Unlocking the potential of cryo-electron tomography by simplification of the sample preparation workflow

Projektinformationen

Cryo-SECOM

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 836841

DOI

10.3030/836841

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 19 November 2018

Startdatum 1 Dezember 2018

Enddatum 31 März 2019

Finanziert unter

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Gesamtkosten

€ 71 429,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 50 000,00

Koordiniert durch

DELMIC BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Cryo-SECOM (Unlocking the potential of cryo-electron tomography by simplification of the sample preparation workflow)

Berichtszeitraum: 2018-12-01 bis 2019-03-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a powerful technique that can image the native cellular environment at nanometer resolution. The main problem in the current cryo-ET workflow is the multiple critical steps (at least 22) needed to make the sample suitable for analysis, limiting the yield to only one valid sample a day. Delmic has completely reimagined the cryo-ET workflow, with the ultimate vision of completely automating sample preparation. Central to this workflow is the cryo-SECOM, which integrates a correlated cryo light microscope with a FIB/SEM system. In this feasibility study, we performed a technical, commercial and financial analysis to ensure cryo-SECOM’s successful launch to market with minimum technical, commercial and financial risks.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The study has proven that Cryo-SECOM is: a) Technologically feasible: It is possible to develop a uniformed workflow platform for Cryo-SECOM in all commercially available Cryo-TEM equipment. A workplan to carry out further improvements of the single components´ design and reliability has been developed. b) Commercially feasible: DELMIC targets the attractive Cryo-TEM microscopy market. Amongst the >200 cryo-TEM installations worldwide, we have developed a customer database, identifying potential client in mature and emerging markets. Delmic’s business plan has been developed to ensure a successful market entry by Q4 2021. c) Economically feasible: The pricing strategy has been validated and the willingness-to-pay has been confirmed. The financial requirements for cryo-SECOM commercialisation have been estimated and sales forecast updated. Potential financial risks have been identified, and mitigation and contingency activities proposed.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

By simplifying the Cryo-electron tomography workflow and reducing the sample preparation time, the cryo-SECOM will allow researchers to innovate faster, decreasing the sample preparation time and improving the yield. The advantage for society will be huge: unlocking the full potential of cryo-ET will open new horizons in structural biology research that will have broad application to address fundamental questions in microbiology.

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