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Intelligent Pump System Will Advance Microfluidic Applications Microfluidic Technology Offers The Potential to Accelerate and Reduce Cost of DNA Analysis Dolomite Supplies Microfluidic Reactor Chip Enabling Powerful Flow Chemistry Technology Dolomite Introduces Microfluidic Technology into Japan Dolomite Micro Mixer Has Potential to Accelerate Drug Discovery (Dec 2007) Dolomite Launches The World's First Microfluidic Edge Connector Dolomite Helps Drive Lab-On-A-Chip Revolution Dolomite Appoints Dr Gillian Davis to Strategic Commercial Role Dolomite Appoints Craig Ranger to Develop US Market for Microfluidics Dolomite Agrees Distribution for Microfluidic Technology in Singapore
Dolomite Micro Mixer Has Potential to Accelerate Drug Discovery (Dec 2007) Cambridge microfluidics company Dolomite is developing technology that allows the rapid mixing and analysis of chemicals, helping instrument manufacturers worldwide to create faster systems that will accelerate drug discovery and enable more effective point of care equipment. At the root of this technology is an emerging science called ‘microfluidics', also called 'lab-on-a-chip'. Microfluidics is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems.
(Micro Mixer with phenolphthalien and base solution mixing in 5 milliseconds) An example of this technology is Dolomite's Micro Mixer chip. It is a glass device that enables the rapid and realtime analysis of fluids. Originally developed for dilution of samples prior to UV analysis, it has also been supplied to customers for nanoparticle synthesis where rapid mixing is important to achieve uniform size or surface properties of the nanoparticles. "The Micro Mixer is a very good example of what we have been achieving," said Mark Gilligan, Managing Director of Dolomite. "Microfluidic chips, such as this, enable the mixing of chemicals in only a few milliseconds and greatly reduces sample volumes and reagent usage. The ability for companies to run reaction and analysis processes faster is helping accelerate drug discovery and will also play a important role in the development of future diagnostic equipment." Dolomite is now considered to be a worldwide leader in Microfluidics. So much so, that in 2005 they won funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry's Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) Manufacturing Initiative. This £2m funding, allowed Dolomite to establish excellent microfabrication facilities, with cleanrooms, precision glass processing facilities and applications laboratories. Key to the development of the Micro Mixer is the use of microfabrication techniques capable of creating microchannels and complex structures in the glass. The main fabrication processes are photolithography, wet etching of microchannel structures, micro-drilling of fluid ports, thermal bonding and surface modification. Dolomite's capability to undertake traditional precision glass processing techniques such as mechanical and optical polishing, grinding, cutting and dicing also enables them to extend the range of geometries that are possible. "The challenges in the chip's manufacture include etching to two different channel depths," said Phil Homewood, Engineering Manager. "Also the alignment of features during chip assembly to micron accuracy is a complex and demanding process. Further to this, challenges at the design stage include modelling heat transfer in the chip to ensure that the temperatures of the input streams are correct prior to mixing, and also the modelling of the frictional pressure drop across the chip to meet customer flow rate requirements."
About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemistry and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com
Dolomite Helps Drive Lab-On-A-Chip Revolution In the world of scientific instrumentation, there is a big change happening. Just as complex electronics circuits have been scaled down to fit into tiny microchips, a similar transition is occurring in the world of chemistry. This lab-on-a-chip technology is called Microfluidics. It is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with electronic and optical detection systems.
It is a technology that has the potential to massively impact such diverse areas as DNA testing, environmental control, fuel cell development and a broad range of biotech applications. UK company Dolomite is a leader in this field. So much so, that in 2005 they won funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry's Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) Manufacturing Initiative. This £2m funding has allowed Dolomite to establish excellent microfabrication facilities with cleanrooms, precision glass processing facilities and applications laboratories. In addition to this, Dolomite has managed to attract top quality engineering and scientific staff with strong backgrounds across the broad range of disciplines required to successfully bring microfluidics applications to the market - including chemistry, biotechnology, control system development, electronics, physics and instrument design and supply. “Microfluidics is certainly an exciting new technology with a huge potential," said Dr Gillian Davis, Commercial Director of Dolomite. "We see it impacting patient care systems, forensic science, drug and environmental testing equipment and any number of similar types of systems that need to control and measure liquids at a micro scale. Microfluidics is enabling this kind of system to be smaller, far more accurate and more simply manufactured."
