From Smartphones to Diagnostics

NaMeS students are invited to IPC PAS Seminar within CREATE Lectures "Innovation source" delivered by:

Prof. Hywel Morgan

School of Electronics and Computer Science, and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton

United Kingdom

Tuesday, 5th November, 2019, 10.00

Assembly hall of the IPC PAS

Abstract

We are developing miniature analytical systems that exploit low-cost consumer electronics for both sample processing/manipulation and sensing.  In a collaboration with Sharp Labs, we have developed a new generation of digital microfluidic (DMF) platforms for programmable droplet manipulation.  Unlike conventional microfluidic systems, DMF manipulates and processes hundreds of discrete nanolitre droplets of liquid.  The chips contain thousands of electrodes, manufactured using Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology as used in mobile phone screens.  The system supports a wide range of different chemical and biochemical assays, for example immuno-assays and genomic data analysis. The talk will also describe recent developments in electrical impedance cytometry for label-free analysis of single cells and bacteria at high speed.  The technique has been used to analyse a wide range of cells, but we are now exploring applications in areas such cell mechanics. We have also recently developed an impedance-based rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) that can analyse the resistance profile of infectious agent in 30 minutes compared with the current 48 to 72 hours. Finally I will describe our research in the development of a miniature wireless and battery-less implantable sensor that continuously monitors biophysical parameters in-vivo, and the route to the commercialisation of this product.