Low-cost, high-throughput quantitative phase microscopy

Introduction

High-content screening is rapidly gaining traction across the biological sciences as a means to acquire more detailed data and test more hypotheses in an unprecedentedly rapid and systematic manner. However, a key issue identified by its users is that the instrumentation costs are too high, with systems typically costing from 150,000 to 800,000. This limits ownership of the instruments to well-funded research labs and, in doing so, excludes a significant portion of the multi-billion USD potential market. This project aims to target this unserved lower end of the market with a competitive high-content screening platform costing just 10,000.

Methodology

To achieve this, we will employ a novel quantitative phase imaging method originally developed for x-ray imaging as part of an ERC Starting Grant. The method allows us to make microscopes much simpler and less expensive without sacrificing image quality.

So far, we have successfully demonstrated that our new imaging approach is fast, robust, and can be readily utilized in such a low-cost screening system. Moreover, our IP is novel, protectable, and in the process of being patented.

Development Plan

This project will take the next steps towards commercialization by:

1. Developing our prototype into a minimum viable product.
2. Carrying out extensive research into the market and customer base to determine the optimum price point.
3. Developing a field-tested sales pipeline and revenue model.
4. Creating a robust business plan for the eventual spinout company.

Risk Assessment

Our decision to pursue the market for low-cost devices carries significant risk in that it necessitates high market penetration to achieve sufficient sales volume. However, should we successfully mitigate this risk (e.g., via focused development of the sales strategy), our endeavor will:

• Eliminate the main entry barrier to high-throughput life science research.
• Empower a new demographic of users with cutting-edge research tools.
• Address the growing issue of inequality in research and healthcare.