COLUMBUS NANOWORKS, INC. — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: NCICA28

Description

Inflammatory breast cancer, (IBC), is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of advanced breast cancer. Small, non-coding RNAs, microRNAs or miRs, are molecular biomarkers for IBC although there is no consensus miR pattern for IBC. RT-PCR, the gold standard for miR profiling, has identified a 5-miR signature predictive of IBC aggressiveness. Other technologies are still needed that can confirm these results and complement (or even supplant) RT-PCR methods. This project will use Diamond Magnetometry (DM) as an advanced quantum-based, all-optical technology for rapid, ultrasensitive sensing of molecules. DM uses fluorescent, nitrogen-vacancy center nanodiamonds (FNDs) to sense/detect very weak magnetic fields. In Objective 1, we will exploit FNDs and magnetic nanoparticles to detect three of the five miR biomarkers of IBC using a microchannel format. In Objective 2, we will determine performance parameters for DM and demonstrate the technology using FFPE from normal and breast cancer patients. This will include a comparison of DM to RT-PCR. Sensing miR targets with DM will be transformative and radically alter how we use and monitor cancer biomarkers. Development of this quantum-based technology will reduce diagnostic testing time from days to minutes, and make real-time, point of care possible, saving money, time, and lives.