Meet the Occupier: Microsaic Systems
Next in our meet the occupier series is Microsaic Systems, water toxicity experts who supply the industry leading, comprehensive solution for water purity monitoring, protection and control.
Microsaic joined the campus in 2024 after it acquired and integrated the assets of Modern Water. Its important work with water authorities across the globe ensure our water safety and quality.
Alex Chapman is Director of Operations at Microsaic and tells us more about the business and its work here at York Biotech Campus (YBC).
Can you tell us a bit about Microsaic’s history, and relationship with Modern Water?
“Microsaic was founded in 2001 and develops real-time mass spectrometers, providing ready to use solutions to improve efficiencies of chemical and biological workflows, for instance biotherapeutics.
“In 2024, Microsaic purchased the Modern Water name and technology. Modern Water are experts in the development of analytical instruments and technology for monitoring toxicity in water, soil and food – that’s the work we do here at YBC.
“Now, as the companies work in tandem, we leverage the strengths of both Microsaic and Modern Water to offer powerful toxin screening solutions. We typically partner with water authorities and their testing labs, while also supporting pharmaceutical and research institutes.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Microsaic team?
“We have two labs and an office at YBC and there’s three team members based here. The team at York is responsible for the manufacturing and quality control of the reagents required for Modern Water’s Microtox toxicity monitoring equipment, our toxicity monitoring device. York is also home to our applications chemists, who are responsible for method development and supporting our customers.
“We also have another base in Woking, which is a production unit for the Microsaic systems.”
You’re planning on expanding your facilities – can you tell us more about Microsaic’s ambitions for growth?
“We have exciting growth plans at Microsaic, centred around our innovative pathogen detection equipment. This cutting-edge technology enables analysts to drastically reduce the time needed to obtain results, allowing for real-time corrective actions. Quick results are crucial; for instance, a recent Cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon took several days to identify the cause. Our system could have identified toxins almost instantly, safeguarding the public from contaminated water much quicker.
“Our plans naturally mean we’ll need to increase our workforce, particularly in laboratory roles, so we’re looking forward to welcoming more members to the team over the coming years.”
What’s Microsaic’s biggest achievement to date?
“The Modern Water side of our business has recently installed 27 of our Microtox CTM’s (Continuous Toxicity Monitor) in Doha, Qatar. The equipment continuously measures the chemical toxicity of water sources, giving instant indications of water health across the city.
“The CTM is both fully autonomous and automatic, reducing the chances of human error in operation. It has vast detection capabilities that provide rapid early warnings of contamination, allowing water companies or governments to take corrective action in time to protect the public against serious contamination events. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of installing something that has a major impact on protecting public health.”
How has being based at YBC influenced your research approach?
“We often collaborate with colleagues and other organisations onsite, including Labskin and Niche Scientific.
“Being based at YBC offers essential collaboration and support from like-minded scientists and businesses, fostering a strong sense of community, as well as supports research and development. Yorkshire’s universities and colleges are nurturing the next generation of scientists, and facilities like YBC provide them with excellent local employment opportunities, reducing the need to relocate.”
What’s next for the Microsaic team?
“We’re a small company on an exciting growth journey! We have several new projects underway, but our primary operations will always be key. Sustainable growth is crucial to us, and we are committed to consistently delivering the quality and service our customers expect.”
Want to learn about more of our occupiers? Check out our Meet the Team for Labskin here.