Next-generation fiber-optic biosensor solution to support bioprocessing quality control at pharma giants Top-class research too often fails in finding its way to commercialization. FOx Biosystems, a KU Leuven spinoff company, partners with Comate in developing a performant market-ready product. Comate and Unitron collaborated in engineering an automated, medium-throughput analysis solution around the innovative biosensor technology of FOx Biosystems. The initial graphic system renders of Comate helped FOx Biosystems acquire capital for executing the development. FOx Biosystems’ CEO Filip Delport: “The engineers and designers of Comate are really making the difference in developing a technically refined analysis instrument, equipped with our revolutionary optical fiber sensing technology. We rely on Comate in every phase of the development process to maximize our chances for a successful market introduction. Our new biosensor tops existing instruments in speed, ease of use and operational efficiency. These assets are key elements to improve biomolecular interaction analysis across life science industry and research markets.” Just recently, FOx Biosystems additionally secured 4 million euros in capital with the Limburgse investeringsmaatschappij LRM, KU Leuven Gemma Frisius Fund and several biotech investors, to strengthen its development and sales organization. The headquarters of FOx Biosystems will move to Bioville, the life sciences bio incubator in Diepenbeek, Belgium. A disruptive analysis approach is born The sophisticated sensor technology for biomolecular interaction analysis originates from research performed at KU Leuven. Based on the doctoral research of Filip Delport, the startup FOx Biosystems was established. Currently, Filip Delport leads the company in the role of CEO.  The R&D results of current users are impressive, particularly in terms of working in ‘dirty’ samples and revealing new information on their biomolecules of interest. FOx Biosystems’ tools can disrupt the development and production of biological antibody-based medicines. Such pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat rheumatoid patients, persons suffering from Crohn’s disease, etc. From a lab setup to a market-ready productTo bring the expertise of FOx Biosystems to the market, a team supervised by Filip Delport devised an elaborate business plan. FOx Biosystems established a partnership with Comate Design and Engineering to help translate the laboratory analysis setup to a market-ready product. “As part of our collaboration with FOx Biosystems, we explore the specific needs of pharmaceutical companies and research organizations,” indicates Sander Van den dries, Comate Partner and Director. “We are developing the new biosensor for optimal use and maximal efficiency in realistic settings and focus profoundly on manufacturability.” Filip Delport, CEO FOx Biosystems: “The collaboration with Comate is built on our belief that its design and engineering specialists are perfectly fit for the challenge. From a realistic viewpoint, it did not make sense to develop the performant analysis machine by ourselves.” Making the technology tangible and attractive The Comate specialists started their work after in-depth discussions about FOx Biosystems’ analysis tool and its anticipated use in medicinal development labs and production rooms. Very early on, the designers created a graphic system render which realistically visualizes how the new instrument looks like. “The graphic illustrations of Comate were well received by investors and helped FOx Biosystems secure capital to execute the development of the device,” Delport said.  The technical engineering was executed by Comate in collaboration with Unitron. The project team developed a technically refined instrument that integrates the revolutionary optical fiber biosensing technology into an automated unit. “The solid, yet smooth casing was engineered as a single part using soft plastic molding,” explains Van den dries. “It supports pre-punched connections for faster interior assembly. The first prototype came with stylish status indicator LEDs which support the operation of the instrument.” Digital bioprocessing quality control After the user places the disposable sensor box and their samples into the instrument, the optical head picks up the disposable sensor tips and inserts them into the sample. In the optical head, light is emitted and travels through an optical fiber to the sensor tip and is reflected back to a spectrometer. Subsequently, the user sees the response displayed in real time as a wavelength resonance condition at about 600 nm dependent on refractive index close to the fiber optic surface. Delport: “Thanks to our innovative biosensor technology, the graph shows clear shifts when specific biological interactions occur at the sensor tip. The size and kinetics of the wavelength shifts of the analyzed sample provide insight into specific antibody-related interactions that have taken place.” The gold-coated sensor tip is treated with a chemical solvent to add biological layer(s) on top. The first customers & next-level developments Delport says that the biosensor was engineered to handle up to four sensor units and is already in use at three academic institutions. “They mainly employ the white FOx 1.0 device of FOx Biosystems for diagnostic purposes and screening of nanobodies. The value for these customers is increased speed, ease of use, new types of assays and operational efficiency compared to other biomolecular analysis instruments on the market.” Currently, the development continues and covers technically advanced engineering work to finish manufacturability, regulatory needs, integration with liquid handlers, and performance. Delport: “By adding miniaturized sample holders and the robotized sensor/sample handling, up to 350 samples can be analyzed with record time to result.”  Robust biomolecular analysis at a relentless pace Comate contributed to the evolution of next-generation part assembly for the sensor optical connector. The 3D printed model has been replaced by two injection molded parts with easy assembly to mount the optical fiber. “Our Comate specialists designed the sensor support head and selected appropriate molding and production partners,” says Van den dries. The new sensor optical connector offers increased sensor centricity and accuracy and is perfectly suited for high-throughput analysis jobs. An additional advancement entails the customization of the sample holder, for temperature conditioning, shaking of a sample matrix and/or sample plate if needed. “By proactively anticipating problems and proposing alternative solutions,” says Delport, “Comate is able to quickly establish a new instrument version.” Targeting large, international pharma corporations Besides strengthening R&D, FOx Biosystems is also extending sales efforts by targeting large pharma corporations. The company is setting up partnerships and collaborations with established pharma suppliers and distributors to make its revolutionary biosensor an integral part of a process or diagnostic solution. Large pharma players see this as a viable offer with reliable delivery and agile support. This approach is more likely to deliver them the assurance they need to adopt the solution in their drug development and production operations. The biosensor tool of FOx Biosystems nicely fits in the fast-evolving path to a new or updated biological antibody-based medicinal product or process. Delport: “Instead of sending off samples to another division or a third party, the new biosensor can be used for ‘real-time’ at-line measurements across the stages of discovery, development and production. In a clinical diagnostics context, trough monitoring is one of many analysis types that illustrates the wide application reach of our biosensor.” FOx Biosystems & Comate : A successful partnership“The biosensor technology of FOx Biosystems has many advantages compared to existing biomolecular analysis instruments”, says Delport. “The ease of use, speed, cost-effectiveness and the minimal time for sample pre-processing, even in complex media, are key assets of our device. Currently, we are setting up a number of feasibility studies with international pharma companies. After completion of these studies, we expect a firm commercial uptake that leads to a solid install base in the pharma industry late 2020.”
