In cooperation with the Hahn-Schickard, we provide support for the microfluidic miniaturization, integration, parallelization, and automatization of biomolecular and biochemical assays.
The Microanalysis / Lab-on-a-Chip research area is divided into the following groups:
Quicklinks: LabDisk | LabTube | Lab-on-a-Chip Foundry | Lab-on-a-Chip Prototyping | Nucleic Acid Analysis | Immunodiagnostics | Network simulation
LabDisk |
The Lab-on-a-Chip LabDisk Group develops automated solutions for biological and clinically relevant laboratory processes with an interdisciplinary team of eleven scientists. The platform for the group’s work is LabDisk, a centrifugal microfluidic test stand of about the size of a CD. In contrast to conventional microfluidic systems, it makes use of centrifugal forces to actuate the liquids. There is no need for interfaces to external devices, drastically reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
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LabTube |
The Lab-on-a-Chip LabTube Group extends centrifugal microfluidics into the third dimension. An interdisciplinary team of six scientists automates laboratory operations in functional packages for processing in standard laboratory centrifuges. A stacked array of microfluidic elements enables a high level of integration with pre-storage of reagents for sample volumes from several microliters to two milliliters. Applications include DNA and protein analysis as well as serological tests.
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Lab-on-a-Chip Foundry |
The Lab-on-a-Chip Foundry provides rapid development, integration, and realization of a (bio)chemical assay as a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip functional model. This allows you to bring systems to the market for on-site analyses and diagnoses – we take care of the necessary research and development. The basis of the microfluidic integration is our design handbook, an extensive library of standardized microfluidic unit operations, such as fluid transport, mixing, incubation, aliquoting, etc. >> more
Photo: Harro Höfliger
Lab-on-a-Chip Prototyping |
The Lab-on-a-Chip Prototyping Group supports current developmental projects in the area of lab on a chip by rapidly transferring microfluidic concepts into initial prototypes. Our processes include the microstructuring of plastic substrates, surface modifications, sealing, and reagent pre-storage. We start by creating channels of up to 30 µm with the help of micro-cutters. We then replicate the cut masters through hot embossing of plastic plates or microthermoforming of foil substrates. We would be happy to help you create a prototype or a small series. >> more
Nucleic Acid Analysis |
The nucleic acid assays group is working in two major fields: Firstly, the integration of pre-analytical and analytical protocols on the LabDisk- and LabTube-platforms. Secondly, the development of novel assays for molecular diagnostic applications. With our Mediator Probe Technology (link 1, link 2) the development time for an optimized detection reaction can be reduced and at the same time the sensitivity enhanced. In the field of digital amplification, we provide customized and/or automated systems, e. g. for the use at the point of care. >> more
Immunodiagnostics |
We explore and develop novel immunoassays in order to detect clinically relevant analytes like proteins in complex sample matrices. It is our aim to design the next generation analytical tests that are tailor-made as a cost-effective alternative for applications in the area of in-vitro-diagnostics, point-of-care testing and bioanalytical sciences. >> more
Network simulation |
The Work Group supports the automation of fluidic processes on our lab-on-a-chip platforms by way of proof-of-principle studies, detailed analyses of the fluidic flow activity, optimization of fluidic processes, and sensitivity studies of the fluidic operations with regard to variable fluidic parameters and production tolerances. The tools at our disposal include high-resolution, finite volume–based simulation software and network-based techniques.
