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Eurostars Consortium Partner Search - Development of a Point-of-care Instrument and Test Kit for Screening of Syphilis

Summary

Profile Type
  • Research & Development Request
POD Reference
RDRTR20250131023
Term of Validity
31 January 2025 - 31 January 2026
Company's Country
  • Turkey
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
Syphilis infections are increasing globally. Current diagnosis algorithms require separate serological and nucleic acid tests to determine different stages of infections, making the process complex and time-consuming. The project will develop a point-of-care test instrument and test kit that performs both test types simultaneously with minimual user intervention. The project covers complete product development, from electronics to test kit.
Full Description
Syphilis is a sexually-transmited diseases transmitted through bacteria. If detected early, it can be treated effectively, preventing complications and further transmission. However, global syphilis cases are rising, and current diagnostic methods rely on separate serological and nucleic acid amplification test, which require multiple steps and specialised equipment. This project aims to develop a point-of-care instrument and test kit that can perform both tests simultaneously, providing rapid results with minimal user intervention. The test will detect syphilis and distinguish between active and past infections, improving diagnosis and treatment decisions. We will develop a complete product from electronics to test kit, hence output of the project will be a fully functional test instrument, a compatible test kit, and related software for the product.
Advantages and Innovations
The most commonly used method for nucleic acid amplification tests is PCR. Treponemal and non-treponemal tests are typically performed using immunoassays or RPR with optical detection methods, which are bulky, expensive, and require specialised laboratory equipment.
However, with this project a measurement system based on impedance spectroscopy and thin-film electrodes will be developed, enabling both tests to be conducted simultaneously with higher accuracy while being more affordable and portable.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
- Electronic instrument design
- Electrochemistry
- Embedded software
Stage of Development
  • Concept stage
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
IPR status
  • No IPR applied

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
I) Partner for nucleic acid amplification test Development and validation of a LAMP-based NAAT for syphilis detection Optimisation for rapid, accurate, and low-cost operation Integration of LAMP assay into the point-of-care system
II) Partner for immunosensor development Development and validation of an immunosensor for treponemal and non-treponemal antibody detection Integration with impedance spectroscopy instrument Optimisation for rapid, accurate and low-cost operation Expertise in reagent preparation, immobilisation techniques and stability of biosensors
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 11-49
  • Other
  • R&D Institution
  • SME <=10
  • SME 50 - 249
  • Big company
  • University
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Call details

Framework program
  • Eureka
Call title and identifier
Eurostars Call Mar 2025
Coordinator required
No
Deadline for EoI
Deadline of the call

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 06001005 - Diagnostics, Diagnosis
Market keywords
  • 05001007 - Other diagnostic
Targeted countries
  • All countries