Application Areas

Lumito’s technology addresses challenges in several application areas, which can be divided into three main groups: 

  • Drug development
  • Academic research
  • Clinical diagnostics*

In these areas, existing methods for tissue analysis have gaps in relation to sensitivity and precise quantification, gaps that are bridged with the Lumito SCIZYS system. The SCIZYS system thus allows for a higher degree of objectivity in judgments and decision-making.

* Lumito’s platform is not approved for clinical use and assessment of patient results for diagnostic purposes is not an approved application.

Enhanced Detection of HER2‑Low with Lumito SCIZYS

Lumito’s SCIZYS system introduces a new level of sensitivity in immunohistochemistry (IHC) through the use of photon upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). In a recent white paper we demonstrate how this technology enables clear and reliable detection of HER2‑low, a category of IHC where conventional methods often struggle.

Why accurate HER2‑low detection matters

HER2‑low has emerged as an important biomarker category in breast cancer research. Its correct identification influences both diagnostics and eligibility for targeted therapies. Traditional chromogenic and fluorescence‑based IHC can exhibit limitations such as autofluorescence, narrow dynamic range, and insufficient signal‑to‑noise ratio, which may lead to misclassification of low‑expressing samples.

The power of UCNP‑based immunohistochemistry

UCNPs provide a unique optical advantage. When excited with near‑infrared (NIR) light, UCNPs emit higher‑energy photons. This property results in autofluorescence‑free imaging, enabling the detection of weak biomarker signals that typically disappear in background noise when using other methods.

Key technological benefits highlighted in the white paper include:

  • Elimination of tissue autofluorescence through NIR excitation, providing cleaner and more interpretable images. 
  • Wide dynamic range and high sensitivity, making it possible to distinguish levels of expression in HER2‑low samples.
  • Exceptional photostability allowing imaging under ambient light and maintaining constant emission over hundreds of scan cycles.
  • Non-toxic lables, compatible with autostainers, integrating naturally into existing IHC workflows. 

These properties create a robust platform for biomarker quantification, even in challenging low‑expression contexts.

For more information download our white paper:

A Novel Technique for Enhanced Detection of HER2-Low Using Photon Upconverting Nanoparticles

HER2 TMA with samples of HER2 0, 1+, 2+, 3+. Top right image show HER2 3+ and lower right imagesshows HER2 0 pellet. Right images shown with different intenstity settings.
Quantification of HER2 in two different pellets, both classified as HER2 0. Left column is negative control. Sample 1 shows significantly higher expression of HER2 as compared to Sample 2.

Detection of Rare Cells with Lumito SCIZYS

In an asthma model, H&E staining made eosinophils in lung tissue difficult to visualise, and even DAB staining gave weak contrast.

In collaboration with Truly Labs, we show that UCNP-based detection of eosinophils provides a bright and clear signal that reveals these rare cells.

This example shows how our UCNP technology can be used for dual biomarker/morphology studies and to improve rare cell detection where standard IHC methods struggle.

H&E labelled lung tissue
DAB labelled eosinphils in lung tissue
UCNP labelled eosinophils (green) in lung tissue

An open immunohistochemistry system

The Lumito SCIZYS system is an open platform for immunohistochemistry (IHC). The SCIZYS UCNPs can be attached to any biotinylated molecule and the system is agnostic to tissue type, enabling a wide range of uses. We are co-developing application areas together with our customers and partners. Areas with significant interest and potential include:

  • Optimising cut points for patient stratification for the next generation of ADCs
  • Quantitative displacement experiments in development of ADCs
  • Measuring subtle changes in pre-clinical models for degenerative diseases where traditional IHC images appear saturated
  • Tissue Cross Reactivity studies
  • Replacing visual categorization with quantitative analysis during drug development
  • Algorithmic quantification of specific biomarkers, using morphology and biomarker expression from different channels in the same sample
  • A very sensitive and stable label complementing multiplexed immunofluorescence studies
  • Virtual annotations in development of immunohistochemistry AI applications

Project to show-case new applications of Lumito SCIZYS

Lumito is currently running a project to demonstrate applications of the SCIZYS technology with support from Region Skåne and EU. The projects aims at strengthening the Lumito presence at scientific congresses and conferences, but also to to create application notes to show-case the Lumito technology as a tool in R&D.

The project has a budget of 500 kSEK and is partially financed by the European Union by a contribution through Region Skåne of 250 kSEK.

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Contact us to learn more about SCIZYS!

  • info@lumito.se