International Team Launches Microfluidics Group to write standards to speed device development & manufacturing

Leti, a research institute of CEA Tech, announced today that new ISO standards on microfluidics will be developed under Leti’s initiative and guidelines.

Microfluidics involves fluid-handling devices with internal dimensions in the range of micrometers up to a few millimeters. Often referred to as lab-on-a-chip, these portable systems integrate various laboratory functions on a single integrated processor. They are expected to boost point-of-care diagnosis in fields such as health care, and immediate, onsite environmental analysis and monitoring.

Following the MFManufacturing project^[1], a European initiative to bring the manufacturing of microfluidic devices to the same level of maturity and industrialization as electronic devices, Leti emerged as a leader in the launch of an international microfluidics association and the definition of new ISO standards. Nicolas Verplanck, Microfluidic project manager at Leti, has been appointed convenor of the European CEN/TC-332/WG7 and international ISO/TC48/WG3 (micro-process engineering) working groups and will write the microfluidics standards to speed commercialization of the emerging technology.

“Existing manufacturing processes for electronic devices that have been on the market for many years benefit from well-established standards for electronic components, and are easily integrated in the production process of major foundries,” Verplanck said. “In addition to beginning formal discussions on standards for interoperability and other key considerations, our new association, MakeFluidics, is defining standardization protocols, processes and guidelines to fast-track development and adoption of microfluidic systems.”

“The standards from the MF Manufacturing project enabled us to develop a rapid proof of concept of fluidic test bench adapted to our customers’ needs,” said Vincent Tempelaere, CEO of Eveon.

The anticipated standardization of international microfluidics design and manufacturing will focus on increasing maturity of both functional and fabrication process aspects:

• Increasing maturity of microfluidic functionsfocusing both on novel functional modules and their interoperability
• Increasing maturity of the manufacturing process: focusing on novel hybrid integration processes and on increasing maturity of some selected manufacturing processes that have good short-term commercial potential.

These steps are designed to improve device availability, reliability and accessibility, and result in lower production costs and improved time to market for microfluidic devices. In addition, these conditions are expected to enable large-scale adoption of these devices in target markets.

In addition to Verplanck, the microfluidics association’s steering committee includes:

• Holger Becker, microfluidic Chipshop, Germany
• Marko Blom, Micronit, Netherlands
• Henne van Heeren, enablingMNT, Netherlands
• Lionel Matthys, Fluigent, France
• Darwin Reyes, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA
• Alexios Tzannis, IMT, Switzerland
• Yu Zhou, Siemens Healthineers, U.S.

^[1] MFManufacturing is the European initiative for the standardization and manufacturability of complex microfluidic devices funded by the ENIAC Joint Undertaking (Europe Electronic Numerical Integrator Analyser and Computer) from 2014 to 2017

About Leti

Leti, a technology research institute at CEA Tech, is a global leader in miniaturization technologies enabling smart, energy-efficient and secure solutions for industry. Founded in 1967, Leti pioneers micro-& nanotechnologies, tailoring differentiating applicative solutions for global companies, SMEs and startups. Leti tackles critical challenges in healthcare, energy and digital migration. From sensors to data processing and computing solutions, Leti’s multidisciplinary teams deliver solid expertise, leveraging world-class pre-industrialization facilities. With a staff of more than 1,900, a portfolio of 2,700 patents, 91,500 sq. ft. of cleanroom space and a clear IP policy, the institute is based in Grenoble, France, and has offices in Silicon Valley and Tokyo. Leti has launched 60 startups and is a member of the Carnot Institutes network. Follow us on www.leti-cea.com and @CEA_Leti.

CEA Tech is the technology research branch of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), a key player in innovative R&D, defence & security, nuclear energy, technological research for industry and fundamental science, identified by Thomson Reuters as the second most innovative research organization in the world. CEA Tech leverages a unique innovation-driven culture and unrivalled expertise to develop and disseminate new technologies for industry, helping to create high-end products and provide a competitive edge.