Multiplexed Multi-omics Biomarker Panel From Minimally Invasive Biomatrix

Combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a profound and long-lasting impact on a significant proportion of U.S. veterans, affecting up to 30% of them throughout their lifetime. However, the current process of identifying cases is hindered by the heavy reliance on self-reported symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis due to the stigma associated with reporting PTSD symptoms. Consequently, the development of a molecular diagnostic tool is crucial to accurately identify and provide appropriate treatment for individuals with PTSD. Previous biomarker studies have predominantly focused on gene expression as a means to predict risk and diagnose PTSD, but with limited success. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding, recent investigations have emphasized the importance of multi-omic biomarkers for early and precise identification of warzone-related PTSD. These biomarkers not only enable accurate diagnosis but also offer valuable prognostic information and ultimately can guide personalized treatment plans. It is worth noting that the multi-omics approach encompasses genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolic analysis. However, the detection of these multi-omic biomarkers necessitates multiple, complex technologies such as microarrays, diverse sequencing platforms, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mass spectrometry. Consequently, the current implementation of a multi-omic diagnostic system is costly, time-consuming, and impractical. Furthermore, the need to make this diagnostic technology available in a far-forward environment is critical. Therefore, an urgent solution lies in the development of an automated and integrated in-vitro diagnostic tool that encompasses multiple omics, while being compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient, specifically designed to meet the requirements of a far-forward environment. Recognizing this pressing need, investigators from the University of Tennessee and CFD Research are joining forces to leverage their expertise in developing a handheld platform capable of quantifying multi-omic biomarkers from whole blood samples. This platform will be designed with the necessary size, weight, and power metrics suitable for far-forward use. We anticipated this technology will fill the critical gap in detecting PTSD multi-omic biomarkers, but may also find applications in other markets, such as cancer diagnostics.