New MFMET paper is out – Determining Liquid Properties for Application in Microfluidic Devices
The recently published EURAMET technical guide nº4: Evaluation of Flow-Related Quantities in Microfluidic Devices, provides valuable insights into the calibration procedures for flow-related quantities in microfluidic devices. Developed by the partners of the EMPIR project 20NRM02 MFMET 02 (WP2), this guide reflects the current practices applied in European National Metrology Institutes.
Here are the key points from the guide:
1. Measurement Methods: The guide delves into the measurement methods for crucial flow quantities within the microflow range. These methods are explained in detail, ensuring accuracy and reliability in microfluidic measurements.
2. Implementation Examples: To illustrate practical application, the guide includes three selected examples. These demonstrate how the recommended procedures can be implemented effectively for microfluidic components.If you’re interested in exploring the guide further, you can find it on the EURAMET website here and here. It’s a valuable resource for anyone involved in microfluidics and flow metrology.
2024/07/08
New MFMET paper is out – Determining Liquid Properties for Application in Microfluidic Devices
Liquids, between nano- to microliters, have properties, such as surface tension, contact angle and refractive index, that play an important role in fluid dynamics and that are challenging to microfluidics engineers and scientists. This work displays a study of these properties for commonly used liquids in microfluidic devices, like ultrapure water, ethylene glycol and glycerol, in contact with plates of Topas and borosilicate glass, which are the materials of the microfluidics devices fabrication. For the study of these properties, the probes used were dimensional characterized by means of an interferometer and the determination of surface tension and contact angle (static and dynamic) by Wilhelmy plate method using a tensiometer. The refractive index of the tested liquids was also determined. This study also focuses on establishing metrological traceability and an uncertainty budget for each measurement and as they are important tools for quality assessment of measurement results.
Indeed, these liquid properties are crucial for microfluidic flow properties such as resistivity and fouling, which are key performance parameters of microfluidic devices. A contribution with measurement results of challenging liquid properties for use in microfluidic devices is given in this work.
Read more here
2024/06/26
MFMET II – Establishing Metrology Standards in Microfluidics
The rapid development of microfluidics has led to a growing need for establishing metrology standards to ensure the accuracy and consistency of measurements in this field. As microfluidic devices become increasingly complex and are used in a wide range of applications, from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring, the lack of standardized measurement techniques and protocols is hindering the widespread adoption of these devices. Establishing metrology standards in microfluidics would enable the development of reliable and reproducible measurement methods, facilitating the translation of research findings into practical applications and reducing the risk of errors and inaccuracies. Furthermore, standardization would also enable the comparison of results across different devices and labs, accelerating innovation and driving progress in the field.
The proposal for MFMET II submitted to EURAMET in February has passed to the next phase of Selected Research Topic. The potential research idea will be submitted in September.
2024/06/26
Standardization Unlocked: MFMET Releases Deliverable 2 as guidelines for seamless flow control in microfluidics industry supply chain
MFMET is pleased to announce the completion of Deliverable 2, ‘Guidelines for the implementation of consensus-based flow control specifications in the microfluidics industry supply chain’. This comprehensive document provides a framework for ensuring seamless flow control across the entire microfluidics industry supply chain, promoting consistency and efficiency in the development and production of microfluidic devices. The 8 guidelines of the Project are now available for download and implementation, marking a significant milestone in MFMET’s efforts to standardize and improve the microfluidics industry. Check them here
2024/05/30
From Leak to Peak: The Reasons Your Microfluidic Devices Aren’t Performing
Exciting news! Our latest report is now available, delving into the most common reasons for failure of microfluidic devices. From surface treatment and contamination to design flaws and material properties, we’ve identified the key factors that can cause these devices to malfunction. Get the inside scoop on how to optimize your device design and manufacturing processes to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Download the report here and stay ahead of the curve in the field of microfluidics!
2024/05/27
MFMET Database for Flow Control Components
Get instant access to accurate and comprehensive data for flow control components, including valves and regulators. Simplify your design, testing, and deployment processes with trusted information. Join us in populating the MFMET Database for Flow Control Components! Get the compiled document here or access the database here
2024/05/17
Deliverable 7 – Landscape document identifying standardization requirements for microfluidic component design and manufacturing with respect to modularity and heterogenous integration
Discover how our latest Deliverable 7 Landscape document delves into the crucial standardization requirements for microfluidic component design and manufacturing, specifically focusing on modularity and heterogeneous integration. Uncover key insights and best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your microfluidic systems, revolutionizing the way you approach design and manufacturing. Stay ahead of the curve and elevate your capabilities with this essential resource. Read the document here
2024/05/01
Deliverable 8 – Measurement protocols for dimensional characterisation of microfluidic components
Introducing our latest deliverable, Deliverable 8! Dive into the detailed measurement protocols for dimensional characterisation of microfluidic components. Explore the latest advancements in this area and stay ahead in the realm of microfluidics. Read the document here
2024/05/01
MFMET WEBINAR is out
Join us for an insightful webinar on metrology standards for microfluidics, where we will dive into the crucial aspects of ensuring accurate measurements in this rapidly evolving field. Featuring several informative videos demonstrating best practices and techniques, this session is perfect for researchers, engineers, and professionals looking to enhance their understanding of metrology in microfluidics. Links to the videos in the Publications tab here
2024/04/30
Standardization Workshop UNLOOC – MFMET – AGRARSENSE in Jena, Germany, 16 May
Microfluidic ChipShop is organizing a one-day workshop on standardization in Microfluidics in Jena, Germany on May 16th. The event aims to address the importance of standardization in microfluidics and will have participation from MFMET, UNLOOC, and AGRARSENSE partners. To view the program, please check the provided link.
2024/04/30
MFMET workshop in Caparica, Portugal, 22 May
MFMET, IPQ, The Microfluidics Association and INESC MN are organizing a free workshop on Workshop on Standardization of Test Methods in Microfluidics. MFMET will be represented by several partners with presentations in the morning while Academia and Companies will show their test methods in the afternoon. A Roadmap for Standardization in microfluidics will be addressed by The MFA. Check the program and how to register here.
2024/04/30
Microfluidic Association March Workshop Integration of sensors and electronics in microfluidics: Challenges and opportunities
On Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8, 2024, the Microfluidic Association (MFA) held a workshop to discuss the challenges and opportunities around the integration of sensors and electronics in microfluidics. The workshop was hosted and supported by the Belgium Research Institute imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre) and also received support from the EMPIR MFMET project. The workshop was held with the objective of providing input for a shared technology roadmap for the microfluidics industry. With over 100 attendees, mostly from the industry sector, the workshop surpassed the number of attendees at our earlier workshop last November at CETIAT, Lyon. Several integration approaches were discussed, providing input for potential items for the microfluidics technology roadmap, especially with respect to the three core issues: 1) materials (qualification of surfaces, compatibility with organ on chip applications, etc.); 2) testing; and 3) microfluidic connections. Attendees expressed their views and concerns regarding the amount of waste generated by testing and suggested approaches toward the sustainability and reusability for instance by the use of biobased and/or biodegradable materials. Members of the research community mentioned that smaller chip sizes were not covered (yet) in ISO 22916:2022 Microfluidic devices – Interoperability requirements for dimensions, connections and initial device classification. It seems that there is a gap between the waferscale/diescale packaging the electronics industry can offer and the modular approach the microfluidic industry is currently developing. Approaches to bridge that gap should be on the roadmap too.
The results of the workshop will be discussed in the MFA board and will be included in the MFA roadmap. Stay tuned for updates on the report from the workshop and the microfluidics roadmap. Check for the latest information on MFA website: https://microfluidics-association.org
2024/03/14
On the road to standardization in Microfluidics and Organ-on-Chip
This report presents the results of a two-day workshop aimed at identifying and prioritising the needs for standards and metrology in the fields of Microfluidics and Organ-on-Chip (OoC)/Microphysiological Systems (MPS). The workshop was co-organised by The Microfluidics Association and the European project MFMET and hosted by CETIAT.
Check the document here.
2024/01/27
MFA workshop in Leuven, 7-8 March
The Microfluidics Association is organizing a workshop on Integration of Sensors and Electronics in Microfluidics: Challenges and Solutions. MFMET will be represented by several partners with presentations and round table discussions. Check the program and how to register here.
2024/01/26
MFMET published two Deliverables in November
Two of the project Deliverables are out.
Deliverable 5 is focusing on Guidelines for the measurement of key performance parameters of microfluidic connections including the identification of key properties in an interface. Link here
and Deliverable 6 concerns Guidelines for the implementation of standardised methods of microfluidic components focusing on port connection from microscale fluidic channels to the macroscale world and associated changes in flow and pressure. Link here
2023/11/29
Survey concerning prioritizing metrology and standardization work for the coming years
For our work in developing standards and metrology protocols it is crucial that we know what the community needs. Therefore you are invited to participate in our survey concerning prioritizing metrology and standardization work for the coming years.
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary, so if you feel uncomfortable answering any questions, you can skip questions or withdraw from the survey at any point. The information you will supply will be coded and will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you very much for your time and support.
