The group has a major research interest in the development of new tools for biosensors and diagnostics, particular exploiting glycan (sugar) binding interactions. Last year we used our sensors to discover that SARS-COV-2 (causative agent of COVID-19) could bind to sialic acids, found on cell surfaces. The underlying technology to this has now been licensed to Iceni Diagnostics Ltd, who we have partnered with for the past 2 years in this field, to integrate our technology into their portfolio of new diagnostics.

Press release is here

This work was funded, in part, by BBSRC and shows how fundamental science can lead to technology transfer and that academic/industry partners can work together to find solutions to global problems.