Casting cell structure and behaviour in a new light with Phase Focus Ltd

Company

Phase Focus Ltd

Phasefocus was awarded a Microscope Today Innovation Award in 2013 and again in 2017 for their Livecyte® microscope patented imaging technology. 

It was the objective of the KTP with the University of York to demonstrate and extend the label-free cell imaging application of this Phasefocus Livecyte® microscope.

Phasefocus and the university’s Department of Biology had already collaborated to determine the feasibility of the microscopic technology, and once it was ready to be introduced to market, the unique structure of a KTP was required to ensure successful commercialisation. Throughout the project, the technology was adapted and extended to meet the specific needs and expectations of the cell imaging market, and the university’s expertise in cell biology were transferred into the company. 

The first commercial version of the new Livecyte microscope was launched in Spring 2017, and the company have now opened their 2nd UK office in BioCity, Nottingham. The KTP Associate was also employed full-time by the company at the end of this project.

KTP Associate

KTP Associate - Dr. Rakesh Suman 

“As a PhD graduate, the KTP project gave me my first opportunity to apply academic research to industry. It was a novelty to work in a truly dynamic environment, and to see first-hand the practical impact of my research. 

“I would recommend anyone who is unsure about their next role following a stint in academia to consider a KTP, as it perfectly bridges the gap between research and industry in a way that nothing else can do. Furthermore, on completion of the KTP project, you still retain the ability to explore a career in both academia or industry.

“My greatest achievement of the KTP was in playing a crucial role in the development of the novel microscopy (ptychography) technology. Ptychography allows the scientist to visualise cells in incredible detail, without harming or affecting their natural function. Think of it as cellular mass surveillance and CCTV. I remember so many ‘wow’ moments when I was astonished by the cells’ behaviour, which we couldn’t explain scientifically at the time as nobody had witnessed it before. What we were able to see through the microscope was on the fringes of the scientific literature available. I had the unique opportunity to play a critical role in the evolution of the technology, seeing it evolve from a prototype to a final product. The microscopes are now in key institutes globally and generating new insights and impact in fields such as cancer research.

“During and after the KTP, I attended over 15 conferences and trade shows globally and authored/co-authored 6 publications. I also created significant media content for the company, and I was one of the winners of the global American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Cell Dance Video competition with my Cellular Heaven and Hell video. Furthermore, I developed important applications for the Livecyte microscope and shaped the sales/marketing strategy that led to successful sales of the system in new and existing markets.

“For the associate, the KTP programme offers an excellent personal development opportunity. Whilst I had gained significant microscopy experience during my PhD project, I had developed a few bad habits along the way. The KTP programme allowed access to the best training courses and sharpen my microscopy knowledge to the point where I felt like an expert in my field. Access to the mentorship of the academic and company supervisors, as well as the Ashorne Hill training that is central to the KTP, elevated my skills as an academic/scientist and also shaped my unique managerial style.  

“The Associate is the beating heart of a KTP who maintains the momentum of the project; so as well as the hard skills I developed, like budget management, organising meetings, and writing standard operating procedures, I also had to take responsibility for keeping the project on schedule, meeting deadlines and delivering outcomes. This required the management of different stakeholders and personalities at every level within the company. My communication and interpersonal skills were greatly enhanced, and I learnt how to be diplomatic in order to get the job done. As a biologist in a physicists’ world, my communication had to be clear and concise. Whilst we were all trying to achieve the same outcome/success, we would often view challenges from very different perspectives. Working in such a cross disciplinary and symbiotic environment made it even more interesting and the final product truly novel and innovative.

“Life has come full-circle now, as I am a KTP Innovation Development Officer at the intersection of academia and industry and I am passionate about harmonising these two worlds to foster the next generation of world leading innovation from the UK.”

Academic

Academic Partner - Professor Peter O’Toole

“Looking through the new microscope is like watching cells on High Definition TV in terms of the clarity, contrast and precision of the images. We can see subtle changes in cellular features, shape and movement. These new insights allow us to watch and understand the living behaviour of cells.

“The potential applications for this technology are immense – most areas of biology that use primary cells from living tissue are potential benefactors - and this project is a perfect example of how academic institutions can work with industry to develop commercial applications for our world class research and laboratory facilities.

“As a University, we are a perfect test bed for this type of technology. We have the laboratory infrastructure and importantly, we also have access to specialists such as cancer research biologists, neurobiologists, immunologists, stem cell specialists. Not only can these researchers test out the technology, but they can also use it to help them answer important research questions.

“This project is about really exciting science, but it’s also about working with industry to develop commercial applications for our expertise. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. The project has resulted in five research papers involving biologists at York who have highlighted unique applications for the new microscope.”