INFULOC

Integrated and functional Lab-on-Chip

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

The objective of this project is to create Lab-on-chip devices that allow sensitive analyte detection as well being highly integrated and have high functionality. The project will develop lab-on-chip platform technologies for fluidic manipulations and analyte detection and develop specific Lab-on-Chip (LOC) applications. Integrated and easy to use fluidic manipulations within LOC devices will be achieved through firstly use of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) and through on-chip pressure system and passive valves. We will also demonstrate that LOC devices can be designed to perform sophisticated fluidic operations over a large element array of microchambers. large scale valving integration approach will be used to achieve discrete fluidic operation for each microchamber element within the array. A convenient LOC macro-micro world interface for fluidic, mechanical and electrical elements will be developed as well as sensitive optical and electrochemical strategies for detection. Novel optical detection approach which involves increasing the pathlength of the radiation within the microfluidic channel will be further advanced for highly sensitive optical detection within LOC devices. Sensitive electrochemical transduction will also be developed. The developed LOC platform technologies will be incorporated as part of a disposable cartridge to be inserted within a handheld reader device for bioanalysis. Specifically, we will develop systems for (i) biochemical discharges of airborne enzymes, (ii) continuously monitored bioreactor array and (iii) natural toxic monitor for potatoes. The project will bring together a wide range of leading expertise from the public sector and research organisations to create LOC devices that are reproducible, have a small footprint, are easy to use and demonstrate commercial advantage. The project will lead to long term collaborations between the partners through e.g. the commercialisation of project outcomes.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded 'Integrated and functional lab-on-chip' (INFULOC) project has pioneered a fully integrated LOC with a high level of functionality. Applications focused on both environmental and medical areas.

Exceptional integration on the chip was achieved through the incorporation of microvalves. This allows for sophisticated processing of the fluids under test. The system can use sensitive optical detection of intracellular green fluorescent protein.

For even more demanding fluidic control, the researchers constructed a 24-cell culturing array. The set-up tested toxicity of pyocyanine on a human breast cancer cell line (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7). Moreover, it could indicate liver damage in human hepatocyte carcinoma liver cells.

Other uses included monitoring the sequential combination of effects of a chemotherapy agent, paclitaxel and aspirin on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

To increase absorption sensitivity, the scientists used novel optical broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectrometry (BBCEAS). This system uses high reflectivity mirrors enabling use of a low cost light emitting diode. Integration of BBCEAS within the LOC resulted in a 35-fold increase in sensitivity for the osteocalcin test, a marker for osteoporosis.

Environmental concerns prompted the scientists to use laser micromachining so a boron doped diamond can be used instead of mercury electrodes. The system can detect lead in tap water and heavy metals in river water.

Application areas are very wide and also include detection of protein misfolding, especially important in ageing and finding bacteria in blood transfusions. The LOC device is easy-to-use, ecologically sound and has a strong possibility of commercialisation.