BiotaSync: Building Backend and Verifying On-Chain and Off-Chain Consistency in Biotalife using Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Vivian Labovsky

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Elmer Fernandez

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

BiotaSync is a robust backend solution that automates the hashing and real-time validation process to ensure data consistency and traceability on Cardano.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

This development is essential to Biotalife Skin's business model as it constitutes a crucial value-added component. We are working on a microbiome dermatological platform that leverages AI to identify and predict diseases, using biodata stored on Cardano. Therefore, it will not be immediately released as open source since it is an integral aspect of our business strategy. However, we remain committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise through educational resources, scientific conferences, and events while still maintaining the competitiveness of our business model, so that the wider community can benefit.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Biotalife Skin presented its proposal in Fund 11 (Optimize the protection and transparency of biomedical data by enhancing the accuracy and traceability of: 1) Informed consent, 2) Patient data, 3) Raw microbiome data results, and 4) Microbiome report) and is developing a solution on the Cardano blockchain to securely and audibly manage patient information. The current development we're implementing does not have access to patient data; it is agnostic but receives the hashes of their biomedical data and offers a way to retrieve them through the patient's token ID.

Due to our successful progress, the proposal is to scale Biotalife and increase data integrity and traceability on the Cardano blockchain. To implement it effectively, this submission aims to work on:

• Building the Biotalife Backend:
• Database: We'll implement a robust database capable of handling large volumes of biomedical data.

• Patient Management Service:
• A service to add patients and documents, hash the documents, and communicate with the Fund 11 smart contract service to add patients and hashes to the blockchain.
• The same service will also allow retrieving patient information, such as names and any other relevant personal data.

   

• Consistency Verifier:
• Verification Tools. We will develop a tool that operates within the blockchain to automatically verify data consistency as new records are added.
• Mechanisms will be created to regularly validate that off-chain database data matches the hashes stored on-chain, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• This verification service will also ensure consistency between the documents in the database and the hashes on the blockchain, resolving communication failure scenarios like when a patient and their documents are added to the database, but the blockchain transaction fails.
• The database must be able to store the "status" of a patient's record.

This proposal represents a significant step forward in securely and efficiently managing biomedical data on the blockchain, ensuring off-chain and on-chain communication. It could serve as a model for other projects in the healthcare sector and beyond.

How do you perceive the problem you are solving?

• The main problem perceived is the difficulty in ensuring the integrity and traceability of sensitive biomedical data when stored and managed on blockchain systems. This includes issues of data consistency between on-chain records and off-chain databases, which is critical in healthcare where accuracy and confidentiality are paramount.

What are your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have?

• The approach of constructing a robust backend and implementing hash automation and real-time validation mechanisms is chosen because it leverages blockchain's inherent benefits—immutability and transparency—while addressing its limitations around data volume and sensitivity. Automating the hash process reduces human error, and real-time validation ensures that data discrepancies are quickly identified and resolved, maintaining high data integrity.

Who will your project engage?

• The project will primarily engage healthcare providers, researchers, and patients who rely on accurate and secure access to biomedical data. It will also interest regulatory bodies concerned with data protection standards and blockchain technology enthusiasts and developers looking at innovative uses of blockchain in sensitive data environments.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact?

• Impact can be demonstrated through System Performance Reports: Monitoring and sharing performance data that indicates improvements in data processing speeds, reduction in downtime, and error rates.

By addressing these points, BiotaSync aims to create a transparent, secure, and efficient system for managing sensitive biomedical data on the Cardano blockchain, ultimately increasing trust and usability in blockchain applications for healthcare.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Continuing implementing Cardano on Biotalife Skin will demonstrate the versatility of blockchain technology, driving its adoption in the healthcare industry.

• In what way will the success of your project bring value to the Cardano Community?

Our initiative will pique interest in Cardano, drawing new members to the community. By integrating Cardano into the healthcare industry, we will lead the way and inspire other companies.

Elevating standards of biomedical data management will instill the scientific and medical sector with confidence in Cardano's usefulness and security, paving the way for potential collaborations and adoptions in biomedical research.

By addressing the challenges of managing sensitive biodata, we will promote the ongoing advancement of blockchain technology, delivering valuable insights and solutions that benefit the wider community.

• How will you measure this impact? 

We will evaluate the impact of our project in key ways:

User Adoption and Engagement: We will evaluate the improvement in efficiency and trust in biomedical data management brought by the Cardano implementation, by tracking user adoption and engagement on Biotalife Skin.

Growth of the Cardano Community: We will monitor the growth of the Cardano community, particularly within the health sector and scientific research, to gauge the success of our project in attracting new participants.

External Feedback and Evaluations: We will gather input and assessments from experts in health, technology, and blockchain to comprehend their perspectives on the impact of implementing Cardano in Biotalife Skin with regards to security, efficiency, and utility.

Success Stories: We will document success stories resulting from the Cardano implementation, showcasing progress in biomedical research and AI advancements.

Assessment of Business Health Metrics: We'll examine important business metrics that include operational efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction to gauge the impact of Cardano's implementation on Biotalife Skin's success.

These comprehensive metrics will help us assess and measure the impact of our project, ensuring we meet our objectives and generate long-lasting value for the Cardano community and healthcare sector.

• How will you share the outputs and opportunities that result from your project?

