Congratulations to Prof Tanya Monro and Dr Alexandre Francois, inventors of the the VESPR (versatile enhanced surface plasmon resonance) sensor, shortlisted as one of the top 5 inventions in the Australian Innovation Challenge, health category.
With the VESPR sensor, patients will be able to get rapid diagnoses of diseases such as cancer, HIV and influenza from their GP.
“It combines biotechnology and photonics – the booming field based on photons, or “packets” of light. In trials, the patented device detected an inactivated flu virus within five minutes. VESPR is potentially capable of screening for multiple pathogens in small sample volumes quickly and with high specificity. “says Prof Tanya Monro.
The device is cheap to manufacture and easy to use. The team hopes it will be on the international market within a few years.
The winner will be announced 7 December by Senator Carr in Queensland. Dr Alexandre Francois and Prof Tanya Monro will be attending the event.
