Platinum by Quantum SI

Introduction

Introducing Platinum by Quantum-Si

Platinum by Quantum-Si is revolutionizing proteomics with its Next Generation Protein Sequencing (NGPS) technology. This benchtop system brings single-molecule protein sequencing into focus, enabling researchers to achieve a level of resolution and insight that was previously unattainable. Platinum utilizes N-terminal amino acid (NAA) recognizers to sequence proteins with high precision, allowing for the identification of proteoforms, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and other variations that are critical to understanding biological systems.

What makes Platinum truly transformative is its simplicity. Unlike traditional proteomics setups requiring expensive and complex instrumentation such as mass spectrometers, Platinum requires only the sequencer itself and basic laboratory equipment to establish a fully functional proteomics lab. This accessible approach lowers the barriers to entry for protein analysis, making cutting-edge research feasible for a wider range of labs.

At the heart of Platinum is its innovative approach to sequencing. By systematically cleaving amino acids and recording light-based kinetic profiles, the system generates unique signatures for each peptide. This process provides unprecedented accuracy in identifying protein sequences, even in complex mixtures. Platinum also boasts integrated, cloud-based data analysis tools, ensuring seamless and efficient interpretation of results.

Designed with accessibility and automation in mind, Platinum eliminates many of the bottlenecks associated with traditional proteomic techniques. Its compact footprint and simplified workflows make it a perfect fit for labs of all sizes.

Workflow

At the core of Platinum’s technology are molecules called recognizers, which bind to specific amino acids and generate unique kinetic signatures. These recognizers enable the system to identify and sequence proteins with unmatched precision and efficiency.

Platinum's NGPS workflow delivers robust and reliable results in just 2.5 days, featuring three streamlined steps:

1. Library Preparation: Library Preparation: Proteins are digested into peptides and immobilized on a semiconductor chip, ensuring compatibility with the sequencing process. This step uses a highly optimized protocol to maximize yield and ensure sample quality. Platinum requires 100 µL of a 5 µM protein solution, with recommended input types including purified recombinant proteins, immunoprecipitated proteins, or protein mixtures containing up to 10 proteins.
2. Sequencing Process: Recognizers bind to amino acids while aminopeptidases sequentially cleave each residue, enabling precise sequence identification based on the kinetic profiles generated.
3. Data Analysis: The sequenced data is uploaded to a cloud-based software platform for comprehensive analysis. The system matches observed recognition profiles with reference sequences from FASTA files, aligning data for accurate peptide and protein identification.

This well-defined workflow simplifies proteomics, offering a powerful tool for researchers to uncover novel insights into protein biology.

Data Analysis and Results

Platinum provides a comprehensive suite of analytical tools to ensure the accuracy and depth of insights into protein sequences. After sequencing, the data is transferred to a cloud-based analysis platform that integrates state-of-the-art algorithms to process and interpret results. The platform aligns sequencing reads to reference profiles, enabling precise identification of proteins and peptides.

The system delivers a variety of outputs, including:

• Peptide Alignment Results: Detailed counts of alignments, peptide identification, and kinetic information.
• Kinetic Data: Metrics such as pulse and interpulse duration for each amino acid, allowing detailed insights into recognition dynamics.
• Customizable Outputs: Advanced users can download files like Peptide_reference.csv and alignments.csv for further analysis or integration with other tools.
• Protein Scores: Proteins are ranked based on inference confidence, considering factors like peptide coverage and false discovery rates.

The results are presented in an intuitive, user-friendly format with color-coded residues and abundance percentages, making it easy for researchers to interpret their findings. This robust data output enables applications ranging from biomarker discovery to structural analysis.

Curious about real data results? Check our poster.

Applications

Antibody Characterization

Platinum enables precise mapping of antibody structures, identifying regions critical for antigen binding and therapeutic efficacy. This insight aids in the development of improved monoclonal antibodies and biotherapeutics. By analyzing glycosylation patterns and other modifications, Platinum provides a complete picture of antibody functionality. Its ability to handle complex mixtures ensures accurate results in scenarios requiring high sensitivity. This application is essential for advancing drug discovery and optimizing immune therapies.

Biomarker Identification

Platinum's unparalleled resolution in detecting protein variations makes it a powerful tool for biomarker discovery. Researchers can identify proteins or peptides associated with specific disease states, enabling early diagnosis and personalized treatment. The system's ability to profile proteomes in complex samples accelerates the validation of new biomarkers. Its cloud-based data analysis streamlines workflows, delivering actionable insights quickly. This capability supports innovations in oncology, neurology, and other fields.

Protein Identification

Platinum excels at identifying proteins in diverse biological samples, even in complex mixtures. Its single-molecule sensitivity ensures that low-abundance proteins are accurately detected. By providing comprehensive peptide profiles, Platinum supports research into cellular pathways and protein-protein interactions. This application is invaluable for studying diverse proteomes, from simple microbial systems to human tissues. Its precision and reliability make it a preferred choice for researchers across disciplines.

Protein Variants Study

The system's ability to identify and analyze protein variants is critical for understanding genetic mutations and their effects. Platinum provides detailed insights into structural changes, post-translational modifications, and functional consequences of these variants. Researchers can use this data to explore the molecular basis of diseases and design targeted therapies. This application has significant implications for personalized medicine and genetic disorder research. Platinum’s accuracy ensures high-confidence results in complex analyses.

Post-Translational Modification Analysis

Platinum enables detailed exploration of PTMs, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation. These modifications regulate protein function and are often implicated in disease mechanisms. By identifying and characterizing PTMs, researchers can uncover new drug targets and understand cellular signaling pathways. Platinum's advanced sequencing capabilities make it a powerful tool for studying dynamic changes in the proteome. This application enhances our understanding of cellular processes and disease progression.

Protein Barcoding

Platinum's protein barcoding application allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple protein variants in pooled reactions. Each variant is tagged with a unique peptide barcode, enabling efficient and high-throughput studies. This approach reduces experimental complexity while maintaining high accuracy. It is ideal for large-scale screening applications, such as drug target validation or variant characterization. The ability to multiplex samples significantly accelerates research workflows.

 

Validation and Pilot Experiment

The validation and pilot experiment for Platinum was conducted by our team at GeneTiCA, showcasing our expertise in proteomics and commitment to excellence. This rigorous study involved sequencing a benchmark BSA library, including control peptides and protein mixtures, using Platinum's NGPS technology.

During the experiment, we successfully prepared libraries from BSA, performed sequencing, and analyzed the resulting data. Key outcomes included:

• Consistent and reproducible peptide alignment results across replicates.
• High-resolution kinetic profiles that accurately matched expected sequences.
• Reliable performance in sequencing complex protein mixtures, confirming the system's suitability for diverse research applications.

This validation highlights Platinum’s reliability and demonstrates its potential to transform proteomics workflows. With GeneTiCA's fully equipped laboratory and expertise, we are ready to deliver cutting-edge protein sequencing solutions to our customers.