NEW YORK – Startup diagnostics firm Pinpoint Science announced Tuesday a partnership with semiconductor manufacturer Analog Devices to develop and manufacture a handheld nanosensor diagnostics platform.
The nanosensors will target low-cost, handheld diagnostics and can detect molecules in biofluids in 30 seconds, providing better and faster methods of mass screening, the company said, adding the technology is directed at infectious disease diagnoses.
The Pinpoint device uses direct electrical measurement with nanosensor chips based on functionalized nanopipettes. Probe molecules are immobilized on the chip and a current is generated, leading the probe and target molecules to bind and altering the properties of the nanosensor in proportion to the concentration of the target, said CEO Lisa Diamond in an email.
A spokesperson added that the device can use any biofluid, including saliva, blood, and urine and the assays detect antibodies, antigens, toxins, hormones, and nucleic acid sequences. The firm is also developing an assay for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, using a nasal swab.
Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.