SIRE TechnologySIRE® technology represents a unique class of biosensors, i.e. Sensors based on Injection of the Recognition Element. The technology is based on the award-winning and patented (CA 2 209 412, JP 4 079 452, SE 9500020-4, US 860117 and US 6706160 B2) research by Chemel AB and Ass. Prof. Dario Kriz, European Institute of Science, with the following lead words in mind: - Easy to operate- Flexible- Easy sample preparation - Rapid analysis- Cost-effectiveThe SIRE® analysis systems are enzymatic/amperometric biosensors, i.e. an enzyme works as the recognition element or reagent and an amperometric transducer device relays the signals from the enzymatic reactions to the microprocessor unit. Uniquely, the enzyme is not immobilised in conjunction to the probe but is kept soluble and injected in the buffer flow when a measurement is conducted. The soluble recognition elements manufactured by Chemel AB are always fresh. Soluble recognition elements allow background measurements with one single SIRE® Probe or a SIRE® Flowcell. During operation a continuous buffer flow runs through the system from the buffer container, through a valve and then through the reaction chamber or a SIRE® Probe or a SIRE® Flowcell. The flow then passes through a pump system and ends up in the waste container. The measuring cycle starts by a measurement without any enzyme in the chamber, which will result in a measure of the background of the sample solution. Then the enzyme reagent is injected into the flow. The reagent is transported to the reaction chamber (fig 1) of the SIRE® Probe/SIRE® Flowcell, which is separated from the sample solution by a semi-permeable membrane. When the enzyme reagent reaches the reaction chamber the flow is stopped and the enzyme is allowed to react with the analyte. The time that the enzyme is kept inside the reaction chamber reacting with the analyte is called the "reaction time" and is carefully optimized by Chemel AB for every analyte and concentration range. When the reaction time has passed, the enzyme is flushed out of the reaction chamber. The microprocessor unit subtracts the background signal from the signal obtained from the enzymatic reaction. The use of the same probe/flowcell for both the enzymatic reaction and the check of the background is an additional unique feature of the SIRE® Technology which is made possible by the use of soluble recognition elements. Other advantages are that enzymes may be fed in sequence allowing for the analysis of more analytes at the same time. SIRE® Technology also works in a larger temperature sequence since the enzyme is only used once for each sample and then discarded. SIRE® Technology may potentially be developed into in situ bioprocess monitoring devices since the enzyme does not have to be present during the sterilisation process with high temperature and pressure. 
SIRE® Technology (pdf) |
