Small Signals, Big Impact: How Amplified Sciences Brings SERS to Diagnostics
- washburnadam
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
If you've been to a large party or convention lately, you know how much background noise there can be. Every conversation blends into the overall cacophony of voices. For someone trying to make an announcement to the group, it's nearly impossible—unless they are able to use a microphone. With the technology of sound amplification, a single voice can now stand above the crowd.
Talking recently with Dr. Michael Poderycki, PhD, of Amplified Sciences, I learned that there are ways to amplify chemical signals, just like a microphone can amplify a voice at a party. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) provides the right amplification to pull hidden chemical signals from a milieu of molecules in a sample. Amplified Sciences, headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana, is working to take the amplification capabilities of SERS and use it for disease detection and diagnosis.
SERS Amplification
The SERS phenomenon was first observed in the early 1970s (see Fleischmann, et al.). SERS is based on the foundational principle of Raman light scattering. Almost all molecules have unique molecular signatures for the way they scatter various wavelengths of light. Unfortunately, for trace molecules, these signals are weak and will be drowned out by the matrix of molecules surrounding them.
This is where the 'surface-enhanced' part of SERS comes in. Near the surfaces of metals and nanoparticles, Raman signals can be amplified by orders of magnitude. This is due to electromagnetic field enhancements near nanostructured metallic surfaces. The signal enhancement enables the detection of molecules at much lower concentrations than would be feasible with traditional Raman scattering. In other words, the surface becomes the 'microphone' to amplify the signal of the molecules.
This amplification approach minimizes issues common with optical readouts, such as interference from complex sample matrices like urine and saliva. Because of the high amplification factor of SERS, complex samples can be highly diluted. Despite the large dilution factor, the molecules of interest can still be detected thanks to the amplifying effect of SERS.
In applying SERS to disease detection, Amplified Sciences take the process a step further by utilizing their proprietary dye chemistry to expand the applications of SERS in clinical diagnostics. These dyes enable fine-tuning of the amplification and also enable multiplex detection of multiple analytes. This gives Amplified Sciences the tools it needs for a precision cross-modality optical diagnostics platform that has broad applications in biomarker detection.
Overview of Amplified Sciences
How did Amplified Sciences go from niche academic research on SERS to a diagnostic company? The work stems from the research of founder Dr. Jo Davisson, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Purdue University. Dr. Davisson's research has led to the development of ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools to address critical challenges in early disease detection. Amplified Sciences technology has focused on leveraging SERS via proprietary ultra-sensitive optical reporter platform technology to provide versatile assay solutions.
Organizationally, Amplified Sciences maintains a compact, expertise-driven structure. Amplified Sciences' team consists of Dr. Davisson as founder and CSO with Diana Caldwell as CEO. Michael Poderycki serves as Director of Research and Technology. The R&D team comprises PhD-level scientists, complemented by experienced operations and commercial staff.
The team at Amplified Sciences also works closely with clinicians, including partnerships with Indiana-based and national academic and healthcare system providers, to ensure their tools align with real-world clinical needs. This collaboration also provides access to valuable clinical samples for validation and refinement of their assays.
Pancreatic Diagnostics Focus
A key focus for the company right now is its PanCystPro test, which is designed to assist clinicians in stratifying risks associated with pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL), a known precursor for pancreatic cancer, which is the third deadliest cancer in the United States. Pancreatic cyst fluid, often heterogeneous and difficult to analyze, presents significant diagnostic challenges. The PanCystPro test uses proprietary biomarkers paired with a machine-learning algorithm to help distinguish mucinous (potentially malignant) from non-mucinous (benign) pancreatic cysts, with the broader goal of enabling earlier more accurate pancreatic cancer detection. The company’s technology allows tests to be conducted on small sample volumes, such as 5 µL of blood or other body fluids. One of the company's main near-term goals is to launch the PanCystPro test into the commercial market.
Beyond PanCystPro and pancreatic diagnostics, Amplified Sciences is exploring broader applications for their platform. The versatility of their technology allows for expansion into multiple diagnostic areas, including multi-analyte biomarker detection for more complex analyses. Their long-term goals include improving and scaling their 384-well plate reader SERS instrument system, refining detection reagents, and exploring follow-up assays to address additional indications.
Achievements and Looking to the Future
Amplified Sciences recently achieved a significant milestone by securing CLIA certification for their laboratory in Irvine, California. This certification enables the company to operate as a clinical laboratory and positions them for broader adoption of their tests. The company has also received several non-dilutive grants from Indiana organizations and federal SBIR grants from NIH-NCI and NSF, providing valuable funding to support ongoing development.
As with any startup, Amplified Sciences faces challenges, particularly in navigating the highly regulated diagnostics market and ensuring scalability of their technology. Sensitivity and dynamic range are ongoing areas for improvement, especially as they push to broaden their assay portfolio. Collaboration with clinicians and other healthcare providers will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.
As Dr. Poderycki described the progress of Amplified Sciences and its near-term prospects, he also reflected on the future potential. He envisages a future where patients can send in a drop of blood from home and receive a rapid diagnosis for a variety of diseases, thanks to the Amplified Sciences technology. But most importantly, he wants to 'amplify' his impact on the effects of pancreatic cancer. Right now, pancreatic cancer is often a quick death sentence. "If I could help make a dent in that one thing, everything else would be icing on the cake."
To learn more about Amplified Sciences and the work they are doing, visit amplifiedsciences.com.
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