Abstract

Microfluidics, Lab-on-Chip and Environmental Sustainability: The Limits of the Single-Use

Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, Professor, Heriot Watt University

Many microfluidic point-of-care tests are now ubiquitous tools in rapid methods for human or veterinary diagnostics, or environmental monitoring. Using a microfluidic engineer perspective, and discussions with global health practitioners and anthropologists, I will share what I learned in recent years about the mishaps of point-of-need, single-use and disposable methods. Finally, I will use a recent project in which we produced lateral flow tests using recycled plastics (including derived from discarded chewing-gum!) as a case study for discussion on materials, engineering, supply chains, regulations, and considerations of human behaviour towards creating more sustainable point-of-care medical devices.