Diagnostic OEM of Materials

I.W. Tremont has developed a complete line of lateral and vertical flow diagnostic materials with the efficacy of complete device in mind.  

Check out these new video demonstrations:

D-23® Plasma Separator demo in a simple microfluidic device concept

D-23® surface wetting demonstration

Assembled as a cohesive design package as well as individual components that are equivalent to competitive grades, the offering includes these materials:

• High yield whole blood separators
• Dried Blood Spot paper
• Absorbent pad
• Conjugate pad
• Wicking materials
• Membranes
• High resolution indicator paper
• Base plane
• Absorbent sinks

Diagnostics Material Specs

Our Diagnostics Products

New Material Alert - July 2018 - Diagnostics Grade Cellulose Acetate Fibrous material.

Grade CA-1 is a non-woven material product platform which is highly modifiable in basis
weight, density, porosity, surface treatments and other physical attributes

Ideally suited as a

• Bio-sample collection media
• Wound care absorbent pad
• Transdermal drug delivery media
• Base material in a functionalized separation filter
• Stand alone, chemical resistant, high loading filter
• 3D cell scaffold in bioreactors or stirred cell devices
• Component in bio-sensors
• Lateral flow absorbent wick
• High capacity fluidic well for POCT requiring chase buffers
• Prefilter for higher retention CA surface membrane
• Respiration & O2 therapy concentrator devices

Diagnostics Resource Booklet 

Inside you will find many specialty materials representing only a small portion of our available 150+ grade variants including

• Wicking & Conjugate Pad applications
• Rapid liquid sample mobilization
• Whole blood separation applications
• Cellulose Acetate material
• Cellulose filter paper
  Dry Blood Spot Analysis
  High resolution indications
  Highly absorbent base grades
• Blotter Grades and absorbent papers
  
  

Grade D-23® High Yield Whole Blood Separator Media

The Grade D-23^® is a point of care diagnostics borosilicate glass microfiber filter media containing a proprietary acrylic binder system. This customizable material represents a platform of product variants. The base glass media is supplied ready for your application of chemistries. When supplied as a whole blood separator a novel coating technology is utilized which yields high quality plasma with surprising efficacy and no red cell Hemolysis . The coated version material has been developed by a CRO in the United States whose specialty is blood separation and device development. This market proven media is currently included as a component in successfully commercialized and patented devices with 510K filings.

This naturally hydrophilic material demonstrates high uniformity in formation and density allowing reliable migration rates, in both cross and lateral flow applications. With little caliper deviation the media is ideal for challenging lamination applications and micro fluidic devices.

Uniform screen & felt sides with consistent density MD/CD - This media demonstrates excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility - CofC and CofA provided with shipments – Manufactured in an FDA approved facility and available as rolls, reels, sheets and semi-finished converted configurations in both pre and post coated versions.

This media is available as a base glass microfiber which performs basic whole blood separation via precisely engineered porosity and fiber matrix. In this configuration the material demonstrates plasma yield of approximately 15% by volume at nominal Hct range. It is suitable for both lateral and cross flow configurations and is highly consistent in density and caliper for application of your own micro-coating and dip/dry saturation chemistry.  The newest addition to the D-23® offering is the “TC1” variant which is similar in formation and formulation, but 15% thinner and 25% lighter basis weight. The TC1 is ideal for rapid separations where total sample volume may preclude use of the thicker/heavier original D-23®.  Thinner caliper also allows for faster surface wetting and lower plasma yield loss due to side leakage.  

The D23® series of whole blood separating material is currently available in a total of 8 different iterations.   

Six versions of the blood separation media containing proprietary agglutinating chemistry coating are also available. In this coated version this material demonstrates plasma yield >40%.

