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

Informations projet

Cryo-SECOM

N° de convention de subvention: 836841

DOI

10.3030/836841

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 19 Novembre 2018

Date de début 1 Decembre 2018

Date de fin 31 Mars 2019

Financé au titre de

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Coût total

€ 71 429,00

Contribution de l’UE

€ 50 000,00

Coordonné par

DELMIC BV
Netherlands

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

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

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.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

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.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

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.

Company Logo