Molecular sensor: Developing our patented ‘molecule chips’

AIBN researchers are revolutionising the way we understand, diagnose and treat disease by creating nanotechnologies that can detect and manufacture molecules on a single wafer thin chip. 

The ‘Immuno-storm chip’ is one of these devices. It can detect single molecular entities called cytokines from a drop of blood to identify patients with illnesses who are at risk of a potentially lethal cytokine storm. This is a reaction that can lead to serious long-term damage of organs and is prevalent in diseases such as cancer and acute and long COVID-19. 

Early detection of a cytokine storm, which can also be caused by emerging therapeutic technologies such as immunotherapies, could provide critical information that guides treatment decisions and personalised therapies. 

Access to medicines and vaccines during peak demand is a global problem. Our researchers have created a ‘molecule chip’ to accelerate and control chemical reactions, paving the way for on demand, miniaturised, remote manufacturing for medicines, vaccines and energy storage materials. 

We are also focused on preventing the transmission of viruses through nanosensors that can be cheaply grown on the surface of yeast cells using food processing equipment. This yeast sensor dust technology could drive real-time virus tracking in public spaces, and animal to human transmission - giving our health systems a head start on new and emerging viral threats.