The material in basic form (commonly referred to as “base glass”) separates the plasma strictly through precision filtration and capillary flow:

• D23®  is the thickest, most robust glass microfiber (highest fluidic volume capacity)
• D23-TC1® is a thinner, faster version of the glass microfiber (faster with lower dead volume)

Coated with high yield agglutinating process chemistry, LATERAL FLOW

• LF-D23-X1 (thick version, designed for nominal Hct range, lateral flow)
• LF-D23-X2 (thick version, designed for high Hct range, lateral flow)
• LF-D23-TC1-X1 (thin version, designed for nominal Hct range, lateral flow)
• LF-D23-TC1-X2 (thin version, designed for high Hct range, lateral flow)

Coated with high yield agglutinating process chemistry, CROSS FLOW

• CF-D23-X1 (thick version, designed for nominal Hct range, cross flow vertical applications)
• CF-D23-TC1-X1 (thin version, designed for nominal Hct range, cross flow vertical applications)

Cellulose Acetate Fibrous Material

Grade CA-1 is a non-woven material product platform which is highly modifiable in basis weight, density, porosity, surface treatments and other physical attributes.  This unique material demonstrates high surface area to mass ratio and high porosity. It is a fibrous format which differentiates this material from traditional cast films and surface membranes. Consistent with other forms of Cellulose Acetate (CA) this media is ideal for Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences applications via high purity, good thermal stability, biocompatibility and functionalization.

• Ideally suited as a
• Bio-sample collection media
• Wound care absorbent pad
• Transdermal drug delivery media
• Base material in a functionalized separation filter
• Stand alone, chemical resistant, high loading filter
• 3D cell scaffold in bioreactors or stirred cell devices
• Component in bio-sensors
• Lateral flow absorbent wick
• High capacity fluidic well for POCT requiring chase buffers
• Prefilter for higher retention CA surface membrane
• Respiration & O2 therapy concentrator devices

Dried Blood Spot Paper

High purity alpha cotton linter absorbent filter paper specifically formulated to yield a stable DNA, RNA and protein biomarker matrix for quantitative analysis. Surface texture, absorption rate and formation have been optimized for the Guthrie test. The formation is highly uniform and free from density irregularities.

Ideally suited as a specimen collection media for bioanalysis applications such as the collection of blood drops typical of the Guthrie test, a microbiological assay for the presence of phenylalanine, phenylpyruvate, and phenyllactate in blood or urine. Most notably the Guthrie test is used to screen newborn infants for phenylketonuria (PKU).

The purity and formation of the material offers a highly reproducible platform for direct elution techniques. Meets or exceeds results obtained using conventional manual extraction methodology in comparison to known competitive commercial equivalents. Paper punches cleanly demonstrating minimal extraneous fibers. Material holds embossing with or without heat set and converts well for incorporation into diagnostic devices.

Uniform screen & felt sides with consistent density MD/CD - Manufacturing performed with RO water filtration system - This media demonstrates excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility - Material chemistries are verified against a standard using GC techniques prior to paper making process - CofC and CofA provided with shipments – Available as rolls, reels, sheets and semi-finished converted configurations.

Basis Weight (g/m2): 180

Caliper Thickness (mm): 0.44 – 0.47

Migration Distance (mm/10 min): 120 - 135

Surface: Smooth, bright white

Known competitive grades*: GE Healthcare Whatman / S&S 903, Ahlstrom 226

*Use of competitive trademark or nomenclature for reference only. No ownership or license rights implied.

Grade WT2500hpc - High purity cellulose paper

Ideally suited as a high resolution indicator paper and specimen collection media for bioanalysis applications such as the collection of blood drops, urine or saliva. Efficient when used as a wick or absorbent pad under membrane for lateral flow or cross flow designs.

These grades are highly consistent general purpose diagnostic absorbent pad and wick base. Smooth surface, bright white pure cotton cellulose paper. Material is manufactured from carefully selected, pure cellulose fiber which is fully oxygen bleached and resin free. The fiber processing is designed to allow both small highly-fibrillated material to blend with longer less processed fiber for a high density, highly absorbent and very rapid migration. Ideally
suited as a sample moisture sink in multi-layer membrane designs. Well suited as an endchannel wick in microfluidic devices and structural support base plane.

