Molecular Vision

Molecular Vision is an Imperial College biotech spin-out with proprietary lab-on-chip technology to combine microfluidics with organic-semiconductor light-sources and photodetectors. This proprietary technology will be used to provide lab-quality diagnostic tests in a disposable, easy-to-use, point-of-care format.

The Challenge

Molecular Vision required several laboratory test-beds on which to run immunoassay experiments and trial their absorbance and fluorescence based optical detection platforms. Crucially the test-beds would need to enable Molecular Vision to generate repeatable performance data to optimise and prove their technology as they move into further rounds of funding.

Approach

Three initial test-bed concepts were generated to allow a range of identified critical experimental parameters to be either fixed or varied within tight tolerances. From these concepts one was chosen to go forward to detailed design and machine shops and suppliers were selected to fabricate the parts. The optical detector electronics were adapted from an existing Molecular Vision prototype and extra measurement channels added to both the circuit schematic and source code, the PCBs were also industrialised for production. Additionally, eg technology provided manufacturing experience in the development of two microfluidic chips to support the strong academic capabilities within Molecular Vision.

The Result

The finished test-beds delivered to Molecular Vision provide flexibility for a range of experiments and robustness for repeated use. The units incorporated an accurately datum positioned microfluidic chip with organic optical detectors capable of 10 measurable degrees-of-freedom inside a light-tight enclosure. With this demonstrator Molecular Vision are now testing their platform and have moved a step forward to producing a point-of-care device.