Disposable plasmonic assay platform for label-free screening of SGLT-1 and GLUT-5 inhibitors
A low-cost, label-free plasmonic biosensing platform for high-throughput, multiplexed screening of SGLT-1 and GLUT-5 inhibitors. Mass-producible disposable chips under £5 enable point-of-care assays with minimal reagent use, supporting drug discovery and inhibitor evaluation without complex flow systems.
Overview
This offering leverages a proprietary Disposable Plasmonic Assay (DPA) platform for label-free, multiplexed biosensing tailored to screening inhibitors of SGLT-1 and GLUT-5, two membrane transporters of significant interest in metabolic drug discovery. The platform uses low-cost, mass-producible plasmonic consumable chips priced under £5, designed for single-use disposal after each assay. Unlike conventional biosensing systems, the DPA platform does not require flow systems, reducing reagent consumption and operational complexity. Multiple targets can be immobilised at distinct sites on a single chip, enabling simultaneous evaluation of inhibitor binding interactions with SGLT-1, GLUT-5, or additional proteins in a single experiment.
Technical specifications
- Label-free plasmonic detection: Uses surface plasmon resonance principles for real-time binding analysis without fluorescent or radioactive labels.
- Multiplexed assay format: A single chip supports 9 to 20 functionalised sites, enabling parallel screening of multiple targets and inhibitors.
- Low reagent consumption: Each assay requires no more than 50 µL of target solution at concentrations of 50 to 100 nM.
- Enhanced sensitivity option: Latest nanostructures incorporate porous films to boost sensitivity for lower-concentration targets.
- Flexible functionalisation: Compatible with carbodiimide cross-linking chemistry, histidine tagging, and biotin-based immobilisation methods.
- Optional automation: Flow systems can be integrated for automated sample delivery, or samples can be introduced via pipette.
- Validated protein detection history: Previously demonstrated with protein A/G, IgG, his-tagged proteins, and Fab fragments for protein-protein interaction studies and viral detection.
Technology readiness level
The DPA platform has been validated for virus and protein detection in published research. Functionalisation and screening protocols for SGLT-1 and GLUT-5 inhibitors have not yet been validated and would require initial work to optimise immobilisation chemistry and assay formats. Future validation will involve cross-checking multiple functionalisation strategies to assess protein structural integrity, performing binding experiments across multiple sites for statistical robustness, and conducting kinetic measurements to quantify inhibitor performance. The platform is ready for collaborative development to adapt the assay for SGLT-1 and GLUT-5 inhibitor screening applications.
About Pinpoint Medical
PinPoint Medical is a UK-based medical technology company established in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced diagnostic and environmental monitoring solutions. The company utilizes proprietary biosensing technology and nano-scale detection systems to address critical challenges in healthcare, including rapid, non-invasive prostate cancer screening and the monitoring of airborne pathogens. Their primary technology platform, the Advanced Disposable Plasmonic Assay (DPA) biosensor, is designed for high-precision, real-time detection of multiple infectious agents. This sensor technology is integrated into their intelligent Air Quality (iAQ) platform, a modular system engineered to clean air and monitor for disease-related pathogens in clinical, laboratory, and public environments.
By focusing on early detection and real-time environmental management, PinPoint Medical aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance public safety. Their solutions offer a cost-effective, high-throughput alternative to traditional, more expensive diagnostic methods, helping clinicians and facilities maintain safer environments. The company, led by CEO Jason Donnelly and CTO Dr. Affar Karimullah, combines research expertise in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering to develop its product ecosystem. Their work is supported by a multi-disciplinary team that manages the end-to-end development of sensors, readers, and software platforms for automated reporting and infection control.
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