Cascade Microtech Introduces Pioneering L-Series Microfluidics Metrology Systems to Accelerate Life Science Research
Leader in precision measurement of small structures brings innovation to transform microfluidics research and development
Beaverton, Ore.—August 1, 2005— Cascade Microtech (Nasdaq: CSCD), a leader in advanced electrical metrology systems and production probes for semiconductors, is bringing to bear its considerable knowledge and experience with small structure metrology and applying it to a new field it will pioneer—Microfluidics Metrology. As the pioneer in electrical metrology for semiconductor wafers, Cascade Microtech was the first to enable high frequency (multi-GHz) on-wafer measurements and the first to enable on-wafer current measurements as low as one femtoamp (fA).
The term microfluidics is generally used to describe any technology that moves microscopic and nano-scale drops of fluid through channels on a Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS). Microfluidic devices can be characterized by their capability to accurately control minute volumes of fluid well below the microliter range. By significantly reducing the time and cost per test, microfluidic-based devices are rapidly growing in pharmaceutical drug discovery and bioscience research today.
The L-Series Microfluidics Metrology Systems represent a significant leap forward in life sciences research methodology that is based on two new breakthrough products—the L-series MFP and EBP microportsTM (tiny fluid and electrical field delivery mechanisms)— developed exclusively by Cascade Microtech. The patent-pending microports are based on micron-level probing technology developed by Cascade Microtech. The microports will enable faster and more efficient microfluidics measurements. The technology advancement represented by the use of the microports enables scientists to dispense liquid or create an electrical field on a tiny workspace in a way never imagined or even possible for microfluidics research applications.
"Cascade Microtech has thought through several key issues limiting the efficiency of microfluidic research, and come up with a unique product to address these issues," said Don Devoe, Associate Professor, University of Maryland. "This (L-Series) enhances our ability to perform effective development of new microfluidic systems while minimizing overall costs."
Today, the market category for “microfluidics metrology” for research and development is in its infancy. The current methodology for experimentation involves individualized versions of do-it-yourself test fixtures developed one at a time by researchers to achieve the desired test environment. Cascade Microtech’s advanced technology could transform the way microfluidics research is performed, saving valuable time and money that can speed up life sciences research.
Cascade Microtech’s two core products that provide the breakthrough for the microfluidics metrology systems are the MFP series and the EBP series microportsTM. There are also total system solutions configured using both of these microports.
- The MFP (Micro-Fluidic Port) provides breakthrough flexibility and convenience for electroosmotic flow and electrophoresis experimentation. It eliminates the need for test fixtures or manifolds, allowing scientists to spend more time working on experiments and less time setting them up.
- The EBP (Electrode-Bio Port) for microfluidics devices provides safe and convenient high-voltage electrode application for electroosmotic pumping and electrophoresis. Working with in-device electrodes or stand-alone, the EBP provides safe electrode interface to the device that is non-corrosive and non-obtrusive to solutions and reagents.
Today, text fixtures are handcrafted one at a time in the experimentation and testing phase and permit no subsequent modifications. Cascade Microtech’s L-Series offers new flexibility in test set-up that enables innovation by allowing scientists to easily change the device under test or test reagent without having to recreate the test fixture every time. With the L-Series, researchers and scientists will spend substantially less time creating test fixtures and more time conducting experiments. The L-Series also allows system integrators to characterize and test the devices either in-line or before integration in a cost-effective and timely manner.
The adoption of Cascade Microtech’s L-Series in life sciences research could allow the innovation and development of more capable and reliable microfluidic devices—filling a need in the market today.
Overview of the L-Series Microfluidics Metrology Systems and Bundles
The L-Series Microfluidic Metrology solutions dramatically reduce the time, expense and complexity of creating microfluidic devices for R&D.
Cascade Microtech’s microfluidic metrology tools give researchers state-of-the-art fluid delivery ports that provide flexible inputs to the microfluidic device for applying electrophoresis, electroosmotic flow or pressure-driven flow without the need for manifolds. Micron-resolution manipulators provide flexibility and stability and enable quick change of microfluidic devices or solutions. High-voltage, biocompatible probes provide convenient electrical field application without requiring in-device electrode inputs. With an optional integrated fluorescent microscope, the L-Series provides a stable environment for visual measurement of experiment results. An available programmable high voltage power supply provides precise control over channel flow.
The L-Series is available in four system bundles (L100, L200, L300, L400) that offer a full range of pricing and functionality to meet the specific needs of the researcher. Each bundled system starts with a basic kit featuring breakthrough technology in precise fluid delivery via the MFP and EBP microportsTM and builds to a complete out-of-the-box system including everything needed for electrophoresis, electroosmotic and pressure-driven flow.
Each bundled system includes the following components from Cascade Microtech. In addition, Cascade Microtech may include other components like fluorescent microscopy, high voltage power supply, and microfluidic chips.
