eg-Technology - Capillary Film Technology (CFT) - Precision Immunoassay Capillary Analyser (PICA)
Capillary Film Technology Ltd (CFT) is a technology and product development company for life sciences and clinical diagnostics. They develop the next generation of lateral flow technology that allows rapid, fully quantitative multiplex immunoassays for field and bedside/point-of-care use. They specialise in affordable microfluidic assays based on their proprietary low cost fluoropolymer capillary film platform.
THE project
We worked collaboratively with CFTs scientists and engineers to design and develop the PICA (Precision Immunoassay Capillary Analyser), including its associated disposable cartridge, to showcase their microcapillary film technology.
CFT developed a low-cost micro capillary film technology (MCF) that possesses unique optical & fluidic properties yet is easily mass-manufactured. The parallel array of 10 x Ø200 micron capillaries enables fully quantitative, high-sensitivity, multiplexed immunoassays for use in the point of care clinical diagnostics market.
Results
CFT and egt brought complimentary skill sets to the process, collaborating on a holistic approach.
The cartridge incorporates sample introduction, reagent storage and the MCF in a single-use disposable. The design includes unique fluidics and mechanics to perform all required assay steps.
The PICA analyser remains simple whilst automatically operating the cartridge. It also includes an imaging system that makes use of the MCF optical properties. The user interface guides the operator through the steps to load the cartridge and reports on the assay progress.