Altratech Limited

Ireland

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        Patent 25
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Date
2026 (YTD) 2
2025 1
2024 2
2023 2
2021 4
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IPC Class
C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors 11
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance 7
C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA 6
C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids 6
C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay 5
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NICE Class
01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use 1
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments 1
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments 1
Status
Pending 7
Registered / In Force 19

1.

DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM

      
Application Number 19446353
Status Pending
Filing Date 2026-01-12
First Publication Date 2026-05-21
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Free, Paul
  • Mccarthy, Moira
  • Walshe, John

Abstract

A portable diagnostic device has a lysate stage (167) with a port for receiving a sample and containing magnetic beads with a probe, and an outlet port. A series of assay stages (161-164) are linked with the lysate vessel, each with a reservoir linked by channels. The final stage (164) has a sensor (169) for detecting beads attached to analyte molecules which have been conveyed according to attachment to probes on beads. Larger transport beads cause reporter beads which are tethered by target NA and probes to be transported to the final sensor stage, where they are released and detected when the transport beads have been removed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

2.

CAPACITIVE SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE

      
Application Number 19383155
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-11-07
First Publication Date 2026-03-05
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01N 27/327 - Biochemical electrodes
  • G01N 27/74 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants

3.

RNA TARGET ENRICHMENT OR DEPLETION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

      
Application Number 18778234
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-07-19
First Publication Date 2025-01-09
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Connell, Claire
  • Oshaben, Kaylyn
  • Appella, Daniel

Abstract

A method of target enrichment or depletion from a sample with an analyte is described. A probe has one of a left-handed PNA pair and a targeting moiety, in which the left-handed PNA pair are a complementary pair of PNAs that are chiral and have a cyclic backbone modification that induces a left-handed helical structure. A capture surface has the other of the left-handed PNA pair; and the left-handed PNA pair bind to hybridize the probe to the capture surface, which may be a magnetic bead.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

4.

Diagnostic device and system

      
Application Number 18601452
Grant Number 12553078
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-03-11
First Publication Date 2024-07-04
Grant Date 2026-02-17
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Free, Paul
  • Mccarthy, Moira
  • Walshe, John

Abstract

A portable diagnostic device has a lysate stage (167) with a port for receiving a sample and containing magnetic beads with a probe, and an outlet port. A series of assay stages (161-164) are linked with the lysate vessel, each with a reservoir linked by channels. The final stage (164) has a sensor (169) for detecting beads attached to analyte molecules which have been conveyed according to attachment to probes on beads. Larger transport beads cause reporter beads which are tethered by target NA and probes to be transported to the final sensor stage, where they are released and detected when the transport beads have been removed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

5.

Capacitive sensor and method of use

      
Application Number 18368983
Grant Number 12487238
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-15
First Publication Date 2024-03-07
Grant Date 2025-12-02
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01N 27/327 - Biochemical electrodes
  • G01N 27/74 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants

6.

SINGLE-BEAD CAPACITIVE DETECTOR FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

      
Application Number 18102355
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-01-27
First Publication Date 2023-08-03
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Dalton, Tara
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Aherne, Margaret
  • Mcguire, David
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • King, Colin
  • Free, Paul
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved capacitive bead sensor for detection and/or quantification of target analytes in a sample, with a detection limit down to single-beads, which is re-usable for multiple bead tests, or for a continuous flow of beads, and which is easily manufacturable and automatable. It enables sensitivity down to single molecule detection without the need for enzymatic amplification such as PCR, by use of various structural advantages and electronic signal amplification techniques that further allow for multiplex target detection not only across various nucleic acid targets but across entire target classes allowing for simultaneous detection of viral nucleic acids and host antibodies to that virus for example.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6837 - Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase using probe arrays or probe chips
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor

7.

SINGLE-BEAD CAPACITIVE DETECTOR FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

      
Application Number IB2023000046
Publication Number 2023/144630
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-27
Publication Date 2023-08-03
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Dalton, Tara
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Aherne, Margaret
  • Mcguire, David
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • King, Colin
  • Free, Paul
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved capacitive bead sensor for detection and/or quantification of target analytes in a sample, with a detection limit down to single-beads, which is re-usable for multiple bead tests, or for a continuous flow of beads, and which is easily manufacturable and automatable. It enables sensitivity down to single molecule detection without the need for enzymatic amplification such as PCR, by use of various structural advantages and electronic signal amplification techniques that further allow for multiplex target detection not only across various nucleic acid targets but across entire target classes allowing for simultaneous detection of viral nucleic acids and host antibodies to that virus for example.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6804 - Nucleic acid analysis using immunogens
  • C12Q 1/6816 - Hybridisation assays characterised by the detection means
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors

8.

