Lyobead Services & Technology - FAQ's

General

What are lyobeads?
Lyobeads are small, freeze-dried (lyophilized) beads containing precise quantities of reagents, enzymes, or other biological materials. They are used in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and other applications requiring stable and convenient reagent formats.

What industries can benefit from using lyobead services?
Lyobeads are widely used in diagnostics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food safety testing, veterinary diagnostics, environmental testing, and academic research.

What are the advantages of using lyobeads over traditional liquid reagents?

  • Extended shelf life and stability at room temperature.
  • Easy handling and storage without refrigeration.
  • Accurate pre-measured doses for consistent results.
  • Faster workflows due to ready-to-use formats.
  • Reduced cold chain logistics costs.

Are lyobeads available in different sizes?
Lyobeads can be customized in a range of sizes, typically from 3ul to 40ul, depending on the application and reagent requirements.


Customization and Manufacturing

Can lyobeads be customized for my specific application?
Yes, lyobeads can be fully customized based on your requirements, including reagent composition, bead size, and stability conditions.

 

What types of materials can be lyophilized into beads?
Enzymes, antibodies, nucleotides, PCR master mixes, proteins, and other biological reagents are commonly lyophilized. We can assess your specific formulation for compatibility.

What is the typical turnaround time for lyobead production?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity and scale of your project but typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, including formulation optimization, trial cycle, and full-scale production.

Can you provide trial cycles before larger-scale manufacturing?
Yes, we offer pilot-scale production to validate the performance of your lyobeads before scaling up to full production. We can also provide analysis at your request.

What quality controls are in place during lyobead production?
We follow strict quality control processes, including:

  • Material compatibility testing.
  • Uniformity and consistency checks for bead size and composition.
  • Stability and performance testing under various storage conditions.

Applications and Use

How are lyobeads used in diagnostics?
Lyobeads are commonly used in diagnostic kits, such as PCR assays, ELISA tests, and point-of-care devices. They provide pre-measured reagents, reducing preparation time and ensuring consistent results.

Are lyobeads suitable for point-of-care testing?
Yes, lyobeads are ideal for point-of-care applications because of their long shelf life, stability, and ease of use without refrigeration.

Can lyobeads be used in molecular diagnostics like PCR?
Absolutely. Lyobeads are frequently used in PCR and qPCR assays, as they can include pre-measured master mixes for amplification and detection.

Are lyobeads suitable for sensitive reagents?
Yes, the lyophilization process stabilizes sensitive reagents, protecting them from degradation caused by temperature, moisture, or oxidation.

>> Learn about our Diagnostics CDMO Services here

Storage and Handling

Do lyobeads require special storage conditions?
Most lyobeads are designed for room-temperature stability, but specific storage requirements are dependent on the formulation. Some may require cool or dry conditions for optimal performance.

How long do lyobeads last?
Lyobeads can have a shelf life of several years under proper storage conditions, depending on the formulation and application.

Are lyobeads resistant to environmental factors like humidity?
Yes, lyobeads are highly resistant to environmental stress, but excessive humidity should be avoided to prevent degradation.


Service and Support

Do you offer formulation development for lyobeads?
Yes, we provide end-to-end formulation development services, including optimizing reagent mixtures for stability and performance in lyobead form as well as multiple analysis techniques.

Can you help with regulatory compliance for diagnostics using lyobeads?
Yes, we can provide documentation and support for regulatory compliance, including IVDR requirements.

What is the minimum order quantity for lyobead production?
There is no minimum order quantity, but costs will be lower per bead for higher production rates.

Do you offer packaging solutions for lyobeads?
Yes, we offer customizable packaging options, including single-use vials, blister packs, and bulk formats.

Cost and Pricing

How much does lyobead development or production cost?
Costs depend on factors like formulation complexity, scale, and customer needs. Please do get in touch for a quotation specific to your product requirements.

Are there cost benefits to switching to lyobeads?
Yes, lyobeads reduce costs associated with cold chain logistics, reduce waste from unused reagents, and streamline workflow, resulting in long-term savings.