Microfluidics group launched to write standards to speed device manufacture

Leti, a research institute of CEA Tech is to develop new ISO standards on microfluidics.

Microfluidics involves fluid-handling devices with internal dimensions in the range of micrometers up to a few millimeters. Often referred to as lab-on-a-chip, these portable systems integrate various laboratory functions on a single integrated processor. They are expected to boost point-of-care diagnosis in fields such as health care, and immediate, onsite environmental analysis and monitoring.

Following the MFManufacturing project, a European initiative to bring the manufacturing of microfluidic devices to the same level of maturity and industrialisation as electronic devices, Leti emerged as a leader in the launch of an international microfluidics association and the definition of new ISO standards. Nicolas Verplanck, Microfluidic project manager at Leti, will write the microfluidics standards to speed commercialisation of the emerging technology.

“Existing manufacturing processes for electronic devices that have been on the market for many years benefit from well-established standards for electronic components and are easily integrated in the production process of major foundries,” Verplanck said. “In addition to beginning formal discussions on standards for interoperability and other key considerations, our new association, MakeFluidics, is defining standardisation protocols, processes and guidelines to fast-track development and adoption of microfluidic systems.”

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