The first part of the project focuses on an upgraded version of the current White FOx. The purpose is to build a more robust device with higher throughput, and which can in addition be easily coupled to other existing tools (e.g. liquid handlers, test bioreactors, ...). Next, we will develop generic tests, like the 'host cell protein' assay, which measures the fragment concentration of unwanted by-products during pharmaceutical drug manufacturing. This information is essential for antibody producers to determine the quality of a drug and to follow the efficiency of the production process. With the support of CrossRoads, we will be able to optimize the 'time to result', detection limit, specificity, reproducibility and storage conditions.

This €299 000 project, which is supported for 45% by CrossRoads, started in January of 2020.

The research group of Prof. Dr. Luc Michiels, head of Immunology – Biochemistry at UHasselt (BIOMED), together with FOx Biosystems as a Project Partner light (PPL), investigates the development of a novel diagnostic method to better evaluate the risk factors of developing CVD. During this project, a new prototype (demonstrator) of SPR optical fibers and measuring robot will be developed, which enables the concentration measurement of specific inflammatory biomarkers in patients with potential risk for CVD. FOx Biosystems will vouch for exchanging data and knowledge within the TTD project.

The project will be supported by Interreg TTD through a public private partnership for €48 000. The optimization of the demonstrator will be accomplished by focusing on three main points: 1) production of the gold coated optical fibers, 2) assurance of immobilization reproducibility of affinity molecules, and 3) demonstration of high sample sensitivity.