What is microfluidics?
Microfluidics is a technology in which fluid is manipulated in engineered, miniaturized devices with features in the micron length scale (10-6 m). The capacity to precisely control fluids at this scale allows for infinite applications in engineering, medicine, biology and chemistry. The technology has delivered spectacular results in recent years, such as digital PCR which is orders of magnitude more sensitive than competing techniques and single-cell genome sequencing which is unlocking the fundamental secrets of the genetic code.
A key driver of the rapid increase in popularity of microfluidic devices has been the development of portable, point-of-care (POC) tests that can be brought to the patient instead of bringing the patient or her/his sample to the lab. Thanks to microfluidics, processes normally carried out in laboratories can now be done on a single chip of few square centimeters (i.e., a lab-on-a-chip), using much less sample and reagents, that generate more precise results in less time, at a higher throughput, and at less cost and energy consumption. The technology has also empowered the development of miniature 3D tissue models (i.e., organ-on-a-chip) and engineered tissue substitutes using microfluidic devices.
Microfluidics in Canada
Since the early 2000s, the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top research universities, and the National Research Council of Canada, the country’s largest federal R&D organization, have distinguished themselves as international leaders in the science and technology of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto boasts one of the world’s largest and most active microfluidic device research communities: it consists of 50+ investigators who are mentoring 220+ students and postdoctoral fellows. Together they are producing high-impact publications, innovative microfluidics-powered medical devices, intellectual property (IP) and start-up companies. The University’s research community has generated several ‘world-firsts’ such as:
- organ-on-chip models of blood vessels and heart tissues
- a point-of-care diagnostic device for infection diseases validated for use in refugee camp settings in Africa
- a handheld 3D printer that produces skin sheets that promote healing of large burn wounds
The National Research Council of Canada
The National Research Council’s Bio-Analytical MicroNano Devices Section (BioAMND) in Boucherville (Quebec) develops, fabricates and scales up production of polymer-based microfluidic devices for diverse applications, such as diagnostics, precision medicine and cell-based therapy. It is staffed with ~40 scientists who use and operate a $75 million facility. Since its establishment in 2001, BioAMND has conducted >100 device-related R&D and translational projects (valued at >$75M), generating >150 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, 35 patented technologies, and a large collaborative network of industry partners, federal departments and international organizations.
The Council has made unique contributions to the field of polymer micro-fabrication of lab-on-chip systems. A recent example is the ‘PowerBlade’ (P-Blade), a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology that can perform DNA, RNA and protein isolation from a fingerprint sample. The P-Blade has been applied to national priorities through partnerships with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Food Inspection Agency. In addition, it will soon be deployed to the International Space Station through a collaboration between Canadian Space Agency and the Canadian space industry. (see government blog entry about P-Blade)
Unity Health Toronto
Unity Health Toronto is dedicated to world‑class discovery and innovation that directly transforms patient care and wellbeing. Its research ecosystem spans the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science (KRCBS) and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI), enabling seamless integration of basic science, translational research, clinical investigation, population health, and knowledge translation. With more than 1,600 publications in 2024, 20 Canada Research Chairs, and $126M in annual research spending, Unity Health ranks among Canada’s top research hospitals.
Its scientific pillars: Critical Care, Brain Health & Wellness, Organ Injury & Repair, and Urban & Community Health, provide rich clinical contexts where microfluidics can drive breakthroughs in diagnostics, organ‑on-a-chip modelling, and precision therapeutics. Its research partnerships, including having joined CRAFT as a third anchor partner as of 2024, will further enable researchers to rapidly translate microscale technologies from concept to clinical validation, directly improving patient care and population health.
Interested in becoming a CRAFT Research Affiliate? Please inquire below or reach out to partnerwithCRAFT@utoronto.ca
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