Reagent Storage On Microfluidic Cartridges

Effective reagent storage is one of the biggest challenges in developing scalable microfluidic cartridges for point-of-care and point-of-need diagnostics. This white paper explores practical approaches for storing both liquid and dry reagents while maintaining stability, simplifying manufacturing, and reducing costs without compromising assay performance.

The paper outlines the quality and economic requirements that reagent storage solutions must satisfy, including long-term stability, chemical compatibility, manufacturability, and support for high-volume production. It also examines common storage approaches such as integrated blister packs, reagent tanks with frangible seals, and techniques for extending liquid reagent shelf life on microfluidic cartridges.

A key focus is the introduction of the "Reagent Plug"—an injection-molded carrier that separates reagent preparation from cartridge manufacturing. By allowing reagents to be dried, conditioned, and validated independently before final assembly, the platform enables automated manufacturing, simplifies process development, and supports scalable production for increasingly complex diagnostic assays.

The white paper also demonstrates how standardized test platforms can evaluate reagent rehydration, stability, compatibility, and assay performance before full cartridge production. Validation studies show that properly stored and reconstituted reagents maintain functionality, helping developers optimize new assays with greater confidence.

Whether you're developing molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, or other lab-on-a-chip technologies, discover how innovative reagent storage strategies can shorten development cycles, improve manufacturability, and support reliable, cost-effective commercialization.