PCR Device Development
Do you need help developing a PCR device for your molecular diagnostic testing device?
Commercializing Your Proprietary PCR Device
Transitioning your PCR development from the laboratory to a commercialized product has many challenges. At Symbient, a Gener8 company, we utilize our engineering expertise and scientific understanding to help our clients develop a PCR testing device that is ready for use in the market. Here are just some of the ways our PCR device development can work to solve many of the most common PCR challenges:
Reagent Storage
Challenge
The commercialization of reagent storage can have challenges with shelf life, travel, and/or stability at room temperature.
Solution
We are well versed in the integration of liquid reagents, lyophilized beads, and dry-down reagents. We have designed for blister packs, custom foil sealed components, and other low moisture barrier solutions in cartridges.
Lysing Cell
Challenge
Depending on what you are testing for, the vitality of certain cells can range from resilient to delicate, therefore your technology requires a balance in order to process a wide range of cells without inhibiting results.
Solution
Cell Lysis can be achieved mechanically or passively. With our experience and prototyping capabilities, a commercial solution can quickly be determined.
Sample Prep
Challenge
Isolating or capturing your complete sample is critical to result in enough sample for successful detection.
Solution
We have employed many solutions for magnetic bead separation and capture as well as filtering to isolate samples.
Master Mix
Challenge
Combining a Master mix with a sample can be easy in the laboratory but mixing on a commercialized product poses it’s challenges.
Solution
We have integrated many mixing techniques that are built into the cartridge geometry and/or are driven by on-instrument components.
Thermocycling (Heating)
Challenge
For PCR to be successful, temperatures need to rise and fall quick enough so that the cells may grow and multiply.
Solution
We can design a cartridge with either single sided or dual sided exposure to the Thermo Electric Cooling (TEC). Our cartridge and instrument teams work together to identify the best solution to meet your requirements.
Bubbles
Challenge
Thermocycling often creates bubbles which can interfere with detection. These need to be removed for testing and commercialization of the cartridge.
Solution
A chemical additive may not be a desired option. In these cases, we have been successful using filters or the cartridge architecture to capture bubbles.
For more information on our PCR device development and capabilities, get in touch with us or continue below to find some case studies on PCR devices we’ve produced in the past: