- Clinical Associate Professor, Dept of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UBC
- Adjunct Scientist, R&D Canadian Blood Services
- President & CTO, LightIntegra Technology Inc.
Development and evaluation of new methods of detection for platelet function in the context of transfusion medicine or clinical pathology of bleeding disorders; Dynamic light scattering and its application in platelet quality control, microparticle and bacterial detection, characterization of formulations for liposomal drug delivery and protein biochemistry; Determination of platelet serotonin, specifically in genetic disorders and the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants; Application of biophysical techniques for analysis and understanding of platelet quality and platelet-related diseases. This has resulted in a novel, clinically relevant technology, commercialized as ThromboLUX (www.lightintegra.com) to assess the quality of platelets prior to transfusion.
Academic background
- PhD, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Austria, Physical Chemistry. 1991
- MSc, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Physical Chemistry. 1988
Awards and Recognition
Patents:
- Maurer E, Scott MD, Kitamura N. (CBS-ID EMS-056; Country: United States; Canada, Europe), Cold storage of modified platelets, Filing Date: Jan 12, 2007.
- Maurer E. (CBS-ID: EMS-061; Country: United States; Canada, Europe), Method of detecting bacterial contamination using dynamic light scattering. Filing Date: Feb 2, 2007.
- Maurer E, Maurer G, Brown K. (Serial number: 9-13453-64US; Country: United States) Sample holder for dynamic light scattering, Filing Date: Aug 19, 2005.
- Maurer E. (Serial number: 10/925,779; Country: United States; Canada, Europe) Method for determination of platelets quality, Filing Date: Aug 24, 2004.
Research Interest
- Platelets
- Platelet Quality
- Bacterial Detection
- Serotonin
Research Summary: Development and evaluation of new methods of detection for platelet function in the context of transfusion medicine or clinical pathology of bleeding disorders; Dynamic light scattering and its application in platelet quality control, microparticle and bacterial detection, characterization of formulations for liposomal drug delivery and protein biochemistry; Determination of platelet serotonin, specifically in genetic disorders and the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants; Application of biophysical techniques for analysis and understanding of platelet quality and platelet-related diseases.
The main focus of research in Dr. Maurer’s laboratory is the use of light scattering, in particular dynamic light scattering, to determine the shape of platelets, the number of microparticles and the response to temperature change as an indicator of platelet quality. The technology has been implemented in a method and device called the ThromboLUX, which is intended for pre-transfusion platelet quality testing. One issued and three filed patents protect the intellectual property of the ThromboLUX technology.
Successful demonstration of its usefulness also in a clinical pilot study published in Transfusion prompted Dr. Maurer to work towards making the technology widely available. With the support of CBS Dr. Maurer has founded LightIntegra Technology Inc., a Canadian company with the goal to be the world leader in platelet quality testing technology (www.lightintegra.com). LightIntegra aims to help patients worldwide by improving platelet quality for transfusion and by increasing platelet availability.
Technologies & Methods
Spin-Offs
LightIntegra Technology Inc.
Intellectual Property
ThromboLUX technology