Will Shepheard – Secondment at Miltenyi Biotec
- Post by: fantom
- 12 October 2026
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In August 2026, I had the opportunity to undertake a secondment at lino Biotech AG, a Miltenyi Biotec company, in Zürich through the FANTOM Doctoral Network. This visit provided valuable hands-on experience with focal molography and the MACS® Matchmaker platform, alongside exposure to research within the biotechnology industry.
During the secondment, I used the MACS® Matchmaker to measure antibody responses in plasma samples from patients with ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL). Working with clinical samples relevant to my PhD project allowed me to explore a new approach to antibody profiling and consider how it could complement my ongoing research.
The MACS® Matchmaker uses focal molography to monitor molecular interactions in real time without fluorescent or other detection labels. Precisely patterned binding sites on a sensor surface produce a focused optical signal when molecules bind specifically to them. This approach reduces interference from the surrounding sample, enabling measurements in complex biological fluids such as plasma. The platform can measure binding strength and kinetics across multiple interactions in parallel, offering potential for antibody characterisation, drug discovery and research using clinical samples.
Everyone at lino Biotech AG was welcoming, supportive and generous with their time and expertise. I would especially like to thank Lukas Heuberger, Simona Notova and Alex Geiger for their guidance and help with the experiments, and Arne Knörck, Volker Gatterdam and Andreas Frutiger for helping to organise the secondment. Their support made the experience both productive and enjoyable.
The secondment also offered a valuable perspective on research beyond academia. Working within a biotechnology company gave me insight into the practical application of new technologies and highlighted how collaboration between academia and industry can support scientific progress.
This was my first visit to Switzerland, and I really enjoyed discovering Zürich and its beautiful surroundings. Outside of the lab, I spent time exploring the city and swimming in the Zürichsee, which made the stay even more enjoyable.
Overall, my time at lino Biotech AG broadened my technical knowledge and scientific perspective, combining practical training in focal molography with valuable experience in industrial research. I am grateful to everyone involved for making the secondment such a valuable and enjoyable experience.