How does it work?
The sensitive element of the SNR (Suspended Nano Resonator) sensor is a silicon beam which is 20 microns long, andvibrates at several MHz. This beam features a microfluidic channel in which inactive viruses circulate in a liquid media. Some capsids (protein virus shells) are loaded with DNA and others are empty.
Fluctuations are measured so that to calculate the mass distribution of viruses and to infer the ratio of DNA-loaded viruses to empty capsids.
Advantages?
There is currently no non-destructive quality control technology for this application. Mass spectrometry takes several hours, is expensive and renders the sample unusable.
What's more, in this measurement mode, the SNR sensor achieves unrivaled measurement accuracy (10-20g ). With further development, it could be connected in a bypass configuration to a bioreactor, opening up unprecedented prospects for gene therapy producers in terms of quality control.
Our research areas:
The SNR sensor technology was studied for several years by CEA-Leti and MIT. It has now been stabilized.
Applications?
Quality control in the biomanufacturing of gene therapies, messenger RNA vaccines and therapeutic extracellular vesicles.
"Thanks to the France Relance plan, we are launching several research projects with academic and industrial partners to adapt the SNR to various bioproductions. Its measurement precision and non-destructive nature make it an exceptional tool for innovation.” Vincent Agache, senior MEMS resonator expert at CEA-Leti