Filters

Tensentric instruments provide efficient and hands-off analysis of lab samples, replacing complex, time-consuming and potentially error-prone steps crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring health and guiding treatment decisions. Our systems incorporate the functionalities of a biochemical laboratory. Processes such as the mixing of liquids, DNA synthesis, bioseparation, aliquoting, amplification of biomolecules, or detection of specific substances by optical or electrochemical methods can be integrated in a cartridge. Our systems include components such as filters, pumps, valves, mixers, and sensors. Cartridges can isolate and manage internal substances for safe disposal after use, including sensitive lyophilized reagents, substances needing protection from environmental exposure, hazardous chemicals, or biological samples, while removing the possibility of cross-contamination. These systems can perform complex processes in point-of-care environments, saving time and cost by eliminating the need for specialized labs and highly trained technicians and by streamlining tedious multi-stepped processes that often require expensive dedicated lab equipment. 

Filters are used to capture DNA, particulates, cells, nanobodies, or contaminants. Once captured, these can be isolated or resuspended using reverse flow or special release agents. Filters can also serve as vents to draw air into or out of a cartridge. Sterile filters having a small pore size (0.2 um) are used to avoid microbial contamination from ambient air.  

Cell Capture Filters

Cell capture filters isolate cells from a suspension by size, offering a useful alternative to centrifugation in fluidic chips. They enable volume reduction and buffer exchange and can be employed in dead-end or tangential flow filtration (TFF) schemes. In the case of dead-end filtration, Tensentric has developed systems to capture cells and subsequently backwash the filter with high pH solution, lysing the cell and nuclear membranes and later releasing genomic DNA for downstream processing. 

Frits

Frits are porous, sintered solid bodies made from glass or ceramic particles that act as structural filters and provide rigid support to prevent the collapse of sensitive materials. They can withstand directly filtering fluids in high-pressure/harsh conditions using their controlled pore structure for separation and flow. They are crucial in HPLC, chromatography, and gas diffusion in the biotech industry at large. Tensentric has employed them in several fluidic applications as vent membranes, and to support otherwise non-structural, fibrous filter media where the build-up of filtered particulate begins to increase the pressure drop across the filter and risks disintegration or compression. They maintain integrity under pressure, preventing media from escaping and ensuring stable fluid paths, vital for precise separations and preventing blockages.