Reagent-Loaded Pencils and Methods
Need:
Drying of reagents directly on assay devices leads to reagent failure in many instances (eg. denaturing). Drying of reagents directly on assay devices leads to short shelf life of reagents, even if they are functional when first deposited. Drying of some reagents on assay devices leads to immobility due to irreversible binding. Mobility of the reagents are sometimes desired.
Solution:
The Cal Poly reagent pencil invention comprises a matrix of a carrier, a hardening substance, and virtually any biological reagent. When formed into a pellet or a core, the reagent-containing matrix is shelf-stable and reagent can be deposited via friction onto any substrate. The reagent pencil is therefore more flexible in the timing, location, and amount of reagent deposited compared to traditional reagent application methods. Moreover, more than one reagent may be present in the pencil’s matrix, and/or a collection of reagent pencils could increase assay flexibility, decrease assay cost, and leverage space restrictions.
Applications:
- in sophisticated laboratories, using an array of pencils in a device
- in emergency or field operations, where multiple assays may be needed yet space is constricted
- humanitarian use
- educational use
Advantages:
- longevity of reagents
- flexibility of assays
- space savings
IP Status:
US 10,343,168 B2 issued 07/09/2019
Licensing Status:
Available - please contact us for more information.