Zygem has acquired Microlab Diagnostics and developed a microfluidic/DNA extraction device for rapid DNA testing in forensics, biodefence, point-of-care diagnostics and food pathogen testing.
Zygem intends to market products that integrate its DNA extraction and reagents and detection assays with Microlab's microfluidic chip technology.
The company claimed that these products will decrease the time, complexity and cost of DNA testing in a range of applications.
Data presented at a recent scientific meeting demonstrated that a prototype of the new system produced accurate DNA results in less than an hour, comparable with results obtained with current technology requiring three separate instruments and five to 10 hours.
Microlab's miniaturisation of the entire DNA testing process within a single, closed system has many advantages.
It reduces the amount of sample and reagents that are needed while virtually eliminating the chances for handling error or contamination.
The Zygem/Microlab system is said to be compact, easy-to-use and cost-effective, making it suitable for use in the laboratory and in the field.
It can perform multiplexed analyses and can also be configured for specific applications.
Portable handheld versions are in development.
Zygem said it intends to continue to expand sales of its proprietary assays and kits that use a thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA or RNA from a range of sample types using a single, closed-tube system.
The company's approach is said to reduce the time and cost of DNA and RNA extractions while simplifying workflow and minimising the risk of contamination and error.
The kits are easily adaptable for use with most laboratory automation systems and are sold by a network of distributors and partners serving the research, forensic, clinical diagnostics and livestock industries.
