SensNews May 2107

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23 Sensor100 May 2017
Using the body’s own cells as biosensors is the goal of
Buffalo start-up
Efferent Labs’ device allows real-time data to be collected from inside a patient
Bill Rader, founder of Efferent Labs, holds the
prototype device that may make it possible to
to monitor cell-level changes in patients re-
ceiving chemotherapy to determine optimum
dosages.
The company has developed an implantable de-
vice that scans cells, such as hepatocytes (liver
cells) and fibroblasts (cells that make connec-
tive tissue) with florescent light to detect changes.The
information is immediately sent wirelessly for analysis,
and can be viewed on a tablet computer.That immediacy
saves time, and the implanted sensor makes it possible
to collect more data from a patient. Rader hopes to use
cells from the patient being tested to elevate the level
of individualized detection and treatment. The goal is to
eventually use the device to monitor cell-level changes
in patients receiving chemotherapy to determine opti-
mum dosages.
Reported by: 24 May
Biomarker Challenge Open
Biomaker Challenge is a four-month programme challenging
interdisciplinary teams to build low-cost sensors and instru-
ments for biology. From colorimeters to microfluidics and
beyond, the search is on for frugal, open source and DIY ap-
proaches to biological experiments.
Open to University of Cambridge, John Innes Centre and the
Earlham Institute. Apply by 23 June.
1 May