TINFE is dedicated to revolutionizing high-throughput analysis using advanced fluorescence spectroscopy. The team develops integrated software and hardware solutions that optimize the measurement and processing of fluorescence spectra. TINFE’s products are intended for a wide range of professionals in biomedicine, pharmacy, the food industry and research and development. By implementing innovative techniques and structured data processing, they optimize resources and ensure top-tier performance for clients, significantly shortening the time from sampling to final results. Team members are experts with many years of scientific experience, as well as experience in leading domestic and international scientific projects at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb.
Problem
The key challenge in fluorescence spectroscopy is the inner filter effect. This phenomenon occurs when the sample reabsorbs the emitted fluorescence signal after interaction with the excitation radiation. Such reabsorption causes the fluorescence signal to be proportional to the concentration of the analyte only within a very narrow range, complicating sample preparation and the achievement of reliable results. Current solutions to this problem involve a combination of different spectroscopic techniques with high operational costs and a complicated analysis process, which reduces the efficiency of laboratory operations.
Solution
TINFE’s innovative solution enables advanced processing of fluorescence data with only one additional measurement per sample, without the use of extra equipment or accessories, which significantly increases efficiency and reduces the time needed to obtain results. This method is compatible with most existing fluorescence measurement devices for microtiter plates and can easily be adapted to different types and formats of plates. Unlike competing technologies, the TINFE team’s solution does not require the use of additional spectroscopic methods to correct for the inner filter effect. This ensures faster analysis with minimal operator effort, making their approach ideal for high-throughput laboratory settings. Their products, protocols and methods are aimed at a wide group of users, from the analysis of drug–protein target interactions, through biomedical marker research using ELISA and immunofluorescence techniques, to quality control and detection of counterfeit food products such as olive oil and wine.
Team members
The TINFE team consists of a group of scientists with many years of experience at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb. The team members have successfully collaborated for more than 15 years in leading and implementing projects of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the Croatian Science Foundation, the Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) and the European Social Fund. Through the integration of scientific knowledge and practical experience, the team has acquired unique skills in solving complex problems in biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, laying the groundwork for the development of their innovative technology in high-throughput fluorescence spectroscopy.
Tin Weitner is an associate professor at the Department of General Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, where he also earned his PhD on the topic of spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of manganese porphyrins as functional mimetics of the enzyme superoxide dismutase. He completed postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, and at the Institute of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Hungary. His scientific research interests lie in physical and bioinorganic chemistry, particularly in the mechanisms of metal-ion complexation with biologically significant ligands and the physicochemical properties of bioinorganic xenobiotics. In his scientific work, he uses advanced instrumental techniques and focuses on developing new methods and fully utilizing the capabilities of available equipment. He was the principal investigator of a Croatian Science Foundation Installation Research Project and a collaborator on several domestic and international projects, including European Social Fund projects. He currently supervises two PhD students, one of whom recently completed their doctorate.
Davor Šakić is an assistant professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, where he also earned his PhD on the quantum-chemical calculations of pharmaceutical rearrangement reactions. He completed postdoctoral training at Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany, and conducted a research stay at the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. His scientific research focuses on the stability and rearrangements of radicals, and he has a particular interest in simulations and the collection and creation of large databases. In his work, he uses advanced computing resources, commercial and open-source programs, and actively develops his own software tools for data visualization and processing. In addition, he works in 3D modeling and printing, as well as in constructing specialized components for integrating scientific equipment into high-throughput systems. He is the principal investigator of an Installation Research Project funded by the Croatian Science Foundation and has participated as a collaborator in several domestic and international projects. He directly supervises one PhD student.
Motivation for applying and the vision for the end of the Nuqleus program
We applied to the Nuqleus program with the goal of exploring new aspects of scientific research work that had previously been unfamiliar to us. The experience in the program surprised us; we did not expect to be taught and guided so well, and the program exceeded all our expectations. From the initial scientific idea, through a series of specialized workshops, our project gained definition and deeper development. Insight into start-up and spin-off dynamics allowed us to completely reassess and reshape our understanding of the advantages, challenges and opportunities related to the further development of the technology. Nuqleus provides key support in the initial stages of company formation, understanding business structures, conducting in-depth market analysis, formulating business strategies and protecting intellectual property rights. This program also allowed us to meet other participants with similar ambitions, access qualified mentors and establish contacts with investors—all of which contributed to a richer and more successful development path for our project. Without the support of the Nuqleus program, we would not have dared to enter the ZICER Tech Transfer program and certainly would not have made it into the shortlist (top 5) of teams selected for this program.
TINFE’s vision is to become a science-technology start-up whose innovative solutions will set new standards in sample detection and analysis. We are focused on developing technologies that simplify complex processes and increase accuracy and efficiency in the application of fluorescence spectroscopy across various scientific and industrial sectors. Our goal is to supply companies, institutions, laboratories and scientific equipment manufacturers worldwide with advanced technologies that will significantly improve the accuracy and speed of high-throughput fluorescence-based analyses.
The TINFE team is supported by the Nuqleus Startup Builder program and the ZICER Tech Transfer program.
