POC devices quantitatively measure coronavirus antibodies

The pandemic has also shown that, while mRNA vaccines can be developed and adapted quickly, their production and logistics are more challenging. Upscaling to the large quantities required took time; in addition, definite statements on how long the immunity guaranteed by the vaccines will last are lacking. It would therefore be extremely helpful if POC devices were able to quantitatively measure antibodies. The requirements would be high: just one drop of blood drawn from the patient’s fingertip would have to suffice; the results of the measurements would need to be available after a short period of time (less than 20 minutes). Measurements would have to be highly sensitive and specific; measurement data would need to be gathered and processed digitally. But how could solutions like these be realized, without unwieldy devices, at reasonable investment costs and with an acceptable energy and reagent consumption?


“To improve how we utilize the benefits of microfluidics at the POC, we need to employ lightweight, active fluidic components with smaller dimensions as well as batteries that supply power and small fluidic volumes that allow systems to save reagents,” explains Florian Siemenroth of Bartels Mikrotechnik. According to statements made by the company and its partners mementis, microfluidic ChipShop, Honeywell and Sensirion, “the pieces of the puzzle” needed to realize active microfluidic systems are already on the table; a number of standard components are available and could be integrated into an ultra compact and smart system. These include miniature valves, smart pumps and control units, flow sensors, test tubes and a tubing system. All these available components, and the systems they can be used to generate, exhibit the desired benefits: they allow the use of conventional components to automate fluidic processes; have a low electricity consumption and internal volume; the entire system is ultra compact and fits on a 96-well Microtiter plate (around 128 by 85 millimeters). In addition, manufacturing costs for active systems like these start at a few hundred euros.

Smart Fabs for the future development of vaccines and medication

The pandemic has resulted in an increased demand for vital medical products as well as for modern processes to manufacture progressive therapeutics and vaccines. We can also observe the development of a high demand for decentralized work models, and not just in the medical technology sector. To meet the tremendous time pressure, Smart Fabs had to be built in less than 12 months. “This required a number of factors to succeed, among them high throughput and reliability, full automation as well as volume and cost savings,” says Dr Gina Greco, Life Science, Diagnostics, Analytical Market Manager at Swiss sensor specialist Sensirion.

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