“Now that we have progressed far enough toward a successful market introduction, we clearly see the value of our active collaboration with Comate. In every phase of development, the Comate specialists showed an extreme urge for quality, safety, appeal and intuitive use. We are convinced that our joined efforts will contribute to improve biomolecular interaction analysis in the life science industry and research market.”
In the September newsletter of Bioville, FOx Biosystems was introduced as a new resident. Our company rents 2 rooms at the first floor which are being turned into a laboratory and office space. As the laboratory consumables are being delivered as we speak, our lab will be up and running within a month (first half of October). By that time, the current employees (Rob Vansweevelt and Anne Houbrechts, who both started at the beginning of June, and Joseph She, who will be starting half September) and the CEO Filip Delport will move the new headquarters. The address will therefore soon change to Agoralaan Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek. This will be updated on our website once the move has been completed.
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| To accurately and efficiently manage our laboratory research data, FOx Biosystems implemented eLABJournal from Bio-ITech in our daily work. The Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) software is user-friendly, straightforward and cost-effective. Thanks to eLABJournal documenting, organizing and archiving become easy and practical. |  |
ELN possesses many interesting features, like detailed sample collection/tracking, planning (reservation of devices via calendars) and centralization of supply orders. Moreover, scientists can readily manage protocols/SOPs and experiments. For companies as FOx Biosystems who want to comply to the regulatory guidelines of ISO, it is also crucial that all changes and versions are kept in logs and can be trailed, an aspect made available via eLABJournal.
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With an eLABJournal licence, people can join different groups, making collaborations among colleagues fast and easy. Everything is accessible in only a few clicks and communication with the customer care team runs fast and smoothly. We can strongly recommend the use of eLABJournal to other companies and academic institutions, since they will benefit from all its advantages.
https://www.elabjournal.com/
His Majesty the King visited Health House, located in Heverlee (Leuven), beginning of February 2019. Health House is an innovative experience center that shows visitors the future of healthcare. Visitors are invited to partake in an immersive journey with the help of high tech tools such as motion-controlled exhibits, 3D film and printing, virtual reality, a digital dissection table, and various other visualizations.
During the tour, the King discovered the center’s digital dissection table, one of only two in Belgium. The table allows users to “cut through” and peel off a 3D body from any angle, which, for example, allows students in anatomy lessons to clearly see how implants should work and where they are best positioned.
Health House also allows its visitors the chance to interact with new technologies from entrepreneurs. After a one-hour tour, the King met with various companies already active in the sector, including FOx Biosystems.
During the tour, the King discovered the center’s digital dissection table, one of only two in Belgium. The table allows users to “cut through” and peel off a 3D body from any angle, which, for example, allows students in anatomy lessons to clearly see how implants should work and where they are best positioned.
Health House also allows its visitors the chance to interact with new technologies from entrepreneurs. After a one-hour tour, the King met with various companies already active in the sector, including FOx Biosystems.
In 2019, Health House will also expand its reach from tours and inspiring workshops for medical professionals to broader events dubbed “Public Thursdays.” Every third Thursday of the month, people will have the chance to visit Health House and uncover the newest advances in healthcare technology. The initiative is meant to make science communication all the more accessible.
Fox Biosystems secures 4 million euros in capital with the Limburgse Investeringsmaatschappij LRM, the Gemma Frisius Fund and several biotech investors. Their innovative sensor technology, based on optical fibers, allows a cost-effective, user friendly and fast way of analyzing samples in the life science industry and the research market. The additional capital will be used for hiring extra people, growing internationally and optimizing processes. The Leuven start-up will move its headquarters to Bioville in Diepenbeek.
