Discussions with numerous potential customers and investors have led Vista to the conclusion that the process of nanowire-based measurements can and should be separated from the process of sample preparation. From an engineering perspective, this means that a single universal nanowire sensor device can be used in all applications. The preparation of samples/materials is a separate, upstream process that is specific to the nature of the material and the frequency with which it is measured. This has greatly simplified the design, use and cost of the detection device. It has also created significant opportunities for the sales of Vista-labeled ‘sample preparation kits’ or in the case of continuous plasma collection from human patients, a plasma isolation attachment. All of the ‘kit’ components are readily available and Vista is negotiating with suppliers who will package and custom-label them. Just like the disposable nanowire ‘chip’, Vista will sell these sample preparation kits separately. For the continuous plasma separation device, Vista has partnered with the exclusive provider. This device – discussed in greater detail below – is being manufactured by Vista’s manufacturing partner (MesoSystems/ICX) and seamlessly integrates with Vista’s chip reading device. The photos below show a current nanowire "card" on the left, and the reader device prototype on the right. These currently form the basis of Vista's product and service offerings. Vista's production pathways, right now, should be capable of manufacturing 300 cards and 20 sensor readers per month.
Inside the card's nanowire fluidics chamber is the disposable nanowire "chip," which can be seen at the center of the lefthand picture. All components are housed in a single unit. Importantly, the system will have standard programs that have been pre-programmed to run each of the major types of pre-prepared samples (urine, plasma, etc.) and export data to a laptop computer. There will also be a user-friendly menu for running user-defined routines (i.e., run buffer only at 5 ul/min for 2 minutes, then run sample at 1 ul/min for five minutes. Automatically adjust sample pH to 7.8 and concentration to 0.3 OD 260).
Vista’s strategic partner, MesoSystems/ICX, is the world’s largest design-engineering-manufacturer of continuous monitoring devices for weapons and bio-terror agents. Vista, with MesoSystems, is currently developing prototypes, which are now in alpha testing. Vista is also conducting a few, critical experiments that it will publish to increase market awareness. The prototype system, discussed in detail on the Prototype page, is shown below schematically, for both frequent and constant monitoring of blood biomarkers.
The first products that will be launched can be found on the prototype page.
Note that Vista will also provide services based on its NW biosensor arrays and systems.