Project Overview
XCellCure is revolutionizing cardiac care with a multiplexed biomarker panel that identifies patients at risk for impending heart attacks. Their panel includes both prognostic and acute indicators of cardiac disease, enabling appropriate triage at the point of care and ultimately saving cardiac tissue.
Mosaic was contracted to develop a complete diagnostic system: a microfluidic consumable cartridge and portable reader instrument capable of quantifying thirteen biomarkers in under 30 minutes. The technology is designed for both clinical and home use settings, providing real-time actionable information for better lifestyle choices and clinical decisions.
Technical Solution
Microfluidic Consumable
- Protein microarray platform: High-density antibody array for multiplexed detection
- Integrated reagent storage: On-chip blister packs containing assay reagents
- Automated fluid handling: Controlled reagent delivery and washing steps
- Single-use cartridge: Simplified workflow for point-of-care use
Point-of-Care Reader Instrument
- Embedded microscope: Custom optical system for microarray imaging
- Electromechanical actuators: Automated blister actuation for reagent delivery
- Touchscreen interface: User-friendly operation and result display
- Image analysis: Real-time biomarker quantification using computer vision algorithms
- Cloud connectivity: Data upload and remote monitoring capabilities
Software & Analytics
- Firmware development: Python/Qt/OpenCV for image analysis and quantification
- User interface: Intuitive touchscreen UI for clinical and home use
- Data analysis tools: MATLAB/Python pipelines for assay development
- Microarray spotting software: Custom tools for array fabrication
Development Scope
Mosaic’s comprehensive involvement included:
Consumable Development
- Microfluidic cartridge design and prototyping
- Protein microarray integration and testing
- Reagent storage and delivery optimization
- Assay validation and performance testing
Instrument Development
- Optical system design for microarray imaging
- Electromechanical design for automated actuation
- Embedded hardware integration
- Thermal management and power optimization
Software Development
- Image acquisition and processing algorithms
- Biomarker quantification and calibration
- Cloud integration for data management
- User interface design and testing
Process Development
- Microarray spotting process optimization
- Custom spotting software development
- Quality control procedures
- Manufacturing feasibility assessment
Strategic Support
- Technical due diligence on patent landscape
- Competitive technology review
- Regulatory pathway assessment
Innovation Highlights
The device and biomarker panel are the subject of several US and worldwide patents, representing significant innovation in:
- Multiplexed point-of-care immunoassay technology
- Integrated microfluidic reagent storage and delivery
- Automated optical detection and quantification
- Clinical decision support for cardiac care
Impact
This technology enables rapid, multiplexed cardiac biomarker testing at the point of care, transforming how heart attack risk is assessed and managed. By making sophisticated diagnostic capabilities accessible in clinical and home settings, XCellCure is advancing personalized cardiac care and preventive medicine.
The project demonstrates Mosaic’s ability to deliver complete diagnostic systems—from microfluidic consumables to sophisticated reader instruments with embedded imaging and analytics—supporting our clients’ missions to improve patient outcomes through innovative diagnostics.
Developing a point-of-care diagnostic system? Contact us to discuss how we can integrate microfluidics, optics, and software into a complete solution.