Integrated Biophotonics Polymer Chip

Lead Division
Polymer processing, Division 4

Other Divisions Participating
Assembly & Packaging, Division 6
Micro-optics, Division 9

Summary
The goal of this project is to analyse the possibility of realizing compact biophotonic sensors for living cells by heterogeneous integration of optical waveguides, photodetectors and electronics within a polymer microfluidic chip. The project addresses research challenges for 2010 and beyond in the context of information technologies for health care and biotechnology.

The project will evaluate an integrated system for in-situ monitoring of a small number of living cells. A suitable microfluidic environment on polymeric surfaces capable of maintaining immobilized living cells will be investigated. Fluorescent probes attached to the cell membrane will be considered for apoptosis detection. Optical waveguides on the polymeric surface of the microfluidic chip will be analyzed in terms of evanescent field fluorescence excitation of the dyes attached to the cell membrane. In addition, an electronic read out system will be evaluated. To allow high density of functionality and to keep manufacturing costs acceptably low, the 4M technologies and processes involved (optical- and X-ray lithography, laser-writing on polymers, mould manufacturing, hot embossing, semiconductor technology) have to fulfil the request for batch fabrication of the photonic devices integrated with the microfluidic chip. Additionally know-how from WPs 6 and 9 are necessary for the successful development of the fluidic system within the project requirements.

Status of this cross-divisional project
The final report from this project is available to Partners here.