Fox Biosystems was founded in 2017 as a spin-off of the KU Leuven. The start-up aims to revolutionize the life science industry and research market using its real-time, label-free analysis technology. The FOx technology is based on innovative fiber-optic biosensor technology, which enables the users to generate high quality biomolecular data such as affinity data, kinetic data and concentration measurements. The innovative platform increases the efficiency of pharmaceutical drug research and development and allows flexible bioprocess monitoring.
Minimal sample preprocessing
‘The FOx biosensor technology has many advantages compared to existing biomolecular analysis instruments’, says Jeroen Lammertyn, co-founder and professor at KU Leuven. ‘The ease of use, speed, wide applicability, cost-effectiveness and the minimal time for sample preprocessing, even in complex media, are key assets of the technology.’ FOx Biosystems sells instruments, reagents and services to improve biomolecular interaction analysis in life science industry and research market.
The company now raises four million euros with LRM, the Gemma Frisius Fund and several biotech investors. With this extra resources the early stage biotech company wants to expand their team and take the next steps. ‘The company is still young, but we strongly belief in its growth potential. With this financial injection FOx Biosystems can move on the next phase: process optimization, increase sales and expand internationally’, says Katleen Vandersmissen, Head of Health & Care at LRM.
https://kanaalz.knack.be/nieuws/fox-biosystems-haalt-4-miljoen-op-voor-lancering-analysetoestel/video-normal-1431417.html
Fox Biosystems was founded in 2017 as a spin-off of the KU Leuven. The start-up aims to revolutionize the life science industry and research market using its real-time, label-free analysis technology. The FOx technology is based on innovative fiber-optic biosensor technology, which enables the users to generate high quality biomolecular data such as affinity data, kinetic data and concentration measurements. The innovative platform increases the efficiency of pharmaceutical drug research and development and allows flexible bioprocess monitoring.
Minimal sample preprocessing
‘The FOx biosensor technology has many advantages compared to existing biomolecular analysis instruments’, says Jeroen Lammertyn, co-founder and professor at KU Leuven. ‘The ease of use, speed, wide applicability, cost-effectiveness and the minimal time for sample preprocessing, even in complex media, are key assets of the technology.’ FOx Biosystems sells instruments, reagents and services to improve biomolecular interaction analysis in life science industry and research market.
The company now raises four million euros with LRM, the Gemma Frisius Fund and several biotech investors. With this extra resources the early stage biotech company wants to expand their team and take the next steps. ‘The company is still young, but we strongly belief in its growth potential. With this financial injection FOx Biosystems can move on the next phase: process optimization, increase sales and expand internationally’, says Katleen Vandersmissen, Head of Health & Care at LRM.
https://kanaalz.knack.be/nieuws/fox-biosystems-haalt-4-miljoen-op-voor-lancering-analysetoestel/video-normal-1431417.html
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Bioville
Filip Delport, co-founder and former doctor-engineer at KU Leuven in de group of prof. Lammertyn, was appointed by the shareholders as Chief Executive Officer. The headquarters of FOx Biosystems will move to Bioville, the bio-incubator in Diepenbeek, from where further development of the technology will happen in close collaboration with the KU Leuven and other partners.
About LRM
LRM is an investment company that develops and stimulates economic growth in Limburg. We provide a solid foundation, allowing companies and projects, which create jobs in Limburg, to grow. Our financial means and economic expertise, together with Limburg’s key assets, create a unique breeding ground. Goele Lemmens, responsible press office LRM, g.lemmens@lrm.be, 0474 21 30 87
About Gemma Frisius Fund KU Leuven
Gemma Frisius Fund is a seed capital fund, which was established in 1997 as a joint venture between KU Leuven, KBC Bank and BNP Paribas Group. The objective of the fund is to stimulate the creation and growth of KU Leuven spin-off companies by providing them with seed capital in the very early phases of their development. The Gemma Frisius Fund combines the research and technology transfer expertise of the university with the financial and investment expertise of the two banks.
More information: http://lrd.kuleuven.be/en/spinoff/gemma-frisius-fund.
About KU Leuven
KU Leuven is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. With a research budget of over 466 million euro and an academic staff of more than 7,000 researchers, KU Leuven pursues high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, KU Leuven was ranked as Europe’s most innovative university, based on its research output and influential inventions.
More information: www.kuleuven.be/lrd
Filip Delport, co-founder and former doctor-engineer at KU Leuven in de group of prof. Lammertyn, was appointed by the shareholders as Chief Executive Officer. The headquarters of FOx Biosystems will move to Bioville, the bio-incubator in Diepenbeek, from where further development of the technology will happen in close collaboration with the KU Leuven and other partners.
