Capillarics platform for user-friendly blood diagnostics
Capillarics is a microfluidic platform enabling minimally invasive, at-home diagnostics. It uses passive fluid control for easy blood analysis, initially focusing on iron and Vitamin D detection. The technology seeks to develop a multiplexed diagnostic device.
Overview
The Capillarics platform is a groundbreaking microfluidic technology designed to enable ultra-user-friendly, minimally invasive diagnostics. This innovative approach leverages channel-based capillary microfluidics, allowing users to perform at-home or in-pharmacy blood tests without measuring precise volumes or executing complex procedures. Initially targeted at iron and Vitamin D detection, Capillarics promises to simplify the diagnostic process, making it accessible to non-specialist users.
Technical specifications
Capillarics utilizes passive fluid control and reagent integration in a self-contained device. Key features include:
- Capillary Field Effect Transistor (cFET): A patent-pending technology that enables precise flow control and volume metering without power or pumps.
- Liquid-surface interaction: Allows manipulation of liquid flow through pre-programmed geometric features such as passive valves.
- Integration potential: Suitable for biochemical and analytical chemistry tests, adapting them into a user-friendly format.
The platform is currently being adapted to develop a multiplexed diagnostic device for iron and Vitamin D, incorporating photometric, electrochemical, or other sensing methods directly into the microfluidic chip.
Technology readiness level
The Capillarics platform is currently at TRL 2. A six-month project aims to advance it to TRL 5 by developing a working prototype for Vitamin D detection. This will include fluidic circuit design, reagent selection, and validation using blood samples. Successful integration with an ongoing iron test could demonstrate the capability for a multiplexed diagnostic device.
About University of Canterbury
Based in Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, the University of Canterbury is a comprehensive public research university with a strong applied and collaborative orientation. Industry engages through co‑located laboratories in a modern engineering precinct, dedicated field stations, and access to unique testbeds and natural laboratories. Work‑integrated learning and internship pipelines, flexible contracting, and proximity to the city’s innovation district enable regular on‑site collaboration. Research is supported by national funding mechanisms, including competitive programmes from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Marsden Fund. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing, and new venture formation with regional partners.
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