Start with the survey by clicking here
This survey is held in preparation for the November workshop “on the road to standardization in microfluidics and organ-on-chip”. For more information on this workshop, click here.
2023/10/15
Workshop on on the road to standardization in microfluidics and organ-on-chip
In the scope of the MFMET Joint ResarchProject, in cooperation with the Microfluidic Association, CETIAT is welcoming in Lyon (France) a free workshop on the road to standardization in microfluidics and organ-on-chip.
This workshop will focus on:
- 1st day, november 13 (13h/18h)
- metrology and standardization
- tour of the CETIAT microFlow laboratory
- 2nd day, november 14 (9h/16h): organ-on chip technology
- regulatory perspectives on microfluidic, organ-on-chip standards
- manufacturers and end users perspective on sensors Integration.
The lunch on november 14 and the dinner on november 13 (at the Brasserie Georges) will be offered.
Registration is free of charge, but mandatory.
More information and Registration here
2023/10/09
EMPIR project (MFMET) supports the development of metrological network for microfluidic devices
EURAMET has highlighted the outcomes of MFMET project, in particular the development of five standards in the field of microfluidics. The project coordinator Elsa Batista (IPQ) comments on the early success of the project:
‘This project has the advantage to bring together academia, manufacturers and National Metrology Institutes in order to develop new documents and standards in the field of microfluidics. Because of the different knowledge that was brought by each partner and our chief stakeholder – the Microfluidic Association it was possible to elaborate several reports, protocols, white papers and guidelines that are already being used by the microfluidic community. Some of these documents were also used for the development of standards and the roadmap of the Focus Group of Organ on Chip from CEN and more work is expected in the near future. The feedback from our end users is very positive since there is a big gap in protocol harmonization regarding connectivity, sensor integration, modularity and measurement of different quantities in microfluidic devices.Read more here
2023/09/25
MFMET database for Flow Control Components
Deriving from needs identified by the Microfluidics Supply Chain (e.g. collected in surveys from the Microfluidics Association or from the MFMET project), Activity A1.1.3 aimed to use the knowledge compiled in activities A1.1.1 and A1.1.2 and produced a database with an inventory for flow control components. The database developed by DTI intends to present flow control components along with information such as basic operating principles, family of components and types and subtypes of components. It is a goal of the database to create an interactive and efficient overview of information on flow control components.
The MFMET database for flow control components can be found @ https://yoda.teknologisk.dk/MFMET-database
and the Manual to access and use the database can be found here
2023/09/11
MFMET M27 Meeting
The 8-9 august 2023 the M27 project meeting of the EURAMET project MFMET took place onsite at DTI in Aarhus, Denmark. Partners and Advisory Board members met physically and online to discuss technical and management matters relevant for the project goal: Establishing Metrology Standards in Microfluidic Devices. The meeting facilitated both coordination and status of the project subtasks, and exchange of experience and ideas among the participants.
The Microfluidics Association, our Chief Stakeholder, presented challenges in Microfluidics and promoted the discussion around how the establishment of metrology standards could assist the Microfluidics Supply Chain to tackle them.
2023/08/23
MFMET in the News
MFMET is leading the definition of metrological standards for microfluidics. EURAMET has highlighted this work, presented at MPS World Summit
“The development of Micro physiological systems is a field in exponential growth. These systems mimic human organs, allowing in vitro drug testing, which minimises the risk of adverse drug reactions. Therefore, it is very important to validate, standardise and metrologically characterise these systems. This congress provided greater visibility for the work carried out at by the EMPIR project MFMET, allowing interaction with the scientific community and manufacturers in the field of microflow and organs-on-chip.”
2023/07/25
Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large-Scale Trial Applications
Why are microfluidic standards important ? This is one of the questions we highlight in the new MFMET publication @ Advanced Materials. “It becomes essential to create user-friendly systems with standardized features and protocols for faster adoption, industrialization, and clinical translation.”
The full paper can be found here.
2023/07/25
Establishing Metrology Standards for Microfluidics has major impact at MPS World Summit 2023
MFMET was represented at the 2nd Microphysiological Systems World Summit -MPS2023 by IPQ and INESC MN.
The conference on Microphysiological systems (MPS) comprises a number of bioengineering breakthroughs that reproduce organ architecture and function in vitro. Fueled by stem-cell technologies, a broad variety of especially human models and test systems have emerged, which make relevant experimental tools broadly available through international and multidisciplinary collaborations. Metrology standards were identified as very relevant for these systems at the microscale, as demonstrated in 2 workshops and 1 poster presentation.
Documents can be found here and here.
