonstrating consistent low picomolar detection sensitivities in complex sample matrices such as chewing rope extracts.
Technical specifications
- Graphene BIOFET sensing surface: Monolayer CVD graphene serves as a conductive, biocompatible transducer for label-free electrical detection of nucleic acid hybridization events.
- Dry preservation chemistry: Proprietary bio-preservative formulation enables room-temperature storage of functionalized sensors, eliminating cold-chain logistics.
- HemChip consumable: Single-use biochip with multiple programmable sensor sites supporting multiplexed detection of DNA and RNA targets, including non-complementary control sequences for matrix correction.
- HemBox handheld reader: Portable readout hardware that delivers results in approximately five minutes for diagnostic workflows and within one hour for broader research applications.
- Scalable manufacturing pathway: Collaboration with General Graphene Corp. supports transfer of monolayer graphene onto biosensor chips at production scale, enabling cost-effective chip fabrication.
- Field-validated performance: Demonstrated detection of RNA viruses directly from PCR-characterized chewing rope samples with Ct values below 23, confirming robust function in non-laboratory environments.
Technology readiness level
The BIOFET graphene sensor platform has progressed through laboratory validation against multiple antigen and nucleic acid targets, with preliminary data confirming picomolar sensitivity for DNA and RNA detection in field-relevant sample types. Current efforts are focused on demonstrating fully multiplexed, amplification-free detection using spiked and PCR-characterized real samples, alongside simplifying the field extraction protocol and validating extraction buffer efficacy. A one-year development timeline is planned to scale the platform toward broader DNA/RNA diagnostic applications, with disposable chips and readout hardware positioned for partner-driven deployment and commercialization.
About Hememics Biotechnologies
Hememics Biotechnologies, Inc. is a Maryland-based biotechnology firm that develops handheld, multiplexed biosensor platforms designed to provide lab-quality diagnostic results at the point of need. Its core technology, the HemChip platform, features a portable reader and a single-use biochip with 32 programmable sensors capable of simultaneously detecting molecular, antigen, and antibody targets within five minutes. The company also utilizes its patented ESAP (Electrostatic Sensing for Analyte Profiling) platform, which uses graphene-based electronics to enable rapid, label-free protein and antibody validation. By integrating patented bio-preservatives with graphene-based sensors, Hememics aims to make complex biomolecular analysis faster and more accessible for diverse applications ranging from research laboratories to clinical and field environments.
This technology addresses significant challenges in research integrity and diagnostics, such as the reliability of research reagents and the need for rapid pathogen identification. By delivering definitive binding results in under one hour for research or within five minutes for diagnostic testing, Hememics provides tools for quality control and field-ready decision-making. The company has successfully demonstrated the utility of its ESAP platform in commercial trial workflows and is supported by financing from investors including TEDCO. Their work centers on simplifying laboratory workflows and extending the utility of biological samples through innovation in sensor technology and preservation methods.
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