We are a deepTech startup from ETH Zurich developing hardware & software to provide unprecedented in-depth analysis in proteomics.



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We Provide In-Depth Single-Molecule Proteomics Analysis

Whole protein quantification
Detection of low abundant molecules

Nanopore sensors have single-molecule sensitivity which is about 1 million times better than the current gold standard mass spectrometry (MS). Statistical analysis over time (which is accellerated by nanopore multiplexing) allows for absolute and relative quantification of low abundant proteins which is achieved with chemically functionalized serial nanopores.

Post-translational modifications
Site-specific whole protein analysis

90% of FDA approved drugs target a protein but understanding drugs-protein interactions is time consuming, expensive, and often inconclusive. The reason is often too little knowledge about site-specific post-translational modifications. We can measure site-specific glycosylation or phosphorylation and help to draw conclusions from drug-protein interactions.

Protein sequencing
Site-specific analysis of single amino acids

We are currently improving our sensor to site-specifically detect all amino acids in the backbone of proteins and therefore be the first technology allowing for whole protein sequencing.

A Wide Range of Applications in Different Sectors

With our serial nanopore sensor, we help out customers to identify unknown protein properties using single-molecule protein analysis and thereby increase the value of their product. With our interface nanopore (iNP) technology, we enable our clients to foster innovation in academic research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical R&D.
Pharma
Drug development

Quantify single molecules measure site-specific posttranslational modifications like O-link glycosylation or phosphorylation of antibodies and other proteins. Use our technology to improve and speed up pharmaceutical R&D and identify patient groups in clinical trials based on proteomics.

Biotech
Cell line development

More detailed, faster, and cheaper bioprocess development of cell lines and improved protein quality control.

Academia
High impact research

Customizable interface nanopore sensor with dynamic, serial, parallel, and chemically modified nanopores for new possibilities in single-molecule and single-cell analysis.

Food production
Contamination analysis

Greater food security and improved medical nutrition detecting potentially life threatening low-abundant proteins such as allergenes.

Agriculture
Plant engineering

Increased yield and adoption to climate change.

Space
Extraterrestrial discoveries

Detection of extraterrestrial and unknown molecules. Control of (water) recycling and astronaut health.



If you are interested to test your application with us, feel free to contact us.

The Technology Behind Serial Interface Nanopores

Dynamic: Compared to other nanopore systems with static nanopore sizes, we developed a nanopore sensor with on-demand adjustable pore size in the sub-nanometer range that can be perfectly tailored to measure single-amino acids or large glycans within the same pore.



Specific: Our pores can be functionalized with target specific binders (e.g. aptamers) in order to measure low abundant proteins without full sequencing or fingerprinting to achieve controlled translocation speeds needed for protein sequencing.



Serial: We integrate several pores in series which allows us to measure a single molecule >20 times and thereby reduce the error rate and extract orders of magnitude more information than current nanopore systems.

Scientific Background

The Potential of Single-Molecule Protein Analysis

Proteomics-based technologies have the potential to be truly game-changing in the biomedical field. By improving our diagnostic capabilities through the identification of disease-specific proteins, proteomics-based diagnostics can lead to earlier intervention and more effective treatment. This personalized approach to treatment can lead to better outcomes, improving the overall quality of life for patients. Additionally, proteomics can facilitate drug development by identifying new drug targets and improving the efficacy of existing treatments. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of diseases through the analysis of the entire proteome can lead to the development of more effective and completely new treatments. With continued development and investment, proteomics-based technologies have the potential to revolutionize modern medicine, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles About Our Technology

Aptamer-Functionalized Interface Nanopores Enable Amino Acid-Specific Peptide Detection,
T. Schlotter, J. Hengsteler, J. Vörös, T. Zambelli, N. Nakatsuka et al., ACS Nano (2024) 18(8): 6286-6297

Solid-State Nanopores for Biomolecular Analysis and Detection,
A. Stuber, T. Schlotter, J. Hengsteler, N. Nakatsuka et al., in Springer Nature book series Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology (2024)

Aptamer Conformational Dynamics Modulate Neurotransmitter Sensing in Nanopores,
A. Stuber, J. Hengsteler, N. Nakatsuka et al., bioRxiv (2023)

Bringing electrochemical three-dimensional printing to the nanoscale,
J. Hengsteler, T. Schlotter, T. Zambelli, D. Momotenko et al., ACS Nano letters (2021): 9093-9101.

Force-Controlled Formation of Dynamic Nanopores for Single-Biomolecule Sensing and Single-Cell Secretomics,
T. Schlotter, J. Vörös, T. Zambelli, M. Aramesh et al., ACS Nano (2020) 14(10): 12993-13003

Localized detection of ions and biomolecules with a force-controlled scanning nanopore microscope,
M. Aramesh, T. Schlotter, T. Zambelli, J. Vörös et al., Nature Nanotechnology (2019) 14:791

Further Reading from Literature on Single-Molecule Proteomics

We Are a Team of Experts

We are driven by our vision to improve medical research and thereby help millions of patients.
We strongly believe that our advanced technology can disrupt medical research by unlocking the power of the proteome.

Founders

Dr. Til Schlotter

Co-founder & CEO

MSc./BSc. Mech. Engineering (ETH)

Julian Hengsteler

Co-founder & CTO

MSc./BSc. Elec. Engineering (ETH)

Advisors

Dr. Julia Wagner

Advisor & Co-founder

MSc./BSc. Mathematics (TU Vienna, UCL)

Prof. Dr. Janos Vörös

Head of LBB (ETH)
Awardee of the Dandelion Award 2022 promoting entrepreneurship at ETH

Prof. Dr. Nako Nakatsuka

Head of CHEMINA (EPFL)
Winner of the MIT Innovator Under 35

Prof. Dr. Tomaso Zambelli

PI at LBB (ETH)

Anil Sethi

Innosuisse coach, entrepreneur (>100 mUS$ raised) in residence ETH


Our Supporters & Partners


Awards



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UNOMR is a start-up from ETH Zurich at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. At the Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectonics we are developing novel nano-​micro technology based sensing approaches for diagnostics and drug discovery in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectonics
Gloriastrasse 37-39, GLC F18
CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland

info@unomr.com