How to Design a Microfluidic Device – Step 1
Start At the End
How to Design a Microfluidic Device – Step 2
Think Modularly
The objective is to create a set of cartridge specifications that will enable design for manufacture while:
- delivering on the required limit of detection
- achieving sensitivity within a limit of variability
- ensuring useful results are consistently provided
Organize the development in a logical sequence:
- resolve big risk areas first
- define what assay modifications can reduce the number of reagent additions
- simplify the assay protocol
- combine reagents
- develop novel IP around the reagents and protocol
Development planning includes parallel efforts to address reagent storage and assay integration into the microfluidic.
How to Design a Microfluidic Device – Step 3
Troubleshooting and Lessons Learned
- Design for Manufacture
- Scale-up for Development
The Integration Challenge
There are two major aspects to consider in microfluidic device design:
- the material surface properties and its impact on fluid movement physics
- the method of manufacture
Most microfluidic cartridge designs require mixed materials and components – creating the need for more than one manufacturing method. Additionally, the shelf life must typically last one year. Finally, all this performance needs to be at a price point of $5 or less.
With over 20 years of experience, and a team of industry experts, ALine can address all these challenges.