Walter Messina

Sensor system for on-line monitoring of cell cultures

The paper is presenting the development of a sensor system dedicated to monitor the environment of eukaryotic cells culture acting as biosensors for toxins detection. The system we are presenting is containing pH, and temperature sensors integrated into microfluidic channels.

A novel CE microchip with micro pillars column & double-L injection design for Capacitance Coupled Contactless Conductivity detection technology

This novel capillary electrophoresis microchip, or also known as μTAS (micro total analysis system) was designed to separate complex aqueous based compounds, similar to commercial CE & microchip (capillary electrophoresis) systems, but more compact. This system can be potentially used for mobile/portable chemical analysis equipment. Un-doped silicon wafer & ultra-thin borofloat glass (Pyrex) wafers have been used to fabricate the device. Double-L injection feature, micro pillars column, bypass separation channel & hybrid- referenced C4D electrodes were designed to achieve a high SNR (signal to noise ratio), easy- separation, for a durable and reusable μTAS for CE use.

Multi-parameter on-line cell health monitoring system

An integrated cell based biochip microsystem platform that examines the effects of toxic chemicals on cells relevant to human health was developed. The novelty of this platform lies with the integration of mixed sensor technologies with fluidic capability that enables multi-parameter detection, with greater versatility for the end user then what is already currently available. It successfully integrated both optical (imaging) and electrical (impedance, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen sensors) detection into a platform system with fluidic control. The developed technology uses impedance analysis, which enables accurate, sensitive and reliable assays to be performed in real time and under constant automated monitoring. These types of biosensors offer the potential to study the behaviour of cells in a non-destructive assay format. This technology will have major beneficial implications in research areas such as neurology, cytotoxicity and pharmacology.