Next Generation Rapid Sample Analysis for MiniLab
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
Sensor provider Optiqua Technologies and Singapore's national water agency PUB have entered into an r&d collaboration to develop the next generation of Optiqua's rapid sample analysis technology MiniLab
Sensor provider Optiqua Technologies and Singapore's national water agency PUB have entered into an r&d collaboration to develop the next generation of Optiqua's rapid sample analysis technology MiniLab.
Optiqua's MiniLab technology provides a rapid sample analysis platform for a range of contaminants in treated water and has been developed in an ongoing partnership between Optiqua and PUB.
Optical chip technology
The optical sensor technology is based on Optiqua's patented and awarded optical chip technology and measures minute changes in refractive index (RI).
By applying a biochemical interface to the optical chip surface (a receptor layer) that binds with specific compounds, the MiniLab instrument is able to rapidly analyze samples for specific compounds at highly sensitive levels.
Chips are housed in a test cartridge and can be re-used over 100 times, making the system easy to use and resulting in a low cost per test.
New unique features
The development of the next generation MiniLab technology will add a number of unique features that will make the technology suitable for rapid and efficient water sample analysis in the field.
Multi-chip test cartridges instead of single test cartridges will allow users to perform up to 8 tests in parallel, within a single test cycle of less than 10 minutes.
Innovations in a novel biochemistry concept, based on the use of synthetic receptors, will provide very robust and sensitive test assays that can be designed for a wide variety of compounds. These can range from small molecules like proteins and other cellular products to bacteria, all based on the same basic protocol.
The briefcase-sized dimensions of the new generation MiniLab will allow mobile use of the instrument, while the option of a battery pack supports the use of MiniLab in field conditions.
Source: Dutch Water Sector
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