RNA TARGET ENRICHMENT OR DEPLETION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

      
Document Number 03174707
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-03-05
Open to Public Date 2021-09-10
Owner
  • ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
  • THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (USA)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Connell, Claire
  • Oshaben, Kaylyn
  • Appella, Daniel

Abstract

A method of target enrichment or depletion from a sample with an analyte is described. A probe has one of a left-handed PNA pair and a targeting moiety, in which the left-handed PNA pair are a complementary pair of PNAs that are chiral and have a cyclic backbone modification that induces a left-handed helical structure. A capture surface has the other of the left-handed PNA pair; and the left-handed PNA pair bind to hybridize the probe to the capture surface, which may be a magnetic bead.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C07H 21/00 - Compounds containing two or more mononucleotide units having separate phosphate or polyphosphate groups linked by saccharide radicals of nucleoside groups, e.g. nucleic acids
  • C07K 19/00 - Hybrid peptides
  • C12Q 1/6813 - Hybridisation assays
  • C12Q 1/6832 - Enhancement of hybridisation reaction

9.

RNA TARGET ENRICHMENT OR DEPLETION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

      
Application Number US2021021147
Publication Number 2021/178842
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-05
Publication Date 2021-09-10
Owner
  • ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
  • THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (USA)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Connell, Claire
  • Oshaben, Kaylyn
  • Appella, Daniel

Abstract

A method of target enrichment or depletion from a sample with an analyte is described. A probe has one of a left-handed PNA pair and a targeting moiety, in which the left-handed PNA pair are a complementary pair of PNAs that are chiral and have a cyclic backbone modification that induces a left-handed helical structure. A capture surface has the other of the left-handed PNA pair; and the left-handed PNA pair bind to hybridize the probe to the capture surface, which may be a magnetic bead.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C07H 21/00 - Compounds containing two or more mononucleotide units having separate phosphate or polyphosphate groups linked by saccharide radicals of nucleoside groups, e.g. nucleic acids
  • C12Q 1/6813 - Hybridisation assays
  • C12Q 1/6832 - Enhancement of hybridisation reaction
  • C07K 19/00 - Hybrid peptides

10.

RNA target enrichment or depletion of biological samples

      
Application Number 17193652
Grant Number 12071616
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-05
First Publication Date 2021-09-09
Grant Date 2024-08-27
Owner
  • Altratech Limited (Ireland)
  • The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services (USA)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Connell, Claire
  • Oshaben, Kaylyn
  • Appella, Daniel

Abstract

A method of target enrichment or depletion from a sample with an analyte is described. A probe has one of a left-handed PNA pair and a targeting moiety, in which the left-handed PNA pair are a complementary pair of PNAs that are chiral and have a cyclic backbone modification that induces a left-handed helical structure. A capture surface has the other of the left-handed PNA pair; and the left-handed PNA pair bind to hybridize the probe to the capture surface, which may be a magnetic bead.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

11.

NUCLEIC ACID ANALYSIS METHOD AND APPARATUS

      
Application Number 16918499
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-07-01
First Publication Date 2021-01-28
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy

Abstract

Methods of detecting target nucleic acid is a sample are described. A first probe is attached to first beads, and the first beads are placed in the sample so that any target nucleic acid attaches to the first probe. A second probe also attaches to the target nucleic acid so that any of the target nucleic acid links or “tethers” the first and second probes. A capacitive sensor detects capacitance of the beads and processes capacitance data to quantify target nucleic acid presence in the sample. The second probe may be immobilised on the sensor surface. Alternatively the second beads are introduced into the sample with the second probe attached, and the extent of tethering of the first beads to the second beads is indicative of the extent of target NA present.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01R 33/12 - Measuring magnetic properties of articles or specimens of solids or fluids
  • C12Q 1/682 - Signal amplification
  • C12Q 1/6827 - Hybridisation assays for detection of mutation or polymorphism
  • C12Q 1/6837 - Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase using probe arrays or probe chips
  • C12Q 1/6888 - Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes for detection or identification of organisms

12.

Capacitive sensor and method of use

      
Application Number 16917125
Grant Number 11796498
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-30
First Publication Date 2020-12-24
Grant Date 2023-10-24
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01N 27/327 - Biochemical electrodes
  • G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
  • G01N 27/74 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids

13.

A DIAGNOSTIC SENSOR

      
Application Number 16648487
Status Pending
Filing Date 2018-09-06
First Publication Date 2020-07-23
Owner
  • UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK (Ireland)
  • ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Connell, Ivan
  • Darby, Steven
  • Cummins, Timothy

Abstract

A diagnostic sensor device has a semiconductor chip having a distal end physically configured to fit into a power and data socket conforming to a non-proprietary standard, and having exposed pads for engagement with corresponding conductors of such a socket. At its proximal end the chip has at least one sensor for contact with an analyte. The device may be manufactured in a single integrated process to provide a wafer which is diced to provide the individual devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value
  • G01N 27/327 - Biochemical electrodes

14.

Diagnostic device and system

      
Application Number 16647795
Grant Number 11459601
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-06
First Publication Date 2020-07-09
Grant Date 2022-10-04
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Free, Paul
  • Mccarthy, Moira
  • Walshe, John

Abstract

A portable diagnostic device has a lysate stage with a port for receiving a sample and containing magnetic beads with a probe, and an outlet port. A series of assay stages are linked with the lysate vessel, each with a reservoir linked by channels. The final stage has a sensor for detecting beads attached to analyte molecules which have been conveyed according to attachment to probes on beads. Larger transport beads cause reporter beads which are tethered by target NA and probes to be transported to the final sensor stage, where they are released and detected when the transport beads have been removed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

15.

A DIAGNOSTIC SENSOR

      
Application Number EP2018074056
Publication Number 2019/057513
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-06
Publication Date 2019-03-28
Owner
  • UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK (Ireland)
  • ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Darby, Steven
  • O'Connell, Ivan

Abstract

A diagnostic sensor device (1) has a semiconductor chip (2) having a distal end physically configured to fit into a power and data socket (10) conforming to a non-proprietary standard, and having exposed pads (3) for engagement with corresponding conductors of such a socket. At its proximal end the chip has at least one sensor (5) for contact with an analyte. The device may be manufactured in a single integrated process to provide a wafer (9) which is diced to provide the individual devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value

16.

DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM

      
Application Number EP2018074058
Publication Number 2019/057515
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-06
Publication Date 2019-03-28
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • O'Driscoll, John
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • Free, Paul
  • Mccarthy, Moira
  • Walshe, John

Abstract

A portable diagnostic device has a lysate stage (167) with a port for receiving a sample and containing magnetic beads with a probe, and an outlet port. A series of assay stages (161-164) are linked with the lysate vessel, each with a reservoir linked by channels. The final stage (164) has a sensor (169) for detecting beads attached to analyte molecules which have been conveyed according to attachment to probes on beads. Larger transport beads cause reporter beads which are tethered by target NA and probes to be transported to the final sensor stage, where they are released and detected when the transport beads have been removed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/6816 - Hybridisation assays characterised by the detection means
  • G01N 27/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors

17.

Sample preparation method and apparatus

      
Application Number 16196415
Grant Number 11274291
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-11-20
First Publication Date 2019-03-21
Grant Date 2022-03-15
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • Alvarez-Vicente, Jorge

Abstract

A method of preparing a nucleic acid sample with target enrichment uses a reaction vessel, within which is added a chelating agent to a sample with heating to about 99° C. to provide a crude lysate. A PNA probe is provided at a concentration sufficient for binding and capture of discernible levels of target nucleic acid. The PNA probe may be attached to beads which are initially embedded in a wax body and are released during the heating so that the y are free to move and come into contact with the PNA probe and target DNA. After binding has occurred, the beads are magnetically attracted back into a pocket along with the wax, which is allowed to solidify before they are removed from the reaction vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

18.

Sample preparation method and apparatus

      
Application Number 16196590
Grant Number 10995331
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-11-20
First Publication Date 2019-03-21
Grant Date 2021-05-04
Owner Altratech Limited (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • Álvarez-Vicente, Jorge

Abstract

A method of preparing a nucleic acid sample with target enrichment uses a reaction vessel, within which is added a chelating agent to a sample with heating to about 99° C. to provide a crude lysate. A PNA probe is provided at a concentration sufficient for binding and capture of discernible levels of target nucleic acid. The PNA probe may be attached to beads which are initially embedded in a wax body and are released during the heating so that the y are free to move and come into contact with the PNA probe and target DNA. After binding has occurred, the beads are magnetically attracted back into a pocket along with the wax, which is allowed to solidify before they are removed from the reaction vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

19.

Capacitive sensor and method of use

      
Application Number 15101268
Grant Number 10746683
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
First Publication Date 2017-01-26
Grant Date 2020-08-18
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01N 27/327 - Biochemical electrodes
  • G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
  • G01N 27/74 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids

20.

