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A Tip for
Better Pipetting: P2i surface enhancements for pipette tips reduce retention and
open up other functional capabilities.
July 18th 2005: Porton Down, UK –P2i Limited has
developed a coating technology that will radically increase the effectiveness
and flexibility of pipetting. Using its proprietary cold plasma-enhanced
chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) process, P2i can apply nano-thin coatings to
pipette tips; this dramatically enhances their performance, virtually
eliminating liquid retention. P2i-enhanced pipette tips produce more accurate
and reliable results and can reduce reagent costs by up to 10%. The ultra-low
adhesion, pin-hole free coating has a surface energy 3x lower than Teflon® (PTFE)
and has no leachable components.
High resolution images available on request
from neilr@alto-marketing.com
According to P2i’s CEO, Quentin Compton-Bishop, “Pipetting is an important,
routine process in proteomics and drug discovery where thousands of tiny samples
have to be analysed. When measuring small volumes the slightest sample loss can
cause downstream problems. By using our new coating process almost all of the
sample can be expelled, enabling more reliable results. Moreover, when sample
drugs and reagents can cost thousands of dollars per gram, reducing retention
and waste will help save laboratories money.”
P2i’s cold plasma process can be used to create a variety of other surface
modifications which could increase the flexibility of pipetting. Mr
Compton-Bishop commented, “Our process can be used to deposit a range of
functional groups on both plastic and glass surfaces, besides the ultra low
surface energy enhancement which produces the low retention effect. For example,
we can create hydrophilic surfaces and other specific reaction sites for
proteins.”
Moreover, there is also the potential to give the inner and outer surfaces of
pipette tips different surface coatings, further expanding the possibilities.
Once modified using the plasma process, pipette tips can be gamma irradiated as
required to make them suitable for sterile techniques.
P2i’s patented plasma process was originally developed by the UK Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with the University of Durham,
to protect the armed forces against chemical attacks by enhancing uniforms and
equipment with super-repellent coatings. The coating technology is now proving
ideal for pipette tips, medical textiles, filters, microplates, and
instrumentation. Using plasma or ‘ionised gas’, proprietary chemicals can be
deposited in layers only molecules thick over any surface. The polymerised
compounds bind at the molecular level creating an invisible layer that does not
leach. The super liquid-repellent coating for example, has a 3x lower surface
energy than the benchmark Teflon® (PTFE) and unlike other hydrophobic
treatments, it is also able to repel 100% isopropylalcohol (IPA) and oils.
The specialised plasma chambers used for the plasma treatments are robust and
can be scaled to fit the process. P2i’s onsite facilities include 40-litre,
300-litre and 2000-litre chambers, supported by the expertise of its team of
plasma process chemists. Mr Compton-Bishop commented, “Our range of chambers can
process single-use disposable products as small as frits and pipette tips in
their thousands through to larger items such as whole medical devices and
protective apparel. For high level users, however, we can install bespoke
chambers at customer sites under licence.”
www.p2ilabs.com
-ENDS-
Notes for editors:
P2i
P2i Ltd. was established in 2004 to commercialise super liquid-repellent
treatments developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (www.dstl.gov.uk)
and the University of Durham (www.durham.ac.uk). P2i is the exclusive licensee
of Dstl’s patents and is a joint venture between Dstl and Porton Capital, a
venture firm specialising in civilian applications of military research and
technology (www.portoncapital.com). P2i’s plasma technology enables it to
deposit materials in layers only molecules thick over the whole surface of a
product by means of an ionised gas or “plasma”. This enables the surfaces of the
product to be enhanced with a super oleophobic (oil repellent) and hydrophobic
(water-repellent) treatment while leaving the other properties of the product
unchanged. So, for example, outdoor wear will have every inch of fabric, zipper
and seam protected while leaving the pores of the fabric as open and breathable
as they were before and without affecting the feel or drape of the material. Now
on a commercial scale, P2i’s enhancement process can be applied to a wide range
of products in the textiles, medical, pharmaceutical, electronics and homeland
security markets. P2i has the capability also to produce a range of other
surface effects, such as hydrophilic, antistatic and fire retardant.
Dstl
Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) is the centre of scientific
excellence for the UK Ministry of Defence, housing one of the largest groups of
scientists and engineers in public service in the country. Its 3,000 strong
workforce includes some of the nation’s most talented and creative scientists
with the brief to ensure that the UK Armed Forces and Government are supported
by world class scientific advice. Dstl delivers defence research, specialist
technical services and the ability to track global technological developments.
Its capabilities compare with the best in the world, supporting procurement
decisions, defence policy making and operations. For more information visit
www.dstl.gov.uk
---ENDS---
Product enquiries
P2i Limited – Quentin Compton-Bishop, CEO
t: 44 (0)1980-556493 e: info@p2ilabs.com
Media enquiries
Alto Marketing Limited – Neil Ravenhill
t: +44 (0)1489 557672 e : neilr@alto-marketing.com
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