Key Innovation
By introducing quantitation to lateral flow immunoassays through integrated optical and embedded systems, we brought high-quality multiplexed diagnostics within reach of the home and low-resource settings.
At-Home Quantitative Diagnostics
Client
BARDA
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Overview
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) selected Triple Ring to design, build, and test a low-cost quantitative biomarker detection platform intended for at-home and low-resource healthcare settings. The system was developed to support multiplexed biomarker analysis using compact, user-friendly instrumentation.
The resulting platform integrates biological sensing, embedded electronics, and optical detection technologies into a portable diagnostic system designed to support lab-at-home, point-of-care, and direct-to-consumer workflows.
Challenge
BARDA identified the need for a low-cost diagnostic platform capable of delivering quantitative biomarker measurements outside traditional laboratory environments. The system needed to support multiplexed testing while remaining accessible for use in resource-limited settings and CLIA-waived environments.
Achieving this capability required integration of complex biological, optical, and electronic subsystems into a compact and manufacturable design. The platform also needed to extend the measurable range of lateral flow immunoassays while maintaining usability and cost targets suitable for broad deployment.
At-Home Quantitative Diagnostics
Overview
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) selected Triple Ring to design, build, and test a low-cost quantitative biomarker detection platform intended for at-home and low-resource healthcare settings. The system was developed to support multiplexed biomarker analysis using compact, user-friendly instrumentation.
The resulting platform integrates biological sensing, embedded electronics, and optical detection technologies into a portable diagnostic system designed to support lab-at-home, point-of-care, and direct-to-consumer workflows.
Challenge
BARDA identified the need for a low-cost diagnostic platform capable of delivering quantitative biomarker measurements outside traditional laboratory environments. The system needed to support multiplexed testing while remaining accessible for use in resource-limited settings and CLIA-waived environments.
Achieving this capability required integration of complex biological, optical, and electronic subsystems into a compact and manufacturable design. The platform also needed to extend the measurable range of lateral flow immunoassays while maintaining usability and cost targets suitable for broad deployment.
Client
BARDA
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Solution
Triple Ring applied multidisciplinary expertise across biological sciences, engineering, and embedded systems to develop a scalable diagnostic platform capable of delivering quantitative results from multiplexed lateral flow assays.
Development efforts focused on:
- Designing multiplexed lateral flow assay (LFA) detection systems capable of quantifying biomarker concentrations
- Integrating biological, electrical, mechanical, optical, and embedded software subsystems into a unified platform
- Developing workflows suitable for CLIA-waived, point-of-care, and at-home diagnostic environments
- Extending the quantitative measurement range beyond that of conventional lateral flow assay readers
- Conducting system-level integration and verification to support development of a handheld diagnostic platform
Outcome
Triple Ring delivered a functional multiplexed diagnostic platform capable of quantifying biomarker concentrations across multiple test channels. The system demonstrated improved quantitative measurement range compared to conventional lateral flow assay readers.
The platform supported deployment across diverse clinical environments, including at-home and point-of-care settings. Ongoing development efforts include system integration and testing of a handheld version designed to further expand accessibility and usability in remote and low-resource healthcare environments.
Triple Ring Talent
The Story Behind the Innovation
At Triple Ring, we draw on a deep bench of expertise across diverse disciplines matched to each innovation challenge. For this project, our team combined biological sciences, optical detection, embedded electronics, and diagnostic platform engineering to develop a low-cost multiplexed biomarker detection system capable of delivering quantitative lab-grade results in at-home and resource-limited healthcare settings.
Rachel and Chris collaborated with many talented colleagues across Triple Ring and BARDA on this project.
Rachel Gerver, PhD
Bioengineering & Applied Science and Systems
Dr. Rachel Gerver advances microfluidic and point-of-care technologies from early development into real-world application. Her work spans technical leadership and systems development, helping teams bring complex innovations to market where they can deliver meaningful impact.
