Technology for In-Vitro Diagnostics. The novel superfast technology for oriented and covalent immobilization.

The technology is an innovative, universal and robust solution for site-specific conjugation of proteins. It is based on a series of very fast and precise novel Split Inteins, superior to the so far described inteins. Inteins and Split Inteins are internal protein elements that self-excise from the precursor protein and catalyze the linkage of the two flanking sequences with a peptide bond. Problem to solve: The most common strategy to prepare a diagnostic test is to immobilize the analyte detecting molecule on a surface by adsorption. However, this method yields different orientations of the analyte detecting molecule, some of which block, totally or partially, the recognition of the analyte, reducing the sensitivity of the assay. Based on its specific reaction, this technology is a universal tool that allows to efficiently immobilize any recombinant protein in a controlled, homogenous and convenient orientation, resulting in diagnostic tests showing higher detection sensitivity. Current status: Non-Exclusive Commercial License granted to a leader company in human. How does it work? The protein of interest is recombinantly produced in fusion to N-Int split intein. The complementary C-Int split intein is chemically synthesized or recombinantly produced, and covalently bound to a solid support through unique Cys (or other chemistries). Due to the specific reaction between the two split-inteins, which takes place at physiological mild conditions, the protein of interest is covalently bound to the solid support. Point of binding corresponds to where the intein was placed, resulting in homogeneity and control of protein’s orientation. The Spain SME is looking to partner with diagnostic test developers who would be interested this technology or are interested in joint development diagnostic kits with industrial partners from the biotech, pharma sector or life sciences.