Micropore Technologies had previously developed the AXFTM mixer, and their customers had used it successfully for a number and had offered constructive feedback on potential improvements. The stand-alone AXF-mini was not as sparing and as flexible for formulation development as would be ideal.
The team turned to Labman to develop a bespoke system that would automate the process in one compact module. Whilst also adding extra functionality to minimise the amount of RNA used, this module would offer a degree of formulation flexibility, and ensure optimal encapsulation efficiency while retaining the benefits of the stand-alone instrument.
Our mechanical, electrical and software engineers worked closely with the team at Micropore Technologies to ensure that we learnt everything we could about the process they wanted to automate, and that it would elevate their client’s workflow, instead of hindering formulation in any way. The result was the PathfinderTM.
The success and strength of this ongoing collaboration is evident not only in the range of instruments developed and the range of formulations they support, but the elegance of the automation technology integrated into such a robust and compact bench-top device whilst offering such an advanced scope of flexibility.
It was evident from the initial designs of the system that automating such hardware was significantly more complex than any standard mechanical controls. This performance requirement was a unique yet exciting challenge for our engineers. The skills and innovative thinking our software engineers provided in this project were paramount. They developed a fully bespoke control system that enabled the PathfinderTM to be fully automated whilst retaining the quality of the samples.
“You were able to meet a very demanding set of performance requirements”. Dai Hayward, CEO
The success of this ongoing project and development of the PathfinderTM product line has been down to the consortium of skills everyone involved brought forward and how seamlessly they worked together. The relationship we have built with Micropore reflects the way in which our engineers value and nurture the relationship they have with our customers. We are not just a third-party engineering service; we are a team of innovators looking to find you the best automation solution possible.