| Microfluidics |
The In-Check™ platform is based on a silicon chip that integrates all the functions needed to identify given oligonucleotide sequences in a sample, including microfluidic handling, a miniaturized PCR reactor and a custom microarray. The chip is mounted on a 1”x3” plastic slide that provides the necessary mechanical, thermal, electrical and fluidic connections.
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The chip is designed to handle small sample volumes, and does not require highly trained personnel to be operated. The PCR processor can be loaded directly and sealed to prevent evaporation during temperature cycles. A complete protocol of operations and procedures for microfluidic handling is available for integrators of applications, or can be customized based on their specific needs. |
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Common sample volume 2-8 µl |
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Proprietary microfluidic interface |
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Total time need for fluidic operations ~1min |
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Easy training for operators. |
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| PCR |
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Acting as a fully integrated PCR reactor, the chip allows users to run fully customized amplification processes.
The In-Check platform, based on a silicon lab-on-chip device, accelerates the PCR speed as much as 3 times, compared to the same protocol running on a conventional thermocycler. |
Besides, thanks to the outstanding temperature control of the PCR solution, the In-check platform ensures an extremely high specificity of the amplified products compare to a conventional thermocycler. The surfaces in contact with the fluid are biocompatible and do not inhibit polymerase.
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Fast and programmable temperature ramp |
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At least 3x faster than conventional thermocyclers |
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Complex PCR reactions performed in 10 minutes |
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Fully customized temperatures and reaction times |
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Fluid not in motion during temperature cycling |
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PCR yields 100% compared to same protocols run on standard thermocyclers. |
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| Hybridization and Detection |
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The In-Check™ chip comprises a microarray that is used to hybridize and detect the amplicons. Users receive a pre-spotted product ready to perform a given analysis, or can alternatively spot oligos of their choice. The detection is based on standard fluorescent labelling. Up to 200 individual spots allow even some of the most complex diagnostic applications to be placed on the microarray, including control probes and duplicates for redundancy and statistical reliability of data. Single nucleotide mismatches can be detected and will result in a negative result on a given spot. |
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Customize spotted microarray |
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Up to 200 individual spots |
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Single mismatch detected |
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Superior surface quality (microelectronic grade surface instead of micromachined glass slide) |
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Excellent signal to noise ratio |
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Optimized stack for optical performance |
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| Quality and Manufacturing |
ST is recognized as a world-class leader on quality: a commitment to continuous improvement and company-wide focus on Total Quality Management (TQM) ensure that the highest standards are observed at all stages of the development and manufacturing phases. As a testimony of this ongoing effort, ST has been awarded the most prestigious international quality awards, including the European Quality Award, the Malcom Baldridge Award (first non-US company ever to be awarded) and the Akira Inoue Award in Japan.
Partners that develop their genomic applications on the In-Check™ platform have access to an extensive network of manufacturing plants across the world. Dedicated MEMS and Lab-on-Chip fabs work with high-volume plants to offer the best combination of R&D-intensive efforts and low-cost manufacturing. A seasoned team of engineers, scientists, managers and operations personnel with over 10 years experience in microfluidics devices is contributing to the success of this innovative platform. |
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