In molecular research and healthcare diagnostics, tests and analytical technologies requiring large sample sizes have historically been a hindering factor for scientists and a pain point for patients. A world where a simple finger pinprick could replace the need for multiple vials of blood or painful tissue biopsies has been a reality often only imagined in sci-fi movies and futuristic stories.
However, the groundbreaking work of Northeastern Associate Professor Alexander Ivanov and Research Scientist Michal Gregus strives to make these small sample sizes possible.
Their innovative chromatography column technology represents a paradigm shift in molecular analysis, enabling scientists to glean valuable insights from minuscule samples with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy.
This next-generation chromatography column technology will empower scientists to acquire urgently needed knowledge in fundamental biology and clinical research where it previously was not possible, enabling novel biological, diagnostic, and prognostic studies.
The team’s work on this high-sensitivity mass spectrometry technology has earned them selection as one of the Fall 2023 Spark Fund awardees.
Next-Generation Ultra-Low Flow Chromatography Column Technology
The Ivanov lab has developed ultra-low flow chromatography column technology that enables high-sensitivity analysis of limited biomedical samples.
The columns differ from commercially available competitors by structure, size, and chemical and physical properties. These differences allow the columns to operate under specific conditions with increased sensitivity of mass spectrometry analysis. The team can identify more molecules with a better signal-to-noise ratio.
“Our technology increases the molecular analysis sensitivity of the tiniest amounts of highly complex biological and clinical samples,” says Prof. Ivanov.
These columns operate under specific conditions, allowing the team to analyze proteins, peptides, single cells, and organelles using minimal starting material. Their work unlocks the potential to decipher complex biological compositions at the nanoscale.
“With our technology, we offer scientists the possibility of analyzing scarce, precious, and limited-quantity samples,” says Dr. Gregus. “They can obtain more information with smaller samples than current commercially available products allow. I think of our technology like a nanoscale magnifying glass.”
This technology can also be revolutionary for patients in the healthcare system, allowing medical professionals to collect smaller samples from patients, reducing pain, discomfort, costs, and other unpleasantries, including possible needs for anesthesia, stitches, and sick days. It would also allow some samples to be shipped to the hospital and the laboratories, minimizing the need for hospitalization or travel and reducing overall costs.
Commercialization with the CRI
The commercial applications of ultra-low flow chromatography column technology are vast and varied, spanning academia, industry, and healthcare. From analyzing protein interactions to enabling procedures such as microneedle biopsies, the ability to analyze small samples accurately has impressive potential.
“Currently,” says Ivanov, “we are exploring several biomedical applications of our technology in the analysis of single-cells, small populations of cells, and blood isolates for early diagnostics and disease progression and treatment efficacy monitoring in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.”
There is currently a patent pending for this technology.
The CRI also assisted in the creation of the spinout company MixedLCmediA, led by Ivanov and Gregus and based on this technology.
“The CRI team has been highly instrumental in their assistance with developing and filing patent applications, as well as organizing educational and networking events for beginning academic entrepreneurs like us,” says Ivanov. “The CRI team has always been happy to discuss our aspirations and commercialization strategies with us and provide constructive feedback.”
The Spark Fund Award
Northeastern CRI’s Spark Fund Award partly funds this technology, as the team was selected as one of the Fall 2023 Spark Fund awardees.
“The Spark fund award will help us make our technology more robust and easier to use and generate additional IP around the technology,” says Ivanov.
The application process helped them improve their proposal and discover additional pathways in which the CRI helps researchers boost their work, conduct market research, and more.
The team submitted twice for the award before being selected as a recipient. For any Northeastern researchers interested in applying for the Spark Fund, Gregus advises: “Be persistent, take advantage of the university’s tools and resources, and I’m sure you will be successful at some point.”
The team also received an award through Northeastern’s National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Site Program, which helps accelerate research projects that are ready to move toward commercialization.
Learn More about the Spark Fund
Learn more about Ivanov’s research and the other Spark Award grantees here.
Written by Elizabeth Creason