In Uniogen’s hometown, Turku, the biotechnology network is tightly connected, fostering strong collaboration between local biotech companies and the university. This synergy creates a dynamic exchange of knowledge and resources, benefiting both researchers and companies.

PhD Shruti Jain from the University of Turku is specialized in developing assays for early cancer detection. She is a long-term user of Uniogen’s streptavidin (SA) -coated microtiter plates.  We interviewed Dr Jain to learn more about her groundbreaking research.

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your research focus? What inspired you to focus on this particular area of study?
My name is Shruti, and I very recently in Dec 2024 finished my PhD at the Biotechnology unit at the University of Turku, Finland. I have since then started my postdoctoral research. I have been working in Prof. Kim Pettersson and Dr Janne Leivo’s group, and my research is also part of the InFLAMES Research Flagship and the FICAN West Cancer Centre. My focus lies in developing glycovariant biomarker-based assays for the early detection and monitoring of cancers, particularly ovarian and lung cancer. Our group, however, focuses on several different cancers. I collaborate closely with clinical partners and the diagnostic industry, aiming to translate innovative biomarker research into practical, clinically relevant solutions. My passion for early cancer diagnostics stems from its immense potential to save lives. Late-stage detection remains a major challenge in oncology, and sensitive and specific biomarker-based tests have the potential to shift the timeline of diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes.

2. What kind of assay(s) do you develop, and what are their main applications?
In our research, we develop simple & sensitive sandwich-type immunoassays that leverage nanoparticle technology and time resolved fluorescence (TRF) as a detection platform for early cancer diagnostics. These assays are designed to detect specific changes in the glycosylation patterns of cancer biomarkers; subtle modifications that often emerge in early disease stages but are not captured by conventional diagnostic tests. The combination of glycan binding protein-coated nanoparticles with TRF-based readout significantly enhances assay sensitivity, allowing for the precise detection of biomarkers even at very low concentrations. The primary applications of these assays are in early cancer detection and disease monitoring. By identifying cancer at a more treatable stage, they have the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly. These assays also offer applications in risk stratification, treatment response monitoring, and potentially guiding personalized therapeutic strategies.

3. How does your work contribute to the broader field of diagnostics or research?
Our research focuses on bridging the gap between biomarker discovery and clinically actionable diagnostic tools, with the goal of improving early cancer detection; a critical unmet need in oncology. By developing highly sensitive immunoassays that target cancer-specific glycosylation changes, my work aims to detect malignancies like ovarian and lung cancer at stages when interventions are most effective. These assays are designed to be scalable and adaptable for clinical use, thanks to close collaboration with diagnostic industry partners and clinicians. Beyond detection, this work has broader implications for precision medicine: by stratifying patients based on glycovariant profiles, we could guide therapeutic decisions or monitor treatment response.

4. What challenges do you face when developing diagnostic assays? Have you encountered any unexpected results in your research, and how did you solve those situations?
Developing diagnostic assays comes with inherent challenges, particularly when targeting low-abundance biomarkers. One major hurdle is achieving specificity; distinguishing disease-associated glycovariants from background noise in complex biological samples (e.g., serum). For instance, some glycan-binding proteins we tested exhibited off-target interactions with abundant serum glycoproteins, leading to false signals. To address this, we systematically optimized assay conditions like adjusting blocking buffers, modifying nanoparticle surface chemistry, etc. to suppress nonspecific binding while retaining sensitivity. Unexpected results often become opportunities. Once, an assay designed for ovarian cancer unexpectedly detected a glycovariant in a subset of benign ovarian tumors. Initially puzzling, this led us to investigate whether this signature could help differentiate aggressive from indolent cases. Such surprises remind me that robust diagnostics require iterative refinement and openness to reinterpreting data.

5. What has been the most exciting moment in your research so far?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been seeing our ovarian cancer diagnostic assay grow from early experiments in cell lines to multi-center clinical validation; and now, being advanced toward commercialization by a diagnostics partner. If I had to pick a standout moment, it would be from during my PhD, the recognition our work received from the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM), where my first-author paper won the 2023 EFLM Award for Excellence in Outcomes Research in Laboratory Medicine. It was a thrilling validation that others saw the same transformative potential we did. When the project started, we were asking basic questions: “Can we reliably detect cancer-specific glycovariants?” and “Will this work in real patient samples?” Fast-forward to today: we’ve validated the assay in hundreds of patient samples across collaborating hospitals, demonstrating its ability to detect ovarian cancer with promising sensitivity. The fact that an industry partner is now advancing it toward commercialization is incredibly motivating, it means our research could soon reach clinicians and patients.