About LRM
LRM is an investment company that develops and stimulates economic growth in Limburg. We provide a solid foundation, allowing companies and projects, which create jobs in Limburg, to grow. Our financial means and economic expertise, together with Limburg’s key assets, create a unique breeding ground. Goele Lemmens, responsible press office LRM, g.lemmens@lrm.be, 0474 21 30 87
About Gemma Frisius Fund KU Leuven
Gemma Frisius Fund is a seed capital fund, which was established in 1997 as a joint venture between KU Leuven, KBC Bank and BNP Paribas Group. The objective of the fund is to stimulate the creation and growth of KU Leuven spin-off companies by providing them with seed capital in the very early phases of their development. The Gemma Frisius Fund combines the research and technology transfer expertise of the university with the financial and investment expertise of the two banks.
More information: http://lrd.kuleuven.be/en/spinoff/gemma-frisius-fund.
About KU Leuven
KU Leuven is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. With a research budget of over 466 million euro and an academic staff of more than 7,000 researchers, KU Leuven pursues high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, KU Leuven was ranked as Europe’s most innovative university, based on its research output and influential inventions.
More information: www.kuleuven.be/lrd
Preliminary findings from a competitive evaluation study reveal the advantages of FOx Biosystems devices for biomolecular analysis during bioprocessing
Leuven, July 19, 2018 – FOx Biosystems, an innovative biosensor company, today announced its ambition to advance todays bioprocess monitoring methodologies after successfully completing a preliminary evaluation that compared different biosensor devices to monitor bioprocess related proteins.
FOx Biosystems conducted the study with the help of GSK’s biopharmaceutical team based in Stevenage, UK, who compared the FOx prototype technology with two existing biosensor technologies. Using its new White FOx 1.0 system, which uses Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology, Fox Biosystems showed that when sensitivity, reproducibility, cost per analysis and the ability to detect denaturated proteins were compared, the results showed that White FOx 1.0, is a high-performing, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses.
“The speed, sensitivity, cost and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits for bioprocessing monitoring,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The Fiber-Optic-based surface plasmon resonance biosensor system performed very well in a blinded comparison study. Currently, our team is discussing different implementation routes to support biomolecular analysis methodologies during bioprocess development and monitoring.”
FOx Biosystems launched the White FOx 1.0 last year and renewed its strategy and focus. FOx Biosystems has the ambition to become a world-leader in the field of biomolecular analysis tools, particularly in the bioprocess monitoring field. FOx’ sensor technology can be used from µg/mL down to pg/mL in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. The FOx technology combines throughput with flexibility and good sensitivity in crude matrices. As such, the White FOx 1.0 has several technical benefits which expand its utility as a biomolecular interaction analysis tool for bioprocess monitoring.
Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems adds: “We are looking forward to supporting companies with bioprocess monitoring technologies. We strongly believe that our products can add value to pharmaceutical companies both in their screening stage and the bioprocess development and monitoring stage”
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KULeuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
www.FOxBiosystems.com
info@foxbiosystems.com
FOx Biosystems conducted the study with the help of GSK’s biopharmaceutical team based in Stevenage, UK, who compared the FOx prototype technology with two existing biosensor technologies. Using its new White FOx 1.0 system, which uses Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology, Fox Biosystems showed that when sensitivity, reproducibility, cost per analysis and the ability to detect denaturated proteins were compared, the results showed that White FOx 1.0, is a high-performing, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses.
“The speed, sensitivity, cost and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits for bioprocessing monitoring,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The Fiber-Optic-based surface plasmon resonance biosensor system performed very well in a blinded comparison study. Currently, our team is discussing different implementation routes to support biomolecular analysis methodologies during bioprocess development and monitoring.”
FOx Biosystems launched the White FOx 1.0 last year and renewed its strategy and focus. FOx Biosystems has the ambition to become a world-leader in the field of biomolecular analysis tools, particularly in the bioprocess monitoring field. FOx’ sensor technology can be used from µg/mL down to pg/mL in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. The FOx technology combines throughput with flexibility and good sensitivity in crude matrices. As such, the White FOx 1.0 has several technical benefits which expand its utility as a biomolecular interaction analysis tool for bioprocess monitoring.
Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems adds: “We are looking forward to supporting companies with bioprocess monitoring technologies. We strongly believe that our products can add value to pharmaceutical companies both in their screening stage and the bioprocess development and monitoring stage”
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KULeuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
www.FOxBiosystems.com
info@foxbiosystems.com
As part of the VIB’s Technology Watch Initiative, The FOx Biosystems instrument will be used to accelerate research in the field of cancer and neurobiology
FLANDERS, BELGIUM — May 16, 2018 — FOx Biosystems, a biosensor company, and VIB, the life sciences research institute in Flanders (Belgium), announced today that VIB will become an important research institute to evaluate the White FOx 1.0 in its workflows as part of its vision for adopting breakthrough technologies.
The proprietary FOx technology in the White FOx 1.0 system turns the well-established Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) principle into a highly performant, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses. Its performance and versatility makes it an interesting system for VIB to speed up its research in the field of cancer and neurobiology.
VIB’s Technology Watch Initiative implements new, emerging, and disruptive technologies into its laboratories and research facilities. Active since 2008, the Technology Watch program evaluates strategic technology investment opportunities and provides the funding to secure prototype instruments and high-potential early-stage technologies.