High purity alpha cotton linter absorbent filter paper specifically formulated to yield a stable DNA, RNA and protein biomarker matrix for quantitative analysis. The formation is highly uniform and free from density irregularities allowing fast indication and strong line hold.

CFP1 - High purity cellulose paper

Ideally suited as a general sample collection pad, wicking channel in microfluidic designs and base paper in reagent saturations.  High resolution indicator paper and specimen collection media for bioanalysis applications such as the collection of blood drops, urine or saliva.  Efficient when used as a wick or absorbent pad under membrane for lateral flow or cross flow designs. 

 This general purpose media is high purity cellulose filter paper. The proprietary production methods employed produce a media, which demonstrates a highly durable surface texture without the high level of organic extractables common to traditional acid-hardening processes. The ash content of this paper is 0.05% and is always single source cotton.

High purity alpha cotton linter absorbent filter paper specifically formulated to yield a stable DNA, RNA and protein biomarker matrix for quantitative analysis.  The formation is highly uniform and free from density irregularities allowing fast indication and strong line hold.

Uniform screen & felt sides with consistent density MD/CD - Manufacturing performed with DI water filtration system - This media demonstrates excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility - Material chemistries are verified against a standard using GC techniques prior to paper making process - CofC and CofA provided with shipments – Available as rolls, reels, sheets and semi-finished converted configurations.

CFP2 - High purity cellulose paper

15% thinner caliper than CFP1, with a 15% higher basis weight.  This higher density, tighter porosity paper 61yields faster wicking rates and surface absorption.  It is ideally suited as a general sample collection pad, wicking channel in microfluidic designs and base paper in reagent saturations.  High resolution indicator paper and specimen collection media for bioanalysis applications such as the collection of blood drops, urine or saliva.  Efficient when used as a wick or absorbent pad under membrane for lateral flow or cross flow designs. 

 This general purpose media is high purity cellulose filter paper. The proprietary production methods employed produce a media, which demonstrates a highly durable surface texture without the high level of organic extractables common to traditional acid-hardening processes. The ash content of this paper is 0.05% and is always single source cotton.

High purity alpha cotton linter absorbent filter paper specifically formulated to yield a stable DNA, RNA and protein biomarker matrix for quantitative analysis.  The formation is highly uniform and free from density irregularities allowing fast indication and strong line hold.

 Uniform screen & felt sides with consistent density MD/CD - Manufacturing performed with DI water filtration system - This media demonstrates excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility - Material chemistries are verified against a standard using GC techniques prior to paper making process - CofC and CofA provided with shipments – Available as rolls, reels, sheets and semi-finished converted configurations.

CFP4 - High purity cellulose paper

This low density, loose porosity paper yields the fastest wicking rates and surface absorption of the grades in its class.  It is ideally suited as a general sample collection pad, wicking channel in microfluidic designs and base paper in reagent saturations.  Well defined resolution for indicator paper and specimen collection media for bioanalysis applications such as the collection of blood drops, urine or saliva. Efficient when used as a wick or absorbent pad under membrane for lateral flow or cross flow designs. 

This general purpose media is high purity cellulose filter paper. The proprietary production methods employed produce a media, which demonstrates a highly durable surface texture without the high level of organic extractables common to traditional acid-hardening processes. The ash content of this paper is 0.05% and is always single source cotton.

 High purity alpha cotton linter absorbent filter paper specifically formulated to yield a stable DNA, RNA and protein biomarker matrix for quantitative analysis.  The formation is highly uniform and free from density irregularities allowing fast indication and strong line hold.

Uniform screen & felt sides with consistent density MD/CD - Manufacturing performed with DI water filtration system - This media demonstrates excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility - Material chemistries are verified against a standard using GC techniques prior to paper making process - CofC and CofA provided with shipments – Available as rolls, reels, sheets and semi-finished converted configurations.

CFP1654 - High purity cellulose paper

The furnish composition is of 100% high purity cotton linters with no resin or binder content. The even density and high grade formation yields a very consistent and reproducible migration in both MD and CD. Naturally hydrophilic with no additional surfactants or additives necessary to yield high performance surface absorption rates and lateral migration speeds. 

