Abstract

Microfluidics In Resource-Limited Settings

Nicole Pamme, Professor in Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University

Our research centers on the study of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices applied to environmental analysis, biomedical research and the synthesis of smart materials. Microfluidic devices offer the possibility for in-the-field and point-of-care analysis provided the devices are portable, require only minimal external instrumentation and little power and are robust. In our group, we are investigating a simple magnetic particle based extraction method, IFAST (immiscible filtration based on surface tension), for pathogen isolation from clinical and environmental matrices in collaboration with researchers in South Africa and Kenya. Furthermore, as part of an EU-funded project (Sullied Sediments) we are developing paper microfluidic devices for on-site measurement of water quality markers such as phosphate. These are being tested by members of the general public who upload data via a custom-built up for data collection with high spatial and temporal resolution.