Purification of Biomolecules
The objective was to develop a fully automated extraction device for nucleic acids and proteins in the low through-put segment.
Our tasks:
Using the available purification kits as a basis, a table-top device was to be developed to enable fully automated processing. No changes could be made to the manual kits.
The primary requirements were very low manufacturing costs, and high device reliability and user friendliness.
Procedure:
The development encompassed all phases from the idea through to the market launch, with the device being modeled in close collaboration with the customer's application developers. Thanks to the interdisciplinary skills of Helbling Technik’s development team, it was possible to develop the mechanics, electronics, and software in parallel and under one roof.
Order lead time:
- Thirty-one months from the definition of the tasks to the supply of the first serial devices
- Time spent on the development work by Helbling Technik staff: approximately 18 man years
Results:
- The only device on the market which allows automated nucleic acid and protein extraction using column-based purification technology. It is a completely new device platform for which a series of process-relevant innovations were developed that were incorporated into several patent applications.
- The device has won major international awards and its sales have greatly exceeded the customer's expectations.
Customer: leading global biotechnology group
