Wireless bioscience - expanding the use of wireless technology

Wireless bioscience – expanding the use of wireless technology RTX Telecom has joined forces with Thomsen Bioscience to develop a wireless sensor that makes it possible to detect selected forms of airborne bacteria and viruses rapidly, specifically and with a high degree of sensitivity. The wireless sensor then transmits the collected data.

Tranfer of data via Bluetooth and GSM/GPRS

RTX Telecom delivered the control electronics for the first laboratory test runs, and is currently testing the transfer of such data using Bluetooth and GSM/GPRS. “Although Bluetooth technology is shortrange, it is considerably cheaper than GSM/GPRS, and is already used to transfer data to mobile phones, for example. RTX Telecom aims to use GSM/GPRS for biosensors that can be located wherever you want to monitor and detect sources of infection,” says Klaus Ahlbeck, business development director at RTX Telecom. “The aim of this project is to integrate all the electronic components into the biosensor and the associated technologies in a format that features low energy consumption, and is extremely hard-wearing and reliable – and we are on the right track,” he continues.

Path-breaking product

The aim is for Thomsen Bioscience to deliver a complete, stand-alone generic biosensor by 2003. The biosensor should go into mass production in 2004, and will be capable of detecting all forms of biological agents, such as anthrax and other infectious diseases. “Our wireless biochip has been the centre of much attention in view of its unique, highly innovative features. In the near future, this novel sensor will be able to detect otherwise invisible attacks using anthrax, for example” says Lars Thomsen, managing director and founder of Thomsen Bioscience.

“Our technology is so sensitive, specific and rapid that it will enable the evacuation of an area that has been attacked. This cannot be done today, as it is not possible to detect an attack until it is too late and the first symptoms are already evident in the people who occupied the area concerned,” adds Lars Thomsen.

Lab-on-a-chip

Thomsen Bioscience technology relies on biochips that are provided with a complete biolaboratory  mounted on a silicium chip. This laboratory is able to  ntercept the infectious agent, and isolate and detect the specific DNA of the bacterium or virus that is being searched for.

Lars Thomsen, managing director and founder of Thomsen Bioscience. Laboratory tests. DNA