Our Technology

Here, we introduce our work in developing a synthetic version of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. Originally discovered in the 1970s, the blue blood of the horseshoe-crab clots in the presence of gram-negative bacteria, providing a clear indication of contamination. By the 1980s, the Limulus Ameobocyte Lysate (LAL) assay had been developed from their blood, and it became the approved alternative to the outdated rabbit pyrogen assay. Today, the LAL assay, or an equivalent, is essential for FDA approval of parenteral medications and biomedical devices.

The LAL Assay

The LAL assay is the sequential catalysis of 3 proteases and a coagulation protein.

Endotoxin is a critical cell wall component of gram-negative cells that initiates the activiation of the LAL cascade. Endotoxin binds to Factor C, the initiator protein, which causes the protein to autocatalytically activate, cleaving itself. The cascading reaction results in a visible clot that signifies contamination. The minimum components of the LAL assay consist of Factor C, Factor B, Clotting enzyme, and Coagulogen.

We have successfully developed an active, recombinant Factor C in our unique recombinant platform. We are in the process of generating recombinant cell lines to produce each protein in the reaction, which will then be recombined to create the final assay. Our goal is to develop the MVP by the end of 2025.

The Limuless Advantage

Sustainable

The key advantage of the Limuless product is its positive impact on the environment and horseshoe crab populations. By reducing the need for horseshoe crab blood, we help protect these creatures, which in turn supports the red knot bird species. Lowering the frequency of blood collection is expected to enhance horseshoe crab reproduction and survival, promoting a healthier ecosystem overall.

Scalable

The Limuless product is designed to be highly scalable, with exponential growth and easy propagation. This scalability ensures efficient manufacturing and development, allowing us to meet increasing demand with minimal complexity.

Cost-Efficient

The Limuless product is cost-efficient to produce, as it is inexpensive to grow and does not require cell lysis for product isolation. This reduced cost opens up new markets, such as food production, allowing previously unaffordable testing solutions to become accessible for a wider range of industries.