Syncell Inc., a pioneering company in next-generation unbiased subcellular proteomics, has announced the deployment of its commercial Microscoop® Mint technology at two of Europe’s most prestigious research institutes renowned for proteomics and advanced technology adoption. The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany and VIB in Belgium have integrated this innovative platform into their laboratories, setting the stage for transformative discoveries in cellular biology, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic target identification.
At the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Prof. Matthias Mann and his team within the Proteomics and Signal Transduction Department are employing the Microscoop Mint platform for spatial proteomics experiments with unprecedented subcellular and extracellular resolution. The team aims to isolate proteins located in disease-relevant cellular regions, identify biomarkers associated with disease progression, and decode critical biological pathways that underpin complex cellular functions.
“Working with Syncell represents an exciting opportunity to explore the full potential of this novel technology,” said Prof. Mann. “The ability to precisely map proteins at subcellular resolution will allow us to uncover mechanisms that have remained hidden in traditional studies, opening new avenues for understanding human disease.”
Simultaneously, VIB’s Tech Watch Core team is undertaking an extensive evaluation of the Microscoop Mint platform to assess its suitability for a broad range of research applications across nearly 20 VIB programs. These studies are expected to provide detailed profiling of subcellular protein signatures and support the identification of novel therapeutic targets in cancer and major neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
“The Microscoop Mint platform from Syncell has the potential to overcome limitations commonly observed in conventional spatial proteomics, such as low throughput, restricted resolution, and bias in protein detection,” explained Bram Van den Bergh, PhD, a technology expert at VIB. “Its flexibility enables us to identify previously undetectable protein expression patterns, reveal hidden cellular interactions, and link spatial protein signatures to important phenotypes. Coupled with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, this technology may enhance our ability to predict or improve clinical outcomes for complex diseases while addressing fundamental biological questions.”
Traditional spatial proteomic platforms have often been constrained to studying a limited set of known proteins, leaving gaps in understanding the full complexity of cellular biology. In contrast, Syncell’s Microscoop Mint technology supports fully unbiased, hypothesis-free proteomic investigations, allowing scientists to explore protein landscapes without predefined targets. The platform combines breakthroughs in microscopy-guided photochemistry, precision mechatronics, and advanced biochemistry to achieve subcellular spatial precision and molecular-level interaction mapping. This enables the identification of disease-associated proteins that might otherwise remain undetected, accelerating both disease research and drug target discovery.
The integration of Microscoop Mint with widely available mass spectrometry systems or services further enhances its utility by allowing the detection of low-abundance or rare proteins with high sensitivity and specificity. This capability is critical for uncovering previously unknown protein constituents and understanding the intricate networks that govern cellular function and disease progression.
“For decades, European scientists have driven innovation in proteomics, and we are thrilled to see Syncell’s unique spatial proteomics technology gaining traction at these leading institutions,” said Nikhil Rao, PhD, chief commercial officer at Syncell. “Deploying Microscoop Mint in these laboratories represents an exciting milestone in our mission to empower researchers worldwide to perform truly unbiased discovery, push the boundaries of disease biology, and identify novel targets for therapeutic development.”
The adoption of Microscoop Mint at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and VIB underscores the growing demand for high-resolution, unbiased proteomic technologies capable of providing deep biological insights. By enabling spatially resolved analysis of the proteome, this technology allows researchers to move beyond conventional approaches that often overlook the dynamic complexity of cellular environments. Scientists can now explore protein interactions and distributions at unprecedented resolution, enhancing the understanding of disease pathology and informing the development of more effective treatments.
Spatial proteomics has emerged as a key field in modern biomedical research because the precise localization of proteins within cells and tissues can reveal mechanisms that drive disease initiation, progression, and response to therapy. Microscoop Mint’s ability to map proteins at subcellular resolution, without relying on prior hypotheses, is particularly valuable for investigating diseases with complex molecular underpinnings, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. These insights may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers for early detection, monitoring, and personalized therapeutic strategies.
In addition to its scientific capabilities, Microscoop Mint is designed for seamless integration into existing laboratory workflows. The platform’s combination of high-resolution microscopy, advanced photochemistry, and automation facilitates efficient sample processing and robust data generation, making it accessible to a wide range of research teams. This adaptability is essential for large-scale projects like those undertaken at VIB, where diverse research programs require flexible yet precise analytical tools to explore protein behavior across different biological contexts.
By adopting this technology, both the Max Planck Institute and VIB are poised to enhance their proteomics capabilities and accelerate the pace of discovery in fields ranging from basic biology to translational medicine. The collaboration with Syncell reflects a shared commitment to pushing scientific boundaries, fostering innovation, and translating complex molecular insights into actionable knowledge for disease treatment and prevention.
The broader scientific community is taking notice of these advancements, as unbiased spatial proteomics promises to transform our understanding of cellular architecture, protein networks, and disease biology. Microscoop Mint’s introduction to leading European research institutions marks an important step toward widespread adoption of next-generation proteomic technologies that combine precision, depth, and breadth in protein analysis.
Looking ahead, Syncell plans to continue expanding the reach of its Microscoop Mint platform to additional research institutions globally, enabling scientists to explore previously uncharted areas of the proteome and uncover critical molecular mechanisms driving human health and disease. The company’s vision emphasizes not only technological innovation but also collaboration with the global scientific community to accelerate discoveries that could lead to new diagnostics, therapeutics, and improved patient outcomes.
“The adoption of Microscoop Mint by these top-tier research institutes demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of unbiased, high-resolution proteomic analysis,” added Rao. “We are proud to support scientists as they make discoveries that may redefine our understanding of disease biology and inspire the next generation of therapeutics.”
With its unique combination of spatial precision, unbiased proteomic profiling, and seamless integration with mass spectrometry, the Microscoop Mint platform is set to become a cornerstone of modern proteomics research. The work underway at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and VIB exemplifies how cutting-edge technologies can empower researchers to unlock new insights into complex biological systems, ultimately transforming the landscape of biomedical research and drug discovery.
