Abstract

Can Microfluidics Provide the Foundation for Creating a Molecular-Digital Continuum?

Dermot Diamond, Professor, Dublin City University

Physical transducers have played a central role in the emergence of the so-called ‘Internet of Things’, wherein everyday objects and people become sensorised and linked through ubiquitous digital communications infrastructure.  Parameters like temperature, light intensity/colour/imaging, location, movement, proximity, can now be tracked over long time periods (years) and at huge scale, thanks to the availability of low-cost, highly-reliable sensors, and now form the basis of a multitude of APPs related to e.g., Smart Homes, Smart Cars, and Personalized Exercise.  At present, despite advances in terms of range of accessible target species, selectivity and sensitivity, the same cannot be said for chemical sensing and biosensing, principally because of reliability in long-term use.  Consequently, the dominant use model for many molecular measurements (and particularly biosensors) is single-shot measurements with disposable devices.  In cases where continuous monitoring is possible (mainly chemical sensing), the use model requires regular servicing, which drives up the cost of ownership and severely limits our ability to implement large-scale deployments.  In this lecture, I will address the key issues that currently inhibit long-term, service-free use of biochemical sensors, and discuss ways in which advances in microfluidics could play a critical in overcoming these barriers, opening the way towards the creation of a Molecular-Digital continuum.