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Innovative engineers at a spin-out company from the University of Bristol have developed a pioneering technology that enables the manipulation of cells without physical contact. This advancement allows essential laboratory tasks that typically require extensive equipment to be performed using a compact benchtop device.
The implications of this breakthrough could significantly expedite the search for new medications and facilitate personalized medicine screening in clinical settings.
This innovative concept was introduced today in an article featured in Science, authored by Dr. Luke Cox, who recounts his transition from a University of Bristol student to the CEO of the startup, Impulsonics. This piece represents a winning essay in the Bioinnovation Institute and Science Prize for Innovation.
The development of new pharmaceuticals usually involves extensive hours of experimentation, with scientists cultivating cells in petri dishes to evaluate potential drugs before human trials. Despite advancements, this labor-intensive procedure remains challenging to automate as of 2025, often resulting in costly and inconsistent outcomes that hinder the development of groundbreaking, life-saving treatments.
This novel technology utilizes acoustic waves to manipulate cells, making them appear to “dance” as they are moved. This method reduces the reliance on bulky lab equipment, potentially streamlining the automation of cell cultivation and accelerating the drug discovery process. It also opens new avenues for personalized medicine, where diverse medications can be evaluated to determine the most suitable option for individual patients.
Dr. Cox’s journey began with researching the physics behind acoustic levitation involving a diamond, where he created an experiment that seemed to defy gravity by suspending objects mid-air. This intriguing experience led him to recognize the potential applications for handling small, delicate entities, ultimately guiding his focus to cell manipulation. The realization that this technology could substitute for numerous standard procedures in biomedical laboratories catalyzed the formation of Impulsonics.
Now, Dr. Cox and his team have refined this concept to efficiently perform complex biomedical tasks, such as the expansion of cell populations, through their technology. As Dr. Cox explains, “A significant advantage of this technology lies in its ability to accelerate the screening process for new drugs. This advancement could aid in the discovery of innovative treatments for various diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s.”
Professor Bruce Drinkwater, an academic from the University of Bristol and a co-founder of Impulsonics, highlighted the device’s compact design, noting that it occupies only a fraction of the space of traditional lab equipment that once filled entire rooms. He also emphasized that the technology generates high-quality data swiftly, which is critically needed in biomedical research.
Looking ahead, this invention promises numerous applications within the biotechnology sector. Dr. Cox expressed optimism, stating, “I look forward to further developing this unique technological platform to enhance progress across the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries wherever cells are cultivated.”
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