ProKyma Technologies Limited has developed an innovative technique that dramatically improves the detection and identification of bacteria in difficult samples. By efficiently removing impurities AND providing a concentration of bacteria into a small volume, it offers significant advantages over current methods.
An increasing range of samples are proving problematic to obtain reliable PCR results. Compounds from the sample can inhibit PCR reactions. These inhibitors are outside the bacterial cells.
High frequency ultrasound causes a standing wave. Initially all bacterial cells are pushed into a plane. Then sideways forces compress them into a clump.
Finally a rinse washes away the original sample liquid along with any inhibitors. The bacteria can then be tested with more reproducible and reliable PCR results.
The animation video was produced for ProKyma by Ivan Gaskell
