GlycoSpot

Optimising a screening tool for size and precision

SIRIUS is a fast, simple battery-powered screening tool, also called a micro spectrophotometer, which can measure enzyme activity. SIRIUS is a compact, mobile unit that works as a precision instrument with a spectral range of 340-850 nm. In other words, a screening tool that registers colour change depending on how many enzymes are present. SIRIUS is controlled via an app and enables accurate measurement and reading of the enzyme concentration without depending on a laboratory. The mobile measuring device can replace laboratory testing - but why does it matter which enzymes are present? In short, enzymes are proteins that increase the speed of chemical reactions in living cells. Among other things, the special abilities of enzymes can be used in industry to produce products we use every day. Enzymes are used, for example, in the production of bread, beer, detergent, medicine and much more. Enzymes are added to washing powder, where they can remove all the unwanted bacteria when laundry is done at, say, 30 degrees. Enzymes also have a big influence on the crust of bread, the rising and so on. How does it work? The way you test with GlycoSpot's test kit is by dosing what you want to test into a liquid, specially developed reagent. The solution is placed in the SIRIUS unit, which then measures the concentration of enzymes. The whole solution is bought as a small test kit, where the SIRIUS measuring unit is the size of a sandwich roll. The advantages include mobility and speed: the sample can be taken on the spot and you get the result within a few hours, whereas laboratory testing risks a wait of 2-3 days.

How has Move Innovation helped?

GlycoSpot had an existing product they wanted to improve. Together we analysed the existing version and developed a new version of the micro spectrophotometer. Among other things, we analysed the measurement process and optimised the components and the software, so the product is cheaper to manufacture and more precise in its readings. We designed the product with a focus on the end users and their requirements for quality in terms of material choice, durability and usability. At the same time we retained the ability to use GlycoSpot's existing kit.

This allows an even more accurate measurement and reading of the enzyme concentration, which previously had to be carried out in a laboratory.

The process

The process itself ran as follows: we started with a thorough review of the existing product, highlighting advantages and disadvantages - a feasibility study. A series of proposed improvements was then drawn up and tested on a prototype together with GlycoSpot. The mechanical design was revised to ensure consistent production and good reproducibility in the final instrument. A small series was subsequently tested and approved at the University of Copenhagen against far more expensive stationary laboratory equipment. That formed the basis for the first production series, which is manufactured in our production department, optimised precisely for the smaller series this type of product is typically made in.