Next-generation High Throughput Diagnostics-on-a-chip System Based on Droplet Microfluidics

Professor Zhang Hui Sheng   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Kong Tiantian   (Co-Investigator)

24

2016-09-01

2163789

Next-generation High Throughput Diagnostics-on-a-chip System Based on Droplet Microfluidics

droplet microfluidics, Next-generation high throughput diagnostics

Others - Mechanical, Production and Industrial Engineering

GHP/024/16GD

Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme

2016

Completed

The proposed project aims to develop the mechanical and fluidic parts of equipment that are needed to miniaturize and automate in vitro diagnostics. While miniaturization using microfluidic devices have been proven to improve the speed, increase the throughput and reduce the costs of diagnostics, integration with existing practices by medical doctors remains a challenge. In this project, we propose direct integration of microfluidic manipulations with microwell plates, which are common used to collect and analyze samples. Successful completion of the project will help unleash the power of microfluidic handling of samples and realize the promises that have long been demonstrated in academic laboratories. Thus, the economic potential and healthcare benefits will be enormous. We will demonstrate a microfluidic-based system that can process and analyze large quantities of clinical samples with increasing efficiency and extraordinary user-friendness. The finished equipment should directly interface the clinical samples collected by doctors with any microfluidic-based bio-chips. The successful integration between existing practices in clinics and next-generation bio-chips will translate to great market value, facilitating the upgrading of the medical device industries within the Pearl Delta Region, including Hong Kong.