New technology could accelerate on-chip diagnostic techniques

New technology developed by Bristol University has the potential to accelerate the adoption and development of on-chip diagnostic methods in parts of the world where rapid diagnosis is urgently needed to improve public health, mortality and morbidity. development.

Microfluidic devices are the basis of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies that are developed to provide the rapid assignments required at the level of care (POC) for rapid and effective treatment of many diseases.

Researchers in Bristol have developed a fast, reliable and cost-effective alternative to extracting the soft lithographic molds used to make microfluidic devices, which has been published in the magazine PLOS AON.

This discovery means that the manufacture of microfluidic devices (with channel dimensions ~ human hair width) is now both affordable and affordable using simple, low-cost 3D printing methods and the open source facilities. developed by the team.

“Previously, methods for removing the soft lithographic scaffolds / molds (microfluidic channel patterns) were time consuming and very expensive, while low-cost alternatives tended to be unsuitable buildings This development could put LOC prototyping in the hands of researchers and clinicians who are familiar with the best challenges, especially those in resource-limited settings, where rapid diagnosis may be necessary. makes the biggest impact, “said the study ‘s lead author, Dr Robert Hughes.

“This method is so simple, fast and inexpensive that machines can be made using only household or everyday educational appliances and at very little cost (~ 0.05% of the cost of materials for a single microfluidic device). means that researchers and clinicians can use our technology and resources to help make medical examination devices fast, quick and cheap, with very little additional knowledge or resources required, “he said. the co-author, Mr. Harry Felton.

“The simplicity and minimum cost of this approach, as well as the fun click-and-link approach developed, also makes it suitable for both recreational and educational use, to teach about microfluidics and the use of lab-on-a-chip technology, “said co – author Ms Andrea Diaz Gaxiola.

We hope that this will democratize microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technology, help advance the development of point-of-care diagnostics, and inspire the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the field. range. “

Dr Robert Hughes, Principal Author of Research, University of Bristol

The next step for the team is to identify potential colleagues in both research and education to help demonstrate the potential impact of this technology in each position by developing and supporting outreach activity and applications for on-chip diagnostic testing.