Dr. Padraic Morrissey, Senior Technology Programme Manager at the Tyndall National Institute, has been awareded funding from the Marie Curie Doctoral Networks programme for the PROTEMIC project, which aims to enhance protein analysis.
The PROTEMIC project, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, is one of four UCC projects that has received funding through the programme, with total funding awarded to UCC amounting to over €2m.
Addressing the limitations of traditional protein analysis
The PROTEMIC project utilises advanced photonic technologies, such as mid-infrared (mid-IR) light sources, metasurfaces, and waveguide systems, to enhance protein analysis. These technologies allow for highly sensitive, label and reagent-free, and real-time detection of protein structures, offering detailed insights into protein activity through its folding, interactions, and dynamics.
Mid-IR light sources provide detailed information about the protein’s molecular structure by interacting with its vibrational modes. Metasurfaces enhance the interaction between the light and protein samples, allowing for more sensitive detection of structural changes, while the waveguides guide the mid-IR light through the system with minimal loss, ensuring that the light interacts efficiently with the protein and that the signal is collected accurately.
Together, these components contribute to the system’s ability to detect small changes in protein structure with high precision and efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring. By integrating these technologies into portable devices, PROTEMIC makes it possible to conduct rapid, precise analysis that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Morrissey said: “PROTEMIC addresses the limitations of traditional protein analysis methods, such as the need for extensive sample preparation and the use of labelling, which can alter protein behaviour. Traditional techniques like chromatography and mass spectrometry often lack real-time capabilities or require sample preparation which is undesirable.”
He continued: “PROTEMIC’s photonic methods, by contrast, enable real-time, non-invasive analysis of proteins using mid-IR spectroscopy, which allows direct probing of molecular vibrations and hence monitoring protein structure/degradation in situ. This approach provides a more immediate and sensitive analysis of protein structures, folding, and interactions, thus providing a qualitative protein analysis without extensive purification/isolation methods, making it a valuable tool for monitoring dynamic processes in biotechnology and healthcare.”
At the moment, the project is developing portable prototypes that integrate photonic components, such as mid-IR light sources and waveguide systems. These prototypes are designed to be compact and reliable, offering real-time analysis in both lab and field settings. Photonics plays a crucial role in ensuring precise optical alignment and thermal management, making these devices efficient, accurate, and user-friendly.
“In healthcare, these technologies could lead to more precise diagnostics, especially for conditions where accurate protein analysis is required, as detection of misfolding or structural changes play a crucial role,” Morrissey posited. “In biotechnology, real-time monitoring during bioprocessing could significantly improve efficiency and product quality. In personalised medicine, the ability to closely monitor individual protein behaviours could lead to tailored treatments, making therapies more effective and specific to patient needs.”
Training the next generation of photonic researchers
Beyond addressing the limitations of traditional protein analysis, PROTEMIC is also training the next generation of researchers by bridging two important research areas: photonics and life sciences.
By equipping young scientists with expertise in photonic technologies and real-time protein analysis, PROTEMIC is helping to ensure that these advancements will continue to drive innovation and impact healthcare, biotechnology, and personalised medicine in the years to come.
Affirming his emotions around the project, Morrissey stated: “We’re excited about Tyndall’s key role in the PROTEMIC project, where our advanced photonic technologies and commitment to training PhD students are setting new standards in protein analysis and fostering the next generation of innovators.”
Lead image: Tyndall National Institute
