In the realms of proteomics, genomics, and biosensing, the analysis of complex biological samples such as blood and urine presents significant challenges. These samples contain a vast array of biomolecules, often exceeding 10,000 proteins with concentration variations spanning over 10 orders of magnitude. Traditional methods like chromatography, electrophoresis, and centrifugation are either time-consuming or lack the sensitivity to efficiently isolate low-abundance proteins, creating a pressing need for innovative separation techniques.

Unmet Need
The industry currently struggles with the selective separation and detection of specific proteins from complex biosamples. Conventional methods often require extensive sample preprocessing, leading to significant protein loss, and cannot adequately isolate low-abundance targets. Moreover, the need for integrated systems that combine separation with downstream detection in a cohesive, user-friendly platform remains largely unmet. This hinders real-time diagnostics and protein analysis, particularly in medical diagnostics and proteomic studies.

Our Solution
We present an on-chip light-controlled nanostructured device using antibody-photoacid-modified silicon nanopillars (SiNPs). This innovative technology allows for selective and quantitative protein separation, requiring no extensive pretreatments. The SiNPs feature an ultralarge surface area and high binding affinity, enabling efficient collection of target biomolecules. By employing a light-triggered mechanism, we can rapidly release tightly bound proteins under controlled conditions, thereby streamlining the analysis process. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of separation but also facilitates real-time processing, removing the need for time-consuming centrifugation and complex desalting procedures.

Market
The potential applications for our technology span across various fields, including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and personalized medicine. With an increasing focus on early disease detection and the need for precise biomarker identification, our light-controlled nanostructured device is poised to revolutionize the way complex biological samples are analyzed. By providing a faster, more accurate, and less invasive method for protein separation, we address the unmet needs of laboratories and healthcare providers, thus positioning our solution at the forefront of next-generation analytical technologies. The global market for protein analysis technologies continues to grow, presenting significant opportunities for adoption and innovation within this space.