2021 FutureTech Award – Prof. Chia-Ching Chang (Dept. of Bio Science & Tech) – Development of Palladium Nanofilm Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Virus Detection and Inhibitor Screening

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  • TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:The novel coronavirus infects cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor in human cells. This technology is based on a novel palladium nanofilm electrochemical impedance detection system, which has been developed to create a new coronavirus detection platform. It can also be used for screening drugs that can inhibit novel coronavirus infections. With just 1 microliter (μL) of sample, the platform can detect and identify the novel coronavirus or ACE2 inhibitors within 21 minutes.
  • SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH:The development of the virus spike protein and ACE2 interaction electrochemical sensing platform allows for the comparison of different viral variants’ interactions with human ACE2 and facilitates the screening of antiviral drugs or molecules. This capability surpasses traditional PCR or antigen-antibody detection methods, making it an unprecedented and novel discovery. The unique surface structure of the palladium electrode enables direct binding with proteins. With just 1 microliter of a sample, it can detect and identify the inhibitory effect of ACE inhibitors on the virus within 21 minutes.
  • INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS:This sensing platform, based on the surfactant-rich palladium nanofilm electrode, allows direct binding of proteins to the palladium electrode. With just 1 microliter of sample and drug concentrations as low as 4μg, it can detect and identify the inhibitory effect of drugs on the virus within 21 minutes. Additionally, it can be used to measure the neutralizing antibody titers in vaccines, which is crucial for confirming vaccine efficacy and understanding the protective capabilities against different viral variants. Moreover, the platform can be applied for sensing and screening drugs in urgent and infectious diseases, such as cancer or other diseases.
  • MATCHING NEEDS:1. Desired industries for collaboration: Electronics and Optoelectronics, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Consumer Applications.
    2. Desired matching projects:：Technology Transfer, Production and Manufacturing, and Investment Cooperation.