Project

Puxano: accelerating structure-based drug design

Acronym
PuXaNo
Code
F2020/IOF-StarTT/130
Duration
01 January 2021 → 01 January 2022
Funding
Regional and community funding: Industrial Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Data visualisation and high-throughput image analysis
  • Engineering and technology
    • Microfabrication and manufacturing
    • Microfluidics/flow chemistry
Keywords
Electron microscopy sample preparation microfluidics microsystems
 
Project description

The aim of this project is to maturize the steps towards the creation of a venture focusing on the development of a technological platform for high throughput protein structure characterization based on cryo-electron microscopy. This study thereby strengthens an ongoing Startt grant (F2018/IOF-STARTT/110 – LOCEM), which together with a Vlaio Innovation mandate and an UAntwerp PoC grant, aims to develop a microfluidic platform for cryo-EM sample preparation. Specifically, we want to obtain additional data to support the development of a novel technology focusing on protein immobilisation that was also submitted as a patent. Secondly, during the development of the microfluidic chip, we have encountered specific challenges that require additional research and development. Thirdly, we want to finalize our masterplan for investors by adding a detailed freedom-to-operate analysis of the core technologies. These three elements will address all major concerns that can block us from succesful incorporation in 2021/2022.