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RESEARCH PLATFORM 3

R.P 3.2 Non-Invasive Tear-Based Diagnostic System

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Non-Invasive Tear-Based Diagnostic System

Principle Investigators

PolyU
Prof. Chuen Thomas LAM

Prof. Chuen Thomas LAM
Prof. Lei Henry ZHOU

Prof. Lei Henry ZHOU
UWaterloo
Prof. Scott HOPKINS

Prof. Scott HOPKINS

Co-I
Prof. Ming-yan Allen CHEONG

Prof. Ming-yan Allen CHEONG
Prof. Lyndon JONES

Prof. Lyndon JONES
Prof. Juewen LIU

Prof. Juewen LIU
Dr. Chau-minh PHAN

Dr. Chau-minh PHAN

Aims

To establish the metabolomic and proteomic profiles of tear fluid as a tool for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of ocular disease. The project will develop non-invasive in vitro diagnostics and point-of-care tear analysis tests.

 

Background

The human tear fluid is rich in molecules, including proteins, lipids, electrolytes, and metabolites, making its metabolomic profile a valuable indicator of overall health. Since tear collection is quick, safe, and non-invasive, it could serve as an effective alternative to blood plasma for diagnosing and monitoring various diseases. The team has been extensively studying tear proteomic and metabolomic profiles linked to over 20 ocular and systemic diseases, identifying promising biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. They are advancing machine learning (ML) methods to analyse proteomic and metabolomic data, offering key insights for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

 

Work to be Done

Platform 1: Multi-omics tear biomarker discovery and validation platform

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-resolution analysis of the tear proteome and metabolome, leveraging bioinformatics and machine learning to identify clinical biomarkers. Key R&D activities include developing a reliable tear collection device, a mass spectrometry-based "Tear Analyzer" for precise biomarker measurement, and machine learning models to create a new diagnostic tool for clinicians. 

 

Platform 2: Development of tear-based point of care tests

Validating tear biomarkers using mass spectrometry and clinical cohorts, which will lead to optimized point-of-care test prototypes. Key R&D activities include developing a tear test kit for dry eye detection, a biomarker panel for detecting retinopathy of prematurity, a biomarker for glaucoma diagnosis and treatment monitoring, and identifying biomarkers linked to contact lens discomfort to improve diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

Benefits

These processes will enhance early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and disease management for conditions that include glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, dry eye disease, and contact lens discomfort. These non-invasive screening tools will be particularly valuable in high-prevalence regions such as Asia.

 

Impact

Integration of these concepts into diagnostics, prognostics, and monitoring will improve healthcare efficiency, reduce costs, and transform disease management. Tear proteomics and metabolomics will drive advancements in personalized medicine, leading to better patient outcomes, lower treatment costs, and continue innovation in eye and systemic disease management.

 

 

Learn more about R.P 3.1 Learn more about R.P 3.3

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