Vitamins That Measure Up: TRLabs-Designed Chip Offers Prospect of Faster Measurement

Edmonton-based SciMed Laboratories has made inroads with the development and commercialization of state of the art diagnostic and analytical products within the nutraceutical, functional foods, and clinical industries. SciMed has recently launched two test kits, VitaKit ATM and VitaKit DTM that allow for both vitamin A and vitamin D content to be determined within 2 hours. SciMed’s current technology reduces turn-around time by over 95% and reduces costs by over 85%. Sales have occurred to date in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. SciMed’s proprietary kits have market potential of over $1 billion in various diagnostic markets.

SciMed is looking to accelerate the testing process with the development of a novel new product. This product will use a combined microfluidic/optical measurement technique - in other words the power of light. The process combines a microfluidic extraction of the vitamins into hexane, and the content is then determined using a directed beam of light and a detection system. The whole process takes only minutes.

TRLabs is assisting with a component of this development activity - circuit board design and testing involving an optical front end and detection electronics. The design will be small enough to generate a hand held measurement device that will maximize portability and ease of use of the device, permitting real-time, on-site analysis.

SciMed's development of its Nutri-ChipTM platform technology, which combines lab on a chip, microfluidic and nano detection systems, will reduce the cost and analysis time of many food and beverage samples. Nutri-Chip technology will permit the real-time and on-site analysis of vitamins in food and clinical diagnostic settings. The commercialization of its current technology and the development of the new nanotechnology platform allow the Company to expand to new markets on multiple levels.

SciMed plans to continue to develop industry leading products in diagnostics through outsourcing and collaboration with industry leading diagnostic companies.

"The assistance and the quality of service we are receiving from TRLabs is critical for the overall success of this project," says SciMed Founder and President Dr. Rajan Gupta. "It's the type of success that is bound to flourish in the form of a long-term relationship with TRLabs as we undertake upcoming projects."

The project has been made possible with financial investment from the National Research Council’s IRAP program.