We have recently been appointed by Cellular Highways, a spin-out of TTP plc, based in Cambridge to assist in the production of moulded components for their fully enclosed cartridge for cell sorting. So far 1500 units have been delivered and significantly more are expected as production is ramped up.

Our selection was based on our expertise in producing injection moulded disposables, at speed, to assist with this Beta product.

Cellular Highways required a thin polycarbonate screw cap with a thermoplastic rubber insert for the output vessel of a new cartridge which will come to market later this year. The single-use closed cartridge, known as Highway1, will enable the analysis of millions of single cells for research and development.

John He, mechanical engineer at Cellular Highways, said: “Since the cartridge had to be single-use and closed, there could be no clogged nozzles, no cleaning, and no carry-over or contamination. In addition, the vessel had to be large enough to process typical cell populations in a single run without the need to use multiple cartridges.

“From an initial conversation with the team at MMP, we then submitted manufacturing drawings and a CAD model. Very quickly we were given a comprehensive quote which was extremely competitive and with the timings in line with our requirements.”

Peter Lucas, co-director of MMP said: “Within four months, we had successfully designed and delivered the micro-thin tube cap based on the manufacturing requirements.

“From the outset, our goal was to ensure that our cap was manufactured and tested to meet the relevant regulatory and safety requirements before sending on to Cellular Highways.

“We were pleased to have had such positive feedback and to be known as the people to do business with based on speed, flexibility and ease of working practices. We’re looking forward to working with Cellular Highways again in the future.”