Micromem develops ultrasensitive liquid-phase sensor

Executive Summary

• Micromem Technologies Inc. has successfully developed a liquid-phase nanowire biochemical sensor capable of detecting disease-associated biomarkers at ultralow concentrations, marking a significant milestone in medical diagnostics.
• The sensor achieves a limit-of-detection down to one picomolar (pM) with 20 mV per decade sensitivity, enabling the identification of inflammatory and pathological biomarkers previously undetectable by conventional methods.
• The company is actively seeking co-development and deployment opportunities with strategic industry partners, including biotech, pharmaceutical, and diagnostics companies, to validate the platform for clinical and point-of-care applications.

Key Details

• Sensor Performance: The liquid-phase nanowire sensor demonstrates a limit-of-detection of 1 picomolar (pM) and a sensitivity of 20 mV per decade.
• Target Analyte: The initial target is TREM-1 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells), a marker associated with inflammatory responses and diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, colitis, and fibrosis.
• Manufacturing: The platform is fabricated using standard photolithography processes, ensuring it is cost-effective and scalable for high-volume industrial applications.
• Technical Features:
  • Ultralow detection thresholds suitable for early-stage disease monitoring.
  • Broad diagnostic utility, customizable for other biomarkers involved in cancer, autoimmune disease, and systemic inflammation.
  • High signal clarity with real-time, low-noise output strongly correlated to analyte concentration.
  • Compact and integratable design ready for next-generation lab-on-a-chip, point-of-care, or remote diagnostic devices.
• Origin: The technology originated from work developed on behalf of the Department of National Defence and is evolving into a commercial diagnostic tool.
• Market Context: Global demand for biomarker diagnostics is expected to exceed $100 billion (U.S.) by 2030.
• Strategic Focus: Micromem is positioning its gas detection technology for industrial and environmental integration while focusing on expanding commercial readiness for the new liquid-phase sensor through pilot deployments and partnerships.

Notable Quotes

• "Precision medicine starts with precision detection. The company's platform offers the sensitivity, flexibility and scalability to support a wide array of clinical applications."