Microfluidics makes it possible to transport, control and analyse the smallest quantities of liquid in a limited area. This makes microfluidics a key technology for the development of so-called microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems. One advantage of these lab-on-a-chip systems is that they allow the automated implementation of complex analyses even in small laboratories with limited technical equipment. The potential of these systems is enormous, especially in medicine, pharmaceuticals, production and analytics. However, crucial challenges hinder high-throughput production of microfluidic devices. Current production technologies (e.g. injection moulding) do not allow large volume upscaling of complex nano-patterned surfaces and the produced microfluidic components need to be handled in single pieces in all subsequent processes. Therefore, application of nano-coatings e.g. by dip coating, electrospinning, printing of nano-based inks and lamination demands for complex single peace handling operations. This restricts upscaling potential and process throughput. Recent research activities have demonstrated, that techniques of nano-patterning e.g. in roll format could solve these problems.
NextGenMicrofluidics (NGM) project accelerates the implementation of roll-to-roll technologies for the high-throughput production of microfluidic systems. It will then be possible to produce microfluidic components no longer as single pieces, but on large foils using stamping, printing and lamination processes. A result of NGM is to reach an unrivalled level in the production capacity of flexible lab-on-a-chip systems, so-called labs-on-a-foil
The overall aim of NGM project is the formation of a pan-European test bed, which provides access to existing facilities, capabilities and services and upgrades them to a platform for development, testing and upscaling of microfluidic products. This test bed is aimed to be the worldwide biggest platform for upscaling and testing of microfluidic devices covering all aspects from prototyping to industrial production. Especially testing in an industrial environment, validation of material characteristics and control of the respect of legal and regulatory constraints will be addressed.
The technology validation of the Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB) is established on pre-defined case studies from complementary markets, ranging from biosensor development through molecular diagnostics and smart phone-supported home diagnostics to pharmaceutical tests and sensors for monitoring bioprocesses and on funded innovation projects offered through an Open Call.
NGM project combines the competences of 22 partners spanning the whole range from 2 big industry players, 13 SMEs, 4 research institutes to 2 universities along the entire value chain or the development and production of customized microfluidic lab-on-a-foil systems. NGM consortium bundled their unique capabilities in a separate legal entity, the Microfluidics Innovation Hub (MIH). MIH offers its customers central access to the complete value chain for the development and manufacture of microfluidic systems with foil-based components. The offering helps accelerate the demonstration of exciting new scientific breakthroughs towards a working prototype, and beyond into mass manufacturing. In parallel with technical development, MIH can provide its customers easier access to venture capital.
