"Microfluidic Systems for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
in the Developed and Developing Worlds"

"Microfluidic Systems for Point-of-Care Diagnostics in the Developed and Developing Worlds"

The talk will be presented by Paul Yager, Ph.D, Professor & Vice Chair, UW Bioengineering

Abstract

If quantitative immunoassays could be run more inexpensively, more frequently, and at the point of care,
the impact on health would be substantial both here and worldwide.

Microfluidic systems, which allow the use of very small samples, and have the potential to allow inexpensive
solutions to complex chemical analysis problems, can be the central tools in designing analytical instruments
that can tackle this challenge.

There are some very interesting phenomena that are specific to flow in small spaces that can be used
very effectively to enhance detection of analytes. One of the active projects in our lab is aimed at developing
inexpensive diagnostic instruments for salivary analytes based on surface plasmon resonance imaging
- a technique that allows quantitation of the amount of binding to a surface based on changes in the local refractive index.
It demonstrates both the promise and the many challenges involved in taking this type of technology from the research laboratory to the field.

We are also working on developing a system for rapid diagnosis of multiple diseases for use in the
developing world under support under the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation. Both systems will be discussed.

Speaker Biography:

UW Bioengineering Biographical web-page link: Paul Yager, Professor & Vice Chair

Research Interests:

    o   Microfluidic devices for chemical and biochemical measurement

    o   Development of point-of-care diagnostic instruments

    o   Microfabrication technologies for microfluidics

    o   Development of microfluidic-specific methods of analysis of biological samples

    o   Biophysics of self-organizing systems, particularly lipid systems

For Directions see: http://www.seattleu.edu/home/campus_community/visit_campus/campus_maps/main_campus_map/

 Recommended parking in lot P7, accessible from the intersection of 12th Avenue and E. Marion Street.
The parking fee in the evening is $5. NOTE: Parking lot does fill up.

For more information, contact:

• Brian Stewart, Meeting Coordinator,email