Edition 2: April 2023

A Breakthrough in Capillary Blood Sampling for Multi-Omics Studies, Part 2: Using Microsamples to Profile Health Changes

Michael Snyder, PhD and his research team in the Snyder Lab at Stanford University were introduced in part one of this blog series which outlined how they combined data from both blood microsamples and wearables to track lifestyle-associated changes in health.?From just two 20 μL VAMS??tips on each?Mitra??microsampling device, Stanford researchers developed a multi-omics assay that enabled them to measure more than 2,000 multi-omics biomarkers. Included in the study was analysis of polar metabolites, lipids, proteins/peptides, hormones and inflammatory biomarkers.

This blog discusses two of the Stanford group’s pilot studies that generated meaningful omics data. One study was a nutrition shake challenge among fasting study participants and the other study was an in-depth multi-omics profiling study of data gathered from volunteers using wearables over a seven-day period. One of the key concepts of omics analysis is that biomarker levels in the human body do not remain static. On the other hand, to maintain homeostasis, different processes in the body are continually upregulated and down regulated. As a result, they are in a constant state of flux. This poses quite a technical challenge when trying to ascertain causality and predictability of specific processes.?

To read the full blog, please follow the link.

Accelerating Discovery and Translation: Skin & Blood Microsampling with Scientific Tools and Technologies

In March, the Skin Research Centre at Hull York Medical School (HYMS),?University of York, hosted an event at which Technical Director Dr. James Rudge and Product Director Dr. Florian Lapierre presented on Trajan Scientific and Medical's Neoteryx?microsampling devices, including blood microsampling and skin microsampling tools for sampling in clinical research. These technologies take analytical science from point-of-care sample collection to data analysis as part of a decentralized and more convenient care pathway. During this seminar, Dr. Rudge and Dr. Lapierre presented?on Trajan's overall mission and vision, the company’s hemaPEN? and Mitra? blood microsampling devices and its newer Harpera?, a skin microsampling tool. Key takeaways for attendees were Trajan’s experience in delivering such technologies with technical support, quality and regulatory assurance, and strong value propositions.

Dr. Rudge introduced the Mitra? microsampling device, which he co-invented. He also presented on the hemaPEN?, which was invented by Dr. Lapierre.?Together, the presenters shared some success stories on the application of both devices and their impact on human health. Since skin research is a field of focus for senior researchers attending this event, Dr. Lapierre introduced them to Trajan's new skin microsampling tool, the Harpera?. Dr.?Tarl Prow, a co-inventor of the Harpera tool, participated at the seminar as well. Dr. Lapierre presented on the commercialization of the Harpera, explaining the target markets where it can provide the most benefit. He highlighted case studies from researchers who are currently using this research-use-only (RUO) skin microsampling tool.