The White FOx 1.0 will be placed in the lab of Prof. Anna Sablina, in the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology. Professor Sablina’s research is focused on understanding the cooperative interactions that conspire to promote tumorigenic transformation. To discover drivers of cancer development and progression, they create experimental models of cell transformation derived from primary human cells that mimic alterations found in human cancer samples. These models provide a useful platform to delineate pathways involved in cell transformation and to discover new targets for therapeutic intervention.
“The FOx technology will also be evaluated in the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research amongst others by the lab of prof. Frederic Rousseau and prof. Joost Schymkowitz, and the group of prof. Lucia Chávez Gutiérrez. We expect that the FOx system can have substantial benefits in other research fields across the life sciences also, such as Cancer Research, Structural biology and beyond in therapeutic development” adds Halina Novak, Ph.D., Technology and Innovation manager at VIB.
FOx’ sensor technology can be used, depending on the required sensitivity, in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. “Additional advantages of the FOx technology compared to competing technologies, are its throughput, speed of measuring and the ability to directly analyze crude cell lysates. As such, the White FOx 1.0 makes it possible for our scientists to detect different target molecules up to 10 times faster, at a low cost base and with a high flexibility”, adds Silvie Van den Hoecke, Ph.D., Life Science Technology Specialist at Tech Watch.
“The versatility and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits in current high-level research,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The evaluation of our technology by VIB, notably one of Europe’s most innovative research institutes, will show the benefits in different cutting-edge research fields”
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com
About VIB
Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. VIB is pushing the boundaries of molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms, such as human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms, while also creating tangible results for the benefit of society. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of 75 research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into new economic ventures which, in time, lead to new products that can be used in medicine, agriculture and other applications. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology. More information: www.vib.be.
VIB Tech Watch
Through the strategic application of VIB Tech Watch funds, VIB labs boast groundbreaking new technologies such as those enabling human genome sequencing, bioinformatics, next generation DNA sequencing, and a diverse range of visualization and proteomics technologies. Over the years, Tech Watch has gathered in-depth information about disruptive technologies that could aid VIB scientists, sharing over 100 of these innovations with the entire organization in the last ten years and assisting researchers in obtaining funds to use these technologies to boost research output. Recently, the Technology Innovation Lab was added to this initiative. “By organizing trainings, operating these technologies and troubleshooting in the labs next to the scientists, we aim to further increase the implementation of prototype instrument and new technologies at VIB. We are convinced that this unique set-up contributes to the competitive character of VIB.” states Silvie Van den Hoecke, Life Science Technology Specialist at Tech Watch.
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KULeuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
FOx Biosystems
info@foxbiosystems.com
VIB Contact
Halina Novak, VIB Technology and Innovation Manager
halina.novak@vib.be
+32 9 244 66 11
The proprietary FOx technology in the White FOx 1.0 system turns the well-established Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) principle into a highly performant, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses. Its performance and versatility makes it an interesting system for VIB to speed up its research in the field of cancer and neurobiology.
VIB’s Technology Watch Initiative implements new, emerging, and disruptive technologies into its laboratories and research facilities. Active since 2008, the Technology Watch program evaluates strategic technology investment opportunities and provides the funding to secure prototype instruments and high-potential early-stage technologies.
The White FOx 1.0 will be placed in the lab of Prof. Anna Sablina, in the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology. Professor Sablina’s research is focused on understanding the cooperative interactions that conspire to promote tumorigenic transformation. To discover drivers of cancer development and progression, they create experimental models of cell transformation derived from primary human cells that mimic alterations found in human cancer samples. These models provide a useful platform to delineate pathways involved in cell transformation and to discover new targets for therapeutic intervention.
“The FOx technology will also be evaluated in the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research amongst others by the lab of prof. Frederic Rousseau and prof. Joost Schymkowitz, and the group of prof. Lucia Chávez Gutiérrez. We expect that the FOx system can have substantial benefits in other research fields across the life sciences also, such as Cancer Research, Structural biology and beyond in therapeutic development” adds Halina Novak, Ph.D., Technology and Innovation manager at VIB.
FOx’ sensor technology can be used, depending on the required sensitivity, in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. “Additional advantages of the FOx technology compared to competing technologies, are its throughput, speed of measuring and the ability to directly analyze crude cell lysates. As such, the White FOx 1.0 makes it possible for our scientists to detect different target molecules up to 10 times faster, at a low cost base and with a high flexibility”, adds Silvie Van den Hoecke, Ph.D., Life Science Technology Specialist at Tech Watch.
“The versatility and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits in current high-level research,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The evaluation of our technology by VIB, notably one of Europe’s most innovative research institutes, will show the benefits in different cutting-edge research fields”
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com
About VIB
Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. VIB is pushing the boundaries of molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms, such as human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms, while also creating tangible results for the benefit of society. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of 75 research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into new economic ventures which, in time, lead to new products that can be used in medicine, agriculture and other applications. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology. More information: www.vib.be.
