Abstract
Microfluidic systems enable precise control over tiny volumes of fluid in a compact and low-cost form, thus
 providing the ideal platform on which to develop point-of-care diagnostic solutions. Centrifugal microfluidic
 systems, also referred to as lab-on-a-disc or lab-on-a-CD systems, provide a particularly attractive solution
 for the implementation of microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic solutions as a result of their simple and
 compact instrumentation, as well as their functional diversity. Here we detail the implementation of a
 centrifugal microfluidic platform – the first of its kind in South Africa – as a foundation for the development
 of point-of-care diagnostic applications for which both the need and impact is great. The centrifugal
 microfluidic platform consists of three main components: a microfluidic disc device similar in size and
 shape to a CD, a system for controlling fluid flow on the device, and a system for recording the results
 obtained. These components have been successfully implemented and tested. Preliminary test results show
 that microfluidic functions such as pumping and valving of fluids can be successfully achieved, as well as
 the generation of monodisperse microfluidic droplets, providing a complete centrifugal microfluidic platform
 and the building blocks on which to develop a variety of applications, including point-of-care diagnostics.
 The lab-on-a-disc platform has the potential to provide new diagnostic solutions at the point-of-need in
 health- and industry-related areas. This paves the way for providing resource limited areas with services
 such as improved, decentralised health-care access or water-quality monitoring, and reduced diagnosis
 times at a low cost.
Highlights
The technology of microfluidics entails the precise and automated control of very small volumes of fluids, usually on a nanolitre scale
A motor is used to rotate the microfluidic disc, transporting fluid radially outwards through the microfluidic device, and manipulating fluid by means of various microfluidic functions and features on the disc
To demonstrate basic fluidic functions, a simple microfluidic disc design was formulated to allow for a sample and a sample reagent to be introduced separately, added together at different times, and combined, with an overflow chamber for excess solution
Summary
The technology of microfluidics entails the precise and automated control of very small volumes of fluids, usually on a nanolitre scale. In addition to the low-cost implementation of the lab-on-a-disc platform, centrifugal microfluidics have the added benefit of an accelerated route to market, as they can be viewed as microfluidic applications that are compatible with various existing and commercially available technologies.[15] Existing equipment such as CD players, DVD drives and laboratory centrifuges can be used to drive the microfluidic discs and analyse the results, eliminating the need for extensive development on the reader/actuator component of the point-of-care device. The lab-on-a-disc platform allows for rapid, low-cost prototyping and testing of microfluidic disc devices, as the equipment and materials required are low cost and/or available in-house Equipment such as the milling machine and vinyl cutter are common items in many mechanical laboratories. Role players in the regulatory environment are currently being engaged to determine the requirements for the South African market
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
