Lab-on-a-chip. Delivering laboratory technology in the real world Thursday, 10 September 2015

Lab-on-a-chip technology is a highly multidisciplinary field which holds considerable potential to revolutionise the fields of biological and chemical analysis.

Such devices are typically hybrid systems that encapsulate a full range of laboratory processes upon a single miniaturised portable device, which can provide rapid desired results, a high degree of sensitivity and all at low cost. Owing to these capabilities, such devices are believed to have potential in fields ranging across medical diagnostics, environmental sampling, in addition to a range of consumer products.

Deakin University is highly active in the field of lab-on-a-chip technology, with a strong focus towards translation of technology from the laboratory into the real world. Our current research is focused on the development of autonomous microfluidic systems with embedded technologies such as microheaters/electronics, on-chip light guides and micro particle bio-detection capabilities for advanced functionality and capabilities across a range of diagnostics scenarios.

Projects are currently under way with collaborations from clinicians, environmental specialists and industry to provide integrated solutions for high societal impact areas including medical/environmental diagnostics, pathogen detection, personalised medicine, bioreactors for cell growth and organ-on-chip.

Dr Mazher Mohammed
Research Fellow (Advanced Design - Engineering)
Faculty of Science Engineering & Built Environment
School of Engineering
Deakin University