Reducing Cold-Chain Requirements for Molecular Diagnostics

German biotechnology company gerbion develops molecular diagnostic kits used to detect infectious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.

To simplify the production and distribution of these kits, gerbion incorporated Micronic 0.50ml sample storage tubes and TPE Lyophilization Caps into its manufacturing process. Combined with an optimized freeze-drying method, this approach allows diagnostic pellets to remain stable at room temperature, eliminating the need for dry ice during shipping.

Molecular diagnostic kits often contain temperature-sensitive materials that must remain stable throughout storage and transportation. Traditionally, this has meant relying on cold-chain logistics, including dry ice shipping, to maintain product integrity.

For manufacturers like gerbion, these requirements add another layer of complexity to distribution. Temperature-controlled shipments can increase transportation costs, require specialized handling, and make it more difficult to deliver diagnostic kits to laboratories in different regions.

Finding a way to maintain the stability of diagnostic materials without continuous refrigeration can help simplify this process and make distribution more efficient.

To reduce its reliance on cold-chain shipping, gerbion incorporated Micronic 0.50ml sample storage tubes and TPE Lyophilization Caps into its manufacturing process.

Lyophilization, commonly known as freeze-drying, removes moisture from materials to improve their stability during storage. Micronic's TPE Lyophilization Caps are specifically designed for this process, featuring a vented design that allows water vapor to escape during freeze-drying while providing a secure seal for the tubes.

The caps are available in a Capcluster-96 format, allowing an entire rack of 96 tubes to be capped in a single action. Once the retaining foil is removed, each tube remains individually sealed for storage, transportation, or automated handling.

By combining these products with its optimized freeze-drying process, gerbion can produce diagnostic pellets that remain stable at room temperature, eliminating the need for dry ice during shipment.

With its optimized freeze-drying process, gerbion has reduced several of the logistical challenges associated with distributing molecular diagnostic kits.

The company reports several benefits:

• Room-temperature stability: Diagnostic pellets can be stored and transported without continuous refrigeration.
• Simplified shipping: Eliminating the need for dry ice reduces the complexity of preparing and transporting shipments.
• Lower operating costs: Reduced reliance on temperature-controlled storage and transportation helps limit associated expenses.
• Improved accessibility: Simplified distribution makes it easier to supply diagnostic materials to hospitals and laboratories.

These improvements allow gerbion to distribute its diagnostic kits more efficiently while maintaining the stability required for molecular diagnostic applications.

The freeze-dried diagnostic pellets are used in molecular testing for infectious diseases. When combined with DNA samples, they support the detection of pathogens, including those associated with influenza and COVID-19. The kits are distributed to hospitals and laboratories, where they can be incorporated into automated diagnostic workflows using equipment compatible with 96-format Micronic racks.

Micronic TPE Lyophilization Caps are designed for laboratories working with freeze-dried samples in 96-well tube formats. Their vented design supports moisture removal during lyophilization, while the Capcluster-96 format allows multiple tubes to be capped efficiently.

diaago offers Micronic TPE Lyophilization Caps in two color options:

• MP53997 — Natural: TPE Lyo Capcluster-96 for internally threaded Micronic tubes.
• MP53998 — EFC Blue-green: TPE Lyo Capcluster-96 with the same functionality in a blue-green color.

Both options are compatible with Micronic internally threaded tubes in 0.50ml, 0.75ml, 1.10ml, 1.40ml, and 2.00ml sizes.