Talk:NextGen-O2k

The revolutionary all-in-one device to conquer mitochondrial disease

NextGen-O2k H2020-SMEInst

Horizon 2020 Framework Programme Proposal: 859770 — NextGen-O2k
EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 — SME instrument phase 2
The project Next-Gen O2k ist supported by the Standortagentur Tyrol and the FFG (Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft)
Duration of the action: 24 months
Partners: About Oroboros, WGT Elektronik, SHTech, software security networks.
Application: date ? ; Granted: date? (total budget € 2.35Mil)

Form the O2k to the Next-Gen O2k

O2k

High-resolution respirometry (HRR) and unique combinations of the O2k with

Fluorometry: the O2k-FluoRespirometer
Potentiometry: the O2k-pH ISE-Module and O2k-TPP+ ISE-Module
Amperometric measurement of nitric oxide: the O2k-NO Amp-Module

NextGen-O2k

extend high-resolution respirometry (HRR) to the all-in-one device

(+1) Cyclic voltammetry: the Q-redox sensor
(+2) Controlled wavelengths and light intensity: PhotoBiology module

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The NextGen-O2k project

We have developed the NextGen-O2k, a multi-sensor all-in-one instrument for in-depth studies of: (1) the mitochondrial role in human diseases, and (2) mitochondria and chloroplasts ability in regulating algal growth and metabolite production rates.

With the O2k core technology, developed exclusively by Oroboros for high-resolution measurement of oxygen flux, the NextGen-O2k integrates 2 new modules: (+1) A Q-Module to measure Q-redox states, and (+2) a PS-Module to study photosynthesis (PS).

In just one device researchers obtain a snapshot of the mitochondrial/chloroplast metabolic profile, saving on experimental time, reagents and samples, minimizing errors and ensuring reproducible and accurate results. In addition, our instruments offer the highest oxygen sensitivity (5 nM detection limit) with an exceptional resolution (wide oxygen concentration range, between 0 - 1,000 μM) and robustness (>10 years lifespan), being superior to any other market option.

Building the highway to medical discoveries

Mitochondrial research experiences a renaissance driven by its key role in pathological states. It is now established that mitochondria play a major role in cellular homeostasis and their dysfunction is key towards disease onset and progression. The figure below shows a variety of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction has been detected and highlights its central role regulating cellular health and disease. To develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on mitochondria, researchers need to understand mitochondrial function, morphology and dynamics, and its connections with key cellular pathways.

Algal Biomass production optimization by application of algal bioenergetics

The use of algae (comprising cyanobacteria, microalgae, and macroalgae) for biotechnology has bloomed in the last decades, being used in multiple and highly relevant biotech fields.
Algae-based food, animal feed, bioenergy, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and materials are considered by the EU as key for the development of a sustainable economy or bio-economy and circular economy due to multiple distinguishing features: (1) fast growth rate, (2) high biomass yields, (3) low land requirement for growth, (4) no competition for drinking water since algae can grow in seawater, and (5) contribution to the recycling of waste and mitigation of Climate Change (algae can grow using efflux gas from industry and wastewater).
Wide adoption of algae for biotechnological applications is hindered due the poor understanding of algal metabolic pathways and function. The field faces the challenge of producing enough biomass for mass-market adoption and optimizing growing conditions of wild-type or transgenic strains to produce sufficient amounts of specific compounds of interest.

Which problems does the NextGen-O2k solve?

Why Oroboros

The vision

Be the scientific driving force in mitochondrial physiology
Equip each biomedical lab world-wide with the NextGen instruments for research and diagnostic screening
Support key developments in mitochondrial medicine