Perseus Biomics launches MetaMAP for rapid gut microbiome analysis
Belgian biotech company Perseus Biomics has partnered with hardware developer Comate to launch MetaMAP, a compact automated system capable of delivering comprehensive gut microbiome analysis in 6.5 hours. The device addresses long-standing challenges in microbiome research by combining high-resolution bacterial identification with unprecedented speed.
Technical innovation bridges analysis gap
Traditional microbiome analysis methods have historically presented laboratories with a compromise between speed and resolution. Conventional approaches either provide detailed DNA sequencing results over extended timeframes or deliver rapid but limited bacterial identification. “Each sample reveals a magnificent constellation of microorganisms,” explains Arno Bouwens, R&D Director at Perseus Biomics. “Just as astronomers explore the universe to unravel its secrets, our technology allows us to investigate the hidden complexity of the microbiome.”
The MetaMAP system employs fluorescent DNA labelling technology rather than traditional sequencing methods. Perseus Biomics’ approach places fluorescent markers on specific DNA segments, causing bacterial DNA molecules to emit unique light patterns characteristic of individual species. Advanced algorithms subsequently interpret these patterns to determine bacterial presence and quantification.
Compact system design enables laboratory integration
Comate’s engineering contribution focused on translating Perseus Biomics’ research technology into a practical laboratory instrument. The resulting device measures 60×70×50 cm and weighs 60 kg, incorporating automated sample processing capabilities.
“Imaging DNA across the entire sample surface requires a microscope capable of nanometer-scale positioning,” notes Sander van den Dries, founder and Director at Comate. “Our engineers fundamentally rethought the positioning mechanism and developed an ingenious method to integrate this technology into a compact and cost-efficient system.”
The automated system processes up to eight samples simultaneously with virtually unlimited bacterial species identification capacity, reducing laboratory operational costs whilst increasing throughput.
Clinical applications span diagnostic and therapeutic domains
MetaMAP’s rapid analysis capabilities support several clinical applications where microbiome profiling could inform patient management strategies. The technology enables microbiome assessment as a prognostic marker for in-
flammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and may predict cancer treatment success rates.
“With MetaMAP, researchers can analyse the microbiome faster, more accurately, and more reliably, significantly accelerating the development of targeted treatments and medicines,” says Bouwens.
The system also supports faecal microbiome transplant (FMT) applications for patients with Clostridium difficile infections, where comprehensive donor screening and recipient monitoring are critical for therapeutic success.
Market positioning addresses expanding sector
The global microbiome profiling and sequencing market reached approximately €1.6 billion in 2024, with projections indicating growth to €3.2 billion by 2028. Clinical applications and pharmaceutical development represent the fastest-growing segments within this expanding market.
Perseus Biomics originated from academic research conducted at KU Leuven and EPF Lausanne before incorporating in 2020. The company’s name references the Perseus constellation, reflecting the exploratory nature of microbiome research.
“Our name, Perseus Biomics, inspired by the Perseids, and our references to constellations symbolise the still largely undiscovered nature of the microbiome – a fascinating world full of potential that we are mapping with this technology,” says Bouwens.
For more information, visit: www.perseusbiomics.com
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