BrainMap

Kinga Rákosi

- PRO-VITAM S.R.L.

Other affiliations

associate professor - UNIVERSITATEA SAPIENTIA (Romania)

Researcher | Teaching staff

Expertise & keywords

Raman based demonstrator for glycated protein quantification in diabetes screening Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3268 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: http://phys.ubbcluj.ro/~nicolae.leopold/pages/diascreen.htm

Abstract:

We aim to develop and validate in an accredited laboratory an experimental demonstrator based on label-free Raman scattering and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the accurate detection of glycated protein (e.g. albumin and hemoglobin) concentrations from blood. This can become a cost-effective alternative to standard clinical laboratory methods. The coordinator’s research team (Babeș-Bolyai University) demonstrated recently in several publications the possibility to use Raman and SERS spectra of biofluids, in conjunction with robust statistical methods, for medical diagnosis purposes. Moreover, in their recent cover paper publication (Stefancu et al, Analyst 143, 2018, 5372) they showed the possibility to selectively detect albumin from a complex biofluid by SERS, down to concentrations of 3 µg/mL, by using surface modified silver nanoparticles. The Pro-Vitam Ltd., clinical laboratory project partner, will not only collect the blood samples, but also will contribute with their medical know-how and research expertise to the success of the project. The coordinator of the project partner is a valuable researcher with PhD in chemistry obtained at the University of Cambridge. Thus, the outcome of this project will be an experimental demonstrator based on a portable Raman spectrometer, which can be easily operated in a clinical environment. Based on the Raman and SERS spectra of red blood cell lysis and blood serum, respectively and a validated statistical model, the demonstrator will be able to determine glycated protein concentrations in less than 10 minutes. Moreover, we aim to develop a statistical model based on the Raman and SERS spectra for classification of diabetic, pre-diabetic and normal blood samples. Therefore, the major economic impact of this demonstrator will be the implementation of a low-cost and easy-to-use Raman-based screening method for the early detection of diabetes.

Implementing a multiplex methodology for rapid testing of hepatic viruses Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0226 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: PRO-VITAM S.R.L.

Project partners: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Affiliation: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://szilard.ro/multihep

Abstract:

Hepatic viruses represent a major global health problem worldwide with more than 325 million people being chronically infected. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) induce chronic infections and liver pathology ranging from liver steatosis to cirrhosis. The standard of care for HCV has been recently upgraded with direct acting antivirals being approved for clinical use. The present treatment for HBV is able to control the viral infection, but it does not achieve the clearance of the viral genome. HBV/HDV coinfection determines the most serious form of hepatitis and there is no specific antiviral treatment. In Romania, there is a high prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfected people. Thus, the diagnosis of patients infected with hepatic viruses and their early access to treatment represents a public health priority. Rapid detection tests (RDTs) represent an efficient method to achieve that goal. The present project aims to develop a multiplex RDT for detection of anti-HCV, anti-HDV and HbSAg in patient sera. Our test will use the HDSAg as a capturing probe for anti-HDV antibodies. HCV and HDV antigens will be produced in a recombinant prokaryotic system. Using these antigens, a multiplexed RDT will be assembled and tested in the research laboratory and medical testing laboratory as a prototype.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects