FlipTube tackles contamination risk in development of biotech formulations

Targeting research and development professionals, the Rainin FlipTube is an easy-open microdentrifuge tube that features a one-handed open-and-close system designed to both speed up the workflow, as well as targeting the cross-contamination risk.

“Rainin offers FlipTubes as part of our growing range of products that enable life science researchers to reach their goals more efficiently, whether they are working in academia, or in government, clinical, pharma or biotche labs,”​ said Leonard Pulig, general manager of Ranin Instruments, which is a Mettler Toledo company.

One-handed operation​

What is particularly innovative about the design of the instrument is the fact that it can be held, opened and closed, all with one hand, a very useful design function given that laboratory workers often have to multitask between other instrumentation and tasks simultaneously.

In one easy motion of the extended hinge projection, the lab worker is able to open the lid using thumb pressure, allowing samples or reagent to be pipetted into the relevant tube using the other hand.

The maker of the FlipTop also claims that this design allows for the process to be repeated for successive test tube samples, while the fact that using only one hand to do this means the risk of cross-contamination is minimised.

High thermal and chemical resistivity​

Adding to the flexibility, the manufacturer also claims that the FlipTube is autoclavable at 121C and can be stored at temperatures as low as minus 80C, without the risk of compromising the integrity of the tube’s seal.

The tubes are manufactured with a maximum volume capacity of 1.5ml and are available in non-sterile clear, as well as red, blue, yellow and green, to assist in easier cofification of samples.

Biotechnology is being used to further develop and enhance a number of areas of cosmetics formulation, including the development of sophisticated bio-surfactants, as well as enhanced natural extracts and active ingredients.