"When people ask me, 'You're a biotechnologist, so where do you work?' they usually expect an answer like a lab in Berlin or some other big city. And then I say, 'No, it's in Lipten, a small village,' and they look surprised." - Eric Sädler

Thanks to Attomol's long-standing collaboration with BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Eric Sädler, a master’s graduate in Biotechnology from BTU, successfully completed his master's thesis at Attomol.

Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from BTU in 2022 and continued with his master's studies there. His decision to stay in his home region was an easy one, as BTU offers excellent practical opportunities in laboratory diagnostics. During his undergraduate studies, he had already collaborated with Attomol. Staying in Senftenberg also meant being close to family and friends, another important factor in his decision. His specialization in laboratory diagnostics was inspired by his long-standing connection with Attomol, where he worked as a student assistant during his studies.

For his master's thesis, Eric worked on developing an avidity assay to study the binding behaviour of antibodies. His research was particularly successful with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, identifying significant differences in antibody binding across various patient sera. The goal of his work was to refine this assay further and extend it to other antigens and diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 studies served as a model for broader applications of this technology.

Preliminary findings showed that the avidity of antibodies in different patient sera varied considerably. These differences were particularly evident between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and among those with multiple SARS-CoV-2 infections. Additional modifications in antibody binding were observed through the addition of substances such as sodium chloride and urea. These insights provide valuable data for evaluating the quality and efficiency of antibodies, contributing significantly to research in laboratory diagnostics.

For his research, Eric used the Bead Assay, a specialized diagnostic method from Attomol for the semiquantitative detection of antibodies in human serum. These primary antibodies bind specifically to antigens attached to the surface of microscopic beads. These complexes were detected via fluorescence microscopy using secondary antibodies labelled with a fluorescent dye. A major advancement in his assay involved performing melt curve analyses with the Caleidoscan300 - a combination of a fluorescence microscope and thermocycler - to study antibody binding under varying temperatures.

For Eric, working on his master's thesis was not only an academic challenge but also a key personal development experience. Participating in scientific conferences and collaborating with other researchers helped him build confidence and establish professional connections. He valued the opportunity to work on real-world projects at Attomol and now looks forward to continuing his contributions to innovative diagnostic methods.

Eric Sädler's master's thesis demonstrates how hands-on and innovative scientific research can be in collaboration with companies like Attomol. His work on the avidity assay advances diagnostic methods and provides valuable insights into the future of laboratory diagnostics. Through the close collaboration between research and industry within the VirAn project, the path is paved for new technological developments that can be applied in both medical diagnostics and biotechnological research.