DSM in Medical

Diagnostics: Improving diagnostic testing

Whether it’s microbes or bacteria, biofouling impedes progress. In the clinical laboratory, a buildup of bacteria or protein on labware adversely affects diagnostic testing. In a syringe, fouling can affect the stability and duration of a drug or solution. In biosensors, this buildup affects accuracy, requiring replacement. We have responded to this challenge by redefining non-biofouling coatings with our novel VitroStealth^® coating.

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More efficient diagnostic testing

Today’s healthcare organizations are placing increased emphasis on early detection and prevention of disease. With growing demand for diagnostic testing, procedures and processes must be faster and more efficient. Tests have confirmed that DSM non-biofouling coating reduces protein absorption and bacterial adhesion significantly. Its hydrophilic surface characteristics dramatically improve flow in micro-fluidic devices by enhancing surface wettability; while blood or cells are less likely to stick to sides, preventing loss of analytes and the subsequent loss of signal.

Point-of-care testing

Diagnostic equipment in various environments can benefit from our hydrophilic and non-biofouling coating. Its permeability and non-fouling characteristics can improve the design of long-term in vivo diagnostic devices like biosensors. Blocking protein adhesion extends the duration of accurate signal transmission. The material’s chemistry significantly reduces extractables and leachables, which can further improve device reliability. This means the device can remain in the patient for a longer period of time, improving cost efficiency as well.

Sample handling is also more efficient with in vitro devices, like blood collecting equipment, treated with VitroStealth^® coating. Avoiding adhesion of blood or cells in small capillary tubes or on slides helps to assure maximum sample volume. Fluid flow, wettability and capillary flow in capillary tubes and microfluidic devices is enhanced when they are coated with our highly hydrophilic VitroStealth^® material. The benefits of VitroStealth^® coatings also apply to ex vivo tools such as blood filters and pre-filled syringes.

Fast application and processing

DSM expertise in materials and surface technologies provides the foundation for this innovative, easy-to-use coating. Our formulations can be applied using a variety of liquid coating techniques. This increases the potential for high-throughput manufacturing of high-volume coated parts – which means more devices for more clinicians with the benefit of having more reliable diagnostic testing for their patients.