Abstract

FPC@DCU's Platform Strategy For Enabling Efficient Development of Robust and Manufacturable Lab-on-a-Chip Solutions for the Life Sciences

Jens Ducree, Professor of Microsystems, Dublin City University

The dynamically emerging trend of decentralised sample prep and testing of biosamples such as blood, water and industrial fluids in the life sciences at the point-of-use spurred the emergence of a plethora of microfluidic technologies. Based on a thorough market analysis, this presentation will illustrate the approach of FPC@DCU - the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University - to accelerate and de-risk development of microfluidics-enabled solutions, mainly in the context of the life-science, towards high-technology-readiness levels (TRLs). In a platform-based design-for manufacture approach adopted from established industries, manifold applications can swiftly be derived from a single set of design rules, and quasi seamlessly be scaled-up from prototyping to pilot series and eventual mass production. This strategy will be explained along FPC@DCU’s centrifugal microfluidic “Lab-on-a-Disc” platform which integrates and automates multiplexed multi-step / multi-reagent bioassay protocols in a robust, user-friendly and cost-efficient manner.