Agreement reached as USB stick-based DNA detector targets cosmetics

By Andrew McDougall

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Cosmetics

Agreement reached as USB stick-based DNA detector targets cosmetics
Two UK-based companies have joined forces to launch a USB stick-based DNA detector which provides testing services for cosmetic and skin care applications.

Developer of semiconductor solutions DNA Electronics has licensed its silicon-based DNA detection technology to geneOnyx, a provider of on-the-spot genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skin care applications.

Through the agreement, geneOnyx will harness the DNA Electronics technology and apply it to its cloud-based CosMos technology to provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting the optimal skin care and cosmetic products based on how well a person’s body will react to active ingredients.

‘World’s first’

Commenting on the announcement, DNA Electronics CEO, Prof. Chris Toumazou said: “We are very pleased that geneOnyx has licensed DNA Electronics’ totally unique technology platform and applied it to its ground-breaking, cloud-based CosMos technology to create the world’s first over-the counter recommendation service for the retail cosmetics market.”

“We see enormous potential in the new recreational market area that geneOnyx is spearheading by leveraging the unique competitive advantage offered by the Genalysis platform and combining that with its impressive connected infrastructure and rich analysis engine and database.”

The technology will see geneOnyx leverage DNA Electronics’ lab-free Genalysis platform which processes a saliva sample, obtained via a simple mouth swab, and delivers purified DNA to a single-use, disposable computer chip which detects specific genetic signatures, in 30 minutes.

Cloud-connected gateway

The DNA computer chip is plugged into a cloud-connected gateway device linked to CosMos, geneOnyx’s patent pending cloud-based analysis engine, and test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of skin care products most appropriate and effective to the individual.

According geneOnyx, CosMos includes a comprehensive SMP library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, genes and how these compounds are metabolised.

“By mapping the key relationship between active ingredients and the genetic variations that regulate their efficacy, this continually updated database allows geneOnyx to perform a completely personalised analysis of the effectiveness of products designed to address specific skin issues,”​ says a company statement.

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