Technology Licensing Opportunity: Smartbind PH Switch

Agency	ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
Contracting office	TRIAD - DOE CONTRACTOR
Where	Los Alamos, NM
Type of notice	Special notice
Set-aside	No Set aside used
Response deadline	Dec 5, 2025
Posted	Nov 13, 2025
Solicitation number	S-133461
NAICS code	325413

Summary from the notice

This innovation from scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory is a significant improvement on a gold standard protein purification method that gently captures and releases antibodies using mild pH changes, making antibody purification safer, more efficient, and less damaging. The Challenge: Purifying antibodies — vital tools in medicine and research — typically relies on a protein called Protein G that latches onto them. However, getting the antibodies back off this molecular “magnet” requires very acidic conditions, which can damage both the antibodies and Protein G itself. This harsh process risks ruining expensive materials and reducing the effectiveness of critical therapies and tests. Problems Solved: Researchers engineered a pH-switchable version of Protein G that uses gentle changes in acidity (pH) to control when it releases antibodies, it now binds antibodies at a mildly acidic pH and releases at a mildly basic pH — eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. This innovation protects sensitive proteins, improves efficiency, lowers costs, and opens the door for safer, greener, and more effective antibody purification in both labs and industry. Key Advantages: Gentle elution conditions: Antibodies are released at a mild pH (~8.2) instead of harsh acidic conditions (~2.7), reducing damage to both the antibodies and the protein itself. Improved antibody stability and yield: Preserving antibody structure increases reliability and effectiveness, which is especially criti…

Read the official notice on SAM.gov