Bruker today announced that it has acquired Vutara Incorporated, a technology leader in high-speed, three-dimensional (3D), super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for life science applications. Transaction details were not disclosed. Vutara’s estimated revenue for the full year 2014 is expected to be approximately $2 million.
Bruker's Vutara 350 video-rate super-resolution fluorescence microscope (above) unlocks the potential of live-cell super-resolution imaging. The system was designed to reflect real biologists' experimental needs, including workflows and protocols that enable new users to become self-sufficient in super-resolution microscopy in one day.(Photo: Business Wire)
The acquisition further strengthens Bruker’s biological microscopy business by adding super-resolution and single-molecule localization (SML) microscopy products to Bruker’s existing portfolio of multi-photon and fast, multi-point scanning confocal fluorescence microscopes, as well as of high-performance atomic force microscopes. Super-resolution microscopes can break the optical diffraction limit by an order of magnitude, opening up a myriad of research opportunities in single-molecule, cellular and neurobiology processes.
“Super-resolution microscopy is emerging as a critical requirement for our customers, and being able to integrate Vutara’s best-in-class, high-speed, 3D super-resolution systems with our line of multi-photon and multi-point scanning optical microscopy technologies will provide a significant benefit to the research community,” said Mark R. Munch, Ph.D., President of the Bruker MAT Group. “Achieving video-rate time resolution, higher spatial resolution, all with improved ease-of-use, is generating considerable excitement in this rapidly growing area, and this is exactly what Vutara brings to Bruker’s customers with its proprietary technology.”
“Bruker’s prominence in life science research will further accelerate the adoption of our performance-leading super-resolution microscopes,” added Stan Kanarowski, CEO of Vutara Inc. “Moreover, the combination of the Vutara and Bruker optical engineering and microscopy application experts is expected to lead to the development of a steady stream of additional innovative, high-impact products for cell and neurobiology research.”
“We have seen firsthand the benefits that Bruker’s global distribution and service capabilities can add to our advanced multi-photon portfolio,” explained Mike Szulczewski, Vice President and General Manager of the Bruker Fluorescence Microscopy business unit. “I am pleased to have Vutara’s fast, 3D super-resolution and SML technologies now added to our business, as this immediately broadens our high-performance product offerings. It also allows us to further develop our solutions for the next level of functionality and versatility, with unique combinations of resolution, speed, depth and ease of use on samples ranging from live cells to living brains.”
About Vutara, Inc.
Vutara’s patented Biplane Imaging™ technology, along with other key intellectual property, enables high-speed, 3D super-resolution imaging for cutting-edge applications, such as multi-color live-cell imaging. Vutara has rapidly grown and developed new technology in SML super-resolution microscopy. Additionally, by partnering with top researchers in the development of super-resolution sample preparation protocols, and then seamlessly integrating them into best-practice software workflows, Vutara has created differentiated instruments that let novices quickly be productive in super-resolution imaging. Founded in 2009 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Vutara was started as a spinout from the University of Utah (UU), as a collaboration between UU’s TVC and Utah-based investors, including Kickstart Seed Fund, Signal Peak Ventures and Park City Angels. For more information, please visit www.vutara.com.
About Bruker Corporation
Bruker Corporation is a leading provider of high-performance, scientific instruments and solutions for molecular, cellular and materials research, as well as diagnostics, industrial, clinical research and applied analysis. For more information, please visit www.bruker.com.