The Technology
Adequate zinc levels during early infancy are essential for healthy growth, immune function, and development. However, mutations in the maternal zinc transporter SLC30A2 (ZnT2) can impair zinc secretion into breast milk, leading to Transient Neonatal Zinc Deficiency (TNZD) in exclusively breastfed infants. Because the clinical symptoms are often nonspecific, diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed.
This technology provides a non-invasive molecular diagnostic platform that analyzes DNA and RNA obtained from cells naturally present in breast milk to detect mutations in the SLC30A2 gene and assess the risk of zinc deficiency. Unlike conventional testing based solely on zinc concentration, the method directly identifies the underlying genetic cause, enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized clinical management.
Beyond TNZD, the platform establishes breast milk as a readily accessible source for molecular diagnostics and may be adapted to evaluate additional genetic conditions affecting milk composition and nutrient transport, supporting broader applications in maternal and neonatal health.
Advantages
- Non-invasive genetic analysis using breast milk cells
- Early identification of mothers at risk of producing zinc-deficient milk
- Detects the underlying genetic cause rather than only measuring zinc levels
- Compatible with standard molecular biology workflows (PCR and sequencing)
- Supports personalized nutritional intervention and infant care
- Expandable platform for additional breast milk-associated genetic disorders
Applications and Opportunities
- Early diagnosis and prevention of Transient Neonatal Zinc Deficiency (TNZD)
- Genetic screening for SLC30A2 (ZnT2) mutations in breastfeeding mothers
- Risk assessment and personalized nutritional management for mother-infant pairs
- Companion diagnostic to guide zinc supplementation strategies
- Expansion to additional inherited disorders affecting breast milk composition and nutrient secretion
Business Development Contacts
