Packaging film is expected to become a low-cost alternative to medical trials
Researchers have developed a new, low-cost method for testing medical and environmental samples, using plastic bags as the main material, which is an air-filled flexible packaging film commonly called bubble film.
George Whitesides of Harvard University's West Institute of Bio-Inspired Engineering and his team came up with this idea when they visited laboratories in developing countries. The local laboratories and even the basic equipment couldn't afford it.
Dionysios Christodouleas, a member of the Whitesides team, told Plastics’ sister publication “Europe Plastics”: “Scientists usually leave bubble films in the laboratory because they are used when transporting other equipment. Bubble films have many characteristics that make them Become a candidate material for liquid sample containers: There are a variety of sizes to choose from, and they are regularly divided, which can be used for parallel multi-bubble method determination. In addition, it is also a transparent and sealed container."
The team pretended to be a container with a bubble film plastic foaming bag to carry out the detection of anemia and diabetes, and for the storage of microorganisms.
The team pointed out in a paper published in July that the product uses a needle to insert the sample into the air bag and then seal it with nail polish. Sealed Air Corp., located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, USA, developed and owns the trademark name Bubble Wrap.
Christodouleas said: "We also found that the inside of the bubble is a sterile environment, further expanding the scope of its use for biological sample transfer, as well as the use of bacterial culture and biological analysis."
Although the use of bubble wrap has its limitations, including the need to use a syringe or pipette tip and sealant, the team has high hopes for its future prospects.
Christodouleas said: "Using bubble packs to pretend to be containers for analysis and determination can significantly reduce the cost of storage containers. Under the condition of limited resources, the cost of analysis (including the cost of reagents), instrumentation, and trainees can be greatly reduced. Any decline in the number of people is an important step towards establishing an important health testing program for the local community."
The film tensile testing machine produced by horizontester company can perform tensile, peeling, tearing, heat sealing, adhesion and other performance tests on the film.
Technical Features
1000mm extra-long stroke for various test items with extreme elongation rate
The crossbeam is composed of three guide bars and graphite self-lubricating sleeve, which can ensure the linear movement of the crossbeam.
Two-way test mode for tensile and compression
0.1% of full scale effectively ensures accuracy and repeatability of test results
Equipped with dual load cells, compatible with multiple force test ranges
Equipped with advanced displacement control system, displacement accuracy can reach 0.1mm
With Panasonic's advanced servo drive system, which can achieve infinitely variable speed and wider test speed range to meet the user's needs for different test conditions.
11.6 inch PAD with intelligent data processing functions, providing users with a comfortable and smooth operating experience
Speeds up to 3000mm/min for high-speed testing requirements
Equipped with a handheld control box for auxiliary operation, which makes the test more convenient
Wide range of load cells for a variety of force testing requirements
Equipped with a variety of grips for choose, which can meet the test requirements of more than 10,000 materials
Intelligent designs of over-travel protection, overload protection, automatic position reset and power failure memory for safe test operation
Equipped with UL-certified imported Schneider emergency stop button to maximize the safety of man and machine during the test