NEW YORK – Biotech company Nuclera said on Wednesday that it is acquiring the digital microfluidics business unit of electronic ink technology provider E Ink for an undisclosed amount.
Following the acquisition, the E Ink business unit will operate as the US subsidiary of Cambridge, UK-based Nuclera.
Nuclera, which develops enzymatic protein and gene synthesis technologies, said it will combine the companies' technologies to finalize the development of a desktop protein and gene bioprinter with applications for human health, agriculture, and other markets.
Since 2018, Nuclera and E Ink have been collaborating to deploy Nuclera's biopolymer synthesis technologies on E Ink's digital microfluidic devices, enabling users to digitally program bioprinting of proteins and genes on a desktop device. Nuclera expects to commercialize the bioprinter in 2022.
Under the terms of the deal, E Ink will contribute intellectual property, equipment, and scientists and engineers, and will become the largest strategic shareholder in Nuclera. The resulting Nuclera US subsidiary will be located within the E Ink Innovation Center in Billerica, Massachusetts. E Ink will also continue to supply Nuclera with key electronic components for the desktop bioprinter.