Singapore: Taiwan based Delta Electronics has invested in Singapore to develop next-generation infectious disease detection kits in collaboration with Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR.

Delta-IBN Life Science and Diagnostics Lab will combine IBN's strengths in medical diagnostics, microfluidic systems and biological assays, and Delta's expertise in microelectronics, optical devices, and global operations. The lab will focus on developing enabling technologies for improved infectious disease detection and personalized medicine. Current diagnostics require a long processing time and extensive, specialized laboratory equipment, and the lab will develop portable miniaturized all-in-one systems to provide on-the-spot, real-time detection results.

Prof Jackie Y Ying, executive director, IBN, said, "Improving healthcare through technological innovations has been IBN's mission since 2003. We are excited to work closely with Delta to bring the technologies we have developed for disease diagnostics to market. With IBN's platform technologies and Delta's industry expertise, we are confident that our partnership will lead to innovative healthcare products that will benefit patients, and facilitate their care and treatment."

Mr Ping Cheng, CEO, Delta Electronics, said, "Delta is very pleased to establish this collaboration with IBN, a world-class research institute in bioengineering and nanotechnology. IBN's biosensors and diagnostics research has led to lab-on-chip devices for infectious disease detection and nanoprobe assays for genetic testing, which we intend to further develop for the global healthcare market. Our joint lab represents a significant step towards a strong partnership that crosses industry sectors."

"The Delta-IBN Life Science and Diagnostics Lab represents a strong commitment from Delta to establish a long-term partnership with IBN and to continually invest in R&D and advance technological innovations in Singapore," said A*STAR Chairman Mr. Lim Chuan Poh.

Delta-IBN Life Science and Diagnostic Lab is expected to have over 50 Delta staff, who will work on joint projects with IBN researchers. The lab has also started research programs with universities, such as Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.