Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Cryo-SECOM (Unlocking the potential of cryo-electron tomography by simplification of the sample preparation workflow)
Période du rapport: 2018-12-01 au 2019-03-31
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.
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.
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.