Biotech Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Instrumentation

Optical Biosensing

DIVERSE has undertaken many assignments for the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Usually our brief is to design an instrument that can be used to extract data from optical sensors, for example fluorescence, bioluminensense, holographic or colour change. This type of instrument would normally be used to identify the presence of a specific bacteria, enzyme or reagent.

Examples of the use of optical sensing include tests for: Thyroid function, milk protein and cholesterol.

Electro Sensing

Cells have their own charge characteristics and Diverse has used this attribute to build instruments that sense this and provide information about the movement of cells. This measurement is known as streaming potential or if sensed as a current into a low impedance, streaming current. The charge on cells is very low and as a result streaming potential instruments designed by Diverse have to typically sense only a few femto-amps (1E-15 Amps).

Examples of the use of electro sensing include early detection of multiple sclerosis and detection of blood disorders.

Electro Processing

Alternatively our technology may be embedded in cell processing. Examples include cell poration and electro-sensitisation. This type of instrument uses a variety of electric field arrangements to alter the properties of cells. When cells are in this state, they can be loaded with drugs or other chemical payloads. In contrast with the streaming potential used in electro sensing, these systems rely on high energy, discharging up to 2000V with several hundred Amps across the conditioning electrodes.

A typical use of this technology is cell loading with anti-cancer drugs and their delivery to the cancer site.

Thermal Cycling

This is a technique used for the amplification of PCR product such as genomic DNA. Diverse has designed multi-well thermal controllers, and opto sensing and analysis systems to track the progress of the process.

Drug Crystalisation Control

Diverse has invented a technique for control of the length of crystals during drug manufacture. The scheme can be used to prevent long crystals from forming. Its application is relevent to a variety of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Diverse is in negotiation with interested parties and would be pleased to talk to others with crystalisation problems.

Laboratory Instruments

Titration Analysis Computer controller titration analysis using charge analysis and optionally colour change.

Magnetic Stirrer This laboratory stirrer generates all its control via its own microprocessor. Intelligent control of speed change ensures that the stirring element always tracks the field speed.

To benefit from DIVERSE experience, whether you need development of specialist instrumentation or assistance in overcoming a specific problems, all you need to do is contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to give you a short presentation of our experience and to explore possible solutions for your requirements.

Tel. +44 (0) 1223 84 44 44