Simplifying genomics. Expanding what's possible.
Before a genome can reveal its story, the sample has to be ready.
Conventional sample preparation relies on repeated pipetting, sample transfers, and complex processing steps, even when automated. Each interaction introduces opportunities for sample loss, degradation, and variability. MicroPure is changing this paradigm with a simpler, gentler, flow-based approach to genomic sample preparation.
Read the research challenge ↗Every transfer and preparation step adds work and potential error before analysis can begin.
High molecular weight workflows make preserving the length and integrity especially important.
Simpler, more integrated preparation could help bring genomic tools to more settings.
MicroPure is developing µPrep, an integrated DNA and RNA sample preparation platform powered by our proprietary Electro-Hydrodynamic Purification (EHP) technology. By combining fluid flow with electric fields, EHP enables gentle, efficient purification without conventional beads, pillars, filters, or gels. This fundamentally different approach lays the foundation for streamlined, end-to-end sample preparation in a single cartridge.
Built on decades of pioneering research in electro-hydrodynamics, MicroPure is transforming foundational science into a powerful new approach to genomic sample preparation. Explore the research and discoveries behind our technology.
Discover the Research ↗
CEO & Co-Founder
Co-founder of MicroPure and inventor of its novel EHP-based approach to genomic sample preparation. Dr. Montes drives the company’s vision and commercialization strategy, leveraging deep technical expertise and industry experience.
CTO & Co-Founder
Co-founder of MicroPure and professor of chemical engineering at the University of Florida. Dr. Butler discovered the EHP technology and brings over 25 years of experience pioneering and publishing foundational research on EHP.
Great innovations often begin with a simple question: What if there were a fundamentally better way?
For decades, scientists have explored the remarkable physics of fluids at microscopic scales, where forces nearly invisible in everyday life can be harnessed to manipulate molecules with extraordinary precision. Around 2016, pioneering research led by Dr. Jason Butler at the University of Florida resulted in the discovery of Electro-Hydrodynamic Purification (EHP), a novel approach to separating, concentrating, and purifying molecules using electric fields and fluid flow. This breakthrough laid the foundation for an entirely new way to process biological molecules without conventional beads, columns, or gels. Recognizing the transformative potential of this discovery, Dr. Ryan Montes envisioned something far beyond purification alone: a fully integrated microfluidic platform capable of revolutionizing genomic sample preparation. In 2021, Montes and Butler co-founded MicroPure Genomics to turn that vision into reality. Under Montes' leadership as CEO, MicroPure has built upon EHP by developing complementary innovations in fluid handling, thermal control, and molecular processing. What began as fundamental scientific research has evolved into a new generation of sample preparation technology, bringing us closer to a future where genomic analysis can happen anywhere, anytime, by anyone.
Read the founders’ story ↗Genomic Analysis.
Anytime. Anywhere.
By Anyone.
Electro-Hydrodynamic Purification brings electric fields and fluid flow together to manipulate genetic material inside a microfluidic channel.
Under studied conditions, the interaction of shear flow and an electric field drives DNA across the channel—not simply along it. DNA can collect near the inlet while other sample components move through.
This physical behavior is the starting point for MicroPure’s developing sample-preparation platform, µPrep.
Experiments characterized DNA accumulation near a microfluidic inlet under coupled flow and electric fields. Trapping depended on operating conditions and elapsed time.
Montes et al. · 2019 ↗A 2020 study demonstrated separation of λ-DNA from bovine serum albumin, with DNA enrichment and protein depletion in the trapping region.
Valley et al. · 2020 ↗Computational studies explain migration and dispersion. They also identify limits: stronger electric fields do not necessarily produce tighter focusing.
Kopelevich & Butler · 2021 ↗Six publications spanning the physical models and experimental foundations of the approach.
Demonstrates DNA enrichment and protein removal in a controlled DNA/BSA mixture.
Shows that trapping does not require a viscoelastic buffer, and examines the effect of ionic strength.
Characterizes how applied flow and an opposing electrophoretic motion retain DNA near a channel inlet.
Explains how migration competes with dispersion, limiting the concentration achievable by stronger fields.
Compares two models of molecular migration and identifies where predictions still differ from experiments.
Provides a physical explanation for transverse migration through a coarse-grained polymer model.
Research awards support MicroPure’s work to translate a new sample-preparation approach into a practical platform.
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), MicroPure is pioneering the next generation of genomic sample preparation, bringing a fundamentally new approach from scientific discovery to commercial reality.
Connect With the Team ↗Technology Enhancement for Commercial Partnerships. Announced August 13, 2026.
View award source ↗Company-announced award supporting the next stage of research. Amount shown as publicly rounded.
View award source ↗Rapid, end-to-end sample preparation for sequencing applications.
View award source ↗A founding team rooted in success, supported by engineering, scientific, operational, and advisory experience.
CEO & Co-Founder
Co-founder of MicroPure and inventor of its novel EHP-based approach to genomic sample preparation. Dr. Montes drives the company’s vision and commercialization strategy, leveraging deep technical expertise and industry experience.
CTO & Co-Founder
Co-founder of MicroPure and professor of chemical engineering at the University of Florida. Dr. Butler discovered the EHP technology and brings over 25 years of experience pioneering and publishing foundational research on EHP.
At the University of Florida, Ryan Montes worked with Jason Butler on the science that would become the foundation of MicroPure. After building experience at the intersection of genomics and microfluidics, Dr. Montes teamed with Dr. Butler to start the company.
The goal was bigger than a laboratory technique: make genomic analysis more accessible by rethinking how samples are prepared.
Read the founders’ story ↗Genomic Analysis.
Anytime. Anywhere.
By Anyone.
Head of Engineering
Over 25 years of experience developing and inventing genomic instruments and microfluidic technologies, including at Illumina and Omniome (now PacBio).
Head of Science
Over 20 years of experience developing and commercializing innovative genomics technologies, including NGS, single-cell, and spatial solutions.
CRO / COO
Accomplished executive with a track record of building global sales organizations, scaling technology companies, and leading strategic acquisitions.
Advisor
Over 30 years of experience leading the development, manufacturing scale-up, and global commercialization of innovative healthcare and diagnostic technologies.
Advisor
Over 25 years of life sciences commercialization experience, including leading NGS product management at Illumina and serving as CCO at Miroculus.
Advisor
Accomplished entrepreneur and inventor with over 95 patents, specializing in microfluidics, medical devices, and scaling innovative tech into commercially products.
Advisor
Leads genomic methods development at the Broad Institute, advancing innovative sequencing technologies and translating discoveries into practical applications.
Advisor
Over 30 years advancing DNA sequencing at Washington U's McDonnell Genome Institute, leading tech development and large-scale sequencing efforts.
Advisor
Founder and former CEO of Argonaut Manufacturing Services, with over 30 years of experience leading life sciences operations and building successful businesses.
Company milestones, research funding, and perspectives from the people building MicroPure.
We welcome conversations about collaborations, pilot projects, and funding.
Tell us about your research, your sample-preparation challenges, or the partnership you have in mind.
Research & Business Inquiries
rmontes@micropuregenomics.com ↗
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