We have strong expertise in fluidics with application in areas ranging from biotechnology and chemical processing to energy generation and thermal management. A particular strength in high-throughput droplet-based technologies for drug discovery, cell culturing and genetic analysis has led to the creation and evolution of very successful spin-out enterprises (Stokes Bio and GenCell Biosystems) in the region that attracted significant multinational investment from leading biotech firms.

Liquid Bridge

What is it?
A microfluidic device at the heart of high-throughput instrumentation for applications in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics and chemical processing

How does it work?
Aqueous droplets on opposing microcapillary tips immersed in a density-matched silicone oil coalesce to mix and combine reagents, forming a microfluidic biochemical reactor

Impact
Key IP which underpinned the formation of UL spin-out company Stokes Bio, subsequently sold to Life Technologies, Inc. for $44M

Microcooler

What is it?
An innovative cooling solution for electronic devices that is far smaller, cheaper and more energy efficient than competing technologies

How does it work?
A set of highly ordered toroidal fluidic vortices which form in the region between two cooling plates to provide enhanced heat transfer

Impact
Licensed to Advanced Micro Devices and Nokia Solutions & Networks