Research on light-emitting enzymes undertaken by scientists at Masaryk University was recognised by an expert jury composed of representatives of investors and scientific research institutions at the Transfer Technology Day event 2023. During the event, the expert jury assessed both the innovativeness and commercial potential of the 12 finalists.
Scientists from the Loschmidt Laboratories of Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science and The International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno took 2nd place in the competition, which recognises the most interesting Czech scientific and research projects each year, with their work on the ‘Luciferase reporter system with an extremely stable bioluminescent signal’.
Luciferases are enzymes that allow living organisms to produce light, a typical example being fireflies. Enzymes are used in many scientific, bioengineering or clinical applications and in the diagnosis of various diseases. As part of the research, the team managed to create an artificial enzyme that shines for much longer and is more stable than natural enzymes, a feature that could significantly improve the diagnosis and monitoring of some diseases and facilitate further research.
“The long-term vision of our research is to improve not only non-invasive biological imaging and diagnostics but also the transmission of light for practical uses, examples being photodynamic therapy or glowing plants and trees; indeed, such bioluminescent systems have become popular in both art and architecture over recent years”, explained Daniel Pluskal and Martin Marek, members of the research team.
During the event, a professional jury composed of representatives of investors and scientific research institutions assessed both the innovativeness and commercial potential of 12 finalists. Transfer Technology Day has been organised by Transfera.cz since 2020 with the support of CzechInvest, the Neuron Endowment Fund and other partners. It aims to connect Czech science and technology sources with the business community and create suitable conditions for mutual cooperation.
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