Abstract

Improving Sustainability in the Lab-On-a-Chip Field: Environmentally-Friendly Device Prototyping and Manufacturing

Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, Professor, Heriot Watt University

The use of single-use, disposable medical equipment has increased the amount of medical waste produced and the advent of point-of-care diagnostics in lab-on-chip format is likely to add further volume. Current materials used for the manufacture of these devices are derived from petroleum sources and are, therefore, unsustainable. In addition, disposal of contaminated plastics necessitates combustion to reduce infection risk, which has, depending on material composition, and incineration capacity, an undesirable environmental impact. To address these issues, we have developed several sustainable approaches for the rapid prototyping of single-use point-of-care cartridges, including use recycled PMMA or laminated PLA. Parameters such as optical quality, cost, and translation to mass-market products will be discussed. These techniques present exciting opportunities for immediate and future sustainable solutions in the LOAC field.