Work
The Chronus Health platform, the IBM Research work that preceded it, and what I'm doing now at Twenty Seven Labs.
Chronus Health: Whole-Blood Electrical Detection Platform
CBC, CMP, and electrolytes from a single cartridge. No sample prep. No optical detection.
The Challenge
Build a CLIA-waivable point-of-care device for CBC and CMP testing from undiluted whole blood — no sample prep, no optical detection, and a manufacturing path to sub-dollar cartridge COGS.
My Role
Co-founder and CTO. Led the technical vision and a 20+ member cross-functional team across assay development, microfluidics, hardware, and software — from feasibility through IRB-approved clinical studies and FDA pre-submission. Built the internal lab and pilot production infrastructure, directed IP strategy, and led technical due diligence for $28M+ in venture funding.
How It Works
- 100% electrical detection — no optical components, no sample prep
- Multiplexed: CBC, CMP, electrolytes, and small molecules from a single cartridge
- Proprietary aptamer sequences across 13 analyte targets
- Custom 4-channel lock-in amplifier built in-house at <$2k (vs. $40k+ commercial)
- Ionophore-doped membranes for direct potentiometric electrolyte read from whole blood
Chronus Health whole-blood point-of-care reader
Clinical Validation
25 volunteers · IRB-approved study · correlation against commercial lab analyzers
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Whole-cell impedance spectroscopyRed blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets measured directly from whole blood with no lysing agents and no optical path. The sensor is a microfabricated microfluidic device on a glass wafer with four parallel measurement paths; the single-use cartridge integrates buffer, mixing, and waste reservoirs alongside the sensor.
| Analyte | r |
|---|---|
| Red blood cells | 0.96 |
| Platelets | 0.92 |
| Total white blood cells | 0.92 |
| Neutrophils | 0.93 |
| Lymphocytes | 0.89 |
vs. commercial hematology analyzer
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Aptamer-based amperometric detectionLiver enzymes and proteins detected with proprietary aptamer sequences selected, screened, and validated in-house. Label-free and reagentless — no antibodies, no reagents consumed per test. Thirteen analyte targets form a core IP asset of the platform.
| Analyte | r |
|---|---|
| ALT | 0.91 |
| AST | 0.96 |
| ALP | 0.96 |
| Albumin | 0.96 |
| Total protein | 0.92 |
vs. commercial chemistry analyzer
Electrolytes & Small Molecules
Potentiometric ion-selective electrodesIonophore-doped PVC membranes miniaturized into a single-use disposable cartridge — the same principle as ISE-based lab analyzers. No enzymatic reagents, no reference electrode consumables, direct read from undiluted capillary or venous whole blood.
| Analyte | r² |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 0.994 |
| Potassium | 0.993 |
| Creatinine | 0.991 |
| BUN | 0.990 |
| Glucose | 0.950 |
| Total CO₂ | 0.950 |
vs. commercial chemistry analyzer
Key Engineering Achievements
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
2011 – 2017Developed reactive ion etching processes for next-generation semiconductor devices on 200 mm wafers in the Plasma Physics and Materials Research Labs, and enabled semiconductor–microfluidic integration for molecular-level protein detection on the Exploratory Devices Team. Co-inventor on issued patents covering FET, capacitive, and extended-gate biosensors and selective dry etch for directed self-assembly.
Now: Twenty Seven Labs
Twenty Seven Labs is a diagnostics and biosensor studio working with startups, labs, and investors on assay development, sensor platforms, and diagnostic systems — hands-on bench work combined with system design and strategic guidance.