This field helps identify the composition of chemical substances, determine molecular structures, and analyze complex mixtures. The process involves ionizing molecules, separating the resulting ions based on their mass and charge, and detecting them to generate a mass spectrum.
VITEK® MS Disposable target slide
bioMérieux
The MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight) system is an advanced mass spectrometry technique used to analyze biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids by ionizing them and measuring their mass-to-charge ratio. This method is highly efficient for identifying microorganisms and detecting specific biomarkers in clinical and research settings due to its rapid and accurate results.
Challenge(s)
The Customer's Brief
In former times, steel plates were used instead of disposable MALDI targets, requiring extensive washing and sterilization, consuming valuable time and resources. This process also posed risks of cross-contamination, compromising diagnostic accuracy. At that time, STRATEC Consumables proposed to use disposable target slides eliminating these issues by offering a single-use solution, streamlining workflow, and ensuring consistent results. Hospitals benefit by saving time and reducing costs associated with cleaning and potential contamination. This innovation makes the MALDI-TOF system more efficient and reliable, enhancing its success as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product commercialized by BioMerieux.
OUR SOLUTION
STRATEC Consumables developed the MALDI target slide as one of its first products in the diagnostic market and offered it to customers like BioMerieux. The following solutions and technologies are used to realize the development and production of the VITEK® MS Disposable Target Slide.
- Injection Molding of Slides with Special Polypropylene (PP)
The slides are made using a special type of polypropylene which includes carbon black. The carbon black makes the material both thermally and electrically conductive. This conductivity, combined with the steel layer described in the next steps, allows for precise laser desorption required in MALDI TOF.
- Coating Slides with a Thin Steel Layer
The slides are coated with an ultra-thin layer of steel, optimized to block the laser. If this steel layer were permeable, the polypropylene could vaporize, and its molecules might interfere with the measurement. The thinner the layer, the shorter the cycle time, making production more cost-effective. Extensive testing has determined an optimal thickness allowing the blocking, but at the same time making production efficient.
- Lipid coating
A crucial process step involves the coating of lipids onto the steel layer. This process creates the necessary surface properties that ensures the matrix remains within the measurement point during dispensing and drying, preventing the cross contamination of samples from different patients.
- Automated Labeling and Packaging
An automated system applies a sticker with a unique serial number to each slide and packs them into customized slide boxes. Simultaneously, a 100% inline inspection using a camera system is performed to ensure quality. Afterwards the customized slide boxes are packed into custom-printed cartons for delivery to the customers.
ADVANTAGES
The Biomeriex system offers several key advantages:
Rapid Identification: Provides quick and accurate identification of microorganisms, typically within minutes.
High Throughput: Capable of processing a large number of samples simultaneously, increasing laboratory efficiency.
Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for multiple biochemical tests, lowering overall costs.
Broad Database: Extensive and continually updated database for comprehensive microorganism identification.
Minimal Sample Preparation: Requires minimal preparation, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria.
Reliability and Accuracy: High precision and reproducibility in identification results.
Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and straightforward workflow for laboratory technicians.
Automation Compatibility: Integrates well with laboratory automation systems for streamlined operations.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets rigorous standards for clinical diagnostics, ensuring quality and safety.
These advantages make the MALDI TOF system by bioMérieux a valuable tool in clinical microbiology laboratories.
STRATEC Competences
Involved Services
The development and manufacturing of the MALDI targets involved key teams at STRATEC Consumables as follows:
