Point-of-care test diagnostic for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Description:

Inventors:
Sangita Phadtare, PhD – Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University
Lark J. Perez, PhD – Professor and Chair, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University
Joshua DeSipio, MD – Gastroenterologist, Cooper University Health Care

Overview

A biosensor-array-based diagnostic assay designed for point-of-care detection of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using disease-specific metabolites found in stool samples.

Clinical Need

IBS affects approximately 10–15% of the global population and remains difficult to diagnose due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. Current diagnosis largely relies on exclusion of other conditions, requiring multiple tests that may involve invasive procedures and significant healthcare resources. Existing analytical approaches for stool metabolite profiling, such as GC-MS, are costly and require specialized equipment and personnel.

Solution

The inventors developed a non-invasive biosensor assay capable of detecting disease-associated fecal metabolites. The technology is designed to provide a rapid, low-cost, point-of-care diagnostic alternative for IBS.

Technology

Dr. Phadtare, Dr. Perez, and Dr. DeSipio have developed a biosensor that uses standard protein–indicator complexes that respond to the presence of specific metabolites in stool samples. Metabolite binding displaces indicator molecules, producing a colorimetric readout. These indicators are chromatographically separated on the paper device, generating a visual pattern that reflects the metabolite profile. The approach leverages differential sensing and pattern recognition to identify diagnostic metabolite signatures.

Fig 1. Indicators are displaced from immobilized SA/FABP dependent on the presence and identity of fecal FAs. The resulting indicators are paper chromatographically separated and visualized..