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Research Call Project
Real-Specimen Protein Dynamics Open Challenge 2026
— A new research approach that analyzes the "structure" and "location of proteins" of actual samples —
BioPhenoMA Inc.
March 2026
1. Purpose of the project:
This opens up a new research platform for directly capturing what is happening in actual samples.
In research into cancer, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, etc.
There is a need to directly capture "where proteins are located and how they are changing in actual samples."
However, conventional technologies had the following fundamental problems:
• When measuring the actual sample directly, there is a lot of noise and trace proteins cannot be seen.
• Pretreatment causes the “structure” of cells, membranes, exosomes, etc. to be lost, making it impossible to distinguish between the outside and the inside.
• The measurement principle of high-sensitivity technology does not work for samples that contain structures such as cells or membranes.
• Microscopes can see movement but cannot quantify it.
→ There was no technology that could quantify "where proteins exist and how they have changed" in actual samples.
Although "movement" can be seen under a microscope, it cannot be quantified and the n number cannot be obtained.
On the other hand, with high-sensitivity technology, the structure breaks down, so the "movement" cannot be seen.
The lack of technology to fill this gap has been the biggest bottleneck in research into real samples.
BioPhenoMA is
We have a pre-processing technology that can handle the actual sample based on its structure, and a fractionation technology that can measure whether the protein is on the outside (membrane) or inside (lumen) .
Combined with ultra-trace quantification (TN cyclon™)
We have built a new research platform called "real specimen dynamics analysis."
2. The essence of BioPhenoMA:
Rather than measurement, it is "research design to clarify phenomena."
TN cyclon™ is highly sensitive,
The core value of BioPhenoMA is not "measurement."
The essence is the following three points.
① Pretreatment technology that takes into account the "structure" of the actual sample
A technology that appropriately processes actual samples containing cells and membranes, such as blood, urine, saliva, sputum, and exosomes, based on their characteristics, and brings them into a measurable state.
② Fractionation technology that can measure the "outside (membrane)" and "inside (lumen)" of exosomes separately
Since the outer (membrane) and inner (lumen) layers that make up exosomes can be measured separately , it is possible to distinguish and analyze which layer a protein is present in.
3) Ability to design optimal pretreatment, fractionation, and measurement protocols according to research themes
Depending on the research objectives , it is possible to design "which pretreatments should be combined in order to analyze the characteristics of the actual sample."
→ Only when these three elements are in place can "real specimen dynamics analysis" be achieved.
BioPhenoMA is not a "measurement company" but a "co-creation partner in elucidating phenomena."
Our goal is to present to society a "research infrastructure" for capturing biological phenomena using actual specimens.
3. Three iconic examples (published results × potential for derivative research)
All of the following cases have been documented:
This is evidence that BioPhenoMA's technology has been used to "elucidate phenomena."
① Cancer × Exosomes (GRP78)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ab.2022.114831
What was achieved?
• After anticancer drug administration, the external and internal portions of exosomes released by cancer cells were measured separately, and changes in proteins related to treatment resistance were visualized.
• Internal accumulation of GRP78 was confirmed in actual specimens as the stage progressed
Possibilities for derivative research
• Elucidation of the mechanisms of action and side effects of anti-cancer drugs • Discovery of new CDx candidates • Dynamic analysis of the cancer microenvironment
② Infectious disease × viable bacteria determination (MPT 64)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103007
What was achieved?
• The time it takes to assess the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment has been reduced from several weeks to just one hour. • PCR also detects dead bacteria, but TN cyclon™ detects proteins released only by live bacteria. Potential for derivative research
• Rapid detection of other bacterial infections • Monitoring the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs • Technology for distinguishing between live and dead bacteria
3) Analysis of actual samples such as urine and sputum, where measuring trace amounts of protein was difficult with conventional technology
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000661
What was achieved?
• Measures pg/mL levels of proteins in actual samples such as urine, sputum, and throat swabs, which were difficult to detect using conventional highly sensitive immunoassays
• Development of research to capture early changes in pathology using non-invasive samples
Possibilities for derivative research
• Discovery of new biomarkers for respiratory diseases • Development of non-invasive tests • Drug discovery research using real samples
4. Contents of the public project:
The challenges of research into real samples cannot be solved by technology alone; co-creation with researchers who have actual research themes is essential.
In research into actual samples, there remains a structural challenge of not being able to simultaneously handle "localization x trace amounts x dynamics."
To visualize this issue through the actual research themes of researchers and demonstrate to society the potential of new research foundations,
That is the purpose of this call for proposals .
We invite researchers to submit their problems and visualize new possibilities for research using real samples.
What BioPhenoMA offers:
• Protocol consultation (email/online)
• TN-cyclon™ -related reagents available for domestic delivery only •
[Items to be prepared by researchers] ... You will be required to conduct the experiment yourself.
• Antigens and antibodies • Samples • Experimental implementation
• After the experiment is completed, please share the results with BioPhenoMA (they will not be made public). The rights to the results belong to the researcher.
*We can also conclude NDAs etc. upon request.
This project is an effort to co-create a new research infrastructure called "real specimen dynamics analysis" together with researchers.
[Operation flow]
• How to apply: Email info@biophenoma.com with the application form attached.
• Application form: Word
• Acceptance: at any time (maximum of 5)
• Experiments: Conducted by researchers themselves • Experimental results: Shared only with BioPhenoMA (not disclosed to outside parties)
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