Izon's qViro platform was first released in June 2009, alongside the qNano, as the world's first nanopore-based system for virus characterization. It provided a rapid method of counting and sizing individual virus particles in real-time, which was not available before.
The IZON qViro-X platform.
In principle either instrument can be used for characterizing a range of nano- and micro- sized particles, including microorganisms and viruses.
Recently, a new version of the product has been developed, which truly differentiates the virus analysis instrument, making it ideally suited to operating environments with stringent decontamination requirements.
qViro-X is the next step in the development of nanopore-based virus analysis instrumentation. A number of refinements to the system include:
- The electronics have been separated from the main body of the instrument and moved into a waterproof IP68 enclosure, eliminating the risk of fluid contamination issues.
- The use of stainless steel in the body of the instrument, which allows cleaning with harsh chemicals to meet stringent decontamination requirements.
- An air-operated pressure module has been incorporated into the instrument housing, which allows the application of pressure to the system without the need for a separate fluid-based manometer. Pressure-driven measurement allows rapid determination of viral titre across a wide concentration range.
- The machine's height has been decreased by 25%, improving access to the fluid cell during instrument operation in biosafety cabinets and fume hoods.
- New 21 CFR Part 11 compliant software provides improved security features and a full data audit trail that meet FDA requirements.