Concept of PhenoDot
Using our special patent pending developing medium PhenoDot transforms immunoassays to grow visible dots according to markers of interest on any platform in the proximity of the cell.
Identify, Quantify, & Isolate
PhenoDot developing medium allows phenotyping by simultaneous cell surface and secretion markers enabling powerful identification. Cells are encapsulated forming visible dots for fast and simple quantification, and the system boast single cell resolution while maintaining cell viability allowing isolation of monoclonal cells in a single step.
Similar to an ELISpot assay our PhenoDot technology boasts much of the strengths of Flow Cytometry, FACs, and ELISpot combined.
Key Features of PhenoDot
Setting PhenoDot apart from other immunoassays.
True Multiplex Detection.
Unlike many immunoassays PhenoDot keeps cells on the platform for the duration of the test. PhenoDot can therefore be used to simultaneously detect both surface and secretion markers in a single assay. Moreover it can be used to determine the cells response to a stimulus for example an up regulation of a secretion.
Maintains Viability.
By design PhenoDot can maintain cell viability throughout the detection process. This means live cells can be studied throughout the assay by microscopy or for responses to stimuli and afterwards can be positively picked as a monoclonal cell with the desired markers or responses.
Compatible with any platform.
Similar in style to an ELISpot, PhenoDot however can be performed without the requirement of a capturing membrane therefor can be conducted on any platform allowing larger sample such as a petri-dish or clear platforms like a glass slip for simultaneous microscopy work.
Cost Saving.
Removing the need for specialist platforms such as those used in ELISpot and reducing the need for expensive imaging equipment such as used in FACs analysis PhenoDot can greatly reduce the cost of phenotyping cells. Moreover combining surface and secretion marker detection reduces the number of assays required for accurate identification.
Time Saving.
The potential to carry out all the phenotyping and isolation down to a single cell in a single step means PhenoDot offers huge time savings. Cells can be detected by multiple markers and positively selected directly for use. For example PhenoDot can reduce much of the time expended in selecting and depleting cells to produce a monoclonal antibody or for cell cloning.
Improved Accuracy.
By direct detection of cells by multiple markers and marker types PhenoDot removes much of the assumptions made when studying cells by multiple techniques such as FACs and ELISpot. Moreover, cells undergo less external treatment so remain closer to native state than might otherwise be true.
Flexibility.
Potential for huge adaptability is a super strength of PhenoDot for example it’s use is not limited to cells only but also microorganisms. Assays can be designed to develop single visible dots in response to a multitude of markers giving a single binary response assay or by use of different enzyme substrates a multiple response data rich assay. Various platform compatibility can allow small or large sample size analysis as well as alternative analysis during or after phenotyping by PhenoDot.
PhenoDot Uses Explained
Simple
In its simplest form PhenoDot can be used to replicate the surface marker detection of Flow Cytometry and sorting of FACs, or the secretion marker detection of ELISpot with a technique similar in style to a current ELISpot assay. Conducted in a vial or in a plate the sample can remain in suspension, be tagged, and visualised. PhenoDot can be used to simplify workflow and reduce costs of using other immunoassays and the expensive equipment they require.
Advanced
Multiple markers can be tagged for example by capturing the cell by surface marker on to the surface of a plate and then adding secondary marker tags for other surface or secretion markers. This truly unlocks the potential of PhenoDot and the wide range of applications. Cells can be identified more accurately and in a single step and isolated greatly simplifying current methods which might otherwise require multiple assays and depletions be carried out.
The Next Step
Taking PhenoDot to the next level is the possibilities to mix and match different detection molecules such as a drug binding in combination with a secretion marker detection. Or combinations of multiple secretion and surface markers that fulfil the specific requirements of your unique tests. It’s the aim of Elleon Biotech to open up and develop new possibilities in immunoassay applications that are currently not possible because of limitations in detection with alternative immunoassays.
Applications in Development
Single Cell Surface Marker Detection Assays
PhenoDot offers a solutions with very little barrier to entry for detection of cell surface markers, offering a solution for new research groups or for use in lower income countries for example where equipment like FACs is simply too cost prohibitive. Cells can be isolated down to a single cell resolutions, visualised, and easily enumerated.
Single Cell Secretion Marker Detection Assays
Like few other techniques we offer an inexpensive solution for detection of cells with specific secretion markers. Much like detecting surface markers the technique has little barrier to entry and follows a similar workflow meaning little to no extra training to carry out either assay. Moreover unlike other secretion immunoassays PhenoDot maintains cell viability with all the advantages like being able to isolate cells with specific secretions for cloning for example.
Dual Cell Surface Marker Detection Assays
The first major example of this is our memory B cell immunity test. We can directly detect the presence of cells that have specificity for a pathogen or vaccine candidate and by selection of key surface markers identify the cell type like no other assay and in less than 24 hours. We believe this could be the start of a step change evolution in vaccine development, and research and understanding of our immune system.
Cell Surface & Secretion Marker Detection Assays
Like no other single test we’re developing methods to detect specific cell types, isolate them and detect their secretions. Use cases might be to measure the downstream response or method of action of a drug, or to help in the determine unexpected side effects such as over expression of immune response seen in some serious COVID-19 cases and the “cytokine storms” predicted to be the cause of some of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination side effects.
Learn more about current immunoassays, the incredible power of the technology and how we use them. Moreover learn about the challenges and vast opportunities that we aim to overcome.
MicroDot - Our Solution to Microbial Detection
Using the principles of our PhenoDot technology, just as we can detect mammalian cells by specific markers so we also can in microorganisms. The power of this test can be leveraged for detection of contaminants within a sample in as little as 2 hours. The implications within cleanroom environments, food production facilities, and places at risk of MRSA outbreaks like hospitals are quicker detection and isolation, less risk of spread of contamination, less loss of production, and most importantly less risk of danger to health.