Zepto Life Technology is thrilled to announce the presentation of a critical study at the 34th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), held from April 27-30, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. The study, presented by Mayo Clinic’s Principal Investigator Dr. Paschalis Vergidis, was titled “Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infection Using a Cell-Free DNA Assay Coupled with Giant Magnetoresistance Lab-on-a-Chip Technology,” and showcased Zepto’s innovative approach to diagnosing invasive fungal infections.
Timely diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are crucial for reducing mortality. Molecular assays offer higher sensitivity and faster turnaround times compared to conventional diagnostic methods. This study introduces a novel multiplex molecular diagnostic assay using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) and Lab-on-a-Chip technology. In the assay, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted and amplified using multiplex PCR. Single-stranded DNA was then passed through a microfluidic channel containing a GMR sensor array capable of detecting 16 different fungal species. After hybridization with specific probes on the sensors, magnetic beads bound to the biotin-labeled hybridization complex created a change in magnetoresistance, which was measured by the GMR detection system. The novel cfDNA detection method demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in both spiked samples and patients with disseminated infection or angioinvasive disease. This assay will be further evaluated in future studies.
This presentation highlighted Zepto’s commitment to advancing fungal diagnostics and underscored our successful collaboration with leading experts like Dr. Vergidis. We are excited about the impact of these studies and look forward to continuing our work in this important field, driving forward our mission to improve diagnostic standards and patient outcomes.
About the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease conference is a premier event dedicated to the latest advancements in clinical microbiology and infectious disease research. The conference brings together leading experts from around the world to share groundbreaking studies, innovative diagnostic techniques, and emerging treatment strategies in the field.
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.