FROM IDEA TO PROTOTYPE: MASTERING LAB-ON-A-CHIP TECHNOLOGY
This Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program offers a hands-on journey into the development of Lab-on-a-Chip devices, guiding participants from initial concept to a fully functional prototype. Participants will gain practical skills in microfluidic system design, flow modeling using finite element simulations, and prototype fabrication, employing techniques such as photolithography, stereolithography, laser ablation, and 3D printing. The program also addresses prototype testing, parameter measurement, and system validation, providing a comprehensive overview of the complete development process in an international and collaborative learning environment.
MAIN INFO
The first phase of the program is conducted online, providing a strong foundation for the hands-on project week in Budapest. During the on-site project week at the Biomicrofluidics Lab of the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics of Pázmány Péter Catholic University, participants will apply their acquired knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
Application deadline: April 14, 2027
Online phase: 21 - 25 June 2027
Project week: 28 June - 02 July 2027
Venue of the Project week: Práter utca 50/A, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
ONLINE PHASE:
Monday: Welcome and introduction to the programme, Introduction of the students: Who? Why? What?
Tuesday: Fundamentals of fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems, Basic principles and mechanisms, key components of microfluidic devices.
Wednesday: Silicon fabrication: photolithography, microfabrication, bonding.
Thursday: Plastic fabrication: materials, microfabrication, bonding.
Friday: Project consultation, Defining main parameter of the lab-on-a-chip device.
PROJECT WEEK:
Monday: Introduction and design of microfluidic cartridges. Welcome, registration, introduction, lab tour and safety protocols; Brainstorming, project planning, definition of main parameters; Introduction to CAD software for microfluidic design. Hands-on session: Designing microfluidic cartridges for specific applications (group exercise), design optimization of cartridges (reviewing parameters like flow channels, valves, and reservoirs)
Tuesday: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Introduction to CFD simulations for microfluidics; Setting up a CFD model: simulation of flow in microfluidic cartridges; Hands-on CFD session: simulating designed microfluidic cartridges (analyzing flow rates, pressure drops, and fluid behavior).
Wednesday: Cartridge fabrication. Overview of fabrication techniques for microfluidic cartridges (3D Printing, Soft Lithography, etc.); Hands-on fabrication: 3D printing and soft lithography of microfluidic cartridges; Assembly of microfluidic components (focus on sealing and bonding techniques for the cartridge).
Thursday: Experimental setup and testing. Introduction to the microfluidic platform: setup and control; Installing and testing microfluidic cartridges on the platform; Running initial experiments: testing fluid flow, mixing, and separation in cartridges.
Friday: Presentations and feedback. Final project demonstrations; Feedback and Wrap-up.