Ph.D.: Weizman Institute of Science, Israel

Post-doctorate: University of Cambridge, UK

Position: Associate Professor

Department of Biotechnology Engineering

Faculty of Engineering Sciences

E-mail: rsmarks@bgu.ac.il

Biosensors

Background

Biosensors represent a quick, cheap and sensitive tool for the diagnosis of a particular disease or for monitoring unknown contaminations in the environment. Our mission is to develop biosensors designed to meet both market needs and the requirements of specific niches through innovative research. Accordingly, we have established a multidisciplinary group and a network of international collaborations. We address all aspects of biosensor technology, from the initial analysis of the measurand to field trials. Our efforts focus on the use of biosensor technologies in medicine, security and the environment.

Current research

1. PhagoLum is a diagnostic tool developed to monitor whole blood chemiluminescence, indicative of a patient's clinical status. Using molecular luminescence imprints, we have established the ability to identify particular symptoms, to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and to provide prognostic information on a disease's progress.
2. BioPen is a self-contained analytical tool that takes advantage of fiber-optic technology to maximize the sensitivity of ELISA-type immunoassay approaches, while providing fully automated handling using microfluidic handling techniques. Fiber-optic immunosensors have been developed for the detection of Hepatitis B and C, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, West Nile virus, Brucellosis, Rift Valley fever, Ebola virus, breast and ovarian cancer and other diseases.
3. We have synthesized, characterized and tested new biomaterials consisting of hydrogels possessing various added properties, such as affinity or conductivity. These materials have been shown to lower the leaching of enzymes enclosed in hydrogels, to allow for the attachment of beads to solid phase sensor surfaces, and to remove air-borne toxicants from human airways (Polyrizon, Ltd.). 

Potential joint ventures with industry

1. PhagoLum: We seek investment to create a company for monitoring sepsis using our patented technology.
2. BioPen: We seek investment to create a company to develop self-contained diagnostic tools for POC of TSH and other analytes.
3. Polyrizon, Ltd.: We seek further funding for a start-up whose mission is to create biomaterials designed to remove air-borne toxicants from human airways, such as allergens. 

Selected publications

Herrmann S., Leshem B., Landes S., Rager-Zisman B. and Marks R.S. (2004) Chemiluminescent optical fiber immunosensor for the detection of anti-West Nile virus IgG. Talanta, 66:6-14.

Abu-Rabeah K., Polyak B., Ionescu R.E., Cosnier S. and Marks R.S. (2005) Synthesis and characterization of pyrrole-alginate conjugate and its applications in a biosensor. Biomacromolecules, 6:3313-3318.

Magrisso M., Etzion O., Pilch G., Novodvoretz A., Perez-Avraham G., Schlaeffer F. and Marks R.S. (2005) Fiber-optic biosensor to assess circulating phagocyte activity by chemiluminescence. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 21:1210-1218.