2023/07/06
White paper on common microfluidic components materials: properties and fabrication
Partners from MFMET are working to collect useful information for the fabrication and test of microfluidic devices. This white paper focuses on an overview of commonly used materials in microfluidics, their properties and fabrication processes and their connectivity to the world. Full document here
2023/05/12
New white paper under MFMET
The MFMET/MFA joint white paper on flow resistivity testing provides a protocol for testing flow resistivity in microfluidic devices. Full document here
2023/05/10
The first Deliverable of the project is out
This deliverable with guidelines and a test protocol for flow control evaluating leakage and burst pressure in microfluidic devices is now available. Full document here
2023/05/05
Guidelines for optical interfaces of microfluidic devices
MFMET was involved in the definition of Guidelines for Optical Interfaces of Microfluidic Devices. This document aims to provide direction to microfluidic engineers and scientists about what to consider when designing the device to ensure proper function of the optical parts. Full document here
2023/04/27
Development of test protocols for microfluidic devices
This report presents test protocols to measure flow resistivity, flow, volume and volume of droplets in microfluidic devices. Full document here
2023/04/03
Test protocols for liquid properties related to microfluidic devices
Do you know how to measure density, viscosity, refractive index and contact angle in microfluidic devices ? Check how to do it ensuring traceability to national standards and conformity to existing normative standards on our latest report here
2023/04/03
MFMET @ Workshop on BioMEMS and Microfluidic Technologies
The work on “Accelerating Innovation of Microfluidic Technology – the Role of Standardization” was presented at the Workshop on BioMEMS and Microfluidic Technologies on March 28 & 29, promoted by METU MEMS Center, Turkey
2023/03/28
MFMET was at CIM2023
This year’s edition of the 21st International Metrology Congress – CIM2023 was dedicated to Limitless Metrology at your fingertips. MFMET outputs were presented by CETIAT at CIM2023 which was held in Lyon from 07 to 10 March.
The MFMET presentation can be seen here
2023/03/10
How to measure surface roughness?
Find out how to measure surface roughness on our latest test protocol on surface roughness. The document reports the investigation of existing metrology for roughness from microscale to macroscale. It delivers a test protocol for surface roughness ensuring traceability to national standard and conformity to existing normative standards. See more in the link
2022/12/07
MFMET and metrology standards for microfluidics @ The Microfluidics Consortium Open Day – Enchede Holland
The work from MFMET was presented at the Microfluidics Consortium Open Day – Enschede Holland, taking place on the 30th of November. This was a great opportunity organized by The Microfluidics Consortium in which prominent microfluidics-orientated companies and academics to expressed and discussed their needs for standardization in microfluidics.
2022/11/30
MFMET M18 meeting
MFMET partners met online on November 28 for the M18 meeting. The work developed within the project together with The Microfluidics Association and international Stakeholders was presented and discussed. Documents prepared in these 18 months are available on the Publications tab and at Zenodo
2022/11/28
MFMET @ Smart MedTech Forum in Munich
Trends in and Challenges for the Microfluidic Industry was presented by Henne van Heeren at the Smart MedTech Forum @ SEMICON Europa 2022 held in Munich, Germany from 15 to 18 November 2022
2022/11/18
MFMET at Flomeko 2022
Elsa Batista was at Flomeko 2022, held in China, November 1-4 , 2022, to present the latest advancements in standardization in microfluidics. The requirements on flow measurement have been increasing recently, especially in the field of environment and health. MFMET consortium is working actively to meet the metrology requirements for Microfluidic Devices used in these sectors.
2022/11/04
Standardization aspects in Microfluidics were presented at MUFA 2022, in Buenos Aires
The work on the “A path to standardization in microfluidics: transforming challenges into opportunities for a universal tool” was presented as an Invited Talk at MUFA, held in Buenos Aires from 7 to 9 November 2022.
2022/10/09
MFMET in the news
Microfluidic devices are increasingly being used for medical diagnostics and research. They offer several benefits over conventionally-sized systems by using a smaller volume of chemicals and reagents, thereby reducing the cost and shortening the processing time for many biochemical operations. They also offer excellent data quality and substantial parameter control, which allows process automation while at the same time improving the yield. However, as this is a comparably new field, devices tend to be developed using ad hoc solutions leading to longer than necessary development times and reliability problems. Henne Van Heeren, board member of the Microfluidics Association and Elsa Batista, researcher at Instituto Português da Qualidade, Portugal, explain how standardisation is key to overcome these problems. Read the complete document here
2022/11/02
The MFA/MFMET white paper on measurement of hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and wettability is out
This white paper is written to provide information and procedures to test the hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and wettability, focused on microfluidic device applications. The methods used ensure traceability to national standards and conformity to existing normative standards. It can be downloaded here
2022/10/10
The 2nd MFMET Newsletter is out
The Consortium, coordinated by IPQ (Portugal), summarized the Project News and Facts, Highlights and Dissemination in the 2nd Newsletter, which can be read here.
