New Shutter Mechanism for Innovative Multiplexed Immunoassay System is Developed

Emessem Solenoid Co Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the worldwide Magnet-Schultz Group of Companies, has developed a long-life shutter mechanism for a revolutionary, new assay system pioneered by medical diagnostics company, Pronostics. Replacing an existing US device, Emessem Solenoid's innovative design technology has provided Pronostics with a shutter assembly that has extended the mechanism's life from one million to over 10 million operations.

Pronostics has developed a range of revolutionary medical diagnostic products based on its core "multiplexing" technology, UltraPlex?, which enables barcoding at a molecular level so that large numbers of biological assays can be undertaken concurrently in a single container. This new technology, which is easier and cheaper to use than existing chip-based array technologies, drastically cuts the cost and time of performing diagnostics in hospital laboratories.

By attaching individual test molecules to metal microparticles, which are uniquely identified by physical barcodes, multiple tests may be tracked and analysed simultaneously. The assays are carried out in industry standard 96-well plates with liquid handling being performed by the UltraPlex? SmartStation robotic system. Each well contains microparticles coated with the capture antigens and serum from one patient.

The captured antibodies on the surface of the microparticles react with target antibodies in the serum and imprison them onto the surfaces of the microparticles. In the final stage of the assay, samples are automatically analysed under a powerful microscope first using ?white' light and then switching to high intensity white light from below the plate. The assay plate is then transferred to the UltraPlex? SmartReader where the microparticles are decoded and their fluorescence levels measured to identify the disease.

Each light source is fitted with a shutter mechanism to enable the light to be selected or obscured. Due to the frequency of the shutter opening and closing the US mechanism quickly wore out. Looking for a company to provide it with the engineering resources to develop a more robust and ?drop-in' solution, Pronostics turned to Emessem Solenoid.