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Flowpad

Published on 19 April 2023


A generic toolkit for microfluidics and point-of-care diagnostics

   What is Flowpad-Flowstretch?

FlowPad features disposable, credit card format microfluidic cartridges with fluidic channels designed to perform a selection of tests outside of a traditional lab environment. The integrated protocol can be complex by including all sample preparation steps—concentration, lysis, purification—as well as bio-analysis and detection procedures—qPCR, RPA, LAMP and ELISA.

An instrument leverages a chip carrier, a functional implementation system based on the microfluidic cartridge design. This instrument integrates a valve, a pump and a mixing chamber and is embedded into a toolkit. This toolkit delivers the diagnosis. It integrates actuators, a Peltier heater, magnetic actuators and on-board reagent recovery, as well as an optical sensing system, and associated software programs.

Both instrument and microfluidic cartridges are customdesigned based on clinical or manufacturing requirements.


  Applications:

FlowPad finds applications in human medicine, agri-agro and environment industries:


  • Sample preparation at the sampling point —peptide, SiRNA isolation
  • Point-of-care testing and diagnostics —bacteria, viruses, biomarkers and proteins.
  • Companion diagnostic
  • Cell encapsulation—spheroids, cells, etc.
  • Assessment of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) risks


   What's new?

CEA-Leti’s Flowpad-Flowstretch technology opens a new path to the future of testing:
  • Tests in less than 2 hours: from raw biological sample to results
  • Versatile, easy-to-use toolbox
  • Compatible with multiple complex protocols—biological, chemical, etc.—and materials—silicon, glass, COC, polymers, etc.
  • Reduces development and prototyping time
  • Easily scalable for high-volume production at low-cost. CEA-Leti has perfected cartridge design and small-scale production.
  • Full protocol integration


Flowpad-Flowstretch's Microfluidic cartridge:
  • are user-friendly features plug-and-play fluidic connections with easy and efficient flow control
  • operates with valves and a pump integrated into the cartridge
  • are compatible with injection molding


  What's next?

CEA-Leti is currently working in scaling to high-volume manufacturing both the cartridge and the instrument with industrial partners. 

New application: multiplex measurement card.

KEY FACTS:

  •  5 fluidic connection patents filed


PUBLICATIONS:

  • Quantitative biological assays with on-chip calibration using
    versatile architecture and collapsible chambers. C. Parent, F. Boizot,
    M. Cubizolles, N. Verplanck, J.-L. Achard, Y. Fouillet
  • Microfluidic device integrating a network of hyper-elastic valves for automated glucose stimulation and insulin secretion collection from a single pancreatic islet. C.Quintard, E.Tubbs, J-L.Achard, F.Navarro, X.Gidrol, Y.Fouillet
  • PepS: An Innovative Microfluidic Device for Bedside Whole Blood Processing before Plasma Proteomics Analyses. B.Gilquin, M.Cubizolles, R.Den Dulk, F.Revol-Cavalier, M.Alessio, C-E. Goujon, C.Echampard, G.Arrizabalaga, A.Adrait, M.Louwagie, P.Laurent, F.Navarro, Y.Couté, M-L.Cosnier, V.Brun
  •       FLYER

    flyer
    (189Ko)
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