Microfluidic Finite State Machine Controller

I.目标：该计划的目标是构建一个单芯片系统，它将数字微控制器与流体处理元件(如阀门、泵和混合器)集成在一个单片设备上。关键的进步将是数字逻辑微控制器的开发，这种控制器完全由微流控阀门和通道组成，而不是电子设备。微流体计算消除了在电域和流体域之间进行转换的需要，使所有组件能够在单一工艺中并行制造，该工艺适用于低成本制造技术，如注塑成型。具体地说，一个有限状态机控制器将自动驱动流体处理操作，如计量、混合和定时孵化，仅依靠适度的压差提供动力。智能优点智能的优点是迫切需要降低集成微流控系统的复杂性、成本、尺寸和功耗。这将使芯片实验室系统的广泛部署成为可能，改变医疗诊断和实验室研究的格局。虽然以前已经有过微流控数字逻辑的例子，但尚未有自主微控制器的报告，因此该项目也代表了非常规计算的重要进步。更广泛的影响更广泛的影响是极大地改善获得医疗诊断的机会的潜力，以及由此在发达国家和发展中国家公共卫生方面的进展。此外，该计划将在计算机工程和生命科学之间的重要接口上培训科学家。

i. Objective:The objective of this program is to construct a system-on-a-chip that integrates a digital microcontroller together with fluid handling elements such as valves, pumps, and mixers on a single monolithic device. The key advance will be the development of a digital logic microcontroller that is built entirely out of microfluidic valves and channels rather than electronics. Microfluidic computing obviates the need for transduction between the electrical and fluidic domains, enabling all components to be fabricated in parallel in a single process that is amenable to low-cost manufacturing techniques such as injection molding. Specifically, a finite-state-machine controller will autonomously drive fluid-handling operations such as metering, mixing, and timed incubation, relying simply on a moderate pressure differential for power.ii. Intellectual MeritThe intellectual merit is the pressing need to reduce the complexity, cost, size, and power consumption of integrated microfluidic systems. This will enable the widespread deployment of lab-on-a-chip systems, transforming the landscape of medical diagnostics as well as laboratory research. While there have been previous examples of microfluidic digital logic, an autonomous microcontroller has yet to be reported, thus this project also represents an important advance in unconventional computing.iii. Broader ImpactsThe broader impacts are the potential for drastically improved access to medical diagnostics and the consequent advances in public health in both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, this program will train scientists at the important interface between computer engineering and life sciences.