The fabrication processes used to create a microfluidic device have some similarity to those used in the electronics industry. The channels through which the fluids flow and interact are etched into materials such as glass or polymers using similar photolithography processes. The patterned layers are then very accurately aligned and fused together and drilled to provide microscopic ports through which the chemicals or gases can enter and leave the device. "Designing and manufacturing microfluidic devices employs a broad range of disciplines," said Gillian Davis. "At Dolomite, it's not just our experience and expertise in microfluidic device design and fabrication that puts us ahead of the competition, but also the fact that we have extensive experience in designing and developing microfluidic connectors, pumps and control systems. We also have complete instrument design and supply capabilities that enable us to provide the full range of services required to truly help customers realize their microfluidic objectives.” Dolomite is fast becoming a global company with an office in the US and distributors throughout Asia. Its clients range from universities developing leading edge analytical equipment to manufacturers of chemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostic systems. "In many ways, this is early days," said Gillian Davis. "Some of the dialogue we are having with future prospects tells us that this technology has huge potential in the commercial world and we are working hard to make sure that we are equipped to meet this demand." About Dolomite Dolomite is a world leader in Microfluidics, an emerging technology that is changing the future of instrument design. Microfluidics is a technology that enables small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective, and more powerful systems. Dolomite provides off the shelf solutions, custom designs, system integration and microfluidics training for instrument development teams. With a worldwide sales presence and a highly motivated and passionate team of engineers and scientists, Dolomite helps instrument manufacturers take their designs to the next level. www.dolomite-microfluidics.comContact: Dolomite Contact: Dr Gillian Davis, Commercial Director
Dolomite Launches The World's First Microfluidic Edge Connector New microfluidic connector enables systems development and improved fluid flow. Leading microfluidic development company Dolomite have announced the release of a new microfluidic connector that will enable engineers and scientists to interface to microfluidic chips, helping them develop and manufacture microfluidic based fluid control systems more easily. The initial design of the in-line connector has four ports and is engineered to connect easily and perform reliably.
"Microfluidic chips have had a big impact on instrument design and development," said Mark Gilligan, Managing Director. "They enable small scale fluid control and analysis, allowing manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. However, connecting and interfacing to these devices is a challenge in itself. We are confident that the new connectors that we are introducing to this market will be well received and will help reaffirm Dolomite's commitment to developing products that enable engineers and scientists to apply microfluidic technology to their systems and products." The new Dolomite microfluidic connector removes the need for expensive drilled holes in the chip by incorporating the holes into the actual chip fabrication process. Using this connector fluid flow is improved, as the fluid paths are straight-in rather than perpendicular, providing a smooth linear pathway. The standard version of the new connector is a fluidic bus with four fluid input/output ports on a single integrated connector to make chip connection and disconnection simple and fast. "This device will benefit a broad range of industries," said Mark Gilligan. "Microfluidic devices are now being used in patient care systems, DNA testing, air pollution monitoring, fuel cell technology and drug development. It's very much an emerging technology with a huge potential and we already have a lot of interest in this device and the benefits that it will bring." Dolomite has established itself as a leader in the field of microfluidics, working in chip design, chip fabrication, fluidic interfaces, flow cells, pumps, valves, detectors and integrated systems. They are also equipped with rapid prototyping facilities for the design and fabrication of glass and quartz devices and can provide low or medium volume production in glass or quartz and high volume production in polymers.
About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemistry and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com
Dolomite Appoints Dr Gillian Davis to Strategic Commercial Role Dolomite, a world leader in microfluidic design and fabrication, has appointed Dr Gillian Davis to the position of Commercial Director. In this leading strategic role, Gillian will be instrumental in securing new business opportunities and managing customer relations for Dolomite's microfluidic design and fabrication services.
