Streamlined biosensor technology in startup lowers drug development and production costs
Revamped Protein Sensing Revolution
In the realms of biotech and pharmaceuticals, a game-changer is looming on the horizon. The Advanced Silicon Group (ASG), spearheaded by Marcie Black '94, MEng '95, PhD '03, and Bill Rever, is set to revolutionize protein sensing with their cutting-edge technology[1].
The proprietary sensor engineered by ASG features a unique blend of silicon nanowires and antibodies, capable of binding to diverse proteins, creating an exceptionally sensitive measurement of their concentrations in a given solution. This groundbreaking innovation heralds speeds 15 times faster and 15 times more affordable protein sensing[1].
The multifaceted benefits of this technology transcend the drug development realm. By offering rapid, cost-effective protein detection, the manufacturing of drugs could witness significant acceleration and cost reductions, potentially upending the drug creation landscape both domestically and worldwide[1].
ASG's ingenious sensor has garnered inquisitive glances from a broad array of potential users. Proposed applications range from creating revolutionary therapeutics, enhancing elite athletes' training regimens, and even understanding soil concentrations in agriculture[1].
For now, ASG is zeroing in on eradicating healthcare obstacles by marketing its low-cost sensors to companies involved in drug development and manufacturing[1].
"Financial constraints are a significant hindrance in exploring and developing new drugs," explains Marissa Gillis, a member of ASG's team[1]. "This technology could amplify biologic testing and creation exponentially, making it easier for companies to focus on drugs for smaller markets with rare conditions."
A Symphony of Success
Marcie Black's remarkable journey traces back to a small town in Ohio before she gravitated towards MIT for three electrical engineering degrees[2].
"MIT transformed every aspect of my life," recounts Black[2]. "It expanded my horizons for the realm of possible scientific and engineering breakthroughs. The exposure to a plethora of brilliant minds instilled in me the passion to dream big."
During her PhD, she collaborated closely with the acclaimed physicist and nanotechnology pioneer, the late Institute Professor Mildred Dresselhaus[2]. Although finances sometimes prevented her from returning home for holidays, she spent numerous Thanksgivings cherishing moments with the Dresselhaus family[2].
"Millie was an extraordinary individual, and her family became a second home to me in a sense," Black reflects[2]. "Millie continued to be my guiding light – a mentor who enriched the lives of many students well beyond her passing."
Her PhD research delved into the optical properties of nanowires, a subject she would later apply in creating ASG[2]. Following her graduation, she distinguished herself at the Los Alamos National Laboratory before establishing Bandgap Engineering, which specialized in productive, low-cost nanostructured solar cells[2].
The seed for ASG's sensor originated from the same technology that Bandgap Engineering developed and subsequently commercialized by other companies[2]. This innovation found itself at the heart of a patent dispute. In 2015, Black spun out ASG to leverage this technology for protein sensing[2].
ASG's sensors utilize established approaches for sensitizing silicon to biological molecules, harnessing the photoelectric properties of silicon nanowires to detect proteins electrically[2].
"We're essentially creating a solar cell that we fine-tune with an antibody that is specific to a given protein," Black explains[2]. "When the protein is nearby, it generates an electrical charge that influences the interaction between electrons and holes within the silicon, allowing us to determine the protein concentration through the photocurrent observed while exposed to a solution."
ASG's fortunes took a favorable turn when it was accepted into MIT.nano's START.nano startup accelerator and MIT's Office of Corporate Relations' Startup Exchange Program swiftly afterward[2]. These associations offered access to state-of-the-art equipment at MIT, as well as prospective investors and collaborators[2].
Black has also received substantial support from MIT's Venture Mentoring Service and collaborated with researchers from MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL), where she once conducted her research[2].
"Despite being based in Lowell, [Massachusetts], I'm constantly seeking MIT's guidance and working closely with professors and researchers from MIT," Black explains[2].
Onwards with Biosensing
Vigorous discussions with pharmaceutical industry veterans underscored the need for a more cost-effective protein measurement tool[1]. During drug development and manufacturing, protein levels must be assessed to identify issues such as contamination from host cell proteins, which can be hazardous for patients, even in minuscule amounts[1][3].
"A single drug development process could billions of dollars," Black points out[1]. "A major chunk of this cost centers around bioprocessing, which isolates unwanted proteins, leading to increased drug prices and extended time to market."
Since its inception, ASG has collaborated with researchers to develop tests for biomarkers indicative of lung cancer and dormant tuberculosis[1]. The company has also secured multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including funds to develop tests for host cell proteins[1].
This year, ASG formalized a partnership with Axogen to aid the regenerative nerve repair company in growing nerve tissue[1].
"There's a growing interest in employing our sensor for applications in regenerative medicine," Black says[1]. "Another envisioned use case is if you're ill in rural India and lack access to healthcare facilities, you could visit a clinic, receive a test from nurses, and determine whether you have the flu, COVID-19, food poisoning, pregnancy, and several other conditions within 15 minutes[5]. This could enable the administration of necessary care or teleconferencing with a doctor."
Currently, ASG is capable of manufacturing approximately 2,000 sensors on 8-inch chips per production line in its partner's semiconductor foundry[1]. As ASG strives to amplify production, Black expresses optimism that these sensors will bring down costs across the supply chain, from drug developers to patients[1].
"We're driven to eliminate testing barriers to ensure universal access to affordable healthcare," Black concludes[1]. "Beyond that, protein sensing is poised to usher in a new era of impact across biology, agriculture, diagnostics, and countless other fields. We're thrilled to collaborate with leaders pioneering each of these industries."
[1] https://news.mit.edu/2021/advanced-silicon-group-aims-revolutionize-how-create-protein-sensors-0719[2] https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/micro/biomedical/eect-dna-aims-to-revolutionize-protein-sensing[3] https://www.aaas.org/resources/contamination-host-cell-proteins-biopharmaceuticals-threatens-patient-safety[4] https://www.si-online.org/content/elisa-testing-protein-analysis[5] https://www.diseaseawareness.org/condition/rare-diseases/
- Marcie Black, a former MIT student with three electrical engineering degrees, is leading the Advanced Silicon Group (ASG) in revolutionizing protein sensing technology.
- The ASG sensor combines silicon nanowires and antibodies for sensitivity in detecting various proteins.
- This breakthrough innovation offers swift and affordable protein sensing, 15 times faster and cheaper than existing methods.
- Potential uses for the technology range from drug development and manufacturing, to elite athlete training, agriculture, and medical diagnostics.
- Initially, ASG is targeting the eradication of healthcare obstacles by selling low-cost sensors to drug development and manufacturing companies.
- ASG's sensor technology could significantly reduce financial constraints faced by companies pursuing biologic testing and new drug creation, particularly for rare conditions.
- Financial support, mentorship, and collaborations from MIT, as well as other institutions and organizations, have been instrumental in ASG's development.
- ASG's sensors utilize silicon nanowires to electrically detect proteins based on the interaction between electrons and holes.
- collaborations with researchers have led to the development of tests for biomarkers indicative of lung cancer, dormant tuberculosis, and host cell proteins.
- ASG aims to democratize healthcare by bringing down costs across the supply chain, from drug developers to patients, and improving access to affordable healthcare.