VIB Tech Watch
Through the strategic application of VIB Tech Watch funds, VIB labs boast groundbreaking new technologies such as those enabling human genome sequencing, bioinformatics, next generation DNA sequencing, and a diverse range of visualization and proteomics technologies. Over the years, Tech Watch has gathered in-depth information about disruptive technologies that could aid VIB scientists, sharing over 100 of these innovations with the entire organization in the last ten years and assisting researchers in obtaining funds to use these technologies to boost research output. Recently, the Technology Innovation Lab was added to this initiative. “By organizing trainings, operating these technologies and troubleshooting in the labs next to the scientists, we aim to further increase the implementation of prototype instrument and new technologies at VIB. We are convinced that this unique set-up contributes to the competitive character of VIB.” states Silvie Van den Hoecke, Life Science Technology Specialist at Tech Watch.
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KULeuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
FOx Biosystems
info@foxbiosystems.com
VIB Contact
Halina Novak, VIB Technology and Innovation Manager
halina.novak@vib.be
+32 9 244 66 11
KULAK performs bacteriophage research on the innovative biomolecular analysis tool of FOx Biosystems
21/4/2018
FLANDERS, BELGIUM — FOx Biosystems, a biosensor company, and KULAK/KULeuven, a Belgian university, today announced that KULAK could perform breakthrough research using the White FOx 1.0 in the field of bacteriophages selection.
The proprietary FOx technology in the White FOx 1.0 system turns the well-established Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) principle into a highly performant, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses. As opposed to most commercial SPR systems, the White FOx 1.0 is not using microfluidics to bring the sample to the sensor. The FOx Biosystems technology is using a fiber-based sensor that measures into a microtiter plate. This avoids potential clogging problems with larger molecules or compatibility issues. The use of classical microtiter plates and the ability to measure larger molecules makes it an interesting system for the KULAK to measure Bacteriophage interactions which is important in the field of viral particle interactions.
The proprietary FOx technology in the White FOx 1.0 system turns the well-established Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) principle into a highly performant, easy to use and cost-effective analytical instrument for biomolecular interaction analyses. As opposed to most commercial SPR systems, the White FOx 1.0 is not using microfluidics to bring the sample to the sensor. The FOx Biosystems technology is using a fiber-based sensor that measures into a microtiter plate. This avoids potential clogging problems with larger molecules or compatibility issues. The use of classical microtiter plates and the ability to measure larger molecules makes it an interesting system for the KULAK to measure Bacteriophage interactions which is important in the field of viral particle interactions.
The FOx Biosystem instrument is linked to chromatography to measure kinetic affinity and avidity of entire bacteriophages.
| At the Interdisciplinary Research Facility Life Sciences, KULAK in Kortrijk phage display technology is a well-established technique for high throughput screening for affinity ligands. Innovative panning procedures for selection of suitable binders from a phage peptide display library are being investigated. The White FOx 1.0 was purchased by the group of prof. Deckmyn in September 2017. Dr Noppe was the first client/user of FOx Biosystems. Dr. Noppe got involved with the Fox Biosystems technology in 2014 after looking for a solution to measure affinity of target proteins to different strains and types of bacteriophages. The first attempt with a microfluidic SPR system failed after a single measurement due to clogging of the microfluidic channels. Using the Fox Biosystems instrument he could analyze many different strains easier, faster and with good accuracy at a reasonable cost. |  |
The specifications and the robustness of the FOx Biosystems technology allowed us to measure in crude cell mixtures while it was simply not possible with classical microfluidic-based SPR systems. The throughput and characterization information that we can achieve with the White FOx 1.0 is not achievable with classic SPR systems” says Dr. Noppe.
FOx’ sensor technology can be used, depending on the required sensitivity, in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. The ability to detect different target molecules, up to 10 times faster, with one single device is a key differentiator compared to competing technologies and gives the operator a low cost base and much more flexibility.
“The versatility and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits in current high-level research,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The evaluation of our technology by the KULAK IRF Life Sciences, will show the benefits in viral particle cutting-edge research fields”.
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx’ sensor technology can be used, depending on the required sensitivity, in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. The ability to detect different target molecules, up to 10 times faster, with one single device is a key differentiator compared to competing technologies and gives the operator a low cost base and much more flexibility.
“The versatility and robustness of the FOx systems are key benefits in current high-level research,” says Filip Delport, CTO of FOx Biosystems. “The evaluation of our technology by the KULAK IRF Life Sciences, will show the benefits in viral particle cutting-edge research fields”.
More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
From left to right: Prof. Hans Deckmyn, Tiebe van Boven, Roxanne Cordier en Wim Noppe.
About KULeuven
Situated in Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. Since its founding, KU Leuven has been based in the city that shares its name. Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers degree programmes at campuses in 11 Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. More information on www.kuleuven.be
About KULAK
Kulak has its own education and research profile which is complementary to the big urban campuses. Kulak is the only campus in Flanders where you can find all faculties or study programmes in one building complex. By focussing on the crucial first years of an academic training and by maintaining relatively small groups of students per field, they are able to provide their students with optimal support and tuition in the best of environments. However, in the first place, students are invited to take initiative and responsibility. They support each other intensely, which leads to significantly higher passing rates in the first year compared to the other Belgian universities. As a division of KU Leuven, the students are very much ‘part of Leuven’ because they share the same programs, professors, and high standards of quality in education, research and service to the community. The campus has some 120 academics in residence, complemented with some 100 Leuven academics who regularly teach in Kortrijk. Our Alma Mater is an internationally renowned institution, with excellent education and research potentials and with strong networks, both locally and internationally.
