Fast, low-noise sample prep kit for SERS-based biological
This technology is a faster, cleaner way to prepare biological samples—like cells or tissue—for a highly sensitive detection method called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The key innovation is a special buffer solution that breaks down the sample without introducing chemical noise that would normally interfere with the detector's readings. By combining this buffer with heat and agitation, the process rapidly dissolves the sample's structural components and leaves behind biological molecules that are ready for analysis with minimal background interference. The result is a streamlined sample prep workflow that could significantly cut the time and steps needed before running a SERS-based diagnostic or research test.
What you could build
A sample preparation kit or reagent system sold to clinical diagnostic labs and life science researchers enabling faster, cleaner SERS-based detection of pathogens, biomarkers, or other biological analytes. Primary buyers would be diagnostic instrument companies integrating SERS into their platforms and academic or pharma research labs running label-free biomolecule analysis.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based life science and biodefense contractors (e.g., those supporting BARDA, DARPA, or NIH programs in the Northern Virginia/Maryland corridor) or university hospital diagnostic labs would find rapid pathogen detection capabilities relevant.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Aditya Garg, Wei Zhou, Linsey Marr, Peter Vikesland, Nisha Duggal
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed November 18, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250164403A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.