Micralyne Enhances Microfluidics Consumables Offering with Launch of ProtoChipTM
Edmonton, Alberta, March 6, 2002 - Micralyne Inc., North America's largest OEM manufacturer of microfluidic devices, today announced the launch of ProtoChip
TM, a platform for small-volume prototyping of microfluidic designs. Microfluidic devices are rapidly gaining favor with scientists around the world who work in the areas of genetic analysis, proteomics and drug discovery.
"While our core focus continues to be on product development and volume production for larger customers, it is also important to provide lower-volume prototyping for early stage researchers who want to do proof-of-concept testing of their designs. We believe the microfluidics market is poised for explosive growth and we want to provide an outlet for those looking to explore the benefits of microfluidic technology, " said Chris Lumb, President and CEO of Micralyne.
ProtoChip is a service that allows customers to design custom glass microfluidic devices that are unique to their needs. To keep costs low, devices are run in large batches, requiring customers to follow some simple design guidelines. The ProtoChip design rules are broad enough for customers to include a number of features on their devices, from injection intersections to mixing chambers. Submitted device designs are reviewed and subsequently placed in the batch run of the customer's choosing. ProtoChip runs are scheduled at regular intervals, allowing customers to plan their prototyping cycles in advance.
"Micralyne is determined to fuel the microtechnology revolution", said Lumb. "We recognize that it is essential to provide high quality services to those who are just breaking into the field. Their ideas will be instrumental in defining the business for the years to come. The growth of our core business in OEM co-development and production is strong, and we will continue to augment it by providing development platforms that early stage researchers and companies can use. To date these platforms include our Microfluidic Tool Kit (µTK)
TM, our standard Off-the-Shelf chips, and now ProtoChip."
About Micralyne
Micralyne develops and manufactures microfabricated and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems)-based products. Micralyne is one of the largest independent companies in the world that manufactures MEMS in high volumes. MEMS technology is built on the premise of making industrial components smaller, faster and less expensive and facilitates radical improvements in the miniaturization of electronic and mechanical devices. These types of devices are used in many industries including communications, automotive, aerospace, and life sciences. More specifically, Micralyne’s micron-scale solutions (i.e. 1000 microns = 1 millimetre) are found in automotive emission sensors, optical switching technology in telecommunication networks, lab-on-a-chip devices for drug discovery, and commercial press equipment for printing today’s most popular magazines. Micralyne is a profitable and growing company headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
For further information contact:
Mr. Chris Lumb
President & CEO
Micralyne Inc.
1911 - 94 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6N 1E6
Phone: 780-431-4400
clumb@micralyne.com