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KU Leuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
FOx Biosystems
info@foxbiosystems.com
KULAK Contact
Dr. Wim Noppe
IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus KULAK Kortrijk
Etienne Sabbelaan 53 - box 7711
8500 Kortrijk
Email: Wim.noppe@kuleuven.be
About KULeuven
Situated in Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. Since its founding, KU Leuven has been based in the city that shares its name. Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers degree programmes at campuses in 11 Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. More information on www.kuleuven.be
About KULAK
Kulak has its own education and research profile which is complementary to the big urban campuses. Kulak is the only campus in Flanders where you can find all faculties or study programmes in one building complex. By focussing on the crucial first years of an academic training and by maintaining relatively small groups of students per field, they are able to provide their students with optimal support and tuition in the best of environments. However, in the first place, students are invited to take initiative and responsibility. They support each other intensely, which leads to significantly higher passing rates in the first year compared to the other Belgian universities. As a division of KU Leuven, the students are very much ‘part of Leuven’ because they share the same programs, professors, and high standards of quality in education, research and service to the community. The campus has some 120 academics in residence, complemented with some 100 Leuven academics who regularly teach in Kortrijk. Our Alma Mater is an internationally renowned institution, with excellent education and research potentials and with strong networks, both locally and internationally.
About FOx Biosystems
FOx Biosystems is a spin-off from the KU Leuven. The company offers superior analytical systems, consumables and services for the R&D instrumentation market and the bioprocessing market (development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals). FOx Biosystems was founded in 2016 after more than 10 years of high level research in the MeBioS Biosensor group of Professor Lammertyn, KU Leuven. The FOx Biosystems instrumentation uses the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) to detect target molecules. The disposable sensor probe is coated with a gold layer and functionalized with bioreceptors. This sensor probe is then coupled to a cost-effective, reliable analytical benchtop instrument that enables real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions with a miniaturized optical unit. This instrument, priced at a fraction of competing technologies, was designed, developed and built to be easily operated by a non-specialized user. FOx’ sensor technology can be used in a label-free or labelled mode enabling the quantification of specific proteins, small molecules, DNA and cells in microliter volume samples. This allows scientists or process control analysis laboratories to perform biomolecular analysis in a faster, more robust and more versatile way then ever before. More information is available at www.foxbiosystems.com.
FOx Biosystems Contact
FOx Biosystems
info@foxbiosystems.com
KULAK Contact
Dr. Wim Noppe
IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus KULAK Kortrijk
Etienne Sabbelaan 53 - box 7711
8500 Kortrijk
Email: Wim.noppe@kuleuven.be
“Wegwerpsensoren vereenvoudigen ontwikkeling van nieuwe geneesmiddelen”
Bijna alle nieuwe geneesmiddelen die vandaag op de markt komen zijn gebaseerd op de werking van antilichamen. Maar antilichamen gebruiken in medicijnen kost veel tijd en moeite. FOx Biosystems, een jonge spin-off van de KU Leuven, heeft de technologie in huis om het proces te vereenvoudigen. Vanmiddag ondertekenen ze een samenwerking met Unitron, een Nederlands bedrijf dat medische toestellen bouwt.
Vandaag brengt Task Force Health Care, een Nederlandse missie onder leiding van de vice-minister voor buitenlandse handel, een economisch werkbezoek aan Leuven. Afspraak bij Imec. De Nederlanders willen de krachten op gebied van gezondheid en innovatie bundelen. De Memorandum of understanding tussen FOx Biosystems en Unitron is alvast ondertekend. De Nederlanders gaan met de Leuvense technologie aan de slag. Ze zullen de White Fox verder ontwikkelen samen met Comate (Leuven) en produceren. Het toestel is niet alleen eenvoudiger dan de klassieke laboinstrumenten waarmee de farmaceutische industrie nu werkt. Het is ook goedkoper. Bovendien werkt de technologie van FOx Biosystems sneller en nauwkeuriger.
Labo zonder laboranten
FOx Biosystems werd opgericht in 2016, vanuit de onderzoeksgroep van professor Jeroen Lammertyn aan de KU Leuven. Het bedrijf ontwikkelt hoogtechnologische biosensoren. Filip Delport, CTO van FOx Biosystems: “Onze technologie werkt als een compact labo zonder laboranten. Onze apparatuur is zo gevoelig dat je stalen nog nauwelijks moet prepareren om ze te analyseren. Een ander voordeel is dat je maar één platform nodig hebt om verschillende analyses uit te voeren. Het maakt een aantal toestellen in een klassiek labo overbodig.”
