Life Science Product Development and Design

• Diagnostic and Research devices ​

• High Throughput lab instruments​

• Point of Care (POC) devices​

• Consumable Development & interfaces

• Molecular Analyzers ​

• Immunoassay​

• Flow cytometer

• ​AST (Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing)​

• DNA sequencing​

• DNA Synthesis​

• Lab Automation

• Sample Prep​

Life Science Experience

In the life science industry, our team has brought products all the way from concept through manufacturing transfer. Acorn can provide support in the following key areas, and can also assemble and test working units in-house.

• Full system ME design

• BOM and full doc package

• Optics packaging

• Complex pneumatic and microfluidic control

• Motion control design

• System layout

• Embedded electronics architecture and redesign PCBs, revise FW

• Consumable interface development & assay control

• Industrial design and UI design

• System cabling design and documentation

• System testing and qualification

• Fluidics & liquid handling

• Thermal Control and Thermal Cycling Design

Experience Matters

Narrowing in on a problem too quickly can lead to tunnel vision focused on an area that is not necessarily the cause of the issue. An experienced development team knows that the true problem is not always what it appears. This was the case when our team was tasked with eliminating cross-contamination in an existing life science instrument.

This product would perform rapid, serial assay measurements that did not rely on expensive consumables. This made the cleaning of the fluidic path between runs extremely critical. Even when using proven cleaning methods, cross-contamination from proteins, DNA, and other species of interest, can still creep into your data set reducing confidence. 

Taking a closer look, our engineering team found that the true problem lay within something as inconspicuous as a 316L Stainless Steel liquid delivery tip. Depending on the manufacturing process, the interior surface of the needle can be filled with voids and cracks. This proved to be a crucial discovery for a machine that demanded accuracy at the macro level.

To address the situation, a coating technique was used to improve the interior surface of the needle. Subsequent, focused testing showed that the improvement of the interior surface significantly decreased cross-contamination run-to-run.

Attention to detail can make all the difference

De-Risk

A proven process goes a long way in de-risking a project early on in its development. At Acorn we have 30 years of experience overcoming obstacles to get reliable products to market.

Accelerate

Getting to market promptly and making a good first impression are key to a successful product. At Acorn we have the tools to do both. Instead of taking shortcuts, we lay a solid foundation to reveal opportunities and avoid setbacks later on.

Explore

Acorn's expert team validates requirements, addresses risks, and proves feasibility as we explore concepts. We work closely with our clients to empower them with the knowledge they need to confidently down-select concepts, ultimately leading to the ideal project path.

Test

Engineers use early engineering prototypes and breadboards to develop and prove technical feasibility. Often going through multiple iterations to achieve production-worthy mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering solutions.