VortexLC

Long-term management of diabetes relies on the assessment of glycated hemoglobin, also known as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, this test requires specialised laboratory equipment and in individuals with hemoglobin variants it fails to accurately estimate the HbA1c fraction. To address this need, the EIC-funded VortexLC project aims to develop a novel device capable of providing an improved HbA1c analysis at the point of care. VortexLC stands for 'Vortex enhanced liquid chromatography for HbA1c monitoring based diabetes management in a globalized setting'.

Researchers will undertake technological advances to miniaturise the assay and enable the quantification of HbA1c variants in an easy and cost-effective manner suitable for the millions of diabetes patients worldwide. Within the framework of this project, B-PHOT is developing a sensitive optical detection system designed for the quantification and identification of hemoglobin fractions within a lab-on-a-chip module. This advanced technology has the potential to greatly improve how we monitor diabetes and enhance healthcare outcomes.

The project includes three partners from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (B-PHOT Brussels Photonics, µFlow, and the Laboratory of Hematology and Clinical Chemistry of UZ Brussel), along with Joanneum Research in Austria, the National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos in Greece, and CPI in France.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon EIC Pathfinder Open 2021 under the grant agreement ID 101047029.