Sphere Fluidics, a company commercialising single cell analysis systems underpinned by its patented picodroplet technology, has invested in the production and supply of its proprietary biocompatible surfactant, Pico-Surf, for reliable and stable droplet generation and processing.
UK-based Sphere Fluidics will expand operations to meet demand for large-scale commercial supply of the surfactant for use in a wide range of microfluidic application workflows.
Sphere Fluidics aims to increase production of Pico-Surf by three-fold in 2020, whilst maintaining standards, through significant investment of resources in manufacture and quality control processes, and workforce.
Dr Marian Rehak, VP of Research and Development, said: “We are enthused by the increased demand for Pico-Surf, and eager to mobilise its production to meet demand. Whilst doing so, we will ensure its very high quality control standards are maintained, meaning researchers can continue rely on Pico-Surf to create droplets that are stable and reproducible.”
Rob Treanor, Director of Operations, added: “All our consumable products have been designed to be platform-agnostic, so they work effectively with a number of microfluidic systems.”
Pico-Surf
Pico-Surf is an animal-origin-free biocompatible surfactant optimised to support the formation of aqueous solution-in-oil picodroplets.
The unique and patented molecular structure of Pico-Surf stabilises droplets, and retains and protects their cellular and molecular contents over a wide range of temperatures and biological conditions, helping to ensure high cell viability for improved assay performance.
Droplets generated using Pico-Surf show low end point interfacial tension and critical micelle concentration in comparison to other commercially available surfactants. The purity and quality of the surfactant also enables a more efficient droplet sorting process at low voltage. The ready-to-use surfactant is available in large batches or made-to-order with ensured lot-to-lot consistency.
