Introduction
The complexity and high-grade technology approach make the chemical and biomedical application fields complicated and difficult for SMEs to enter.
The results of FlashPoM aim to open a small piece of a very hi-tech area to SMEs active in the related fields. FlashPoM focus on development of a novel production technology for lab-on-a-chip devices of the neurochip type. The overall neurochip production system and the know-how gained with FlashPoMs aimed to spark future multi-national collaborations and can potentially constitute the core of a commercial exploitation venture.
Activities and expected results:
PoM combines polymeric microfluidic microstructures and solid substrates
with embedded multielectrode arrays
(MEAs) and constitutes a multi-application platform customisable by
the SME/client. Economically viable exploitation of PoM devices (FlashPoM)
requires a production technology affording; 1. low cost, 2. low lead-time
and 3. user customisability.
FlashPoM focuses on solving specific tasks:
• to develop software to support the design of customised
modular PoM devices by the target user providing estimation of production
costs as a function of design decisions.
• to assembly a prototype direct-write lithography system
for semi-automated mask-free production of electrode arrays and soft-lithography
masters, as required for PoM devices.
• to optimise photopatternable polymeric materials for
biocompatibility and suitability for direct-write lithography.
• to evaluate the biocompatibility of FlashPoM devices
in the context of biomedical applications, specifically for culture;
differentiation and electrical characterisation of stem cells.
Who and how can utilize the results of the FlashPoM subproject?
Producers of miniaturised devices in the chemical and biomedical fields
can especially utilize, having made this market segment a target for
a proliferation of innovation-oriented SMEs, the outcomes of the subproject.
The complexity and high-grade technology approach making this application
field complicated and difficult for SMEs to enter. Subproject results
could open a small piece of a very hi-tech area to SMEs active in related
fields. This could create some space not only to alternate existing
businesses of branch companies, but also create new SMEs.
What competitive advantage does the FlashPoM subproject offer?
The subproject aims to optimise the technology transfer of PoM (Polymer-on
MEA), a low-cost modular approach to production of prototype lab-on-a-chip
devices developed by one of the partners. The complexity of solution(s)
and range of relations depicts the opportunities for specialised companies.
E.g. evaluation of biocompatibility of FlashPoM devices in the context
of biomedical applications, specifically for culture; differentiation
and electrical characterisation of stem cells.
Obtained results
During FlashPoM the technology transfer of PoM has been optimised. A range of solutions, systems and results were created through FlashPoM Among the realised goals in the subproject are the development of software, a prototype for direct–write lithography systems, optimization of photopatternable materials and the biocompatibility of FlashPoM devices. |
Contact:
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
CATALUÑA
