Quantum-Si has unveiled groundbreaking results showcasing its benchtop protein sequencing platform, validated by new manuscripts in the Journal of Analytical Chemistry and via preprint on ChemRxiv. The company’s technology directly identifies clinically relevant hemoglobin variants from blood samples – a feat difficult with traditional methods – and enables pathogen/toxin detection with results achievable in under 24 hours, according to research from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. “This paper does an excellent job showcasing the promise of our technology to extend beyond basic research and into the field of clinical proteomics,” said Jeff Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quantum-Si. Notably, Quantum-Si currently offers the only commercialized, benchtop single-molecule protein sequencing approach, promising to revolutionize protein analysis and accelerate discoveries across diverse fields.
Hemoglobin Variant Identification via Single-Molecule Sequencing
Quantum-Si is pioneering a new approach to detecting challenging hemoglobin variants, moving beyond the limitations of conventional diagnostic techniques with its single-molecule protein sequencing technology. A recently published paper in the Journal of Analytical Chemistry details how the company’s platform can directly identify clinically relevant variants from blood samples—those often missed by current methods. This advancement centers on analyzing individual protein molecules, offering a level of resolution previously unattainable in routine clinical settings. Researchers found that as “sequencing coverage increases, Quantum-Si’s protein sequencing technology will be well positioned as a tool in clinical proteomics and hemoglobinopathy research.”
The technology’s potential extends beyond simply identifying known variants; it promises to aid in the discovery of novel hemoglobinopathies and a deeper understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the company anticipates releasing a strong pipeline of related studies throughout 2026, indicating a sustained commitment to expanding the clinical applications of single-molecule protein sequencing. Hawkins notes that these studies “demonstrate that the potential opportunity for our technology extends well beyond the basic research markets we operate in today.” This positions Quantum-Si’s Proteus platform as a potential cornerstone of future hemoglobinopathy research and clinical practice.
Hour Workflow for Complex Protein Analysis
A streamlined analytical process is now achievable thanks to advances in single-molecule protein sequencing, drastically reducing turnaround times for complex biological samples. Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory have developed a modified workflow using Quantum-Si’s technology, capable of delivering results in under 24 hours—a significant leap forward in speed. This efficiency stems from eliminating traditionally arduous procedures associated with protein analysis, opening doors for rapid pathogen and toxin detection. The team successfully demonstrated the ability to identify long single-domain antibodies, shorter protein toxoids, and proteins within complex mixtures using this accelerated approach.
This breakthrough isn’t just about speed; it’s about expanding the scope of protein analysis. “We are excited to see the results presented in the manuscript from the U.S. The platform’s unique capabilities are underscored by the fact that Quantum-Si currently presents “the only benchtop, commercialized, single-molecule protein sequencing approach” available.
This paper does an excellent job showcasing the promise of our technology to extend beyond basic research and into the field of clinical proteomics, to be applied to address complex conditions like hemoglobinopathies that are not easily resolved using current technologies.
Jeff Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quantum-Si
Quantum-Si Platform Eliminates Traditional Proteomics Barriers
Quantum-Si is challenging established methods in proteomics with a novel platform capable of single-molecule protein sequencing directly on a benchtop, circumventing limitations inherent in conventional techniques. Recent publications detail the system’s expanding capabilities, notably in clinical diagnostics and rapid pathogen detection. A preprint released on ChemRxiv, also submitted for peer review, showcases a streamlined workflow developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, achieving biological sample-to-result data in under 24 hours. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrating a biological sample to result workflow in under 24 hours.” Crucially, Quantum-Si is currently the only commercialized benchtop system offering this level of single-molecule sequencing, eliminating time-consuming preparatory steps.
2026 Pipeline: Expanding Clinical & Research Applications
Quantum-Si is poised to significantly broaden the utility of its single-molecule protein sequencing technology, with a robust pipeline of studies anticipated throughout 2026 extending beyond foundational research. Naval Research Laboratory. Hawkins further explained, “These two papers are just a part of a strong pipeline of studies that we expect to be released during 2026,” signaling a broadening scope of application and a strategic alignment with evolving market demands.
