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Description
The overall goal of the project is the development of a first-of-its-kind, multiparametric instrumentation equipment integrating microfluidic electrochemical cells and advanced microelectrodes materials, and being compatible with other in situ analysis technologies such as UV-Vis, FTIR/IR, Raman, NMR and ultra-fast laser spectroscopy. The main vision is to develop a powerful, yet flexible research tool, which is open to customization of all its components, experimental conditions and downstream analysis by users. We envision that such tools will revolutionize laboratory analysis in the future.
A new, interdisciplinary, international research group was formed to implement this project and to achieve a high synergy of competences. The group is based on a consortium of the leading company redox.me (Poland), Institute Physical Chemistry PAS (Poland), Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland) and SINTEF (Norway).
The project provides an excellent environment for training and educating young researchers, and a platform for gaining early career experience within the multidisciplinary, innovative industrial research settings.
The project will promote long term collaborations between Poland and Norway: parts of the future product can be manufactured in Norway and the consortium will identify suitable partners to develop strategies for future joint grant applications.
Summary of project results
The Upturn project aimed to advance microfluidic technology and electrochemical applications by developing innovative solutions for enhancing analytical capabilities in biosensing, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis. Integrating microfluidic systems with advanced electrode materials was crucial for addressing challenges in sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability.
The project developed various electrochemical cell concepts and refined fabrication processes on 6-inch wafers, ensuring the versatility and reliability of microfluidic cells across commercial and R&D applications. Robust interfaces and readout platforms were designed for microfluidic chips along with modular chip clamp systems and advanced connector technologies for secure fluidic and electrical connections, essential for reliable experimental setups. Key outcomes of the project include enhanced sensitivity and performance of microfluidic systems in electrochemical applications, validation of novel electrode materials for specific tasks such as nitro explosive detection, and improved understanding of fluid dynamics and experimental reliability.
The Upturn project''s advancements are expected to have a lasting impact on microfluidic technology and electrochemical applications, fostering innovation in biosensing, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis. These outcomes support sustainable development goals and contribute to technological leadership in relevant industries, paving the way for future research and commercial products that address global health, environmental, and industrial challenges.
Summary of bilateral results
Norwegian partner is recognized as a leader in wafer processing for sensor applications. SINTEF, a widely respected Research Institute,boasts a dedicated team of experts. Their extensive experience in silicon wafer processing and sensor manufacturing was crucial for theproject''s success. Several scientific breakthroughs were achieved during the project, resulting in multiple publications.SINTEF gained new insights into anodic bonding for glass-silicon connections with electrodes on both materials. They also developed a novel BCBbonding method (benzocyclobutene) for silicon and glass chips, achieving significant success.Currently, partners redox.me and SINTEF are negotiating the commercialization of the project''s outcome. Both organizations plan to continuecollaborating on business and research endeavours. The commercialization of microfluidic chips is essential for redox.me''s future. Additionally,research project proposals involving SINTEF, redox.me, and other partners are in progress. Project proposal with REKIN project, in consortiumwith GUT (FENG NCBR programme) was issued in March 2024 and Nanotecmec project with SINTEF in consortium (ERA4HEALTH programme)was issued in June 2024.