Lateral flow assays are a type of medical diagnostic test that are widely used for their simplicity, and speed. However, they typically rely on single-use plastic casings that can decompose in the environment for hundreds of years. That's where Gelassette comes in – it's a biodegradable alternative to plastic casings that are made from gelatin.
The Gelassette project was developed by Mexican Industrial Designer Luis Fernando Barrios to aid the COVID Pandemic back in March 2020, and refined with Okos' founder Julian Brus. It's currently being exhibited in the Temporary Exhibition Design + Health of the World Design Capital Valencia 2022. The exhibition runs until April 16th, so if you're in the area, be sure to check it out!
So, how does Gelassette work? Essentially, it's a small, transparent container made from gelatin that can hold the reagents and other components of a lateral flow assay. The gelatin casing is designed to be sturdy enough to protect the contents of the assay, but it's also biodegradable, water dispersible, and can be easily disposed of without harming the environment.
One of the key benefits of Gelassette is that it can be customized to fit the specific needs of different lateral flow assays. The gelatin casing's size, shape, and composition can be adjusted based on the requirements of the assay, which means that it could potentially be used for a wide range of diagnostic tests.
Another benefit of Gelassette is that it's relatively easy and inexpensive to produce. Gelatin is a common food ingredient that's widely available and has a low environmental impact. The Gelassette team has also developed a scalable production process that could be used to manufacture the casings in large quantities.
Overall, Gelassette is an exciting innovation that could help reduce the environmental impact of lateral flow assays while providing a customizable and cost-effective solution for medical diagnostics. If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out the Gelassette exhibit at the Temporary Exhibition Design + Health of the World Design Capital Valencia 2022 before it ends on April 16th.
Do you want to learn more about the project?
As a manufacturer: Interested to include Gelassette in your test kit?
As an investor: Interested in our concept and vision?
Info@okosdiagnotics.com