Plasso receives Small Business Research Initiative grant to develop sugar chip

Plasso Technology Ltd has been awarded a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) grant by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to develop a sugar array.

Plasso provides novel solutions for the immobilisation and presentation of biomolecules for use in a range of biological assays. One class of biological molecule that has proven particularly difficult to immobilise in this regard is glycosaminoglycans, (GAGs). GAGs are found on the surface of all cells and are important in mediating cell-cell and cell-protein interactions; they are implicated in the progression of many diseases, such as cancer, DVT, arthritis. The ability to study these molecules using modern molecular techniques such as arrays and biochips requires that they can be immobilised whilst retaining their functionality.

This SBRI support will lead to the development of proto-type GAG arrays. Such arrays would have a myriad of potential uses including the screening of potential drug candidates, as well as providing an important tool for researchers, exploring specific biochemical pathways.

Commenting on the award, Professor Rob Short, Plasso’s Chief Technical Officer and Founder, said: “This award allows Plasso the opportunity to trial and further develop its surface coating technology for exciting new applications in sugar research. By the end of this two year award we will be at the stage where we will have developed technology that can provide glyco-biologists with tools akin to those available to researchers in genomics.”