scanogen

The scano-BSI assay achieves its superior performance using a novel molecular detection method called Single Molecule Tethering (SMOLT™). SMOLT™ is a revolutionary platform technology for ultra-sensitive and rapid detection of nucleic acids and microorganisms in body fluids.

SMOLT™ technology unlocks entirely new diagnostic possibilities by enabling direct detection of nucleic acids without the need for amplification. Scanogen is leveraging SMOLT™ to develop assays that are faster, more sensitive, more robust, and more cost-effective than existing systems.

SMOLT™ uses beads (1 μm) and long DNA probes (1-20 μm) to detect target molecules. A single target molecule is sufficient and necessary to link a bead to a long probe and the long probe tethers the bead to a surface. A bead tethered by a long probe indicates that the target molecule is present.

Beads are imaged using a robust and simple imaging system. A bead tethered by a long probe moves in response to liquid flow over the surface. Therefore, bead movement indicates the presence of a target molecule. A bead that does not move indicates non-specific attachment.

The information of bead displacement generates a digital signal based on single-molecule counts. In SMOLT™, a single target molecule can mediate the tethering of a bead. The SMOLT™ signal is generated by counting these tethered beads, which are identified based on their displacement.