Unmet Need / Invention Novelty: On-demand magnetofluidic cartridges containing pre-loaded assay reagents present a low-cost, simple point-of care diagnostic solution. However, current technology lacks provisions for prolonged shelf-life at ambient temperatures and stable transport without leakage of the pre-loaded reagents.
Technical Details: Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed thermally labile storage mechanisms in magnetofluidic cartridges for physical and chemical stabilization of assay components with automated on-demand activation of a corresponding assay. Briefly, wax seals and/or other temperature sensitive materials are used to create a shelf-stable dry state with reconstitution of analyte containing samples and pre-aliquoted assay buffers being mediated by application of a heat source to melt the seal. Proof of concept was demonstrated using a cartridge described previously and hyperlinked below.
Value Proposition:
• Permits stable storage of time and temperature sensitive analytes and reagents
• Obviates the need for complex fluidics, instrumentation and user manipulation
• Provides user with automated, on-demand assay activation functionality
Looking for Partners to: Develop & commercialize as a point-of-need in vitro research and/or diagnostic tool.
Stage of Development: Pre-Clinical
Data Availability: Prototype available.
Inventors: Tza-Huei Wang, Alexander Trick & Fan-En Chen
Patent Status: Provisional patent application filed.
Related Publication(s)/Related Technology: Trick A.Y. et al. 2021. Sci Transl Med.,13(593):eabf6356 / C12720, C15098
