Biosensing technologies developed by University of Warwick spin-out company Sarissa Biomedical are emerging as a cornerstone of research into how the chemical signals produced by our bodies control the function of major organs.

This research is becoming increasingly important as a way of understanding how the different organs in our bodies function and how they are linked with different medical conditions.

Sarissa Biomedical, a spin-out company based at the University of Warwick, has developed a range of microelectrode biosensors that allow scientists to measure neuroactive chemicals, such as purines and lactate, with unprecedented accuracy and detail.

At a recent international conference on purinergic signalling, held in Japan, Sarissa’s biosensors were commonly used in research projects presented by academics from around the world.

Topics that were underpinned by Sarissa’s technology included work by Robbie Green, of the University of Texas on how restricted sleep affects memory and cognitive function. Jill Venton, of the University of Virginia, also discussed how she has used Sarissa’s products to investigate how the purine adenosine modulates neuronal excitability, regulates blood flow, and helps regulate the brain’s energy supply.

Nick Dale, CEO of Sarissa Biomedical, explains why Sarissa’s biosensors are becoming so important in purine research: “Using Sarissa’s patented technologies, such as the Sarissaprobe, researchers can observe purines in ‘real time’, measuring not only how much, but when and where chemical signals are being produced,” he said.

“Not only that, purines can be investigated alongside other physiological events, such as changes in blood pressure or other chemical signalling, making it possible to study in much greater detail how chemical signalling controls physiological function.”

The success of Sarissa’s products can be seen in the number of scientific papers published in which its biosensors have been used. Over the last two years alone, nearly 20 papers citing the use of Sarrisaprobe biosensors have been published in a range of high profile journals.

The company regularly hosts workshops where existing and potential customers can come to discuss research projects and find out more about how the sensors work and the uses to which they can be put. The next workshop is due to be held on 5th November 2012.

For more information about Sarissa Biomedical, go to www.sarissa-biomedical.com