The uniformity of this media affords a high liquid volume capacity with little to no leakage along strip.  Material demonstrates excellent lay-flat characteristics in reel-to-reel processing.  Its high purity allows for low extractables and minimal loss of analyte, therefore test resolution may be maintained even at high sample volume.  The proprietary production methods employed produce a media which demonstrates a highly durable surface texture without the high level of organic extractables common to traditional acid-hardening processes. The cotton linter furnish is single source. 

Ideal as an absorbent pad in diagnostic devices, base material in membrane separations, channel wicks in lateral flow configurations and high resolution visual indicative and colorimetric tests.

WTCFP-PE1 -Cellulose and mixed soft wood paper with impermeable backing

Unique highly absorbent cellulose paper of cotton and mixed soft wood pulp furnish lined with a crystal clear polyethylene film.  Material is tear resistant with good lay-flat properties and minimal roll-memory.  Ideally suited as an absorbent pad, moisture sink, indicator strip backer base material, impermeable barrier or multi-layer pad platform.

Polyethylene is ideal for heat setting, ultrasonic welding and tack adhesion of layered stack device design.  Film is impermeable therefore liquid sample wicks on cellulose portion laterally, but does not absorb through film.  Cellulose portion is highly absorbent and demonstrates very high migration speed making this an ideal moisture sink in complex multi-layer membrane and pad designs – or a design whereby sample penetration is not desirable.

Material is manufactured from carefully selected mixed fiber which is fully oxygen bleached and resin free.  The uniformity of this media affords a high liquid volume capacity with little to no leakage along strip.  Minimal extraneous fiber or fiber shed is observed in converting and processing.

Very high tensile strength for heavy saturations and tight caliper limits for precision coatings.

Grade B - Binderless Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and wicking rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  The material is inherently hydrophilic, therefore there have been no additives introduced.  This material is free of binder which enables use in sensitive and high resolution tests.

The media is thick with a medium density allowing high resolution line formation and holding capacity.  Improved tensile strength with reliable reel-to-reel handling capacity including applications where heavy saturation or precision coatings are applied. 

Fine porosity, medium to fast flow rate, with a 1.0µm size particle retention. Ideally suited for the collection of biochemical polymers that have been precipitated by denaturation. This material is twice as thick as Grade A with a higher loading capacity. May also be used as a solid particulate filter for gasses or as a prefilter.

Grade C - Binderless Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and absorption rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  The material is inherently hydrophilic, therefore there have been no additives introduced.  It is free of binder which enables use in sensitive and high resolution tests.  This media demonstrates very high surface absorption properties making it ideal as a rapid liquid sample transfer pad for use under membrane in cross-flow (vertical) or equally as efficient as a wicking device in lateral flow applications. 

The media is a versatile medium caliper, medium density grade which allows sufficient tensile strength for reliable reel-to-reel handling capacity.  Media shears cleanly due to a unique formation including both short and medium length fibers.  Very smooth surface with even density is ideal for precision coatings of both gravure and anilox type applications

Grade F - Binderless Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and wicking rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  The material is inherently hydrophilic, therefore there have been no additives introduced.  This material is free of binder which enables use in sensitive and high resolution tests.

The media demonstrates a very precise and even formation with little density phasing.  It is designed to tight tolerance in both caliper and density for most consistent results in lateral flow designs.  It is thin with a high density allowing high resolution line formation and holding capacity.  Short fibers allow fast transfer of sample along machine direction (MD) in lateral flow applications, while producing a very tight and closely regulate pore structure.  The very even surface is ideal for high precision gravure coatings.

B85 - Binderless Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and wicking rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  The material is inherently hydrophilic, therefore there have been no additives introduced.  This material is free of binder which enables use in sensitive and high resolution tests.

The media is thin with a high density allowing high resolution line formation and holding capacity.  Medium to long glass microfibers increase tensile strength for general dip saturation applications as well as high precision gravure coatings.