2022/07/15
The importance of Metrology of Microfluidics for Organs-on-Chip was presented at EUROOoCS 2022, in Grenoble
The work on the “Influence of Microfluidic Standards on Organs-on-Chips” by Elsa Batista (Portuguese Institute of Quality – IPQ), Henne van Heeren (enablingMNT Group), Florestan Ogheard (CETIAT), Vania Silverio (INESC MN), Joris Kaal and Nicolas Verplank (CEA LETI), was presented in poster format at EUROoCS 2022, held in Grenoble on the 4th & 5th of July 2022.
The program included a Special Session dedicated to Qualification and Standardization, organized by the EUROoCS Regulatory Advisory Board (RAB), to inform on the activities on Organ-on-Chip standardization in Europe, qualification, and important regulatory steps in the field of Organ-on-Chip.
2022/07/10
The first MFMET white paper is out: Protocols for leakage testing
The first white paper prepared under MFMET, “Protocols for leakage testing” together with The MFA, is now available. This document is written to serve as a guideline for the testing of microfluidic devices, which are devices designed to manipulate fluids that are confined in a small volume. Download the document here
2022/06/01
MFMET was presented to the Microfluidics Community at The Microfluidics Association (MFA)
On May 5th 2022, the work “Metrology supports microfluidic fabrication and testing” developed under MFMET, was presented at The MFA, webinar The road to user friendly integration of microfluidic components and devices.
2022/05/05
Metrology Challenges for Microfluidics is at CMM, the Commercial Micro Manufacturing Magazine
The work on “Metrology Challenges for Microfluidics” by Henne van Heeren (enablingMNT Group), Vania Silverio (INESC MN), Christina Pecnik (IMT Microtechnologies) and Elsa Batista (Portuguese Institute of Quality – IPQ), is on CMM Magazine
“Standardisation of performance characteristics is needed for the different classes of microfluidics components, including test conditions, measurement protocols and guidelines; because, so far, each microfluidics product is tested according to its own protocol, making generalising the result and bringing that information back to the design and fabrication stages difficult.“
Read the full article here
2022/04/13
MFMET was presented at Workshop OoC : vers une création et une structuration de la filière!
The Consortium, represented by CEA Leti (France), presented the MFMET project “La microfluidique au cœur des OOC : avantages et enjeux de la normalisation” during the Worksop OoC (organs on Chip) held on February 23-24 in BioValley, France.
2022/02/28
The 1st MFMET Newsletter is out
The Consortium, coordinated by IPQ (Portugal), summarized the Project News and Facts, Highlights and Dissemination in the 1st Newsletter, which can be read here.
2022/01/19
MFMET partners were at CIM2021
The Consortium, represented by IPQ (Portugal) and LNE-CETIAT (France), presented a poster during the 2021 International Congress on Metrology, CIM 2021 held on September 7-9 in Lyon, France.
The partners took this opportunity to present and explain in detail the MFMET project (objectives, work plan, impact). The congress, dedicated to metrology advances and innovations, welcomed more than 1000 participants from 45 countries and allowed the attendant for a virtual or physical attendance of the conferences and round tables organized.
The MFMET poster which was presented can be seen here
2021/10/14
MFMET 1st Advisory Board Meeting
The 1st MFMET Advisory Board meeting was held virtually on the 15 of November 2021, hosted by IPQ. Advisory Board members are Marko Blom from Micronit, Hugo Bissig from METAS, Nicole Pamme from the Stockholm University, Alexios Paul Tzannis from NILT Technology, Bertrand Cinquin from ESPCI Paris and Xize Niu from the Southampton University.
2021/11/15
Survey on leakage testing of microfluidic devices
The MFA together with MFMET are working on the development of leakage test protocols, later made available in the form of white papers, dedicated to the needs of the microfluidics community. The community’s input on leakage testing of microfluidics based products is essential to the success of this endeavor. The information supplied will be coded and will remain strictly confidential.
Fill the survey here
Download other white papers on microfluidics design rules, guidelines for electrical interconnections to microfluidics and more @ https://microfluidics-association.org
2021/07/23
MFMET kick-off meeting
MFMET kick-off meeting was held online on 7th June 2021 and gathers partners from
2021/06/15
MFMET will officially kick-off
MFMET officially starts on June 1st 2021 and the kick-off meeting will be held online on 7th June 2021
2021/06/01