Aptamer-based GFET devices show a detectable threshold Dirac voltage shift between 0.1 mg/mL and 0.1 µg/mL with posconazole, but no shift with caspofungin (echinocandin).
Invention Summary:
To safely and effectively treat patients with anti-fungal drugs, physicians must understand the pharmacokinetics (PK) of those drugs In patients. However, the PK of azole antifungal drugs are patient dependent. If physicians can monitor levels of drug in real time, then they can better optimize dosages for an individual patient.
Researchers at Rutgers have developed an aptamer-based graphene field effect transistor for sensitive, real-time monitoring of azole drugs. The aptamer probes bind specifically to azole drugs and are stable in many conditions. The graphene field effect transistor provides a sensitive biosensor that is easy to use without complicated equipment.
This biosensor would enable physicians to monitor levels of azole drugs in real time and allow them to optimize dosage for individual patients.
Market Applications:
- Therapeutic drug monitoring
- Monitoring of azole anti-fungal drugs
- Individually optimized dosing of azole drugs
Advantages:
- Real-time monitoring of drug levels in patient at bedside
- Simple sensor for resource-poor settings
- Improved sensitivity
- Improved specificity for hydrophobic drug
- Stable aptamer probes
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
Publications:
Wiedman, GR et al, 2017, An aptamer-based biosensor for azole class of antifungal drugs, MSPHERE, 2:e00274-17
