The Hawai'i-based biotechnology firm BioXene has acquired the patent rights from the University of Hawai'i for a unique technology — referred to as a nanobiosensor — for detecting a wide variety of biological and other products in liquids.

The process was developed by University of Hawai'i molecular biosciences and bioengineering professor Wei Wen Su.

BioXene chief executive Victor Wong said the technology is quicker and simpler than existing laboratory-based methods and has an array of medical and other applications.

"Nano-scaled protein sensors will cut detection time to less than an hour and can be performed outside a laboratory without the need of a skilled technician," he said. "For the everyday person, this means that rather than waiting a few days for test results, the doctor could provide results before you leave the hospital. "

The testing technology could replace blood-, saliva- and urine-based tests for antibodies to diseases such as flu, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus, he said. It can also be used to test water for pathogens or toxic chemicals.

"Basically, it can be used for biological agents in any liquid," Wong said, including proteins, spores, viruses, cells, nucleic acids and metal ions.

The firm hopes to create test kits for specific applications, and could eventually develop test kits for home use.

Wong said he is unable to reveal financial details of the arrangement with the university, but said "UH will benefit significantly and share in the success of BioXene."

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.