‘This is an exciting development for us,' said Mark Gilligan, Managing Director of Dolomite. ‘It reflects the increasing level of interest we are experiencing around the world from instrument manufacturers interested in working with us to bring their microfluidic concepts to market.' Microfluidics, also known as ‘lab on a chip', is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems. ‘I am delighted to welcome Gillian on board. Gillian brings to the company, not only a strong background in business development, but also extensive experience of working at the cutting edge of a diverse range of technical disciplines. Having people on board with a broad technical background is particularly important to a company, such as Dolomite, which offers a service with an extremely wide application base that includes environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, nuclear fuels reprocessing and forensic science.' In 2005 Dolomite won funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry's Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) Manufacturing Initiative. This £2m funding enabled Dolomite to establish an excellent microfabrication facility that includes clean rooms, precision glass processing facilities and applications laboratories. In addition to this, Dolomite has managed to attract top quality engineering and scientific staff with strong backgrounds across the broad range of disciplines required for success in bringing microfluidics applications to the market, including; chemistry, biotechnology, control system development, electronics, physics and instrument design and supply. “I am very pleased to be taking on this role,” said Gillian. “Microfluidics is very much an emerging technology that will impact a broad range of industries. Instrument designers around the world are starting to adopt microfluidics and Dolomite is very much at the forefront of this science. I am confident that I can help Dolomite turn their expertise and market position into further commercial success.” About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemisty and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic based systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com Contact: Dolomite Contact: Dr Gillian Davis, Commercial Director Tel: +44 1763 242491 e-mail: sales@dolomite-microfluidics.com
Dolomite Appoints Craig Ranger to Develop US Market for Microfluidics Royston, UK – 21st November 2007, Dolomite, a world leader in the emerging technology of microfluidics, has appointed Craig Ranger to the position of U.S. Business Development Manager. In this leading strategic role, Craig will be heading the effort to establish development partnerships and managing customer relations for Dolomite's microfluidic capabilities and services in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Microfluidics, sometimes called lab-on-a-chip, is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with electronic and optical detection systems. "This is an exciting development for us," said Gillian Davis, Commercial Director of Dolomite. "Craig's appointment reflects the increasing level of interest we are experiencing around the world from customers interested in working with us to bring their microfluidic concepts to market. I am delighted to welcome Craig on board as he brings to the company not only a strong background in business development, but also extensive experience in the development and commercialization of micro-scale continuous flow instrumentation, primarily for automated chemical analysis. Having people on board with a broad technical background is particularly important to a company, such as Dolomite, which offers a service with an extremely wide application base, including environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, nuclear fuels reprocessing and forensic science." Craig Rainger has over 30 years of experience in automated chemistry. As founder and CEO of Lachat Instruments, he led the efforts in development, marketing and sales of three generations of innovative continuous flow systems. As president of Seal Analytical, he introduced automated discrete analysis technology to the U.S. market. Most recently, Craig led the effort at a major environmental instrument company in the development of a microfluidics based chemistry analyzer. "I first experienced Dolomite as a customer and had such a positive professional experience with their team, that I asked to join it,” said Craig Rainger. “Having searched around the world for a partner in microfluidics that was able to take a total systems design perspective in order to deliver a fully functional product, I truly appreciate Dolomite's comprehensive capabilities and consultative product development process. What I came to appreciate is that developing a product with the many advantages of microfluidics is not just about chip design, but must incorporate attention to the entire continuum of sample processing from pre-treatment, introduction, reaction, detection and fraction collection." Dolomite is able to offer a complete service to customers from problem conceptualization and feasibility testing through to full instrument design and development. This one-stop-shop model sets Dolomite apart from most other micro-fabrication firms. Dolomite is able to offer microfabrication and microfluidics together with instrument design and development capabilities.
Craig's appointment is just the beginning of Dolomite's efforts to meet the demand from U.S. and Canadian customers for a partner they can work with to bring their concepts for microfluidic products to market. Dolomite plans to attend several U.S. conferences over the next year including, LabAutomation 2008 in Palm Springs and PittCon 2008 in New Orleans and to hold webinars to provide education on the power of microfluidics to achieve performance levels never before possible. Dolomite will be exhibiting at the UK NanoForum on the 27 th November 2007. This is a one-day conference and exhibition that will bring over 100 senior international delegates from more than 20 countries together with the best of the UK's nanotechnology community. It is to be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. The event includes keynote addresses, themed workshops, an exhibition showcasing more than 60 UK nanotechnology companies/universities and extensive partnering opportunities.With a focus on trade, investment and collaborations, UK NanoForum 2007 will provide a networking forum for industry, academia, venture capitalists, technology purchasers and those seeking to develop joint ventures. www.uknanoforum2007.com About Dolomite
Dolomite Agrees Distribution for Microfluidic Technology in Singapore Dolomite, a world leader in microfluidics, has appointed Insta BioAnalytik Pte Ltd in Singapore as a distributor for their microfluidic services and capabilities. Insta BioAnalytik will work with local clients helping secure new business opportunities and manage customer relations for Dolomite in the Singaporean region. ‘This is an exciting development for us,' said Gillian Davis, Commercial Director of Dolomite. ‘This appointment reflects the increasing level of interest that we are experiencing around the world from customers interested in working with us to help develop a whole new generation of instruments based on microfluidic technology. Appointing a technical company as experienced and capable as Insta BioAnalytik will be key to helping secure good quality opportunities and managing customer relations in their territory.”