Chris Todd
Mechanical Engineering
Chris Todd focuses on biomedical diagnostics and precision instrumentation, integrating fluidics, optics, and mechanical systems. His work supports the development of regulated medical technologies from early concepts through manufacturing, helping teams deliver reliable diagnostic solutions at scale.
Key Innovation
By translating precision pressure requirements across diverse skin types into a manufacturable applicator, we produced a home device robust enough for daily self-use.
Microneedle Patch Applicator
Client
Confidential
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Overview
The client selected Triple Ring to design a reusable applicator supporting the delivery of a novel micro-needle patch for transdermal drug administration. The system was intended for patient-administered use in home settings and required consistent mechanical performance to ensure reliable drug delivery.
The resulting combination product integrated a reusable applicator with a micro-needle patch system designed to enable uniform pressure application, supporting consistent adhesion and controlled dosing across diverse patient populations.
Challenge
The client developed a microneedle-based transdermal patch that required significantly greater uniformity of application pressure compared to traditional adhesive patches. Achieving reliable drug delivery required development of a reusable applicator capable of delivering consistent mechanical force during use.
The applicator needed to function effectively across a wide range of skin types, including variations in thickness, age, moisture content, and anatomical placement. In addition to performance requirements, the design needed to meet durability expectations for repeated home use while maintaining low production cost.
Microneedle Patch Applicator
Overview
The client selected Triple Ring to design a reusable applicator supporting the delivery of a novel micro-needle patch for transdermal drug administration. The system was intended for patient-administered use in home settings and required consistent mechanical performance to ensure reliable drug delivery.
The resulting combination product integrated a reusable applicator with a micro-needle patch system designed to enable uniform pressure application, supporting consistent adhesion and controlled dosing across diverse patient populations.
Challenge
The client developed a microneedle-based transdermal patch that required significantly greater uniformity of application pressure compared to traditional adhesive patches. Achieving reliable drug delivery required development of a reusable applicator capable of delivering consistent mechanical force during use.
The applicator needed to function effectively across a wide range of skin types, including variations in thickness, age, moisture content, and anatomical placement. In addition to performance requirements, the design needed to meet durability expectations for repeated home use while maintaining low production cost.
Client
Confidential
Practice Areas
Core Disciplines
Solution
Triple Ring applied interdisciplinary expertise across materials science, mechanical engineering, and life sciences to design an applicator capable of delivering controlled pressure during patch placement. The development effort focused on optimizing performance across diverse user conditions while maintaining manufacturability and reliability.
Key development efforts included:
- Designing precision mechanical systems capable of delivering uniform pressure during patch application
- Selecting materials optimized for durability, manufacturability, and patient-safe use
- Engineering applicator geometry to accommodate variation in skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity
- Validating device performance across simulated patient-use conditions
Outcome
Triple Ring delivered a reusable applicator integrated with a micro-needle array patch, forming a single-entity combination product designed for intracutaneous drug delivery. The system enabled rapid drug absorption while supporting consistent dosing performance.
The completed applicator enabled the client to advance into clinical trials and demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology to healthcare stakeholders. The underlying technology was ultimately acquired by a vaccine manufacturer, supporting continued development and commercialization.
Triple Ring Talent
The Story Behind the Innovation
At Triple Ring, we draw on a deep bench of expertise across diverse disciplines matched to each innovation challenge. For this project, our team combined mechanical engineering, materials science, and life sciences expertise to design a reusable applicator capable of delivering consistent, uniform pressure across diverse patient skin types — enabling reliable transdermal drug delivery in home settings.
Walt and Gabe collaborated with many talented colleagues across Triple Ring on this project.
Walt Cecka
Medical Device Design & Translational Medicine
Walt Cecka brings decades of experience translating novel medical technologies into first-to-market products. He works closely with innovators to shape early concepts into structured development programs that advance patient care across a wide range of clinical applications.
Gabriel Chow, PhD
Materials Characterization & Development
Dr. Gabe Chow specializes in materials characterization and mechanical system development across macro to nanoscale environments. His work supports the design, testing, and reliability of advanced materials and mechanical systems, helping translate innovative concepts into durable, real-world solutions.