NextGen-O2k: Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
Fast facts
- Funding: EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 — SME instrument phase 2, Grant Agreement No. 859770, Oroboros Instruments
- Budget: € 2.35 Million
- Duration: 24 months, extended additional 5 months
- Key Dates:
- Application: 2019-01-09
- Pitch in Brussels: 2019-02-15
- Granted: 2019-03-05
- Start: 2019-06-01
- End: 2021-10-31

About the project
Oroboros – as a driving force in mitochondrial physiology – extends the analytical and diagnostic power of high-resolution respirometry by integration of NADH- and Q-redox monitoring in the NextGen-O2k. We aim at establishing the Oroboros quality control management for dissemination to our worldwide O2k-Network laboratories. This will become an effective contribution to address the acute reproducibility crisis of scientific investigation. In the spirit of Open Science and global networking, we will enable data sharing across projects and institutions in an Open Access database on mitochondrial physiology and pathology, to resolve the inflation crisis and ultimately the value-impact crisis of present academic publication. This will support key developments in mitochondrial medicine. In addition, we expand our business to algal biotechnology and ecology with the photobiology module of the NextGen-O2k, widening our focus from medicine to environment and climate. – a partner in the Oroboros Ecosystem
- From the O2k to the NextGen-O2k
- Between 1992 and 1994, Oroboros Instruments released its core technology for high-resolution respirometry (HRR), the Oxygraph-2k or O2k, for real-time monitoring of oxygen consumption of mitochondria, tissues, and living cells. Dissolved oxygen is measured using high-resolution polarographic oxygen sensors. Its main advantages are the unique signal stability and resolution of oxygen. HRR is the core technology present in every single of the devices and it will remain the basis of the NextGen-O2k.
- In 2012, the updated version of the O2k was launched, the O2k-FluoRespirometer. The integrated Smart Fluo-Sensors combine fluorescence excitation and detection of defined wavelengths that in combination with fluorophores allow for the measurement of additional mitochondrial parameters, such as membrane potential, H2O2 production, calcium concentration, and ATP production.
- The unique software DatLab has been developed for data acquisition and analysis. DatLab allows the researcher to perform calibrations (including automatic barometric and temperature adjustments), background correction, experimental SUIT (substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor-titration) protocols and data analysis.
- With the O2k core technology, developed exclusively by Oroboros for high-resolution measurement of oxygen flux, the NextGen-O2k was developed.

- O2k
High-resolution respirometry (HRR) and unique combinations of the O2k with
- Fluorometry: the O2k-FluoRespirometer
- Potentiometry: the O2k-pH ISE-Module and O2k-TPP+ ISE-Module
- Amperometric measurement of nitric oxide: the O2k-NO Amp-Module
- NextGen-O2k
- Extend high-resolution respirometry (HRR) to the all-in-one device
The NextGen-O2k is a MultiSensor all-in-one instrument for in-depth studies of (1) the mitochondrial role in human diseases, and (2) mitochondria and chloroplasts ability in regulating algal growth and metabolite production rates.
- (+1) Detection of the redox state of the Q-junction
- (+2) Controlled wavelengths and light intensity: PhotoBiology-Module
- Save on experimental time, reagents and samples
- Minimize errors and ensure reproducible and accurate results
- Highest oxygen sensitivity (5 nM detection limit)
- Exceptional resolution (wide oxygen concentration range, between 0 – 1000 μM)
- Robustness (>10 years lifespan)


- The overall goal of this Phase 2 project is to complete the technical and scientific development of the new NextGen-O2k and prepare it for market launch.
In this workpackage the Q- and PB-Module for the NextGen-O2k will be developed.
- Development of the Q-Module and PB-Module and integration in the NextGen-O2k
- Testing of the NextGen-O2k in collaboration with the Early testers
- Testing and development of the software for the NextGen-O2k Modules
- Integration of the new protocols in the DatLab software
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
The aim of this workpackage is to test measurement conditions for the newly developed modules and the development of specific applications.
- Determination of optimal Q-sensor measurement conditions
- Determination of optimal measurement conditions for the PB-Module
- Development of protocols for scientific, pre-clincial and algal biotechnology applications
- Data handling and quality control
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
- In Workpackage 3 a complete set of SOPs, user manuals, tutorial videos and webinars for the NextGen-O2k will be generated. Training courses for customers as well as for staff will be developed and offered.
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
- Preparation for a successful market launch of the NextGen-O2k.
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
- Communication and dissemination strategies are in focus. To gain maximum awareness.
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
- The aim of this workpackage is to effectively monitor the project, in administrative, legal, technical and financial terms to reach the defined objectives, and ensure its progress according to the time and budget plan.
- » Follow our progress on Bioblast
- Coordinator
- Oroboros Instruments GmbH
- Partners
- Our partners WGT-Elektronik and HTech have been essential in the development of the NextGen-O2k.
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- Early Testers
- The influence of KOLs and Early testers/adopters will be used to build awareness of NextGen-O2k among researchers, academic and industrial partners. We have confirmed relevant mitochondrial and algal biotechnology researchers who want to collaborate as early testers:
Biomedical research Algal research Prof. Anthony Moore Prof. Tom Bibby Prof. Massimo Zeviani, Dr. Carlo Viscomi, Prof. Mervyn Singer Dr. Tomas Morosinotto Prof. Pablo Garcia-Roves Dr. Yagut Allahverdiyeva Prof. Christos Chinopoulos Prof. Ted Packard Dr. Anthony Molina Prof. Claire Remacle Dr. Marten Szibor Prof. Howard Jacobs Dr. Alexander Karabatsiakis