Renishaw Diagnostics signs exclusive licence
agreement for SERRS Beacons with The University
of Strathclyde
Glasgow, Scotland, May 2011: Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd, a world leading provider of trace level
detection technologies based on the exploitation of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and
surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS), for research and molecular diagnostics
applications, today announced that it has concluded an exclusive licence agreement to a patent on
nucleic acid sequence identification (SERRS beacons) from The University of Strathclyde.
David Burns, CEO said “We are very pleased to have secured this licence for such an important piece
of intellectual property. Although we have just launched our first major product, the RenDx™ Multiplex
Analysis System for research use only in infectious diseases, we are already looking to develop the next
generation of products and the licensing of this patent will enhance our existing patent portfolio and
allow us to develop new format molecular diagnostics assays in additional disease areas such as
oncology and cardiology.”
Professor Duncan Graham, Director of the Centre for Molecular Nanometrology at Strathclyde
University said “It’s good to see Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd move towards a new and exciting technology
based on a concept invented in the Centre for Nanometrology. This is yet another excellent example of
technology transfer from the University to Industry.”
Dr David McBeth, the University of Strathclyde’s Director of Research & Knowledge Exchange Services
said “This licence further strengthens the University’s relationship with Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd.
Hopefully the licence will underpin the company’s growth which in turn will create more highly-skilled
jobs in the West of Scotland. The University is committed to working strategically with its industrial
partners, as illustrated by the recent launch of its Technology & Innovation Centre, and we expect that
we will develop several other research and knowledge exchange collaborations with Renishaw
Diagnostics in the future”.
The Strathclyde patent uses a loop of single stranded DNA with a SERRS label on one end and a silver
particle attached through a SERRS active attachment group on the other. If this loop comes into contact
with a target containing the complimentary sequence of DNA, it hybridises, forcing the non-attached
label away from the surface but leaving the attachment group on it. SERRS is most effective very close
to the surface so, when the beacon opens, the SERRS signal changes. In addition the surface quenches
fluorescence and both fluorescent and non-fluorescent labels and attachment groups can be used, so
that mixed SERRS/fluorescence detection systems can be developed.
About Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd
Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd, formerly D3 Technologies Ltd, was a Strathclyde University spin-out before
being acquired by the Renishaw Group, which is a leading global supplier of engineering technologies,
medical devices and Raman spectroscopy systems. It is focused on developing and commercialising its
first in vitro diagnostic (IVD) and clinical research products, with the goal of establishing Renishaw
Diagnostics as the premium provider of automated, multiplex, high sensitivity molecular diagnostics
products for the detection of human infectious diseases. The Company is based in Glasgow, Scotland,
and further information is available at www.renishawdiagnostics.com.
For further information, contact:
Jim Greaves, Head of Marketing
Jim.greaves@renishawdiagnostics.com