RESEARCH TOOLS

Microfludics is defined as the technology capable of controlling fluids within structures at millimeter scale or under. After being developed mostly for the In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) applications, it is considered as the most promising route for the development of Biomimetic In-Vitro systems. When adapted properly, Microfluidics allows the generation of systems with similar geometrical, physical and chemical conditions found In-Vivo. To achieve that goal TME Lab works on four different research lines:

• Design of microfluidic based Organ-On-Chip devices: Generating new strategies, concepts and specific elements in order to generate the required organization to mimic the tissue or disease of interest. Our strategy is the development of microfluidic structures which facilitates the generation of the right physical and chemical conditions of cells by themselves.

• Development of microfluidic control elements: Developing new microvalves, micropumps and flow sensors concepts, designs and prototypes for their integration within organ on chip systems.

• Development of production processes: Creating new manufacturing strategies based on the use of new materials, patterning technologies, surface treatment processes and bonding techniques. The final goal is the generation of knowledge and knowhow for the manufacturing of low cost microfluidic devices suitable for cell culture applications.