About
CryoSol-World (CryoSol) is a leading developer of sample preparation technology for cryo-electron microscopy. CryoSol was founded in March 2018 by scientists and entrepreneurs with a track record in the field of cryo-EM and originates from research performed at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. Our VitroJet technology has been invented by the team responsible for the development of its predecessor, the Vitrobot, currently the standard in cryo-sample preparation equipment worldwide.
Mission statement
CryoSol aims to become a global technology leader in sample preparation technology for cryo-EM single particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography, cell biology, soft matter research and liquid phase electron microscopy, enabling scientists, researchers and engineers in their quest to vitrify their samples of interest, allowing high quality imaging and reconstruction.
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) plays a key role in unraveling the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and their cellular functions. This knowledge contributes to developing new medicines and treatments for diseases.
Ben Bormans MScOur vision
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) plays a key role in unraveling the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and their cellular functions. This knowledge contributes to developing new medicines and treatments for diseases. Vitrification of biological materials is required to preserve the biological samples in their native state. Optimization of the sample preparation process greatly contributes to workflow effectiveness and efficiency. Cryo-EM will shift from ‘high content’-technology to ‘high throughput’-solution, in which sample preparation is the key enabling technology. CryoSol is dedicated to providing high-end sample preparation solutions.
History of CryoSol-World
CryoSol-World is founded on research executed at Maastricht University, dating back to the early 90’s of the previous century. In close collaboration between Dr. Peter Frederik of the cryo-mlectron microscopy (cryo-EM) laboratory and Maastricht Instruments, a device for automated vitrification of very thin samples, the ‘Vitrobot’, was developed. The Vitrobot rapidly proved to be a fitting solution for vitrification and became the standard for sample preparation for cryo-EM after licensing it to FEI in 2002 (now ThermoFisher Scientific).
Today, the Division of Nanoscopy of the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I) continues advancing structural biology by tackling tuberculosis and cancer. Led by Prof. dr. Peter Peters, both single particle analysis as well as electron tomography are applied to gain understanding of macromolecular nano-machinery inside human cells and their pathogens. The aim is applying this knowledge for the design of effective drugs and treatments for diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.
Since the development of the Vitrobot, the Division of Nanoscopy and engineers from Instrument Development, Engineering and Evaluation (IDEE) of Maastricht University have been developing the next generation technology and applications in cryo-workflows to study single particles, cells and organoids. This has resulted in the VitroJet, which is proudly presented to you by CryoSol
CryoSol-World team
Ben Bormans MSc
CEO
Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the field of electron microscopy. Having worked for FEI for over 20 years, he founded DENSSolutions in 20XX and CryoSol-World in 2018. His drive? Maximizing the power of TEM to resolve structures and with that knowledge, build a sustainable society.
Bart Beulen PhD MSc
CTO
Bart obtained his MSc in Applied Physics (2005) and his PhD (2009) from the Eindhoven University of Technology, where his research was focused on fluid dynamics. After obtaining his PhD, Bart moved to Maastricht University where he was involved in the research and development of innovative life science technology. At the inception of CryoSol in 2018, Bart joined the company, after working on the VitroJet development at Maastricht University for the past 3 years. Why? I have a passion for the high-tech R&D that is at the foundation of the next generation vitrification technology and I am committed to make this development into a success.
Prof. Peter Peters PhD
CSO
Prof. Peters’s current research aims to reveal and manipulate the macromolecular organization of cells
under normal and pathogenic conditions at the nanoscale level. His lab uses cryo–electron tomography
of vitreous sections and cryo-FIB/SEM lamellae. Using these methods, his research
group aims to resolve the type VII secretion system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within the
phagolysosome. In parallel, his research is focused on developing methodological improvements and
establishing technology infrastructures to enable, improve, and maximize the potential of cryo-EM. He
is co-founder of CryoSol-World.
Frank Nijpels
R&D Engineer & Inventor
Frank Nijpels has a career of over 20 years in engineering in equipment in life sciences, with a strong focus over the past 17 years in sample preparation technology under cryogenic conditions. Frank is co-inventor on 6 patents, amongst which the patent of the Vitrobot, the current standard in sample preparation technology for cryo-EM. Frank combines creativity with a high sense for problem-solving solutions.
Giulia Weissenberger MSc
Application engineer
Bringing more of a biologicalperspective to the team, Giulia joined CryoSol-World to take the role as applications engineer. Before transferring to the Netherlands for her master’s, Giulia worked in an infectious disease department in the US focusing on the design and purification of recombinant proteins for vaccine and rapid assay development. Following this, she obtained her master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) combining her biochemical background with the dynamic field of biotechnology. With a passion for science and impatience for better technology, she aims to contribute in the rapidly advancing world of cryoEM in the search and resolution of near-atomic structures.
René Henderikx MSc
Development engineer
Being the youngest Mechanical Engineering graduate of his class, Rene focused on microfluidics in disease diagnosis during his graduation. As he enjoys working under pressure, he joined DENSSolutions in 2016 with the release of a gas supply system for TEM nano-reactors. His next challenge was demonstrating the Vitrojet’s proof of principle at Maastricht University. This evolved into a role as development engineer within CryoSol, where he aims to combine different disciplines to bring sample preparation to the next level!
Bas Lemmens MSc
VP business development
After graduation from Wageningen University in the field of bioprocess engineering in 1997, Bas joined the team responsible for the Vitrobot-development in 2001. After founding his own company in 2010 in the field of fetal monitoring, he stepped back in 2018 to join CryoSol to work on the next generation vitrification technology. Why? The challenge of discovering molecular mechanisms which may lead to finding cures for diseases is rewarding to contribute to.
M4I Research team, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
CryoSol cooperates with the M4I Division of Nanoscopy department of Maastricht University, headed by Prof. dr. Peter Peters. M4I Division of Nanoscopy strives for greater insight into the 3D structure of proteins in cells, paving the way for developing more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis while gaining better understanding of how protein complexes manage healthy and diseased cells, allowing drugs, vaccines and treatments to work more effectively.
Careers, join us
As a young ambitious company, we are always open to discuss opportunities with highly skilled and motivated people in the field of cryo EM.
For unsolicited applications, please send a resume and motivation letter to info@cryosol-world.com.