[nanoPost] Novel microfluidic technology

Company UK

The company has designed a novel microfluidic technology. This will enable the production of cost effective and versatile
biochips.
The principle is very simple. Laser light directed onto specific regions of a biochip
causes localised heating of a liquid/gel which expands, displacing the space and pushing
fluids along channels. Virtually any configuration can be designed; to allow
mixing of solutions, activation of cells, and movement of fluids around the chip.
Features:
1. The system uses an infrared laser to move the fluids. This is non-invasive and
does not require electrical wiring. Chips will therefore be cost effective and
disposable;
2. Ideal for ultra high throughput screening – versatile design, easy to move small
volumes of liquids around the chip;
3. As infrared lasers are used this allows simultaneous detection of other light
wavelengths (blue, green, red). Living cells expressing luminescent and
fluorescent dyes can therefore be screened;
4. Biochips can be made with transparent materials for imaging purposes, making
these chips suitable for high content screening.