We will disseminate the outcomes and prospects of our project by various means to ensure comprehensive and efficient communication:

Technical Publications and Documentation: We will produce comprehensive technical documents and publications covering the main Cardano implementation aspects in Biotalife Skin. These will include detailed technicalities, lessons learned, and best practices to stimulate engagement within the community.

Engagement in Conferences and Events: We will actively participate in relevant conferences and events within our sector, showcasing our project's achievements and experiences while engaging with the community and facilitating the exchange of knowledge.

Additionally, we will organize webinars and training sessions to provide insights into implementing Cardano within a biomedical context.

Communication through our Social Networks: We will utilize social media platforms to disseminate updates, success stories, and events associated with the project.

Development of Educational Materials: We will create educational resources, including guides and tutorials, to furnish the community with practical information about incorporating Cardano into biomedical settings. This will serve as a valuable source of reference for those seeking to emulate our progress.

By implementing a comprehensive communication strategy, our goal is to enhance the visibility and impact of our project. We aspire to inspire members of the Cardano community and beyond, while generating positive momentum for blockchain adoption within the biomedical sector.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Biotalife Skin has a skilled cross-functional team to carry out the project with high levels of trust and accountability. Dr. Vivian Labovsky, co-founder and CEO of Biotalife Skin and a CONICET researcher, brings over 20 years of experience in health research with a focus on the human microbiome and technological solutions. Dr. Elmer Fernandez and Ing. Daniela Orschanski, are experts in data analysis and predictive modeling, will utilize data from Cardano to develop more resilient AI models. Our transparent methodology, meticulous traceability, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards enhance our ability to deliver the project with reliability. We maintain elevated levels of integrity throughout all phases, assuring the trust of all stakeholders.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

To successfully complete the BiotaSync project on the Cardano blockchain, it's essential to outline clear, achievable milestones that guide the project from conception through to deployment and operation. Here are the key milestones to implement, including content creation, outreach, and final reporting:

Milestone 1:

Architecture and Design of Biota Backend Service

• Patient Registry Database Design: Document explaining the architecture and design of the service. Define PostgreSQL database tables.
• BiotaBackend Service Boilerplate: Define endpoints with their interfaces but without functionality.
• Content Development: Create educational and promotional content plans to inform stakeholders about the system's capabilities and benefits.

  

Acceptance Criteria:

• Design documents of Biota Backend Service.
• Document with content creation plan.

Milestone 2:

Title: Implementation of Biota Backend Service Endpoints, Database Connection, and Smart Contract Backend (developed in Fund 11).

Output:

• Biota Backend Service implemented and deployed locally.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Demo showing how to register a patient and add documents.
• Demo querying patient data.

Milestone 3:

Title: Robustness of Biota Backend Service.

Output:

• Implement a mechanism to ensure data consistency with the blockchain. Includes the use of database transactions and fault tolerance in case of an unsubmitted transaction.

Acceptance Criteria:

• New version of Biota Backend Service.
• Demo showcasing a scenario where a transaction is not completed, and the backend correctly contains the information in the database for resubmission.

Final Milestone:

Title: Reporting

• Final Report Production: Produce a final report and video about the production and dissemination of a comprehensive report to stakeholders and the wider community on the outcomes and benefits of the system.

Achieving these milestones will require a coordinated effort across multiple teams and stakeholders, along with careful project management to ensure that each phase progresses smoothly and meets its objectives. By systematically working through these milestones, BiotaSync can successfully leverage Cardano's blockchain technology to enhance the security and integrity of biomedical data management, showcasing the power of blockchain technology in sensitive, high-stakes environments.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project leader & Biotalife Skin CEO- Vivian Labovsky

Product manager- Elmer Fernandez

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Executive summary:

Milestone 1: 20,000 ADA Architecture and Design of Biota Backend Service

       5,000 ADA Communication Plan - Project Manager and Leader e.g., communication tools, project management software

Milestone 2: 25,000 ADA Implementation of Biota Backend Service Endpoints, Database Connection, and Smart Contract Backend

       5,000 ADA Content Creation for Education- Project Manager and Leader e.g., communication tools, project management software

Milestone 3: 25,000 ADA Robustness of Biota Backend Service

       5,000 ADA Content Creation for Education - Project Manager and Leader e.g., communication tools, project management software

Final Milestone: 10,000 ADA Backend Service Documentation & Video

         5,000 ADA Project Manager and Leader Gestion- Final Report

Total Project Budget= 100,000 ADA for 6 months development

*If we receive the funds we will contact txpipe.shop, with whom we already have experience working, for the development/audit of the proposal.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project is a strategic investment for Cardano's expansion and utility beyond financial transactions. Through the implementation of advanced solutions for securely managing biomedical data on Biotalife Skin, we not only reinforce trust in the platform but also position Cardano as a dependable and versatile infrastructure for critical healthcare use cases.

We will lead the way in the Latin American healthcare sector by incorporating Cardano, setting a noteworthy example for other companies to emulate. This initiative not only expands Cardano's adoption in the region but also contributes to the growth of the Cardano community. Additionally, the implementation boosts internal efficiency and enhances trust in the application of blockchain technology in scientific and medical fields. In this sense, the project cost embodies not only an investment in infrastructure but also a strategic boost for the expansion and growth of Cardano in the Latin American ecosystem and beyond. The cost of this project correlates with its value to the Cardano ecosystem, creating an investment that benefits not only Biotalife Skin but also contributes to the sustainable adoption and evolution of Cardano in various sectors. This outcome marks a significant milestone in the development of the platform and its presence in the region.