Revolutionizing Drug Discovery: A Quantum-Based Affinity Assay Approach for Rapid and Qualified Lead Generation and Screening

• Grant number: 23/14663-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Olivia Carr
• Grantee: Olivia Carr
• Company: QNITY INOVACAO E DESENVOLVIMENTO LTDA.
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Adriano dos Santos

Abstract

This research proposal aims to develop a technological solution based on affinity assays for the early stages of the drug discovery sector. The goal is to create an affordable assay for generating new chemical leads in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The objective is to utilize the biosensing platform based on quantum electrochemistry to construct a multiplex prototype device capable of screening natural products. This device is intended to replace traditional and expensive laboratory methods such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). This proposal aims to reduce the time required to bring a new drug to the market.The proposed approach involves employing quantum electrochemical technology on interfaces operating with a transducer signal based on the high-quality and controlled quantum features of 1D and 2D materials. These materials can be further modified with natural products to validate their interactions with a range of targets (biomarkers) with potential therapeutic value.The proof-of-concept of the assay performed on a specifically tailored interface has already been successfully demonstrated. Affinity assays focusing on glycan-protein interactions are of utmost importance, as they provide tools for understanding disease-related processes such as inflammatory responses, cancer cell metastasis, and kidney health status. Consequently, the characterization of protein-carbohydrate binding using label-free methods is highly desirable. In this context, a proof-of-concept for such assays was carried out using impedance-derived electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy (ECS) to evaluate the specific interaction of ArtinM lectin and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) glycoprotein. An electroactive molecular film comprising alkyl ferrocene as a redox probe and ArtinM as a carbohydrate receptive center targeting HRP was successfully employed to determine the binding affinity between ArtinM and HRP. A transducer signal associated with the density of states (DOS) of the interface consisting of the alkyl ferrocene centers, was obtained through ECS and used in the Langmuir adsorption model to determine the affinity constant (1.6±0.6)×108 L mol-1. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using ECS for lectin glycoarray characterization.The main objectives of this proposal are as follows: i) validate an affordable single and multiplex assays based on natural products that enables pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies to efficiently identify potential chemical leads; ii) enhancing the drug discovery process by providing a novel and efficient method for identifying potential drug candidates. This low-cost, rapid, and label-free affinity assay could be a game-changer for pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies in their pursuit of discovering qualified new leads quickly. This technological tool is essential for bringing a new drug to the market, which is a complex and time-consuming process, typically taking 10 years from initial discovery to marketing approval.Therefore, this technology is protected under intellectual property (IP) with three patents deposited that has been developed by the Nanobionics Group. Recently, we have received an investment of US$200,000 to ensure commercial protection for this unique approach to start Qnity's company. (AU)