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Novel Fluid Management System for Microfluidic Devices

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 2R44EB004317-02A2
Agency Tracking Number: EB004317
Amount: $944,181.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: PHS2007-2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
7610 EASTMARK DRIVE
COLLEGE STATION, TX 77840
United States
DUNS: 184758308
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: (979) 693-0017
Email: renee.hisaw@lynntech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Microfluidics is a branch of science dealing with the behavior, precise control and manipulation of microliter and nanoliter volumes of fluids. Its applications include blood-cell-separation, biochemical assays, chemica
l synthesis, genetic analysis (e.g., gene-chips and proteomics chips), drug screening, electrochromatography, etc. One of the most difficult problems in bringing microfluidic products to the market is the lack of appropriate methods to accurately transfer
and manage small quantities of fluid. Many microfluidic devices rely on relatively complex and costly mechanically activated pumps that are unsuitable for many applications. Techniques that are built into the microfluidic device and operate by electrically
activated processes, such as electroosmosis and piezoelectrics, are often insufficiently reliable. Thus, there is a need to develop cheap and accurate fluid management systems and components. This proposal describes a novel, low cost micropump for fluid m
anagement that is based on electrochemical (i.e., electrolysis and fuel cell) principles. Its benefits are: (1) accurate delivery of microliter quantities of fluids, (2) low cost of manufacture (it is based on a single moving part), (3) ability to operate
at very high backpressures if required (gt100 psi), and (4) scaleable to meet a variety of user applications (flow rates range from microliters per minute to milliliters per minute). In Phase I, we streamlined the micropump assembly techniques and demonstr
ated the micropump's process and cost advantages. Practical uses of the micropump were demonstrated, such as for controlling a laboratory colorimetric enzymatic reaction on a microfluidic diagnostic chip. The micropump's reliability was also demonstrated t
hrough long- term continuous operation. The low cost, accuracy, and reliability of the micropump strongly differentiates it from competing methods, making this micropump uniquely appropriate for inclusion into high volume medical products (cartridges and m
icrofabricated fluidic chips etc.) that are designed to be disposable. This is important because the field of microfluidics is moving in this direction. The proposed Phase II project involves materials development, engineering design, process control devel
opment and microfluidics applications testing that, if successful, will position the technology for future transition into a manufacturing or product environment. Our program includes working with a medical equipment manufacturer and with regulatory affair
s specialists. The focus is on exploiting the unique features of the micropump for use in future drug infusion systems. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE The proposed technology will benefit public health by providing cost-effective system components for bringin
g next generation health care products and diagnostic tests to the market place. Cost effective next generation health care products and diagnostics will allow physicians to provide improved and more individualized patient treatment and care.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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