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"Biochip" is a general term indicating the use of microchip
technology in molecular biology. Typically, vaste numbers of selected
molecules, e.g. DNA, are simultaneously immobilised on a biochip.
Such DNA arrays are enabling large-scale genomic and functional
genomic analyses, and are poised to become routine components of
clinical research, molecular diagnostics and drug development.
Apart from DNA microarrays, microfluidics is one of
the important innovations of biochip technology. The goal of many
components in microfluidics is to integrate the various processes
of the experiments – from sample preparation to analysis – into
a single, miniaturized format that allows substantially smaller
volumes of chemicals and test material to be used.
Scandinavian Micro Biodevices A/S (SMB), designs, develops
and produces micro systems with tailored surface properties for
applications within diagnostics and drug discovery.
By linking life sciences and micro technology at the
cutting edge, it is SM’s vision to become the preferred supplier
of customized devices for micro arrays and micro fluidics.
Applied Technologies
In close contact with customers, SMB designs, develops
and produces micro devices based on state-of-the art prototyping
and replication techniques in the areas of silicon, glass and polymer
technology. Using proprietary SoftPlasma™ technology, SMB is able
to modify a variety of materials, e.g. glass, polymers and
silicon, in order to promote binding of selected molecules (DNA,
proteins) or targets (e.g. cells).
SoftPlasma™ opens up for new possibilities Plasma
polymerisation opens up new areas of surface treatment as it enables
adhesion and other key properties to be controlled. In the system
developed by NKT, the parent company of SMB, coating is created
through an entirely new simple plasma generation technique in which
standard 3-phase voltage is applied to the electrodes in the production
chamber. The plasma is homogeneous, even in large volumes, low-energetic,
and arc-free. The plasma generator is simple in design, extremely
robust and contains no electronics.
SoftPlasma™ technology is well-suited for highly reproducible
treatment of surfaces that require attachment of linker molecules
for selective binding of biological targets, such as DNA, proteins
and cells.
From Specification to Manufacture
SMB’s customers are instrument suppliers and companies
in the fields of molecular diagnostics and drug discovery. Companies
operating in these markets request custom development of prototypes,
followed by high volume manufacture of replicated miniaturized measuring
and screening systems for cells and bio molecules. Multidisciplinary
skills in design, materials science and fabrication of micro structures
enable SMB to realise the development of micro fluidic components
from customer specification to high-volume replication.
Aided by latest design and simulation software,
SMB designs models to described specifications, and simulates flow
situations in micro fluidic components in ongoing active dialogue
with the customer.
Flexible prototyping of flow devices enables
design and features to be refined and optimized. Prototype design
also gives consideration to materials and the most suitable methods
for mass production.
SMB is specialized in reproducibility and high-volume
production of micro structures in silicon, glass and polymers.
Reproducible assembly of biochips with tubes,
interfaces and – critically- embedded biological materials.
SMB’s services and products include:
- Slides for DNA arrays: High quality glass slides with surface
modifications for covalent binding of aminated DNA molecules for
all standard array instruments
- Micro fluidic components: polymer biochips for
- benchtop cell sorters
- point-of-care (POC) test instruments
- capillary electrophoresis
- environmental and food analysis
- Components for cell testing, i.e. chips comprising various materials
for cell sorting, cell positioning and single or multiple cell
analysis within diagnostics and drug discovery.
- Contract development, manufacture and supply of micro systems
for life sciences, which includes that dedicated project teams
develop, design and prototype micro flow devices after individual
specifications, permanently keeping close contact to and consulting
the customer.
About SMB
SMBis a Medicon Valley company established on the basis
of a patent portfolio within fluid dynamics, cell sorting and surface
modifications.
SMB is a member of the NKT Group, a Danish corporation
well known for fostering the successful development of innovative
high tech businesses in the fields of materials science, micro technology
and optics. Located in the CAT Science Park, in the heart of the
Scandinavian Medicon Valley, SMB closely collaborates with the Mikroelektronikcentret
(MIC), the Institute for Process Technology and the BioCentrum,
as well as with scientists and engineers from NKT Research A/S.
NKT – the parent company of SMB
Employing some 6,000 people, the NKT group had a turnover
in 2000 of EURO 872 mio. Extraordinary high profits from the sale
of the IC manufacturer, GIGA, to the Intel Corporation provided
at strengthned financial basis for the NKT Goup vision - to become
a high-tech growth and development organisation – to be speeded
up.
"Technologies creating value"
NKT develops pioneering technology. The goal is to create
new high tech products with commercial potential and social value.
In 2001 NKT established an international research environment aimed
at developing new technological solutions in the fields of life
science and advanced communication. NKT is partnered in this initiative
by both the Technical University of Denmark and the Universities
of Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus together with a number of foreign
universities. The heart of this research environment will be the
NKT Academy, a scientific research college where PhD students from
all over the world can meet in an inspirational and highly specialised
community.
Visit www.nkt.dk for
further information about the NKT Group.
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