Startup Seeks to Bring DNA Diagnostics to Smartphones
A startup based in Philadelphia, PA is aiming to replace expensive and complicated DNA diagnostic equipment with an easy to use smartphone controlled setup that performs real-time qPCR. Biomeme’s CEO unveiled their ambitious plans at DreamIt Health, though the company did not show off any working prototypes. The company aims to provide medical professionals the ability to do advanced DNA diagnostics and perform real-time disease surveillance without the need of experienced individuals and expensive gear. The setups includes a docking station which handles real-time qPCR, a sample preparation kit, microarray targeting particular diseases or pathogens and a mobile app that analyses the results. The best part of Biomeme is that it is powered by its own battery, making it practical in remote parts of the developing world.