MecanoDiag

The project MecanoDiag was a 2020 winner of the PREMATURATION call for projects, led by the Innovation Lab of IP Paris.

Abnormalities in the mechanical properties of nuclei and/or cells are involved in various pathologies including cancer and certain rare genetic diseases.

Mecanodiag provides a novel functional diagnostic test that would complement existing genetic testing which often leads to inconclusive diagnosis. The same platform can also be used for drug screening.

LadHyX is a multidisciplinary laboratory specializing in fluid mechanics research. It has a history of innovative technology transfers and has already spun off several start-ups.

The project team focuses on vascular biomechanics and bioengineering, has active collaborations with clinicians, and is a founding member of the IP-Paris Engineering for Health Interdisciplinary Center (E4H).

MecanoDiag uses the concept of cellular and nuclear deformations on micro-structured surfaces.

• A specialized microstructured culture substrate is optimized to deform cells and their nuclei to amplify differences in deformation between normal and diseased cells.
• A full diagnostic system (microscopy platform and an AI-based image analysis software) under development will provide a quantitative diagnostic assessment.

• Rapid (under 1hour), inexpensive, and high throughput tool for in vitro diagnosis. This technology can help reduce medical costs.
• Provide functional assay to detect abnormalities in cell and nuclear mechanical properties.
• Easy to use by external customers.