Product category:
Microfluidics/Lab-on-a-chip systems
News Release from: Dolomite | Subject: Microfluidic edge connector
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 07 November 2007
Microfluidic edge connector is a world
first
The standard version of the new connector is a fluidic bus with four fluid input/output ports on a single integrated connector to make chip connection and disconnection simple and fast
Dolomite has announced the release of a new microfluidic connector that will enable engineers and scientists to interface to microfluidic chips, helping them develop and manufacture microfluidic based fluid control systems more easily The initial design of the in-line connector has four ports and is engineered to connect easily and perform reliably
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 10 Nov 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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"Microfluidic chips have had a big impact on instrument design and development," said Mark Gilligan, managing director.
"They enable small scale fluid control and analysis, allowing manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems.
"However, connecting and interfacing to these devices is a challenge in itself.
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With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems
Microfluidic reactor chips power flow chemistry
Dolomite says that its microfluidic technology has enabled automated laboratory equipment company Syrris to develop a new and powerful powerful range of flow reactors
"We are confident that the new connectors that we are introducing to this market will be well received and will help reaffirm Dolomite's commitment to developing products that enable engineers and scientists to apply microfluidic technology to their systems and products".
The new Dolomite microfluidic connector removes the need for expensive drilled holes in the chip by incorporating the holes into the actual chip fabrication process.
Using this connector fluid flow is improved, as the fluid paths are straight-in rather than perpendicular, providing a smooth linear pathway.
"This device will benefit a broad range of industries," said Mark Gilligan.
"Microfluidic devices are now being used in patient care systems, DNA testing, air pollution monitoring, fuel cell technology and drug development.
"It's very much an emerging technology with a huge potential and we already have a lot of interest in this device and the benefits that it will bring".
Dolomite is also equipped with rapid prototyping facilities for the design and fabrication of glass and quartz devices and can provide low or medium volume production in glass or quartz and high volume production in polymers.
Microfluidic devices are developed using microfabrication techniques capable of creating microchannels and complex structures in the glass.
The main fabrication processes are photolithography, wet etching of microchannel structures, micro-drilling of fluid ports, thermal bonding and surface modification.
Dolomite is also able to undertake traditional precision glass processing techniques such as mechanical and optical polishing, grinding, cutting and dicing allowing them to extend the range of geometries that are possible.
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