Biosensing Team Twente 2022/2023
We are a team of 11 individuals from different backgrounds and studies.
Thomas Martens
Team Captain
Business
Diana Andreoli
Team Captain
Research
Pablo Jiménez Chillón
Device Design
Elena Antonioli
Chemistry
Jan Pieter de Rie
Electronics
Maud Westerbeek
Public Relations
Rory Timmerman
Chip Design
Mikelis Putnieks
Device Design
Thomas van Poppel
Chemistry
Vishal Tuli
Biology
Roman Koval
Chip Design
Coaches, Board and Supervisors
Dr. Ir. Pep Canyelles Pericas
Research Coordinator, Supervisory Board
Dr. Ir. Nico Overeem
Research Coordinator, Supervisory Board
Mohammad Saghafi MSc
Research Coordinator, Supervisory Board
In 2023, the SensUs Competition focused on the detection of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), a key biomarker for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This challenge was particularly relevant for high-contact sports like rugby and American football, where early detection of brain injuries is crucial for timely medical intervention and player safety.
As the University of Twente’s team, TwentUs, we developed a portable electrochemical biosensor designed for rapid and accurate GFAP detection in blood samples. Our goal was to create a fast, reliable, and user-friendly device that could be used on the sidelines of sports fields to assess brain injury severity in real time.
The GFAP Sensor
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): Detects GFAP by measuring changes in electrical impedance upon biomarker binding.
- Antibody-Based Recognition: High specificity through anti-GFAP monoclonal antibodies immobilized on gold electrodes.
- Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: A microfluidic cartridge allows for easy sample handling and automated measurements.
- Portable & User-Friendly: Integrated with a Raspberry Pi-based system and touchscreen interface for real-time data display.
- Scalability: Designed for potential expansion to other biomarkers for broader sports injury monitoring.
How the Sensor Works
1️⃣Blood Sample Collection: A small blood sample is introduced into the microfluidic cartridge.
2️⃣ Biomarker Detection: GFAP binds to specific antibodies on the sensor surface.
3️⃣ Signal Processing: Changes in impedance are measured and analyzed using EIS technology.
4️⃣ Results Displayed: GFAP concentration is shown on the touchscreen, with color-coded severity levels for easy interpretation.
5️⃣ Actionable Insights: The device suggests whether medical intervention is needed based on GFAP levels.
Impact & Potential Applications
The biosensor developed by TwentUs has significant potential in various fields. In sports medicine, it enables real-time concussion assessment in high-contact sports such as rugby, American football, and soccer, allowing for immediate decision-making on player safety. In emergency and intensive care settings, the device provides rapid brain injury diagnosis, assisting medical professionals in hospitals and ambulances in identifying and managing traumatic brain injuries efficiently. Additionally, the platform has the potential to be expanded to detect other neurological conditions, such as stroke, broadening its applicability in healthcare.
Achievement & Future Goals
The TwentUs biosensor demonstrated strong potential for real-world application in traumatic brain injury detection. Moving forward, our team aims to enhance the device’s sensitivity and specificity, ensuring even more accurate results. Another key objective is the development of a wearable version of the sensor for continuous monitoring, making brain injury assessment even more accessible and convenient. Additionally, we plan to expand our platform to include other sports-related biomarkers, further strengthening its role in athlete health monitoring. At TwentUs, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of biosensing technology to improve sports safety and healthcare diagnostics.
