Akoya Biosciences, Inc.’s Post

What it is: The Akoya Biosciences PhenoCycler-Fusion 1.0 instrument When it was acquired: October 2023 Where it is: Jimmy Fund Building, 2nd Floor What it does: This microscopic imaging system enables pathologists to see up to 100 molecular biomarkers across every cell in a tumor sample on a single slide, letting them visualize which molecules are in each cell and where they are across the entire tissue sample. This wealth of information reveals how the tissue is organized and provides a nuanced understanding to better diagnose and treat the disease. How it works: Research scientist Namrata Singh, PhD, uses the instrument's microfluidic system to apply a cocktail of up to 40 antibodies to a tissue sample slide. Each antibody binds to an antigen that is a unique portion of a biomarker of interest. She then uses the system to add antibody-specific fluorescent color-coded reporters, which glow with a distinct color to signal the presence of a particular biomarker. Using the system, these signals are revealed and imaged. The antibodies and reporters are then removed by the system in preparation for another cocktail. During imaging, the slide lights up with fluorescent colors, indicating the presence and location of the biomarkers. Singh can switch signals on and off, for instance, to focus on immune biomarkers or examine biomarkers that indicate a specific type, stage, or feature of the cancer. “When I first saw the Phenocycler images, I felt so emotional,” says Singh. “It’s just... I’m having goosebumps right now. You can clearly see not only the tumor but also the tumor microenvironment and how the disease is behaving.” What it is used for: Traditional methods for revealing biomarkers can only reveal two or three at a time. This system can show up to 100, which enables researchers to learn more about how cancer and its surrounding tissues interact with and respond to treatments. Special services for scientists: Singh uses the instrument to support researchers who want to learn more about tissue samples they've collected as part of a study. She can help researchers create custom antibodies to look at markers that have not been studied before. Fun fact: The substances used to create the slide stain cocktails are stored in what Singh calls her “deli fridge” because it looks like a fridge of sodas in a delicatessen.