Microfluidics metrology systems said to represent a significant leap forward in life sciences research methodology are based on developments in micro-fluidic and electrode-bio microports
Cascade Microtech says it is bringing to bear its considerable knowledge and experience with small structure metrology and applying it to a new field - microfluidics metrology.
Cascade Microtech claims to have been the first to enable high frequency (multi-GHz) on-wafer measurements and the first to enable on-wafer current measurements as low as one femtoamp (fA).
The term microfluidics is generally used to describe any technology that moves microscopic and nano-scale drops of fluid through channels on a micro electro-mechanical system (Mems).
Microfluidic devices can be characterised by their capability to accurately control minute volumes of fluid well below the microlitre range.
By significantly reducing the time and cost per test, microfluidic-based devices are rapidly growing in pharmaceutical drug discovery and bioscience research today.
The L-series microfluidics metrology systems represent a significant leap forward in life sciences research methodology that is based on two new breakthrough products - the L-series MFP and EBP microports (tiny fluid and electrical field delivery mechanisms) - developed exclusively by Cascade Microtech.
The patent-pending microports are based on micron-level probing technology developed by Cascade Microtech.
The microports will enable faster and more efficient microfluidics measurements, says the company.
The technology advancement represented by the use of the microports enables scientists to dispense liquid or create an electrical field on a tiny workspace in a way never imagined or even possible for microfluidics research applications.
"Cascade Microtech has thought through several key issues limiting the efficiency of microfluidic research, and come up with a unique product to address these issues," said Don Devoe, associate professor, University of Maryland.
"This (L-series) enhances our ability to perform effective development of new microfluidic systems while minimising overall costs".
Today, the market category for microfluidics metrology for research and development is in its infancy.
The current methodology for experimentation involves individualised versions of do-it-yourself test fixtures developed one at a time by researchers to achieve the desired test environment.
Cascade Microtech says its advanced technology could transform the way microfluidics research is performed, saving valuable time and money that can speed up life sciences research.
Cascade Microtech's two core products that provide the breakthrough for the microfluidics metrology systems are the MFP series and the EBP series microports.
There are also total system solutions configured using both of these microports.
It says the MFP (micro-fluidic port) provides breakthrough flexibility and convenience for electro-osmotic flow and electrophoresis experimentation.
It eliminates the need for test fixtures or manifolds, allowing scientists to spend more time working on experiments and less time setting them up.
It also says the EBP (electrode-bio port) for microfluidics devices provides safe and convenient high-voltage electrode application for electro-osmotic pumping and electrophoresis.
Working with in-device electrodes or stand-alone, the EBP provides safe electrode interface to the device that is non-corrosive and non-obtrusive to solutions and reagents.
Today, text fixtures are handcrafted one at a time in the experimentation and testing phase and permit no subsequent modifications.
Cascade Microtech says its L-series offers new flexibility in test set-up that enables innovation by allowing scientists to easily change the device under test or test reagent without having to recreate the test fixture every time.
With the L-series, researchers and scientists will spend substantially less time creating test fixtures and more time conducting experiments.
The L-series also allows system integrators to characterise and test the devices either in-line or before integration in a cost-effective and timely manner.
The adoption of Cascade Microtech's L-series in life sciences research could allow the innovation and development of more capable and reliable microfluidic devices - filling a need in the market today.
L-Series microfluidic metrology systems are said to dramatically reduce the time, expense and complexity of creating microfluidic devices for R and D.
Cascade Microtech's microfluidic metrology tools give researchers state-of-the-art fluid delivery ports that provide flexible inputs to the microfluidic device for applying electrophoresis, electro osmotic flow or pressure-driven flow without the need for manifolds.
Micron-resolution manipulators provide flexibility and stability and enable quick change of microfluidic devices or solutions.
High-voltage, biocompatible probes provide convenient electrical field application without requiring in-device electrode inputs.
With an optional integrated fluorescent microscope, the L-series provides a stable environment for visual measurement of experiment results.
An available programmable high voltage power supply provides precise control over channel flow.
The L-series is available in four system bundles (L100, L200, L300, L400) that offer a full range of pricing and functionality to meet the specific needs of the researcher.
Each bundled system starts with a basic kit featuring what the company calls breakthrough technology in precise fluid delivery via the MFP and EBP microports and builds to a complete out-of-the-box system including everything needed for electrophoresis, electroosmotic and pressure-driven flow.
L-Series microfluidic metrology system bundles are priced starting at US$4999 for a starter kit system and build to a fully loaded system at $84,999.
All systems are upgradeable with options to add more electrofluidic dispensing ports, electrode ports, and microfluidic chips.
The microscope system is also upgradeable to video and fluorescent functionality if applicable.
The L400 package includes the fluorescent upgrade.
Refills are offered for the MFP at $999/pack of four.
Electrode tips can be purchased for the EPB probe at $299/pack of twelve and additional EBPs can be purchased at $299/pack of four.
Cascade Microtech describes itself as a worldwide leader in the precise electrical measurement and test of integrated circuits (ICs) and other small structures.
For technology businesses and scientific institutions which need to evaluate small structures, Cascade Microtech delivers access to, and extraction of, electrical data from wafers, integrated circuits (ICs) IC packages, circuit boards and modules, Mems, biological structures, electro-optic devices and more.
For semiconductor manufacturers doing production test, Cascade Microtech delivers leading-edge probe cards that reduce manufacturing costs of complex semiconductors.
