PUXANO was founded in May 2021 in Antwerp, within the BlueChem incubator, as a platform-based biotech company by three founders: Wouter Van Putte, Sam Detry, and Marie-Aline Mattelin. The idea was to provide structure-based protein research services utilizing proprietary technologies which not only accelerate protein production and structure determination but also open the door to entirely new protein targets.
Initially, our technology development centered around cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), focusing on overcoming the bottlenecks in cryo-EM sample preparation. As we progressed, our efforts expanded to include the development of additional platform technologies related to protein design and engineering. This included innovations in AI-driven tools for protein analysis, design and engineering, and miniaturization and parallelization of protein expression and purification steps to facilitate high-throughput screening.
In 2022, PUXANO relocated to Gent (Otterburcht) to accommodate our growing team of biochemists, structural biologists, bioinformaticians, and nanoengineers. Our new location provides us with access to state-of-the-art structural biology labs and nanotechnology cleanrooms, enabling us to continue pushing the boundaries of protein research.
As an inclusive company, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and welcoming environment. We are always open to new individuals who share our passion for science and innovation, and together, we strive to achieve remarkable advancements in biotechnology and structural biology.
Our mission is to accelerate protein research across all fields and industries by using a combination of nano-, biotechnology and AI. We provide expertise and proprietary technology in the areas of protein design, protein engineering, protein expression, purification, binding and activity analysis, along with high-resolution protein structure determination. We want to provide access to protein structures and use them to support the development of novel vaccines, protein therapeutics, bio-stimulants or biopesticides.
PUXANO wants to become the industry’s key go-to partner in structure-based protein research for drug and biopesticide development. By developing and implementing novel technology platforms, we seek to eliminate trial-and-error cycles, reducing resource and time consumption while gaining access to previously inaccessible targets.
Excel beyond competition
PUXANO strives for excellence beyond competition, fostering collaborative partnerships. We meticulously analyze workflow bottlenecks to understand why things fail and how technology can resolve them. We believe in sincere co-development and open-source initiatives such as OpenFold that share our goals, aiming to create lasting, reproducible solutions for the benefit of all. Together, we seek to overcome challenges which others deem insurmountable.
Innovate across disciplines
PUXANO is technology agnostic. The problem dictates the solution, allowing us to integrate diverse expertise in nanotechnology, structural biology, data science, and AI. This approach enables us to offer new perspectives on persistent challenges and develop multidisciplinary, innovative solutions.
PUXANO consists of an interdisciplinary team of structural biologists, nanotechnologists, and computer and data scientists who are driven to develop lasting solutions within the domain of protein design and structure-based protein research.
