ERC Proof of Concept Grant to improve monitoring heart failure patients

Professor of Chemical Biology Giovanni Maglia has been awarded an ERC Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council to develop a technology to improve diagnostic methods for heart failure patients. The top-up grant, worth EUR 150,000, is to help explore the commercial or societal potential of findings, thus progressing ground-breaking research towards innovation.

More than 15 million Europeans suffer from heart failure and the number of heart failure patients worldwide is expected to increase by 33% by 2060. Building on the foundations of an earlier project awarded a EUR 2 million ERC Consolidator Grant, this research takes the first steps towards designing an innovative device that improves diagnostic methods in heart failure.

Biological nanopore tool

An important instrument for better diagnoses of heart failure comes from natriuresis-guided therapy, offering potential for personalized treatment. Monitoring natriuresis through urinalysis via Point of Care Testing (POCT) helps manage severe heart failure. However, POCT presents several complications, as it can only be performed by health care professionals and long-term costs are high. Maglio and his team will develop a biological nanopore tool for real-time continuous patient health monitoring to improve possibilities of POCT.

Improving accuracy and reliability

The nanopore tool can detect sodium ions, electrolytes, proteins, and heart failure biomarkers in liquid samples like urine. By utilising multiple nanopores, the system improves accuracy and reliability in identifying pathologies related to heart failure, including kidney failure. The project's advantages include its potential for miniaturisation, minimal need for specialised solutions, and compatibility with low-powered electronic devices. This improves diagnostic methods for heart failure patients worldwide and paves the way for accurate and efficient medical interventions in the future.

Giovanni Maglia works at the University of Groningen’s Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. With his research group he focuses on the chemistry and biophysics of nanopores. 

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ERC Consolidator Grant helps Giovanni Maglia develop new diagnostics