Holder design process

The UPTURN Project aims to develop microfluidic electrochemical cells that can be used in many research fields. Such cells will allow for the modular creation of measurement systems in which, in addition to electrochemical experiments, reactions and products can be simultaneously analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, among other techniques.

Our team’s research consists of several main points. First, we developed the design of microchannel chips, inside which there are electrodes dedicated to electrochemical measurements. Next, we are working on a microchip holder. We are currently at the stage of subsequent iterations of the holder design and testing of microfluidic chips.

The challenge is to design and create a holder that meets several requirements, including a controlled inlet and outlet of electrolytes to all channels, electrical contact with the electrodes, and, above all, easy and intuitive use for potential users.

In this project, we adopted one of the Agile methodologies – Scrum, which consists of successive, fast-delivered iterations of the design to create a better product for our customers. This management style is becoming increasingly popular and working very well during our holder project process. The method involves working in successive stages, called “sprints”, which consist of specific stages: planning, design, development, testing and implementation. After each sprint, the team has conclusions from subsequent product iterations, makes corrections, and modifies, if necessary, so that the holder can meet the expectations of future customers.

In the initial stage, a digital CAD design is created, and then the holder is manufactured using a high-precision 3D SLA printing method. The printed holder is equipped with elements such as luer fittings, electrical contacts, and gaskets and is sent to electrochemical laboratories. Tests are carried out on analyzing several types of microchannel chips: without additional elements, with membranes between electrodes, and for photoelectrochemical measurements. In case of any problems related to the use of the holder in practice, feedback is provided to designers. In this way, several product versions were created, each time with improved functionality. We are currently working on additional elements of the measurement system, such as temperature control. We believe that in this way, we will achieve the main goal of the UPTURN project, i.e., the design of a functional device for measurements in microflows. In addition, by testing various types of microfluidic chips, we expand the potential application of our products so that they can be used in many electrochemical and analytical laboratories.