RG - Laminated Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and wicking rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  This material is a standard borosilicate glass microfiber with acrylic binder in <3% total material composition.  The media is bound to a polyester scrim for support and added strength for high speed reel-to-reel processing.  The support layer makes this media ideal for heavily saturated dip processing, as well as dry flat properties to be used as an absorbent layer base component.

This laminated glass product is a high efficiency multi-purpose filter medium with good heat resistance. Demonstrating a retention rate of 1-2µm, it is particularly recommended for both gas and liquid filtration in the medical field and for monitoring applications. 

The supporting scrim is a 0.5 oz/yd2 Reemay, a high strength spun bonded polyester nonwoven. Also, the scrim is bonded to the glass media using a polyester hot melt which has a melting point of 325° F making it ideal for heat press, ultrasonic and heat-welded device fabrication.

LL-72 - Double Laminated Glass Microfiber

Rapid wetting and wicking rates make this media ideal for sample pad collection and wicking platforms.  This material is a standard borosilicate glass microfiber with acrylic binder in <3% total material composition.  The media is bound on both sides to polyester scrim for support and added strength for high speed reel-to-reel processing.  The double support layer makes this media ideal for very heavily saturated dip processing, as well as dry flat properties to be used as an absorbent layer base component.

This double sided laminated glass product is a high efficiency multi-purpose filter medium with good heat resistance. Demonstrating a retention rate of 1-2µm, it is particularly recommended for both gas and liquid filtration in the medical field and for monitoring applications.

The supporting scrim is a 0.5 oz/yd2 Reemay, a high strength spun bonded polyester nonwoven. Also, the scrim is bonded to the glass media using a polyester hot melt which has a melting point of 325° F making it ideal for heat press, ultrasonic and heat-welded device fabrication

PP1 - Polypropylene Fibrous Filter

This media is a 100% high purity polypropylene melt blown fibrous depth filter.  The fiber structure is very consistent and uniform in formation allowing even wicking and lateral migration.  When used as a filtration media, it demonstrates very high flow rates with little back pressure, high loading capacities and has a Frazier air permeability >35ft³/min. 

The media is an excellent choice for microporous membrane prefiltration applications. 

The PP fibers are ideal for structured devices as they bond, heat stake, ultrasonically weld and mechanically lock to other thermoplastics.  The material has excellent thermal stability to 166°C.  The material demonstrates minimal discoloration and negligible degradation post gamma sterilization (15kGy min - 30kGy).  

Adhesive bonding is very difficult due to the chemical resistance of PP, but with a sufficiently viscous bonding solution it is possible by mechanically locking into the depth of the matrix. The material demonstrates a high tensile capacity and strong resistance to shear delamination.

Diagnostics OEM Capabilities

OEM and Custom Manufacturing

In addition to Tremont's significant standard production of analytical, laboratory and diagnostic products, we offer our services as your manufacturing partner.  

By utilizing a wide array of disciplines and resources we can modify an existing design or completely develop a new product or process. Cost efficiency is created with tight controls in timeline, budget, concurrent processes and production scale. We efficiently develop a viable early stage engineering plan to bring the project to your desired level of completion including short run, scale up and full commercialization.

Core capabilities:

• Wet lay processes for glass microfiber and cellulose media development
• Porous media development including modification of standard grades
• Hundreds of standard material grades in glass, cellulose and synthetics
• Converting such as slitting, die cutting, shearing, laminating & interleaving
• Component design for injection molding
• Component assembly using ultrasonic welding
• Inspection, insertion and encapsulation
• Device optimization and process consulting
• Short run to mid-volume manual operations
• Custom syringe and inline filter devices with integrity testing
• Kitting and special packaging
• ISO Class 8 & 9 clean room assembly and production

Partnered capabilities:

• Paper chemistry and pilot production
• Lateral flow device design and development
• Point of care device design
• Test strip production
• Micro gravure coating
• Rapid whole blood separation technologies
• Microfluidic device design