Microfluidics, also known as ‘lab on a chip', is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems. ‘We aim to introduce the latest technologies to the scientific community in Singapore', said Judy Lim, Managing Director of Insta BioAnalytik. ‘Forming this partnership with Dolomite, a market leader in microfluidic technologies, has allowed us to become an active participant in advancing microfluidic development.' An example of this technology is Dolomite's Micro Mixer chip. It is a glass device that enables the rapid and realtime analysis of fluids. Originally developed for dilution of samples prior to UV analysis, it has also been supplied to customers for nanoparticle synthesis where rapid mixing is important to achieve uniform size or surface properties of the nanoparticles. Key to the development of the Micro Mixer is the use of microfabrication techniques capable of creating microchannels and complex structures in the glass. The main fabrication processes are photolithography, wet etching of microchannel structures, micro-drilling of fluid ports, thermal bonding and surface modification. Dolomite's capability to undertake traditional precision glass processing techniques such as mechanical and optical polishing, grinding, cutting and dicing also enables them to extend the range of geometries that are possible. Being able to provide local, technically competent, support to their customers is particularly important to a company, such as Dolomite, whose success lies in working closely with customers from problem conceptualisation and feasibility testing through to full instrument design and development. About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemisty and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com .
About Insta BioAnalytik Pte Ltd Insta BioAnalytik Pte Ltd was set up in Year 2000 as a sales and marketing office, offering laboratory instrumentations, reagents and services for the scientific and medical communities in Singapore. Partnering with leading manufacturers, they offer solutions that advance research timely and cost-effectively. To find out more about Insta BioAnalytik, please visit www.instabioanalytik.com .
Dolomite Introduces Microfluidic Technology into Japan UK microfluidics company Dolomite has announced the appointment of Hansen & Co Ltd in Japan as a distributor for their microfluidic services and capabilities. Hansen & Co will work with local clients helping secure new business opportunities and managing customer relations for Dolomite in Japan. “This is an exciting development for us,” said Gillian Davis, Commercial Director of Dolomite. “This appointment reflects the increasing level of interest we are experiencing around the world from customers interested in working with us to bring their microfluidic concepts to market. Appointing a technical company as experienced and capable as Hansen & Co will be instrumental in helping to secure business and manage customer relations in this territory.” Microfluidics, also known as ‘lab on a chip', is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems. “At Hansen & Co we recognise the growing level of demand from customers for a partner they can work with closely to help bring their concepts for microfluidic products to market,” said Mr.Hideki Kono, Managing Director of Hansen & Co. ‘We have, therefore, teamed up with Dolomite to provide potential customers with effective local support, assisting Dolomite to meet the ever increasing demand for their services in the field of microfluidics.' An example of this technology is Dolomite's Micro Mixer chip. It is a glass device that enables the rapid and realtime analysis of fluids. Originally developed for dilution of samples prior to UV analysis, it has also been supplied to customers for nanoparticle synthesis where rapid mixing is important to achieve uniform size or surface properties of the nanoparticles. Key to the development of the Micro Mixer is the use of microfabrication techniques capable of creating microchannels and complex structures in the glass. The main fabrication processes are photolithography, wet etching of microchannel structures, micro-drilling of fluid ports, thermal bonding and surface modification. Dolomite's capability to undertake traditional precision glass processing techniques such as mechanical and optical polishing, grinding, cutting and dicing also enables them to extend the range of geometries that are possible.
