Next-generation uses of glycan-based pathogen capture across sampling, sensing, biocontrol, preparedness, skincare and distributed manufacturing. These are development programmes, not products on sale.
In development
Glycans — carbohydrates on cell surfaces — are central to cell communication and relevant to biomedicine, materials and industry. They are already used in biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and food, and are being explored as glycan-based biomaterials.
Detection is often limited by sampling rather than by the detector. Aquila has developed a bio-enhanced membrane carrying glyco-molecules that capture and concentrate pathogens and toxins before detection: better sampling, enrichment for known biothreat agents, less background noise, better sample integrity and storage, and compatibility with existing detection systems.
Aquila has worked with civil and military agencies on medical countermeasures, with experience in preparedness, field countermeasures, data science, pilot manufacturing, regulation and market analysis. PCT can help control a range of biopathogens and support monitoring and forensic analysis.
CBRN incidents can be criminal, terrorist, accidental or natural. With support from European defence and innovation programmes, Aquila developed pilot products for front-line professionals that became the AB Decontamination Device and ProShield Mask Spray.
First developed with the Irish Defence Forces to remove biothreats from skin, later work supported by European funding uses natural proteins and carbohydrates to bind bacteria, fungi and viruses. Tested organisms include Cutibacterium acnes, Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur.
Aquila is investigating mobile and local production of PCT-based countermeasures to reduce transport and logistics challenges in a crisis, including digital distribution of processes tailored to specific targets.
Development programmes are scoped with partners through Aquila's Innovation Lab.
