Hyris Introduces Platform for On-Site Genomic Identification of Botanical Species

14 Jun 2017 --- Indena and Hyris last month signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the development of methods dedicated to the genomic identification of botanical species, based on unique sets of reagents for specific DNA sequences (bKITs) and the use of Hyris’ bCUBE, a state-of-the-art device for the analysis of nucleic acids. Speaking to NutritionInsight at Vitafoods Europe, Hyris CTO Lorenzo Colombo explains that the portable DNA analysis platform “is made available not only to experienced users but also to non-experienced users,” and is highly user-friendly.

According to the company, the Hyris platform offers the unique capability to perform full genetic analysis of biological samples in any kind of setting. It incorporates all the needed hardware, software and reagents and can be used as a fully portable testing laboratory to provide highly accurate results, reducing the time associated with traditional methods. 

Speaking on the adaptability of the device, Colombo says, “We were able to [make it user-friendly] by first of all making the core of technology portable and light-weight: so this is a state-of-the-art thermal cycler, which weighs less than one-and-a-half kilogram. We then worked on the software platform to make it really easy to be used by everyone, also introducing automatic results and interpretations inside the software.”

The platform comes with a mobile phone app (bApp) which allows the user to: 
• Download the test protocol required for the desired analysis 
• Check the reaction as it is happening 
• Receive immediate diagnostic information on the sample being examined 

bApp allows the user to run both temperature cycles and isothermal analysis, enabling a wide array of DNA and RNA detection methods such as qPCR and isothermal amplifications. Multiwavelength signal acquisition, fast processing and wireless connectivity with its smartphone-based control panel are all integrated. Hyris employs customized cartridges that can be used to analyze anywhere between 9 and 32 samples in one run.

The device can “tell you whether a sample contains a certain pathogen, or that it contains the desired species. It can also be used to improve supply chain traceability. As soon as you have done a quality check on incoming raw materials, you can also add some kind of bar coding so you can continue to monitor the production chain and the supply chain,” Colombo adds.

“Hyris is delighted to provide full spectrum technological solutions to be integrated into Indena’s information and quality management systems. This agreement validates the company’s strategy to build long-term relationships with industry leaders in various application sectors of molecular biology,” says Stefano Lo Priore, Hyris CEO. “We welcome Indena’s decision to make a direct investment in the company as part of this agreement, and look forward to providing value to our client in this challenging market segment.”