MAGCHIP: Assembly of magnetic functional materials and microfluidic platform for the rapid detection of signaling biomarkers of the immune system

PROJECT COST:

156 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

62 400 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

The objective of this project is to develop a microfluidic device capable of detecting immune system signaling biomarkers, with surface functionalization achieved through a magnetic assembly approach. At the core of the system is a micrometer-scale magnetic wire coated with an ultra-thin, biologically inert glass layer. This wire combines high magnetization with very low remanence, enabling precise and reversible magnetic control.

The magnetic wires will be suspended within a microfluidic channel and functionalized by the attachment of superparamagnetic microbeads that are pre-functionalized for the targeted biomarkers. This process will be driven by the application of a transverse magnetic field. Once functionalized, the microwires will be positioned along the center and length of the microfluidic channel, ensuring that the entire functionalized surface is fully exposed to the microfluidic flow.

The novelty of the proposed system lies in the chip topology and in the optimization of the biomarker capture process through reversible magnetic assembly. This design enables efficient capture, improved sensitivity, and reliable operation.

The project also aims to accelerate the commercialization of diagnostic tests suitable for use outside laboratory environments and to strengthen Québec’s position in the field of lab-on-chip biomedical diagnostics. Azure Biosystems will benefit from a system capable of detecting events such as endothelial cell interactions. In the longer term, the company plans to expand its product portfolio by offering new point-of-care diagnostic instruments for health monitoring, particularly in low-resource settings. In parallel, Exacad Québec will enhance its expertise in the fabrication of microfluidic devices for lab-on-chip applications, a rapidly growing market.