The problem with PCR...

Nothing less than a total reimagining of how we perform PCR was the starting point for inventor Gert de Vos. Here he talks inventions, investors and keeping quiet about your ideas before they are protected

My first experience in building thermocyclers came while I was working with some colleagues in the field of DNA analysis, producing equipment for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). At that time, we were trying minimise work and speed things up by combining DGGE and PCR in one glass tube and using air thermostated glass capillaries.

The problem with PCR at the time was that, despite the technique being around for 30 years, there had still been very little innovation. We were still using aluminium blocks holding polypropylene tubes or air thermostated glass capillaries. PCR was becoming the bottle neck in a world where everything else sped up.

One day, when I was in a meeting, I realised that fast PCR is not about changing the temperature of aluminium block very quickly, but changing the temperature of the reaction mix itself. The aluminium blocks were a necessary evil. Then I realised, that moving a tiny bit of liquid (nanoliters) around in lab on a chip is quick, but not useful for everybody. By imagining not only moving the liquid, but also a suitable enclosure, the idea for nextgen PCR was born. This was a real eureka moment.

This was approximately 5 years ago. At our first attempt, using a very basic setup, we immediately had results in a PCR reaction. We then developed the first instrument, together with a machining company in The Netherlands and an electronics/software company in Slovakia. Although there were several hardware flaws in this system, we were able to solve them. It served its purpose, we learned from it. However, it was only after starting MBS and getting adequate finance, that we were able to professionally develop a prototype/preproduction model. And learn from our next round of experiences. This was necessary to be able to connect to the market and produce for the right price. It's a competitive market place.

Setting up my first company came sort of naturally, as we had just sold our house and made a good profit. However since this profit was actually money we never had in our pockets, it was a perfect scenario for setting up a company. Moving forward, finding backers has always just happened when needed and the idea seemed ripe enough. They were literally a phone call away. From there it's just been a lot of hard work and focus. Currently, we are adequately financed by an investment fund (Astor Technostarters Participaties in The Hague). This fund is filled by several private investors. We think that we have the money to do what is necessary for market introduction and to grow the company. We expect a first series of products this year.

As an entrepreneur, backed by investors, the central theme is always focus. This helps the possible success of MBS. As an inventor, I am always looking at other ideas, but inventors are usually continuously inventing. Ideas pile up in my head for later follow up – I am not done yet. There are so many problems to solve, waiting for simple solutions is an over-complicated field.

I prefer not to mention ideas I have for the future, before they are protected by patent applications – indeed if there is one thing I have learned as an inventor, it's when you need to keep silent about your ideas. I even don't write patent applications on a computer, which is connected to the internet. It is not easy for inventors to make money out of their inventions – you need to be a business man as well. This may not be such an obvious combination.

So, a good piece of advice for working with investors; don't worry about "giving away" part of your intellectual property. If you have the right investors, you will get a lot in return – for example, experience in business. Also, without them you could not do it and your idea would falter. On the other hand, realise that they are investing in your ideas, creativity, experience and technical knowledge.

Author: Gert de Vos is the co-inventor of nextgen PCR and Director of Molecular Biology Systems has Master’s Degrees from Leiden University in the Netherlands in Biology and Biophysics and Physics. After teaching physics in Curaco, Gert returned to the Netherlands and embarked on a career as entrepreneur/inventor in the life sciences.