By Claudio Bui
Innovation in biotechnology often hinges on precision and customization—essential qualities that enable breakthroughs in fields like single-cell spatial genomics. For companies at the forefront of this research, having the right tools can be the difference between concept and reality.
Cavro® component manufacturing in Penang, Malaysia
Vizgen, a leader in genomics innovation, was on the verge of one such breakthrough: a high-resolution platform for single-cell spatial genomics. Their journey led to the creation of the groundbreaking MERSCOPE® platform, the first commercial solution to combine single-cell and spatial genomics analysis.
Behind Vizgen’s success was Tecan’s Cavro brand, whose precision pump systems provide partners with the customization and reliability essential for overcoming critical hurdles. By addressing Vizgen’s specific challenges, Tecan helped their team revolutionize genomics research.
The challenge: precision meets innovation needs
Turning a groundbreaking concept into a functional solution is rarely straightforward. For Vizgen, the stakes were high. Developing a high-resolution platform for single-cell spatial genomics demanded precision and tools that could handle the intricate workflows required by genomics research.
Existing solutions lacked the precision and seamless integration that Vizgen’s advanced genomics platform demanded. To meet its ambitious goals, Vizgen required a system that delivered reliability, compatibility and long-term durability.
- Deliver unparalleled precision: advanced genomics workflows require tools capable of handling fluids with consistent accuracy to achieve reliable results.
- Seamless integration: the system must integrate smoothly with Vizgen’s sophisticated platform without creating additional complexities.
- Ensure reliability and durability: the solution had to meet rigorous research standards and remain dependable for commercial scalability.
Success depended on finding tools that could meet these demanding precision requirements.
The solution: Tecan’s precision pump system
With these challenges, the Vizgen team knew they needed an OEM partner in precision pump systems. That’s where Tecan stepped in. The partnership began with an in-depth consultation, where Tecan’s engineers worked closely with Vizgen to analyze their workflows and identify critical requirements.
The Cavro XCalibur pump provided the exact capabilities to address Vizgen’s specific demands. Tecan, focusing on customization, reliability and ease of integration, ensured Vizgen could maintain its ambitious goals while streamlining its operations.
Customizable precision
For Vizgen, one of the standout features of the Cavro XCalibur pump was its adaptability.
“When choosing a pump for MERSCOPE, we were looking for precision and repeatability and to partner with a credible OEM vendor, such as Tecan,” said Shawn Wang, Engineering Manager at Vizgen. “The Cavro XC pump is one of the few options from major vendors that met our specifications.”
Tecan worked closely with Vizgen to ensure the pump met their unique requirements, designing solutions that addressed their precision and functionality needs. Key features included:
- Custom design: a fully customizable design ensured the pump aligned perfectly with Vizgen’s workflows and operational requirements.
- API and software integration: an integration-ready API and robust software library streamlined development, allowing the pump to fit effortlessly into Vizgen’s cutting-edge systems.
Reliability and functionality
For Vizgen, reliability was just as important as customization. With the Cavro XCalibur pump, Vizgen could confidently scale their operations while maintaining precision. Key features included:
- Scalability for high-throughput: enabled Vizgen to scale operations efficiently, supporting high-throughput workflows without compromising performance.
- Liquid handling precision: delivered unmatched accuracy, ensuring consistent and reliable results vital for single-cell spatial genomics.
In addition to meeting immediate technical requirements, Tecan’s Cavro solutions helped streamline Vizgen’s internal processes. With components that were both precise and adaptable, Vizgen was able to focus on its core mission: advancing genomics innovation.
Breakthrough innovation enabled by Cavro
The partnership between Tecan and Vizgen led to the creation of the MERSCOPE platform. This platform is the first commercial solution integrating single-cell and spatial genomics analysis, transforming genomics research. The MERSCOPE platform addresses the immediate needs of single-cell spatial genomics and has broader applications in areas like cancer research, developmental biology and precision medicine.
Key results:
- Improved accuracy: the Cavro XCalibur pump’s precision ensured reliable workflows, which are critical for high-resolution genomics data.
- Accelerated timelines: the integration-ready design allowed Vizgen to bring its innovation to market faster.
- Industry leadership: with the MERSCOPE platform, Vizgen established itself as a pioneer in single-cell spatial genomics.
This represents a significant achievement for Vizgen and a major advancement for genomics research. Integrating precision tools like the Cavro XCalibur pump enhances how researchers approach complex challenges, streamlining their processes and enabling them to unravel complex problems in cellular biology.
Vizgen’s journey also holds important lessons for future innovations in the field:
- The importance of customization: tailored solutions are key to addressing complex research challenges.
- The value of strong partnerships: collaborations, like the one between Tecan and Vizgen, demonstrate how OEM partnerships can overcome technical barriers and drive innovation. As research challenges grow more intricate, such alliances will be vital in bridging the gap between concept and execution.
Innovation through collaboration
For Vizgen, this partnership wasn’t just about solving immediate challenges; it laid the foundation for future innovation and success by addressing complex needs with precision, reliability and scalability.
Beyond enabling groundbreaking solutions like the MERSCOPE platform, Tecan’s collaborative approach demonstrates their commitment to biotechnology innovation and fostering long-term success for their partners. By working closely with clients to understand their unique challenges, Tecan supplies Cavro components that deliver both immediate results and sustainable value. This approach ensures that their solutions remain adaptable as the demands of scientific research continue to evolve.
And the outcomes extend beyond technical achievements—Vizgen’s partnership with Tecan also redefined the entire field. For researchers and organizations striving to overcome their own challenges, Tecan’s Cavro products can support innovation at every step.
By leveraging Tecan’s OEM partnership model, companies can access cutting-edge tools and the collaborative expertise needed to address their most pressing challenges. Take a look at our Cavro solutions or connect with a Cavro expert today.
About the author
Claudio Bui
Claudio Bui is the Head of Product Concepts for the Partnering Business in the Components Marketing Team. The primary function of his team is to work closely with customers to develop new concepts and proposals based on a thorough analysis of their specific requirements. Claudio started at Tecan in 1990 in R&D developing Components and has been involved in the development of a number of small laboratory instruments. In 2005, he joined the Marketing team.