Designing and developing simple and easy to use diagnostic systems

There is a growing opportunity to combine new technologies and create innovative, accurate, and affordable in vitro diagnostic (IVD) systems with unparalleled ease-of-use and results available during a single patient visit. These systems can dramatically impact patient lives and improve healthcare delivery in both developing and developed countries. Despite exciting research progress in these types of systems for cytometry, clinical chemistry, immunoassay, and molecular detection, the path from invention to product is long and complicated. This seminar will highlight the design, technical challenges, and development of several such systems, focusing on a recently commercialized technology for multiplexed CD4, %CD4, and Hb testing for HIV patients, and exploring technologies in various stages of development in automated low-cost microscopy and multiplexed immunoassay.

Scott Bornheimer received his PhD from UC San Diego in Chemistry and Biochemistry, under joint mentorship in the departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, where he investigated heterotrimeric G-protein signaling through computational modeling, development of new biosensors, and live cell fluorescent imaging approaches. Driven by a curiosity to apply science and technology to impact patient lives directly, he transitioned to industry through the Technology Leadership Development Program at Becton Dickinson. Scott is now Manager of Applied Research at BD Biosciences, where he leads teams in the development of new research, diagnostic, and medical technologies.