Being able to provide local, technically competent, support to their customers is particularly important to a company, such as Dolomite, whose success lies in working closely with customers from problem conceptualisation and feasibility testing through to full instrument design and development. About Dolomite About Hansen & Co Since its foundation over fifty years ago, the Company has served the Japanese R & D and medical market by introducing and distributing the latest laboratory instruments and hospital equipment from advanced nations such as the U. S. A. and Europe. The products the Company supplies have been widely adopted by users all over Japan. Staffed with teams of specialists, Hansen & Co., Ltd., with its nationwide sales network, is strategically positioned to serve its customers and help foreign manufacturers seeking entry into this significant Japanese market.
Dolomite Supplies Microfluidic Reactor Chip Enabling Powerful Flow Chemistry Technology Dolomite has announced that its microfluidic device fabrication expertise is being used by automated laboratory equipment specialist, Syrris Ltd, within its novel range of flow reactor instruments. These microfluidic flow reactor modules supplied by Dolomite, enable the fast and efficient processing of chemicals for test and analysis. Used within Syrris's flow reactor instruments, this technology is starting to have a significant impact on companies involved in such areas as drug discovery, DNA analysis and forensic science, by greatly accelerating their research.
Dolomite is a leader in Microfluidics, also known as ‘lab on a chip'. This is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems. “Flow chemistry in microreactors often happens much faster than reactions in a bulk vessel, as a result of being able to run at elevated temperature,” said Philip Homewood, Engineering Manager at Dolomite. “It is also possible to improve product yield because the reaction conditions in a flow microreactor are closer to ideal conditions in terms of temperature and input reagent concentration. This technology is bringing a lot of important new benefits to the life science community and is having a major influence on the future of scientific instrument design and modern chemistry.” UK company Syrris specialises in flow reactor tools for enhancing the productivity of R&D chemists. Their market-leading product Africa, a modular system for reaction optimisation, reduces the time taken to develop, synthesize, work-up and analyse a chemical entity. In laboratories around the world the Africa system is speeding up the drug discovery process. “The microfluidic reactor chips from Dolomite are a critical component of the Africa system,” said Mike Hawes, Marketing Manager at Syrris. “Mixing in a batch reactor is quite random whereas in a microfluidic flow reactor it is far more uniform. For some processes like nano-particle manufacturing and crystallisation processes, the nano-particles or crystals end up being much more uniform in comparison to an equivalent batch reactor process. This important benefit, along with the speed and control achievable with this technology, is enabling us to help scientists accelerate their research and achieve more reproducible results.”
Key to the fabrication of these microfluidic devices is the use of microfabrication techniques capable of creating microchannels and complex structures in materials suitable for handling chemicals without being chemically attacked. Dolomite has expertise in the fabrication of devices in one such inert material, glass. “Glass is susceptible to breakage and chipping making it a difficult material to handle,” said Phil Homewood. “This is one of the main reasons why there are so few suppliers of glass microfluidic devices in the world.” One of the challenges in the design and manufacture of microreactor chips includes getting a sufficient reaction volume. Most chips are less than 100microlitres in volume. To achieve greater volumes, Dolomite etches channels in both glass layers. The micron-sized features on the two patterned layers are aligned, before being bought into optical contact and thermally bonded to create the final device. “Recently we have developed a technique that enables us to align features as small as 5 microns wide”, said Phil Homewood. “Another challenge was the design of the mixing junction to make sure the diffusional mixing was fast enough. This was achieved by having a narrow channel after the mixing junction to keep the diffusion distance low. Also before the mixing junction, one of the input streams was split onto two streams and combined either side of the other input stream. The effect is that the diffusion distance is reduced by a factor of two. This reduces diffusional mixing time by a factor of four. Although each chip is only 28x90mm in size it has between 1.8 - 2.5m of reaction channel.” For more information visits - www.dolomite-microfluidics.com
Microfluidic Technology Offers The Potential to Accelerate and Reduce Cost of DNA Analysis UK microfluidic experts Dolomite have announced that they have been working on several projects relating to the use of microfluidic devices for the analysis of DNA, for such purposes as forensics and disease diagnosis. Dolomite's involvement has been in relation to the potential to automate and accelerate the processes involved in DNA analysis. Microfluidics is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems.
