Fluorescent Protein Assay Testing in Medical Devices

Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.
Resources

Fluorescent Protein Assay Testing in Medical Devices

Sector: Diagnostics
Topic: Bio Break
YouTube video thumbnail

Understanding the Fluorescent Protein Assay

In this Bio Break episode, Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explain how a fluorescent protein assay helps engineers measure contamination and cleaning performance in medical devices. At StarFish Medical, the team develops controlled soil mixtures that safely simulate bodily fluids. These “artificial soil loads” allow precise testing of how effectively a device can resist or release contaminants.

The Science Behind Soil Load Visualization

To make invisible residues measurable, fluorescent dyes are introduced into the protein-based soil. Nick describes how common assays such as the Bradford Comassi and BCA assay use chemical reactions to bind with protein molecules. When exposed to certain light wavelengths, these compounds absorb and emit light differently, creating measurable fluorescence. This allows researchers to see exactly how much protein remains after cleaning.

Quantifying Cleaning Performance in MedTech

By using fluorescence to detect trace contamination, engineers can go beyond visual inspection. As Nigel and Nick discuss, results compared against a standard curve reveal how well a device resists soil accumulation or supports effective cleaning. These insights guide medical device developers toward safer, more reliable designs that meet regulatory expectations.

Enjoying Bio Break? Sign up to get new episodes sent to your inbox.

Subscribe to Bio Break
A fluorescent protein assay sample glows under UV light as part of medical device cleaning validation testing.

Fluorescent Protein Assay Testing in Medical Devices

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explain how a fluorescent protein assay helps engineers measure contamination and cleaning performance in medical devices.

Gloved hand holds fluorescent liquid over a UV-lit surface with green glow and red arrow pointing to the light, captioned ‘See the Clean?

Fluorescent Soil Load Test

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explore a creative approach to visualizing cleaning validation using a fluorescent soil load.

Gloved hands insert a swab into a sealed vial beside a crossed-out O₂ symbol with the text “No Oxygen Allowed?” illustrating anaerobic sample collection.

Anaerobic Sample Collection Explained

Nick Allan joins Nigel Syrotuck to explore how anaerobic sample collection works and why it’s vital for studying bacteria that cannot survive in oxygen.

Thumbnail showing “First to Invent” with yellow exclamation marks transitioning via red arrow to “First to File” with a folder of patent documents, illustrating the shift in patent rules discussed in the Bio Break episode.

Patent Documentation Habits

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck dive into the evolution of patent documentation habits in engineering and medical device development.