6. In your work, you have been utilizing reagents and streptavidin coated microplates from Uniogen. How do these materials contribute to the success of your research?
Uniogen’s streptavidin-coated microplates have been instrumental in achieving the sensitivity and reproducibility critical to our glycovariant biomarker assays. The streptavidin-biotin system’s strong and specific binding allows us to immobilize glycan-binding proteins or antibodies withuniform orientation, maximizing assay consistency; a non-negotiable requirement when detecting low-abundance cancer biomarkers in complex samples like serum or plasma. For example, in our ovarian cancer assays, we use Uniogen’s plates to anchor biotinylated antibodies that capture tumor glycoproteins. The plates’ low non-specific binding minimizes background noise, which is essential when working with glycosylation changes. This reliability lets us push detection limits without sacrificing specificity, something we validated rigorously during our multi-center clinical studies.

7. How important is collaboration between researchers and biotech companies in advancing scientific discoveries?
Collaboration between academia and industry isn’t just important, it’s essential for turning discoveries into real-world solutions. While academic research excels at uncovering fundamental mechanisms and novel biomarkers, biotech companies bring the expertise in scalability, regulatory pathways, and commercialization needed to make these innovations accessible to patients. In my own work, partnerships with diagnostic companies have been transformative. For example, developing our ovarian cancer glycovariant assay required not just scientific rigor but also practical considerations like reagent stability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance – areas where industry input is invaluable. Beyond logistics, these collaborations accelerate progress. Shared resources and joint grant applications amplify what either party could achieve alone. Most importantly, they align incentives: researchers gain impact, companies access cutting-edge science, and ultimately patients benefit faster. The future of diagnostics lies in this synergy.

8. Anything else you would like to comment on (e.g., regarding your work and life in Turku, relations with Uniogen, or something else)?
Absolutely! I’d love to highlight two aspects that make my work especially rewarding: The Turku Ecosystem: Turku’s unique research environment – the proximity of the university, biotech startups, and Turku University Hospital creates a unique innovation loop. The city’s compact size turns what would be formal collaborations elsewhere into daily synergies. Beyond the lab, Turku’s vibrant community provides the perfect work-life balance to stay inspired. Accelerating impact through collaboration: Impactful translation is possible with the right team and tools. The growing appetite for academic-industry partnerships here in Finland makes this an exciting time to be in this field. Lastly, I’m always eager to connect with clinicians, engineers, or teams who share our vision for accessible cancer diagnostics, let’s collaborate

Publications

Ruma SA, Vinod R, Jain S, Huhtinen K, Hynninen J, Leivo J, Pettersson K, Sundfeldt K, Gidwani K (2025) MUC1 and glycan probing of CA19-9 captured biomarkers from cyst fluids and serum provides enhanced recognition of ovarian cancer. Scientific Reports, 15:3171.

Jain S, Parimelazhagan Santhi P, Vinod R, Afrin Ruma S, Huhtinen K, Pettersson K, Sundfeldt K, Leivo J, Gidwani K (2023) Aberrant glycosylation of α3 integrins as diagnostic markers in epithelial ovarian cancer. Clinica Chimica Acta, 543:117323.

Jain S, Nadeem N, Ulfenborg B, Mäkelä M, Ruma SA, Terävä J, Huhtinen K, Leivo J, Kristjansdottir B, Pettersson K, Sundfeldt K, Gidwani K (2022) Diagnostic potential of nanoparticle aided assays for MUC16 and MUC1 glycovariants in ovarian cancer. International Journal of Cancer, 151(7):1175-1184.

Salminen L, Nadeem N, Jain S, Grènman S, Carpén O, Hietanen S, Oksa S, Lamminmäki U, Pettersson K, Gidwani K, Huhtinen K, Hynninen J (2020) A longitudinal analysis of CA125 glycoforms in the monitoring and follow-up of high grade serous ovarian cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 156(3): 689-694.