Systems, Methods and Devices for Rapid Tissue-Based Diagnosis

Brief Description

Novel systems, methods, and devices that apply energy to tissue in order to generate a liquefied sample of tissue constituents so as to provide for rapid tissue sampling.

Background

The biomolecular composition of human tissues is a sensitive indicator of local pathologies, several systemic diseases, and critical information about the body’s exposure to exogenous chemicals and biological entities. However, this information is not currently used in diagnostic methods due to lack of patient-friendly and standardized methods for routine sample collection from tissues. Instead diagnosis is performed by visual observation and histopathological analysis of tissue biopsies, which are highly limited due to their qualitative nature, leading to misdiagnosis. In addition to being invasive, current methods do not explain a complete molecular genesis of diseases, and fail to distinguish between diseases.

Description

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed novel systems, methods, and devices that apply energy to tissue in order to generate a liquefied sample of tissue constituents so as to provide for rapid tissue sampling, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes that may be part of tissue constituents.

Advantages

• Rapid tissue sampling
• Sensitive indicator of various local and systemic diseases
• Accurate drug detection
• Higher fluxes and greater control of drugs into a tissue

Applications

• Diagnosis of local and systemic diseases
• Forensic drug detection
• Evaluation of bioavailability of therapeutics following drug administration
• Evaluation of tissue following exposure to a harmful agent
• Drug delivery  

This technology is available for licensing.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending