The eLoaD platform endows centrifugal microfluidics with on-disc power and communication

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Biotechnology
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) platforms lack advanced electronic control and real-time sensing capabilities during operation.
• Centrifugal microfluidics offers advantages in sample handling but is limited by external control and monitoring methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and demonstrate an electrified Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) system.
• To integrate wireless power transfer and electronic control for enhanced centrifugal microfluidics.
• To enable real-time monitoring and interaction with experiments on a spinning disc.

Main Methods:

• Development of a reusable, modular eLoaD platform with wireless power transfer (Qi-compliant).
• Integration of an Arduino microcontroller, Bluetooth module, and SD card for onboard processing and communication.
• Utilization of interchangeable application discs with integrated sensors (optical, electrochemical, temperature) and actuators (heating/cooling).

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of wireless power transfer and control during disc rotation.
• Implementation of real-time optical, electrochemical, and temperature sensing experiments.
• Validation of controlled heating/cooling actuation for microfluidic applications.
• The eLoaD system provides continuous monitoring and interaction, overcoming stroboscopy limitations.

Conclusions:

• The eLoaD system offers a versatile, wirelessly controlled platform for centrifugal microfluidics.
• This technology expands the capabilities of LoaD systems for diverse laboratory unit operations and diagnostic assays.
• The modular and reusable design, coupled with accessible electronic designs and code, promotes widespread adoption and adaptation.