"One key attribute of microfluidics is that it only needs very tiny amounts of fluid to do its job," said Dr Gillian Davis, Commercial Manager at Dolomite. "In the case of a crime scene or maybe even a rare disease, the DNA is often very scarce. Microfluidics can enable scientists to undertake multiple tests on even the smallest of DNA samples." Analysing DNA requires a number of discrete steps using such techniques as Polymerase Chain Reaction, Purification using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis. When studying DNA to understand rare diseases there may be many processing steps in order to isolate a certain gene and having a repeatable and consistent process is essential for success. "Because Microfluidic systems work using microscale fluid volumes, they are inherently very accurate and very repeatable," said Gillian. "Also, temperature and reagent mixing is very easily controlled in a microfluidic environment. It's this control and accuracy that is making microfluidics an exciting technique for those working with DNA." At this stage, the main benefit of microfluidics to DNA analysis are the ability to load very small samples into a capillary for electrophoresis separations. However, this technology also opens up the possibility of integrating the various process steps into a single device, offering the promise of highly automated equipment capable of carrying out rapid and accurate DNA analysis. Such systems may, one day, be in the form of a hand held device or a computer peripheral that sits on a GP's desk or is used where extreme security is essential. "We have undertaken work that has automated some aspects of DNA analysis and we feel sure that there will be many more projects to follow," said Gillian. "One such development was a method to purge and refill the microfluidic capillary with matrix after the electrophoresis had been carried out. This involved designing a high-pressure pump (100 bar) that was coupled to the microfluidic device. This refilling process had previously been carried out manually and was time consuming and costly." Dolomite will be giving a presentation about microfluidic systems at this year's Embedded Masterclass, a seminar and exhibition that explores new technologies for hi-tech development. The event is to be held in London on the 8 th May and Bristol on the 13 th May. Dolomite will give the opening presentation at the Bristol event on the 13 th May. www.embedded-masterclass.com About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemistry and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com Intelligent Pump System Will Advance Microfluidic Applications Royston UK, company Dolomite has announced the release of the Mitos Syringe Pump, an intelligent pump system that enables the future development of complex and powerful microfluidic systems. Microfluidics, a technology also known as ‘lab on a chip', is an exciting new field of science and engineering that enables very small-scale fluid control and analysis, allowing instrument manufacturers to develop smaller, more cost-effective and more powerful systems. With lab-on-a-chip technology, entire complex chemical management and analysis systems are created in a microfluidic chip and interfaced with, for example, electronic and optical detection systems. 'Lab on a chip' technology is impacting a broad range of application areas; accelerating drug discovery, providing better point of care systems and enabling more responsive and portable environmental testing systems to be realised.
"There has been a lot of research and progress into the development of microfluidic chips," said Dr Gillian Davis, Regional Sales Manager at Dolomite. "We now have many powerful devices that are advancing such sciences as drug discovery, forensics and environmental testing. However, the challenge has been also to develop the necessary peripheral components that enable the chips to work in the real world. This includes such items as connectors, chip holders and pumping systems. Dolomite's new intelligent Mitos Syringe Pump has been designed specifically to address the requirements of the microfluidic community, enabling more complex and more powerful microfluidic systems to be realised."
Key to the design of the pump is the ability to programme two 6-port valves and two syringes to operate in a number of configurations to offer a broad range of fluid delivery capabilities. Programmed using the simple twist and click control knob on the front panel, or via a PC, the Mitos Syringe Pump can dispense fluid by volume or flow rate over a time period, or the user can choose to create an advanced flow profile. Offering a wide flow rate capability of between 0.5µl/min to 10ml/min, the Mitos Syringe Pump will address many requirements demanded by microfluidic systems. "The Pump's versatility is very exciting," said Gillian. "It can deliver, for example, up to 10 different fluids, sequentially to one input channel of a chip, or the same fluid sequentially to 10 different input channels or provide just one continuous smooth flow of fluid. Between that configurability and the facility to create unique flow profiles, we are confident that the Mitos Syringe Pump will be an important contribution to the development of future microfluidic systems. Complex chips with multi-layer and multi-function capability, are already starting to appear in the marketplace and we think this intelligent approach to fluid delivery into the chip will further advance the overall potential of microfluidics."
About Dolomite Established in 2005 as the world's first microfluidic application centre, Dolomite is focussed on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. With an in-depth understanding of chemistry and the life sciences, expertise in microfabrication and microfluidics, together with instrument design and development capabilities, Dolomite is enabling some of the world's top providers in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, drug discovery and forensic science to deliver microfluidic systems to the market place. To find out more about Dolomite, please visit – www.dolomite-microfluidics.com
For more information visits - www.dolomite-microfluidics.com
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