Maar hoe werkt de technologie van FOx Biosystems? Heel simpel: met wegwerpsensoren. Het is een lampje met een spectrometer, een optische vezel met een heel klein beetje goud én een bioreceptor. Je doopt de vezel in het staal. Bioreceptoren vangen de stof die je zoekt. Je stuurt licht doorheen de optische vezel en leest het licht dat wordt weerkaatst helemaal uit. Op die manier analyseer je het staal. Het kan bloed zijn, urine of bioreactorvloeistof, zolang het maar biologisch opgelost materiaal is.
Labo zonder laboranten
FOx Biosystems werd opgericht in 2016, vanuit de onderzoeksgroep van professor Jeroen Lammertyn aan de KU Leuven. Het bedrijf ontwikkelt hoogtechnologische biosensoren. Filip Delport, CTO van FOx Biosystems: “Onze technologie werkt als een compact labo zonder laboranten. Onze apparatuur is zo gevoelig dat je stalen nog nauwelijks moet prepareren om ze te analyseren. Een ander voordeel is dat je maar één platform nodig hebt om verschillende analyses uit te voeren. Het maakt een aantal toestellen in een klassiek labo overbodig.”
Maar hoe werkt de technologie van FOx Biosystems? Heel simpel: met wegwerpsensoren. Het is een lampje met een spectrometer, een optische vezel met een heel klein beetje goud én een bioreceptor. Je doopt de vezel in het staal. Bioreceptoren vangen de stof die je zoekt. Je stuurt licht doorheen de optische vezel en leest het licht dat wordt weerkaatst helemaal uit. Op die manier analyseer je het staal. Het kan bloed zijn, urine of bioreactorvloeistof, zolang het maar biologisch opgelost materiaal is.
Nieuwe medicijnen
Filip Delport: “80 tot 90 procent van de nieuwe medicijnen die worden ontwikkeld zijn gebaseerd op de werking van antilichamen. Antilichamen zijn de antistoffen die mensen en dieren aanmaken in een reactie op een ziekte of een infectie. Om antistoffen te gebruiken in geneesmiddelen heb je bioreactoren nodig met cellen die deze antilichamen produceren. Het zijn biologische processen die moeilijk zijn om te controleren. De technologie van FOx Biosystems biedt hiervoor een efficiënte oplossing aan. Hoeveel antilichamen zijn er aanwezig? Werken de antilichamen zoals moet? En zijn er geen besmettingen met ander biologisch materiaal? Het zijn belangrijke, kwalitatieve parameters die de White Fox binnen de paar minuten meet en analyseert, zonder op de resultaten te moeten wachten van een groot labo.”
4 miljoen euro
De technologie van FOx Biosystems heeft veel potentieel. De Nederlanders van Unitron springen alvast mee op de trein. Zij gaan de White Fox verder ontwikkelen en produceren. De eerste toestellen zijn al verkocht. Maar het zal niet bij pionierswerk blijven. De technologie werkt. De tijd van prototypes is voorbij. Daarom wil FOx Biosystems een tweede kapitaalverhoging doorvoeren. Filip Delport maakt een ronde langsheen belangrijke investeerders. Hij hoopt 4 miljoen euro op te halen om meer onderzoek te doen, extra verkoopkanalen op te zetten en een doorstart van productie te financieren. Alleen zo kan de farmaceutische industrie worden overtuigd van de voordelen van de nieuwe technologie van FOx Biosystems.
Filip Delport: “80 tot 90 procent van de nieuwe medicijnen die worden ontwikkeld zijn gebaseerd op de werking van antilichamen. Antilichamen zijn de antistoffen die mensen en dieren aanmaken in een reactie op een ziekte of een infectie. Om antistoffen te gebruiken in geneesmiddelen heb je bioreactoren nodig met cellen die deze antilichamen produceren. Het zijn biologische processen die moeilijk zijn om te controleren. De technologie van FOx Biosystems biedt hiervoor een efficiënte oplossing aan. Hoeveel antilichamen zijn er aanwezig? Werken de antilichamen zoals moet? En zijn er geen besmettingen met ander biologisch materiaal? Het zijn belangrijke, kwalitatieve parameters die de White Fox binnen de paar minuten meet en analyseert, zonder op de resultaten te moeten wachten van een groot labo.”
4 miljoen euro
De technologie van FOx Biosystems heeft veel potentieel. De Nederlanders van Unitron springen alvast mee op de trein. Zij gaan de White Fox verder ontwikkelen en produceren. De eerste toestellen zijn al verkocht. Maar het zal niet bij pionierswerk blijven. De technologie werkt. De tijd van prototypes is voorbij. Daarom wil FOx Biosystems een tweede kapitaalverhoging doorvoeren. Filip Delport maakt een ronde langsheen belangrijke investeerders. Hij hoopt 4 miljoen euro op te halen om meer onderzoek te doen, extra verkoopkanalen op te zetten en een doorstart van productie te financieren. Alleen zo kan de farmaceutische industrie worden overtuigd van de voordelen van de nieuwe technologie van FOx Biosystems.
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