Projects
The Point-of-Care Technologies group develops high-performance diagnostic solutions for real-world needs. Our research projects span lateral flow assay development, sustainable microfluidic systems, and emerging platforms for biomarker detection – often in close collaboration with academic, clinical, and industrial partners.
Ongoing Projects
ID-POC (2025)
Point-of-care test for the multiplexed and ratiometric detection of iron deficiency associated biomarkers in blood donors
Funded by: Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Research Fund
We are developing a multiparameter point-of-care device for detecting four iron deficiency–related biomarkers to enable more accurate iron status screening in field and donor health settings, contributing to more equitable and evidence-based blood donation practices.
iCANDOC Doctoral Project, Imran Mahmud
Funded by: Doctoral Education Pilot (iCANDOC, 2025–2027)
Advancing nanoparticle-assisted rapid test technologies for early bladder cancer diagnostics.
ImmuDocs Doctoral Project, Helea Junes
Funded by: Doctoral Education Pilot (ImmuDocs, 2025–2027)
Investigating autoantibody interference in diagnostic assays and developing point-of-care solutions for autoantibody detection.
Past Projects
FUDIS – Future of Diagnostics (2021–2023)
Project ID: 40932/31/2020
Funded by: Business Finland (Co-Innovation)
A national Co-Innovation initiative between five Finnish universities/research institutes and 11 diagnostic companies to advance high-sensitivity point-of-care diagnostics for pandemic preparedness and broader clinical needs. Within this project, we:
- Developed spectrally multiplexed lateral flow assays (LFAs) using dual-color upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) reporters for single-line, dual-analyte detection.
- Designed and implemented 3D-printed actuator systems enabling time-controlled multistep LFA workflows for field use.
- Investigated structural flow control strategies to enhance assay performance and automation in LFA cartridges.
Selected publications:
- Spectrally separated dual-label UCNP LFA for STn-glycosylation in CA125 and CA15-3
- Improved sensitivity and automation of UCNP LFA using a 3D-printed actuation mechanism
Foundational Projects and Legacy
These international and national projects laid the foundation for our group’s current research focus, establishing the use of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) in high-sensitivity, multiplexed point-of-care diagnostics.
Wellcome Trust (2016–2020)
High-sensitivity multiplex point-of-care assay system for blood-borne infections in emergency settings
Funded by: Wellcome Trust
International collaboration between UTU, THSTI (India), ICGEB (India), and diagnostic industry partners from Finland and India. Contributed to the development of affordable and highly sensitive lateral flow assays for global health applications.
Selected publications:
- UCNP-based highly sensitive LFA for Hepatitis B surface antigen
- Double-antigen UCNP LFA for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody detection
UP-POC (2017–2020)
Upconverting nanoparticles for high-performance lateral flow and microfluidic platforms
Funded by: Business Finland (TEKES)
National collaboration between UTU, VTT, and four Finnish diagnostic companies. Demonstrated the performance of UCNPs in quantitative LFAs for cardiac and cancer biomarkers.
Selected publications:
- UCNP LFA for quantitative cardiac troponin I detection
- Glycovariant LFA for ovarian cancer–associated serum CA125
WHO (2017)
Multiplexed point-of-care test for acute febrile illness
Funded by: World Health Organization
International collaboration between UTU and THSTI (India). Collaborated on the development of multiplexed diagnostic platforms for tropical diseases.
Selected publication: