Zepto Life Technology is proud to announce its participation in the 11th Advances Against Aspergillosis conference, held from January 25-27, 2024, in Milan, Italy. Supported by Dr. Paschalis Vergidis from the Mayo Clinic, Zepto presented groundbreaking research that highlights its commitment to advancing fungal diagnostics.
The abstract, titled “Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus Cell-Free DNA Using Giant Magnetoresistance Technology,” demonstrated the potential of Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) technology in detecting fungal DNA. This represents a significant advancement in the diagnostics of Aspergillosis.
The clinical outcomes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) rely on accurate diagnosis and timely initiation of effective antifungal treatment. Zepto aimed to develop a novel fungal pathogen cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection method using GMR technology on a Lab-on-a-Chip platform. This technology leverages changes in electrical resistance occurring in the presence of a magnetic field. Magnetic particles are captured by extracted and amplified fungal cfDNA over a GMR sensor, where alterations in magnetoresistance result in a measurable signal.
In the study, cell-free DNA was extracted and amplified through a multiplex PCR reaction. Amplified and digested single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was then pushed through a microfluidic channel containing a GMR sensor array capable of detecting 16 different fungal species in duplicates. Each sensor had DNA probes printed and linked to its surface for pathogen DNA hybridization. After hybridization, magnetic beads containing streptavidin were bound to the biotin-labeled hybridization complex, locking the magnetic bead above the sensor. The magnetic bead linked to the sensor created a change in magnetic resistance, which was measured by the GMR detection system.
Zepto developed a multiplex PCR assay coupled with GMR technology that can detect fungal cfDNA in serum/plasma. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and will be further evaluated in future studies.
This presentation underscored Zepto’s successful collaboration with leading experts like Dr. Vergidis. Zepto Life Technology is excited about the impact of these studies and looks forward to continuing its work in this important field, driving forward the mission to improve diagnostic standards and patient outcomes.
About the Advances Against Aspergillosis & Mucormycosis Conference
The Advances Against Aspergillosis & Mucormycosis Conference is a premier global event dedicated to the latest breakthroughs in fungal infection research. This conference brings together top experts to explore advancements in Aspergillus and mucormycosis diagnostics and treatment, featuring both in-person and online presentations.
About Zepto Life Technology
Founded in 2014, Zepto Life Technology is a privately held company based in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking products that can detect invasive fungal infections using cell-free DNA found in blood. Our cutting-edge detection technology, Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR), is renowned for its high sensitivity and specificity. This Nobel Prize-winning technology from 2007 enables us to detect multiple infections accurately without compromising specificity.
In collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Zepto Life Technology is committed to advancing healthcare by providing precise and reliable diagnostic solutions.