Inorevia is an innovative company specializing in the development of advanced microfluidic platforms for complex biological protocols. Leveraging our patented Magnetic Tweezer technology and expertise in droplet microfluidics, we provide solutions that enable automation and performance improvement in life science research and diagnostics. Our flagship instrument, the Magelia, serves as a versatile platform adaptable to a wide range of applications involving magnetic beads and liquid handling in confined environments.
Our role in the NEXUS project is to be a stakeholder to the development of a fully automated instrument for the isolation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for diagnostic purposes. Inorevia has been tasked with the design, development, and optimization of the purification module of the NEXUS instrument. This crucial module is designed to extract, purify, and enrich EVs of interest before their analysis by the detection module developed by IRIS Kinetics. Our activities have encompassed the entire spectrum of module development, including the design and manufacturing of dedicated consumables.
During the course of the NEXUS project, Inorevia has achieved several key results. A major focus was on adapting the Magelia platform to handle the larger sample volumes required by the NEXUS protocol, increasing the input and output volume. This was achieved by splitting the sample across the instrument’s eight capillaries and subsequently pooling the outputs, without any additional handling time thanks to fully automation.
Nexus purification module
Furthermore, Inorevia has designed and tested custom cartridges specifically tailored for the NEXUS protocol, including the output module responsible for the crucial pooling step. We successfully developed a robust and efficient cartridge design using biocompatible materials, ensuring seamless integration with the Magelia platform. Rigorous quality control procedures have been established and implemented for all developed cartridges to guarantee their performance and reliability.
The output module of the purificaton instrument
A cornerstone of our contribution was the optimization and validation of the EV isolation protocol, known as the NEXUS protocol, on both single-capillary and multi-capillary versions of the Magelia-based purification module. This involved fine-tuning numerous fluidic parameters, such as flow rates, incubation times, and reagent volumes. Biological validation experiments conducted in collaboration with other partners have demonstrated the efficiency of the developed protocol for capturing and releasing EVs. Moreover, to enhance the user-friendliness, Inorevia has implemented full automation of the liquid handling steps, including reagent aliquoting and eluate pooling, leading to a significant reduction of handling time compared to traditional methods.
The journey through the NEXUS project has provided Inorevia with valuable experience. We encountered challenges such as managing larger fluid volumes within microfluidic channels, ensuring the stability of larger droplets, and navigating the complexities of integrating new functionalities with existing technologies. Problem-solving was at the heart of our approach, leading to innovative solutions like the multi-channel processing strategy and meticulous optimization of fluidic parameters. The quality control aspects highlighted the importance of precise manufacturing and assembly processes for microfluidic consumables. Looking ahead, our experience in the NEXUS project will be invaluable in shaping future developments in automated EV isolation and other diagnostic protocols based on magnetic beads. The insights gained in managing multi-partner collaborations and addressing the specific needs of EV research will undoubtedly inform our strategic directions and contribute to our continued innovation in the field of complex biological protocols automation.
