May 31 2010
Microfluidic Systems (MFSI) has received new patent series in the field of fully automated identification of airborne pathogens. The new patents cover integrated systems and components designed to collect samples of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
The patent titled “Integrated Airborne Substance Collection and Detection System” describes an instrument that integrates a detect-to-warn component into a detect-to-treat system. The system includes sample collection, processing, amplification, and biological triggering mechanisms for toxin protein detection and pathogen identification. The system serves as an early warning system as well as a confirmatory system.
Other key methodologies and components in the fully automated system have also been patented by MFSI. For instance, the recently issued “Liquid Impingement Unit” patent optimizes the airborne sample injection process, in which a sample is injected into a liquid-based system for processing and detecting pathogens.
MFSI CEO and founder M. Allen Northrup has expressed his pleasure over the company’s expanding patent portfolio in the field. He hopes that the new patents, along with MFSI’s ongoing program for constructing and testing the automated systems, will help the company to devise a major solution for airborne pathogen monitoring.