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Our resource library is where you’ll find all our technical documentation, plus you can sign up for webinars or meet us at upcoming events. Please contact us if you don’t find what you need. We are happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Devin can be used for all types of biological fluids including whole blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), aqueous and vitreous humor, synovial fluid, ascitic fluids, urine, saliva, and other bodily fluids. 

We currently recommend using the Devin filter for fresh samples (immediately after collection with storage NOT exceeding 6 hours at ambient temperature or 12 hours at 2-6°C). However, we are testing our products with frozen samples and we have some data on select types. If you plan to use frozen samples, please consult with us so we can share the data and make the best recommendation.

We generally recommend that clinical specimens be processed as soon as possible. When processed immediately, our Devin filter and PaRTI-SeqTM assay are compatible with any lab’s existing sample-batching policies for PCR and NGS-based assays . If you require your samples to be stored at any point, our kits allow for the following stopping points:
  • Pelleted and filtered samples can be stored at -20°C before further use
  • DNA extracts stored at -20°C
  • PCR-amplified DNA sequencing libraries at 4°C or -20°C
  • Any other stopping points as defined in the user’s sequencing workflow
The maximum volume of whole blood for the Devin filter is 10 mL. For other sample types with less host cells, more volume can be used but initial efficiency tests may be needed if >10 mL is absolutely required. However, if less than 2 mL volumes are available, we recommend implementing a modified Micronbrane Medical protocol.   To see an example of how Devin and PaRTI-Seq can work with low volumes read our App Note >

The Devin filter uses patented Zwitterionic Interface Ultra Self-assemble Coating (ZISC) technology to deplete host nucleated cells. ZISC creates a polymer cross-linked layer with alternating patterns of positively and negatively charged ions on the membrane, which maintains a tight hydration layer within the filter. The ions then interact with the hydrophilic proteins of host cells, retaining them in the filter, while permitting while allowing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to pass through unaltered.

No it does not. In fact, the Devin filter pore size 15-20 μm, large enough to allow human cells and larger microorganisms such as fungi to pass. The depletion of host cells occurs because of the double ionic technology, not the pore size.

The Devin filter is  ready-to-use and sterile. Using Devin consists of a simple procedure.  A video demonstrating use of the ZISC filter may be viewed HERE >. A written protocol of the Devin filter is also available HERE >.

PaRTI-Seq stands for Pathogen Real-Time Identification by Sequencing. It is our mNGS-grade assay that consists of three parts: the proprietary Devin Microbial DNA Enrichment Kit. the Unison Ultralow DNA NGS Library Preparation Kit, and PaRTI-Cular™. The Devin Microbial DNA Enrichment Kit is our DNA extraction kit. Along with the reagents required for DNA extraction, we supply Devin filters to deplete host cells from your fluid specimens Next, the Unison Ultralow DNA NGS Library Preparation Kit uses a one-step Tn5-based protocol to tag, amplify, and normalize DNA libraries.  Lastly, PaRTI-Cular is Micronbrane Medical’s bioinformatics software. PaRTI-Cular’s state-of-the-art computational algorithms and comprehensive microbial database provide an accurate report of a sample’s microbial community within 30 minutes per sample. 

  • PaRTI-Seq can detect various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Our PaRTI-Cular analysis database includes more than 1400 known human pathogens that help you quickly identify any pathogen of interest. The PaRTI-Seq pipeline also helps identify unknown novel exotic pathogens with no known sequences by aligning any unaligned sequences against the full Genbank database.

  • As we continue to expand our database, we are actively looking for additional studies for viruses, yeasts, filamentous fungi, parasites, and intracellular bacteria. If you would like to test microorganisms not yet included in our database with the Devin filter and PaRTI-Seq assay we are happy to have you join our Research Program >
Depending on a host cell’s status within its life cycle, PaRTI-Seq may be able to detect nucleic acids belonging to intracellular viruses and bacteria. However, confirming this would require further testing since the Devin filter depletes nucleated host cells infected by intracellular microorganisms.  As such, we are continuing analytical and clinical validation experiments to confirm that our filters can enrich cells infected with microorganisms.  If you would like to start a collaborative project to test this, we invite you to join our Research Program >

Currently our Microbial Enrichment kit and downstream mNGS library kit are designed to detect only DNA viruses. Nonetheless, we are currently developing a separate workflow to detect RNA viruses.  Join our newsletter and be notified the moment  we launch the assay.

PaRTI-Seq™ can be performed on any sequencing platform including Illumina, MGI, Nanopore, and PacBio. However, our NGS library kit is currently only compatible with Illumina-based platforms but we are quickly developing kits compatible with other sequencing platforms on the market.

Yes, PaRTI-Seq can be developed for both a manual and an automated protocol. Click here to learn how to integrate PaRTI-Seq into your NGS workflows HERE >

Currently, the Devin filter, Unison kit, and PaRTI-Seq workflows are for Research Use Only (RUO).