TECHNOLOGY – PRINCIPLE

From disease …
Biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson or Alzheimer are misfolded proteins (α-synuclein, tau, amyloid-β, etc.). Similar to prions they transfer their mis-folded structure upon contact to freshly unfolded partner proteins. The result is elongation of aggregates that accumulate in the brain to disturb regular functions. This is the pathological mechanism of the diseases.

… to diagnostic
Our assay exploits the pathological mechanism for the detection principle. The misfolded proteins behave as „seeds“ to convert and aggregate freshly made recombinant proteins that we add. The aggregates are visualized by a fluorescent dye. Then the aggregates are disrupted by shear forces into many new seeds. The cycle re-starts and gives a cyclic amplification: A chain reaction similar to PCR, but with proteins. High sensitivity and specificity.

TECHNOLOGY – OUR HIGHLIGHT

„SeedCycler®“

The „SeedCycler®“ is a medical device developed by us in size of a PCR thermocycler with rotating magnets to adjust shear force + a laser to detect fluorescent signal of the protein aggregates. Reaction vessels of special geometry made by injection molding for optimal fluid flow and shear force. Recombinant expressed and purified proteins of the biomarkers to fuel the detection reaction. Data analysis, data mining and cluster analysis to identify even different mutations or strains of the biomarkers.

Our assay exploits the pathological mechanism for the detection principle.

The misfolded proteins behave as „seeds“ to convert and aggregate freshly made recombinant proteins that we add. The aggregates are visualized by a fluorescent dye. Then the aggregates are disrupted by shear forces into many new seeds. The cycle restarts and gives a cyclic amplification: A chain reaction similar to PCR, but with proteins. This results in high sensitivity and specificity.

The technology has been patented and reviewed by independent scientists.

TECHNOLOGY – OUR UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

Direct detection using the exact same mechanism as the disease itself versus other indirect methods based e.g. on antibodies (ELISA).

Direct read out of interfering substances that could become new drugs.

Exponential amplification to provide ultra high sensitivity for early stage detection in different body fluids like CSF or blood.

The earlier a diagnosis can be done, the better the disease may be prevented or delayed, because when symptoms show up, damage already has happened.