Funding projects

The subject of the planned project is the development of a practical on-site monitoring system (MONITOR) for seed-borne pathogens in vegetable production. The monitoring system should significantly minimise economic damage caused by pathogens that are diagnosed too late or not at all.
The basis of the system is a microfluidic disposable test carrier (“LabDisc”), which enables the analysis of seed samples at the place of sampling by means of the lab-on-a-chip technology. The main task is to develop an automated method for sample preparation and DNA/RNA purification as well as to establish a multiplex PCR for the detection of seed-borne pathogens.
BIORON GmbH has started the project with its partners Hahn-Schickard Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V., Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum (DLR) – Rheinpfalz, Johann Hoefer & Sohn GmbH & Co.KG and myPOLS Biotec GmbH in October 2021. The project is funded by the Federal Institute for Agriculture and Food.

The UniDrop system enables digital nucleic acid analysis in every laboratory where precise identification and quantification of genetic material is necessary. It offers the possibility of combining sensitive detection and absolute quantification without the need for a standard curve. Based on an innovative centrifugal microfluidic cartridge, the LabSlide, the platform to be developed can be processed on standard laboratory equipment. The UniDrop system can also be used individually by the user for all common molecular detection methods such as PCR, LAMP, RPA and HDA. Due to the inexpensive disposable cartridge, use of standard laboratory devices and software-supported data this platform is attractive and flexible for a wide range of users. BIORON started working on UniDrop (“Universal platform for drop-based digital nucleic acid analysis”, ZF4501805CR9) with two partners, Hahn-Schickard e.V. and Industrial Science GmbH in April 2020 and finished the project at the end of 2023.  This project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the “Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” (ZIM).

“Automation platform for routine analysis of circulating tumor DNA using digital PCR” (Automatisierungsplattform zur Routineanalyse zirkulierender Tumor-DNA mittels Digitaler PCR, ARTUR, 13GW0198B) was a joint project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Since the beginning in January 2018, BIORON has been developing the diagnosis of tumor DNA using liquid biopsy together with five partners: Hahn-Schickard e.V., velixX GmbH, TDC GmbH, Solectrix GmbH and Medical Center of University of Freiburg. The goal was a largely automated system based on dPCR. Both the new device platform and the reagents for extraction and detection are innovative and trend-setting.
The platform allows the tumor DNA, which is present in the blood of the cancer patient, to be detected in an extremely sensitive and very gentle manner for the patient. Then subsequent monitoring of the success of the treatment can be carried out. The project was finished in December 2020.

BIORON was developing an innovative test system for the simultaneous detection of different animal species in raw and processed meat samples together with parters from industry and research: Hahn-Schickard e.V., Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V. (DIL), Teufel Prototypen GmbH and University of Göttingen – Microbiology and Animal Hygiene. It enables the food industry and authorities to carry out quick and sensitive on-site inspections of meat samples in food – “On-site identification of animal species from meat products, ZF4501802AW7”.
The mobile system is located in a carrying case and contains the unique cartridge and a detector with a battery, which enables operation regardless of a power source. Six relevant animal species can be detected on a molecular biological basis.
This project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the “Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” (ZIM) and ran until June 2021.