Microfluidic Control Technologies for In Situ Sensing Applications

The purpose of the Pathfinder application is to secure funding to support patent application through the UK patent office for two key technologies incorporated within the next generation of the lab-on-chip microfluidic chemical sensor currently under development at the National Oceanography Centre. Both technologies relate to fluidic control: The first technology is a membrane based valve that can be configured for either passive one-way flow or active control when power is supplied, and the second is a syringe pump with bespoke control electronics for accurate fluid dosage and optimised power consumption that make it suitable for long term autonomous operation in the field. The ocean science community will be the primary beneficiary of this set of technologies and their subsequent commercialisation.

Keywords: microfluidic on-chip valve; micro pump technology; microfluidic reagent-based chemical analyser; in situ sensors; lab on chip technology

The lab-on-chip technology incorporating the encapsulated membrane on chip valve technology and control-loop pump system, we believe, will deliver the benefits as outlined above meaning it will become more 'fit for purpose' and cheaper to manufacture so increasing its adoption. In terms of the societal impact, the sensors will help scientists collect more in situ data over longer periods via a variety of platforms including fixed buoys, gliders and autonomous underwater vehicles and this will lead to a greater understanding of the biogeochemical processes which play a crucial role in our climate change studies. We also anticipate other end-users (as outlined above) will benefit from the sensor's capabilities and/or specific technologies although we want to test this with an independent market research study. The economic impact should be seen through the prism of adding value to our licensee(s) product portfolio and generating increased revenue for the UK Treasury via corporation tax of our UK licensee partners and/or inward investment by our international partners. By improving the product port-folio of these companies, it may also contribute to the creation of jobs within these companies, and/or to the potential creation of a manufacturing spin-out company and to the continued investment into NOC's world leading sensor development programme. Royalty income would also be generated for NERC/NOC which can be re-invested into scientific research.