Microbubbles: An Akadeum Origin Story
Microbubbles represent a groundbreaking shift in cell separation technology. Microbubbles, small gas-filled spheres, are at the heart of Akadeum Life Sciences’ buoyancy-activated cell sorting (BACS™) products, offering a unique approach to separating cells.
This method diverges significantly from traditional cell isolation techniques that rely on cumbersome equipment, magnets, and antibody cocktails to target specific cell types. Instead, Akadeum’s technology uses gravity and microbubbles’ buoyancy to gently float targeted cells to a sample’s surface. This buoyancy-based cell sorting technology excels where precise and efficient cell separation is crucial.
By leveraging the simplicity and effectiveness of microbubbles, Akadeum’s platform technology has emerged as an industry-leading innovative solution, addressing the limitations of earlier methods and paving the way for advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and molecular research.
But how did the microbubble story begin?
The Genesis of Akadeum’s Innovative Approach
Founded in 2014, Akadeum Life Sciences grew from a mission to revolutionize the cell separation process, a critical step in diagnostics and cell therapy. Before Akadeum’s inception, the field had witnessed little significant advancement in three decades, leading to inherent limitations in research and therapeutic applications. This stagnation inspired the Akadeum team—spearheaded by Founder and CEO Brandon McNaughton—to seek a more effective solution.
The company’s foundation was further rooted in addressing the practical challenges faced in laboratories, particularly in separating cells, nucleic acids, or proteins from biological samples. Akadeum’s innovative drive stems from a deep understanding of these laboratory pain points, fueling the development of a novel flotation-based isolation workflow.
This platform technology not only aimed to solve specific problems but also aspired to disrupt the entire separation market, from nucleic acid extraction to comprehensive cell isolation.
The Journey to Microbubbles
Akadeum’s path to developing its flotation-based microbubble technology was born out of necessity. Confronted with a lack of next-generation technologies in cell separation, Akadeum resolved to fill this gap.
Akadeum’s approach was methodical and user-centric. This involved extensive collaboration with scientists and researchers, ensuring the technology not only addressed the users’ needs effectively but also represented a scientific breakthrough.
The result was a product that transformed an otherwise complex cell sorting process into a simpler, more efficient, and higher-performing solution. As a breakthrough technology based on buoyancy, Akadeum’s microbubble technology laid the foundation for future innovations, embodying their commitment to creating solutions as impactful as they are user-friendly.
Akadeum’s Patented Technology
Akadeum Life Sciences’ pioneering efforts in cell separation technology culminated in the issuance of a series of patents, a testament to the company’s innovative spirit. These patents safeguard Akadeum’s comprehensive line of cell separation products.
Central to this portfolio is the utilization of buoyant microbubbles for targeted cell separation. Notably, this patent encompasses Akadeum’s industry-leading T and B Cell isolation kits, which have made significant strides in the field.
The patent’s broad scope ensures protection for all future workflows and products under Akadeum’s buoyant separation protocols. Products benefiting from this legal protection include kits like the good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade T cell isolation leukopak and dead cell removal kits, solidifying Akadeum’s future as a global leader in cell separation.
The patent also significantly bolsters Akadeum Life Sciences’ ability to license its technology for a wider range of applications, particularly in critical areas like immuno-oncology and cell and gene-based therapy research.
A Founder’s Role and Vision
“When there appeared to be no next-generation technology on the horizon, we decided we should do something about that. Our goal was not simply to create any new technology or product but one that genuinely addressed the pain points that we and our friends in the lab had so acutely felt.” – Brandon McNaughton, PhD
Brandon McNaughton, CEO and founder of Akadeum Life Sciences, has been a pivotal figure in the company’s journey toward revolutionizing cell separation technology. His career, marked by years of lab experience, prepared him to develop this innovative approach.
Beginning as a graduate student in applied physics and later as a postdoctoral researcher and research faculty in biomedical engineering, he gained valuable insights into the challenges of cell separation. His further ventures provided invaluable lessons about the importance of addressing market needs through technology.
This experience shaped McNaughton’s perspective, emphasizing the significance of focusing on the individual when developing effective solutions. His commitment to a customer and people-first approach has been instrumental to Akadeum’s success. Under his leadership, Akadeum has not only introduced groundbreaking microbubble technology but also fostered a culture of innovation and empathy towards the scientific community’s needs.
Akadeum’s Impact and Future Outlook
The impact of Akadeum’s microbubble technology extends far beyond basic research. It’s revolutionizing fields like immuno-oncology, facilitating groundbreaking COVID-19 research, and advancing cell and gene therapy applications. This technology offers researchers unprecedented capabilities in conducting complex experiments and developing new therapies to target antigens.
Looking to the future, Akadeum is poised for significant growth. The cell and gene therapies market is expanding rapidly, and Akadeum’s solutions are uniquely tailored to meet these emerging needs.
With products already on the market and more launching every year—including Alerion™, an automated microbubble cell separation system—Akadeum remains at the forefront of therapeutic discovery and manufacturing. The company’s success and innovation are largely attributed to its people-first approach, ensuring that its technology meets scientific standards while addressing real-world challenges faced by researchers and clinicians.
Better Cells—Better Science
Akadeum was founded to address critical challenges in cell separation, a vital process in diagnostics and therapeutics. The creation of BACS™ was driven by the need for a more efficient, gentle, and effective cell isolation method.
The company was drawn to microbubbles due to their simplicity and high performance in separating cells. This innovative approach originated from firsthand laboratory experiences and the recognition of the limitations in existing cell separation methods, inspiring a quest for a better solution.
Akadeum’s journey from concept to patented microbubble technology underscores its commitment to biotech innovation. Join Akadeum as we continue redefining the possibilities in cell separation. Contact our team today to see how we can help elevate your biomedical research and therapy.