VTT Finland Develops Rapid Small-Molecule Detection Method
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a new method for the rapid and accurate detection of low concentrations of small molecules such as hormones and toxins. The solution is designed for use in diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring. The technology aims to address a long-standing challenge in developing easy-to-use tests for these types of substances.
- The core innovation is a method based on "immunocomplex antibodies," which overcomes a key limitation of traditional sandwich immunoassays that fail with small molecules where only one antibody can bind at a time. - VTT has demonstrated the technology's application in an easy-to-use testosterone test based on the lateral flow method, enabling results in minutes without complex laboratory equipment. - The development is led by a team including Kristiina Iljin, a Research Team Leader at VTT. - This method is part of VTT's broader diagnostics R&D, which is supported by an in-house pilot manufacturing infrastructure for printed and hybrid electronics, allowing for early-stage upscaling of prototypes. - In parallel research, VTT is also developing other advanced sensor technologies, including plasmonic-based sensors to enhance infrared absorption and grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors for detecting stress biomarkers like cortisol and glucose. - The technology is positioned to provide high measurement sensitivity across a broad detection range, enabling the quantification of both very low and high concentrations of a target molecule. - VTT offers this technology and its expertise for co-development, providing research and development support for companies looking to create novel antibodies and diagnostic tests.
