TECHNOLOGY

OVERVIEW

Unlimited Potential in a Microenvironment

Advances in molecular diagnostics have created demand for simple, flexible instrumentation that can perform a broad range of new or existing assays. The Rheonix CARD® (Chemistry And Reagent Device) system meets this need, providing a rapid solution to efficiently automate molecular diagnostic assays in a highly-controlled microenvironment. The Rheonix CARD system is also able to simultaneously perform multiplex assays on the same palm-sized disposable chip using advanced proprietary microfluidic technology. This feature allows simultaneous detection and validation in a single time-saving assay.

The CARD system consists of two components: a palm-sized disposable chip and desktop robotic workstation.

Innovative CARD Technology

Through an extremely rapid prototyping process, all of the components of multiplex molecular diagnosis are integrated onto a single, 1mm thick, palm-sized, polystyrene chip. Rheonix uses advanced fabrication techniques and a proprietary manufacturing process to place onto the chip the necessary network of valves, channels and reactors required to perform an assay.  Automated reactions take place in the microenvironment of the chip using miniscule reagent and sample volumes, therefore lowering overall laboratory operating costs. 

Technical features of the Rheonix CARD include:

  • Surface compatibility for biological assays
  • Homogeneous material surfaces
  • On-chip valving
  • Bi-directional active pumping
  • Multiple reagent storage and dispensing
  • Wide range of flow (μl-ml) handling
  • Electrochemical biosensor technology for highly sensitive digital read-out

Flexible Automated Workstation

The addition of reagents, control of reactions, and generation of various readout results are facilitated via a desktop workstation. The workstation is fully automated and utilizes software to drive the pneumatically-actuated Rheonix CARD system. This technology utilizes the workstation to deliver the appropriate amount of reagent to an on-CARD reservoir; all other fluid manipulations including reagent transfer, mixing, and metering are performed using on-CARD pumps.  The workstation is easily re-programmed to accommodate new diagnostic assays on new, rapidly created chips. Rheonix has also developed a smaller, portable system for potential point-of-care application.