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

Informacje na temat projektu

Cryo-SECOM

Identyfikator umowy o grant: 836841

DOI

10.3030/836841

Projekt został zamknięty

Data podpisania przez KE 19 Listopada 2018

Data rozpoczęcia 1 Grudnia 2018

Data zakończenia 31 Marca 2019

Finansowanie w ramach

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Koszt całkowity

€ 71 429,00

Wkład UE

€ 50 000,00

Koordynowany przez

DELMIC BV
Netherlands

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

Okres sprawozdawczy: 2018-12-01 do 2019-03-31

Podsumowanie kontekstu i ogólnych celów projektu

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.

Prace wykonane od początku projektu do końca okresu sprawozdawczego oraz najważniejsze dotychczasowe rezultaty

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.

Innowacyjność oraz oczekiwany potencjalny wpływ (w tym dotychczasowe znaczenie społeczno-gospodarcze i szersze implikacje społeczne projektu)

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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