Archer confirmed single-device multiplexing using four advanced gFETs as sensors, which were integrated into the Archer advanced Biochip platform that was announced earlier this year. This is significant as Archer said that it intends to apply its multiplexing capability in the Biochip to test for multiple diseases on a single chip at once.
Archer designed and developed the new hardware and software systems to readout the signal from the four advanced gFET sensors at once on a single chip. This compares to earlier generations of the Biochip system which could only activate one-sensor-at-a-time.
The new Biochip system with multiplexing capability also provides automated hands-free operation, as it integrates liquid handling automation and data acquisition. The software developed by Archer can display all single and time series measurements in real-time for the four gFET sensors simultaneously.
Commenting on the demonstration of multiplexing readout, Dr Mohammad Choucair, CEO of Archer, said, “Archer is now able to demonstrate readout, or a signal, from multiple graphene sensors and liquid samples coming from the Biochip, which is a step-change in advancing towards the potential to sense multiple disease samples at once, on a single chip.
“The progress made by the Archer team to demonstrate multiplex detection, and the support of our commercial foundry partners in the manufacture of Archer’s Biochip devices, will be applied towards the function and operation of the Biochip in targeting biologically relevant molecules.
“Moving testing for diseases from the lab onto a chip has the potential to create better access to healthcare to those who might not have it and can therefore help improve patient outcomes.