Symposium 1997: Abstract for RG Hood

Symposium 1997: Abstracts

Advanced Membrane Systems for Luminescence Assays

Robert G Hood
F.S.M. Technologies Ltd,
Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank G81 2NT, UK

Chemical and biological luminescence for rapid diagnostic systems in medicine, environmental studies and food processing is gaining ground over more conventional diagnostic systems. However the provision of a consistent and stable "platform" from which the test can be conducted remains a problem in many areas of use. The development of a stable "platform" for such analytical studies has been the primary aim of the research and development work carried out by F.S.M. Technologies Ltd over the last three years. Research indicates that the specific steps between sampling and the results are reduced by the adaptation of polymeric membrane structures in a hollow fibre format to chemi- or bio-reactive materials for specific analytical purposes. The advantages offered by this development are wide and varied primarily because even with a highly turbid sample, the reduction or total elimination of "washing" steps is possible. In addition the range of membranes available for the selection of the particular component to be analysed from the background directly on to the reactive material is a one-step operation.