Glycobiology
The science of protein–carbohydrate interactions — technology modelled on natural immune defence, and the foundation of every Aquila technology.
Sugars on every cell surface
Protein–carbohydrate molecules are abundant across organisms, from microbes to humans. On cell surfaces they mediate host–microbe recognition, receptor binding and immune responses through selective, reversible bonds between complementary groups.
Glycans as receptors
Glycans (carbohydrates) and lectins (glycan-binding proteins) are well studied in pathogenesis. On microbes these proteins are called adhesins, and they attach to host glycan receptors.
Pathogens exploit host glycan receptors to colonise the gut, the urogenital and respiratory tracts, and the brain. Host cells also shed glycans that act as a natural physical barrier against adhesion and colonisation.
From biology to a working platform
With EU funding and collaborators, Aquila turned this biology into a proprietary Pathogen Capture Technology.
Where the science is applied:
- Pathogen capture and removal
- Pathogen and bioparticle filtration
- Diagnostic biosensors and forensics
Talk to the glycoscience team.
Bring your target organism and format. The team will tell you what the data says.