Semiconductor manufacturer SkyWater Technology has partnered with medical device firm NanoDx to develop and produce nanoscale sensors for rapid Covid-19 testing and other vital diagnostics.

The deal facilitates the technology transfer for qualification and production ramp of nanoscale sensors to improve precise, rapid testing for various indications such as Covid-19, traumatic brain injury (TBI), sepsis and stroke.

By partnering with SkyWate, NanoDx intends to scale the product as well as pursue an emergency use authorisation (FDA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rapid, two-minute, point-of-care Covid-19 testing.

The company has recently entered into a licencing agreement with IBM Research to boost its efforts to launch an array of diagnostic solutions into the market.

The partnership is aimed at integrating its complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technology design with NanoDx’s advanced nanosensor platform.

NanoDx aims to commercialise a real-time, point-of-care diagnostics platform, which can identify and quantify biomarkers (analytes) from a small fluid specimen.

The firm has developed an intellectual property portfolio around its nanosensor platform, which covers the complete field of in vitro diagnostics and biosensors.

NanoDx president and CEO Sharad Joshi said: “The capability to easily scale our product at SkyWater, a U.S.-owned, IP-secure facility will enable us to quickly meet the needs of diagnostic testing for Covid-19 with the potential for use with a wide variety of other clinical applications.”

The breakthrough science incorporated into the NanoDx System is originally based on the work of nanoscale technology pioneer Harvard University.

The patented nanosensor design consists of an array of ultrasensitive nanowires, which identify and measure specific biomarkers and infections in the bloodstream or other fluid specimens.

Featuring unique size and electrical properties, the nanosensors enable to detect biomarkers and infections with a simple, portable and accurate point-of-care system

SkyWater president and CEO Thomas Sonderman said: “We are very pleased to work with NanoDx on this opportunity to potentially help early diagnosis of Covid-19 through rapid testing.”