Interface control of microchannel-based systems is emerging as a critical design trend in the optimisation of several types of micro-devices. The realisation of microstructures in components such as mixers, filters, extractors, reaction chambers of bio and chemical devices leads to major advantages for the applications, such as faster analysis times, parallelization of assays, combination of different reactions on the chips, globally improving performance at lower costs with respect to traditional external control.

The effectiveness of these microstructures strictly depends on the precise and reliable control of the flowing fluids and eventually transported substances. The INFLUS project aims at developing innovative integrated microfluidic bench technologies, i.e., a facility of techniques, protocols and devices specifically designed for the investigation of the effects on the fluid motion of changes induced at the channel wall. Specific “functionalised interfaces” allowing complex flow control and manoeuvring are realised in plastic, glass and hybrid micro-channels through the surface implementation of micro- and nanostructures or technological coatings.

The technical and scientific approach addresses both a complete experimental characterisation of functionalised interfaces by means of high-precision flow measurement and visualisation techniques based on miniaturised sensor technology and advanced theoretical models.

Project title:    Integrated Microfluidic Bench Technologies for Active Control of Unconventional Fluid by Functionalised Material Interface of Complex Geometry Microchannels

Acronym:        INFLUS

Contract nr.:   NMP3-CT-2006-0319880

Start date:       1/11/2006

End date:        31/10/2009

Maximum EC funding:   2.199.998 €