At ArgusEye, our patented technology leverages nanoplasmonic sensing and fiber optics to create Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) – a powerful phenomenon with transformative potential in biosensing.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) occurs when light interacts with the surface of metal nanoparticles, causing the free electrons to oscillate collectively. These oscillations, called plasmon, remain confined to the nanoparticle’s surface rather than propagating through the material. LSPR is extremely sensitive to variations in the nanoparticle’s local environment, including changes in refractive index, particle size and shape, or the presence of molecules on its surface.
By attaching ligands, specific capturing molecules, the technology can be applied for biosensing. When target molecules – such as proteins, viruses, or other biomolecules – bind to these ligands, the interaction causes a measurable shift in the LSPR signal. This measurable shift allows for the detection and quantification of the target molecules. Due to its high sensitivity, LSPR is well suited for various applications, including detecting biomolecules, monitoring biological interactions in real time, and screening drugs – making it a powerful technique for biosensing.
LSPR offers several key benefits for the biopharmaceutical industry, such as specific detection, the ability to handle complex environments, insensitivity to changes in the process, and the ability to provide immediate response. Therefore, it enables real-time monitoring of critical quality attributes, either in- or on-line, which helps optimize process development, enhance production efficiency, and accelerate the development of new biological drugs. In the future, advantages like this will make LSPR an invaluable tool for diagnostics, molecular analysis, and the optimization of biopharmaceutical processing.
At ArgusEye, we are utilizing the LSPR technology to realize our vision: reshaping the development and production of biologics. We aim to optimize product development by leveraging real-time, in-line data. In the short term, this will significantly reduce lead times, while in the long term, enabling continuous and automated production. Our ultimate goal is to help life-saving treatments reach the market faster and become accessible to a substantially larger population.
Earlier this year, we introduced the Auga™ platform alongside our flagship product, AugaOne™. Today, the platform provides real-time information that can enable the quantification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In the future, the platform will be developed to realize our vision. To do so, our R&D team is currently focusing on not only the development of new sensors but also on creating hardware that provides both in-line and on-line data. Our goal is to advance ArgusEye’s LSPR technology to the point where it can be integrated throughout the bioprocess of some of our most critical medicines, such as mAbs, cell and gene therapy, and much more. This integration will then span from early upstream processes to late-stage formulation, allowing us to measure both the product and other critical quality attributes during process development and production.
If you are interested in further exploring how our sensors can enhance your bioprocesses and drive efficiency in your operations, we invite you to reach out to our COO, Nathalie Elsässer, at nathalie.elsasser@arguseye.se.