Microfluidics expert Dolomite has been awarded a SMART grant from the UK Government to develop a plug and play microfluidic system which will make microfluidics more accessible to a wider market and will increase productivity in research labs.

The project will consist of prototyping a suite of integrated tools, specifically targeted at microfluidics users in research and education, with the ambition of providing a sophisticated suite of intelligently co-ordinated capabilities. The suite will be based around a modern touch-screen interface enabling clear visualisation of data and virtual reconfiguration of the connected hardware such as pumps and valves. The intuitive and easy to use connections to microfluidic devices will build on Dolomite’s existing range of microfluidic connectors, Multiflux™.

“At Dolomite, we believe the scientist should be free to focus on science and not have to worry about finding the right tools for their job. That’s why we will provide researchers with a next generation of plug and play microfluidic platforms for use in the laboratory.” Dolomite’s CEO, Andrew Lovatt explained “Once again, Dolomite will apply its world-leading expertise in microfluidic solutions to development of innovative technologies”.

This project will benefit areas such as food science, pharma and petrochemical research. “Although we could develop these tools as isolated products, it is only though the support of the TSB that Dolomite can invest in far reaching product development and enable researchers to move to the next level of productivity. That’s why we are extremely happy to have been awarded this grant and look forward to developing these cutting edge technologies”.

The “plug and play” microfluidic system is expected to launch during 2013