Nicoya provides compact benchtop surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments (Alto, OpenSPR, OpenSPR‑XT) that deliver label‑free, real‑time kinetic measurements of biomolecular interactions. The devices integrate digital microfluidics for automated low‑volume sample handling, modular sensor cartridges, and software (Nicosystem) with built‑in curve fitting, batch reporting and API access, supporting unattended 24/7 operation and GxP‑compliant data logging.
Funding
$15.6M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platforms are large, expensive, and require specialized operators, which limits routine, label‑free kinetic analysis in many academic and biotech laboratories. The high maintenance burden and limited automation further restrict continuous or high‑throughput screening of biomolecular interactions.
Solution
Nicoya delivers compact, benchtop SPR systems—Alto, OpenSPR, and OpenSPR‑XT—that combine label‑free detection with a fully digital microfluidics (DMF) architecture. The instruments generate real‑time binding curves and affinity constants without the need for fluorescent tags, enabling direct measurement of proteins, antibodies, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and aptamers. Integrated automation suites (Alto Automation Suite and GxP Suite) provide unattended sample loading, temperature control, and compliance‑ready data logging for 24/7 operation. A unified software platform (Nicosystem) handles sensor calibration, kinetic fitting, and batch reporting, while exposing APIs for LIMS or cloud‑based data pipelines. The modular sensor cartridge design supports rapid chip exchange and low‑volume assays, reducing consumable costs and turnaround time. Together, these capabilities lower the entry barrier for high‑quality kinetic studies across drug discovery, antibody development, and academic research.
Target Audience
Primary users are R&D scientists in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, antibody engineering teams, and academic laboratories that need reliable, label‑free kinetic data for drug discovery, biologics characterization, and teaching labs.
Features
- Benchtop footprint (< 30 kg) with integrated DMF chip handling for automated sample dispensing
- Label‑free SPR detection across 190–800 nm wavelength range, delivering sub‑nanomolar affinity resolution
- Real‑time kinetic analysis (association/dissociation rates) with built‑in curve fitting and global modeling
- Alto Automation Suite enables scheduled runs, unattended 24/7 operation, and GxP‑compliant audit trails
- OpenSPR‑XT adds continuous, high‑throughput operation with auto‑refill and remote monitoring
- Nicosystem software provides drag‑and‑drop workflow creation, batch processing, and RESTful API for LIMS integration
- Modular sensor cartridges support interchangeable surface chemistries for proteins, antibodies, lipids, nucleic acids, and small molecules
- Low sample volume requirement (≤ 5 µL) and rapid assay turnaround (< 5 min per interaction)