Science Makers: Microfluidics

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Microfluidics: low volume, low cost (PDF Poster)

Microfluidic systems process low volumes of fluids for multiplexing, automation, lab-on-a-chip, point of care diagnostics plus many other applications (including creative and artistic ones!). On the agenda this month at Science Makers:

• Find out what microfluidics could do for you

• Find where to fabricate microfluidic devices in Cambridge

• Try your hand at prototyping low-cost microfluidics.

Talks and demos include:

• Kadi-Liis Saar (Department of Chemistry) on applications of microfluidics for studying biological macromolecules and on point of care diagnostics.

• Tempest van Schaik (Science Practice) on prototyping capillary microfluidics with low-cost materials

• David Jordan (Gurdon Institute) on using microfluidic devices to isolate and image microbes.

• Alexandre Kabla (Engineering Department) on teaching microfluidics to engineers and open source syringe pumps.

• Make-your-own microfluidics! We'll supply the materials for trying out two methods of prototyping low-cost microfluidics and some coloured liquids to test them out:

• Shrinky Dinks (http://www.wired.com/2007/12/macgyver-scienc/)

• Glass slides and sticky tape (http://blogs.rsc.org/chipsandtips/2009/06/30/a-method-for-rapid-fabrication-of-microfluidic-devices/)

If you'd like to talk or demo your microfluidics work, contact Jenny on jcm80@cam.ac.uk! Microscopes will be available to look in detail at devices.

Timetable

12:00 - Talks and demos

13:30 - Lunch (pizza provided for a suggested contribution of £4)

14:30 - Build-your-own microfluidics

PLUS

Co-working on projects - bring your own or join a team!

This month's projects:

• Gel electrophoresis tank/PCR machine (DIY Bio group)

• Low-cost XY stage for lab equipment

• Designing sensor training modules to run at Science Makers.

Arduinos and sensors will be available for experimenting.