Development of an integrated system comprising polymer chip, control device and data processing for the multiparametric diagnosis of celiac disease

Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is a chronic and - putatively - congenital disorder with a prevalence of 1:3000 on average. Due to constantly delayed diagnoses, the disease generates high individual as well as economic damages. This phenomenon can be explained by difficulties in getting a meaningful diagnosis because either surgical procedures or multiparameter analyses are needed; molecular-biological typing of certain HLA-alleles, the serological detection of gluten-indicating immunoglobulins, and the recognition of certain autoimmune-antibodies are parts of this multiparameter analysis.
The aim of the CD-Medics project is to develop an instrument that facilitates the above described analyses. Starting with a droplet of blood, all immunological as well as molecular biological processes will be executed in a microtiter plate sized polymer chip. For doing so, rather different components, such as modules for purification and amplification of nucleic acid, modules for the isolation of blood plasma, sensor modules, a control device, and, finally, a unit for data processing as well as transfer, must be developed. IMM takes part in the development of the mentioned "bio-modules", in the integration of all hardware components and in the production of the sensors.

Contact: Dr. Sabine Brunklaus, Fluidics and Simulation Department,
Phone: +49 6131/990 411

More information about the CD-medics project

Project data sheet 153 KB