Stanford University 'Lab-on-a-Stick' Team wins BMEidea 2009! 

The winners of the 2009 BMEidea Awards were announced June 10, at the Medical Design Excellence Awards ceremony in New York.

First place, winning $10,000: 

Lab-on-a-Stick (Stanford University)
Diagnostic technology without a lab

 Driven by the need for highly sensitive and specific protein detection, nanotechnology researchers have recently focused on the nanoscale for accurate measuring of molecular events. While using nanotechnology in protein detection platforms is easy to implement in a lab setting, rapid diagnostics are less easy to perform at a patient’s bedside, in the developing world, or even with over-the-counter products. Lab-on-a- Stick seeks to bridge the divide between the United States and the developing world by introducing sensitive molecular testing that may be removed from a traditional central- lab model. Lab-on-a-Stick uses Giant magnetoresistive (GMR) devices to detect virtually any infectious disease—from HIV/AIDS to Hepatitis C to tuberculosis—in a rapid wash-free format.  Patients in need of a rapid diagnosis (results are available in an average of fifteen minutes) need only to swab the insides of their cheeks with a disposable “stick,” pre-treated with assorted protein receptors, and scan that stick with the handheld GMR device. This cost-effective technology addresses the need for more accessible nanotechnology diagnostics outside the laboratory, and seeks to replace the need for diagnostic labs completely.

Second place, winning $2,500

Single Port solutions: The SurgiSIL (University of Cincinnati)

A new access tool that allows surgeons to perform laparoscopic procedures through one incision

Traditional laparoscopic surgery requires four to five incisions, increasing trauma, recovery time, and visible scarring to the patient.  The SurgiSIL accommodates multiple instruments through one working channel while still providing increased access within the abdominal cavity.  Ease of use is further characterized by a simple insertion technique, yet another benefit not offered by current single port products.  The SurgiSIL answers the challenges of single port surgery and ultimately presents an improved option for patient care by decreasing trauma, recovery time, and risk for herniation, which is a painful and costly corrective procedure.  The end result to the patient is a hidden scar within the belly button.  The SurgiSIL redefines the single port approach, enabling surgeons to meet the demands for improved patient care.

Third place, winning $1,000

A Novel Biosensor to Measure Vitamin D Levels in Serum (Brown University)

An affordable and accurate method of testing vitamin D levels

Current research has linked vitamin D deficiencies to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and cancer.  But while the demand for vitamin D testing is increasing, current tests are expensive, take too long and are often inaccurate.  The Brown University team has proposed a method of measuring vitamin D using electrochemical detection technology similar to a commercial glucose meter. The affordable, hand-held device will use a disposable testing strip inserted into the device along with a sub-microliter blood sample, which will be analyzed for levels of vitamin D present. Results will be displayed qualitatively and quantitatively on a liquid crystal display almost instantly.

About BMEidea:

The teams' entries were evaluated by judges drawn from academia and industry. Winning entries must solve a clinical problem; meet technical, economic, legal, and regulatory requirements; feature novel and practical designs; and show potential for commercialization. Submissions are judged on technical feasibility, clinical utility, economic feasibility and market potential, novelty and patentability, potential for commercialization and benefit to quality of life and care.

Prizes include cash awards in the amount of $10,000 (first prize), $2,500 (second prize), and $1,000 (third prize), and product development and commercialization resources and training.

The 2010 competition will open in September 2009.

Selected media coverage:

Big Ideas Come from University Students (devicelink.com)

Collegiate Biomed Engineering Prizes Awarded (MedGadget.com) 

University of Cincinnati Health News