Nucleic acid analysis method and apparatus

      
Application Number 15101254
Grant Number 10738348
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
First Publication Date 2016-10-20
Grant Date 2020-08-11
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy

Abstract

Methods of detecting target nucleic acid is a sample are described. A first probe is attached to first beads, and the first beads are placed in the sample so that any target nucleic acid attaches to the first probe. A second probe also attaches to the target nucleic acid so that any of the target nucleic acid links or “tethers” the first and second probes. A capacitive sensor detects capacitance of the beads and processes capacitance data to quantify target nucleic acid presence in the sample. The second probe may be immobilised on the sensor surface. Alternatively the second beads are introduced into the sample with the second probe attached, and the extent of tethering of the first beads to the second beads is indicative of the extent of target NA present.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • C12Q 1/6825 - Nucleic acid detection involving sensors
  • G01R 33/12 - Measuring magnetic properties of articles or specimens of solids or fluids
  • C12Q 1/682 - Signal amplification
  • C12Q 1/6827 - Hybridisation assays for detection of mutation or polymorphism
  • C12Q 1/6837 - Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase using probe arrays or probe chips
  • C12Q 1/6888 - Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes for detection or identification of organisms

21.

Sample preparation method and apparatus

      
Application Number 15101200
Grant Number 10160966
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
First Publication Date 2016-10-13
Grant Date 2018-12-25
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • Álvarez-Vicente, Jorge

Abstract

A method of preparing a nucleic acid sample with target enrichment uses a reaction vessel (11), within which is added a chelating agent to a sample with heating to about 99° C. to provide a crude lysate. A PNA probe is provided at a concentration sufficient for binding and capture of discernible levels of target nucleic acid. The PNA probe may be attached to beads (26) which are initially embedded in a wax body (17) and are released during the heating so that they are free to move and come into contact with the PNA probe and target DNA. After binding has occurred, the beads are magnetically attracted back into a pocket (16) along with the wax (17), which is allowed to solidify before they are removed from the reaction vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/6806 - Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay

22.

A SAMPLING APPARATUS

      
Application Number EP2015078957
Publication Number 2016/091868
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-12-08
Publication Date 2016-06-16
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond

Abstract

A sampling apparatus (1) has a tubular stem (2) at the distal end of which are four axially- extending teeth (5) forming a distal tip. There is a recess (10) within the tip, within which there is an axial spike (6). There are two rectangular openings (7) in the wall of the stem at the recess (10). The apparatus (1) is moved to approach a bulk material (M) until the distal tip, including the spike (6) penetrates the material. The guide pushes some sample material across the recess towards the openings (7). There may be a rotating action to assist separation of a plug or sample from the bulk material. Upon withdrawal, the sample may then be inserted into a receptacle for analysis, preferably with being brought into contact with a lysis buffer or other liquid reagent.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 1/08 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting involving an extracting tool, e.g. core bit

23.

A NUCLEIC ACID ANALYSIS METHOD AND APPARATUS

      
Application Number EP2014077185
Publication Number 2015/091139
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
Publication Date 2015-06-25
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

Methods of detecting target nucleic acid is a sample are described. A first probe is attached to first beads, and the first beads are placed in the sample so that any target nucleic acid attaches to the first probe. A second probe also attaches to the target nucleic acid so that any of the target nucleic acid links or "tethers" the first and second probes. A capacitive sensor detects capacitance of the beads and processes capacitance data to quantify target nucleic acid presence in the sample. The second probe may be immobilised on the sensor surface. Alternatively the second beads are introduced into the sample with the second probe attached, and the extent of tethering of the first beads to the second beads is indicative of the extent of target NA present.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants

24.

A SAMPLE PREPARATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

      
Application Number EP2014077168
Publication Number 2015/086652
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
Publication Date 2015-06-18
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • O'Farrell, Brian
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Sullivan, Cian Desmond
  • Álvarez-Vicente, Jorge

Abstract

A method of preparing a nucleic acid sample with target enrichment uses a reaction vessel (11), within which is added a chelating agent to a sample with heating to about 99° C to provide a crude lysate. A PNA probe is provided at a concentration sufficient for binding and capture of discernible levels of target nucleic acid. The PNA probe may be attached to beads (26) which are initially embedded in a wax body (17) and are released during the heating so that the y are free to move and come into contact with the PNA probe and target DNA. After binding has occurred, the beads are magnetically attracted back into a pocket (16) along with the wax (17), which is allowed to solidify before they are removed from the reaction vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

25.

A CAPACITIVE SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE

      
Application Number EP2014077170
Publication Number 2015/086654
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-10
Publication Date 2015-06-18
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
Inventor
  • Cummins, Timothy
  • O'Farrell, Brian

Abstract

An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
  • G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance

26.

BeadCAP

      
Application Number 012770814
Status Registered
Filing Date 2014-04-07
Registration Date 2014-09-01
Owner ALTRATECH LIMITED (Ireland)
NICE Classes  ?
  • 01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use
  • 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
  • 10 - Medical apparatus and instruments

Goods & Services

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