ILECA-28 – the design of a device improving the comet assay procedure

DESIGN: Marta Wota

Poland

make me! 2020

ILECA-28 is a design for a device to improve the process of damage detection and DNA repair analysis (comet assay). The goal was to create an innovative, safe and intuitive device and define a new user process following a different construction of the device in comparison to other devices available on the market. A thorough analysis of the method and the activities performed by lab technicians helped create a system that combines a possibility, unprecedented so far, to carry out three key test stages under one product. The project was inspired by architecture. It has impacted its cylindrical form and openwork construction. As a result it was possible to use ergonomic preparations, harmonise the conditions of the test, reduce the weight, introduce smooth circulation of fluids during the test and maintain thermal control. ILECA-28 speeds up the procedure by at least 40 minutes, each time resulting in saving up to 2.5 l of reagents and protecting against potential errors of lab technicians. The design was developed in cooperation with The Medical University of Łódź, responsible for providing expertise and technological support and was awarded in the best Master of Arts graduation project competition at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź (Prime Time 2020).