Arkansas Patent of the Month – August 2021

NOWDiagnostics, Inc. is interested in reinventing how medical diagnostics lab work tests are performed in the point-of-care medical channel. Their mission uses a single drop of blood to produce results within minutes, and without an outside lab. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) offers a method of detection for a range of biologicals based on the presence of DNA. Traditional PCR uses equipment that requires cycles of temperatures. An alternative – Loop-mediated isothermal amplification PCR (LAMP PCR) only requires a single temperature – but still needs all the circuitry to monitor and maintain temperature.

NOWDiagnostics has developed a system that eliminates the need for temperature monitoring in LAMP PCR. Their system uses two key materials:

  1. Isothermal ballast material which melts at a specific temperature
  2. Chromogenic agent which changes color. 

The combination of these two materials provides a reusable system that allows low-cost and low-resource LAMP PCR to be performed. The design has an enclosure that contains a wax-like substance – the isothermal ballast – which melts at predetermined temperatures. THe material is mixed with the thermochromic pigment which will also change color at that temperature. The device is heated by a rechargeable battery and allows LAMP PCR to be performed in wells that hold the traditional PCR materials.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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