Design and integration of a microfluidic system into LiGalli’s MedRing platform

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

S. Spoerer Ruiz-Tagle Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

Y. Song Emerging Materials - IDE (coach)
S.N. Paus-Buzink Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE (supervisor 1)
O. Heerema (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2024 Sebastián Spoerer Ruiz-Tagle
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

12-03-2024

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

This project explores the integration of a microfluidic system within the MedRing device, aimed at enhancing women’s health monitoring by non-invasively tracking fertility-related biomarkers. The primary goal is to leverage MedRing’s capabilities to provide real-time, accurate health insights, thereby contributing to the advancement of personalised healthcare technologies.

The advent of wearable technologies has opened new avenues for personal health monitoring. This project focuses on the MedRing, a device designed for continuous health data collection, specifically targeting women’s reproductive health. By incorporating a microfluidic system, the project aims to extend the device’s functionality to include precise fertility monitoring, addressing the growing demand for non-invasive health management solutions.

The development process involved performing desktop research, interviews with experts, and analysing the current market. Then it moves on to designing and simulating the microfluidic system using computational fluid dynamics. Simulations were conducted to evaluate fluid flow, ensuring the system’s compatibility with the compact form factor of the MedRing.

A microfluidic system that can be assembled into the MedRing was designed. CFD simulations confirmed that the system achieves the objectives set in terms of laminar flow and fluid path, crucial for the system's correct operation. Design adjustments were made to optimise fluid path efficiency and ensure comprehensive sampling within the system’s reading chamber. The simulations demonstrated the system’s potential to accurately monitor, store, transport, and gather molecular samples within the constraints of the MedRing’s design.

While the project successfully demonstrated the theoretical feasibility of integrating a microfluidic system into the MedRing, the transition from simulation to real-world application necessitates further development. Future work should focus on prototyping and extensive testing to validate the system’s functionality in practical settings. Collaboration with biomedical experts will be essential to refine the system’s design, ensuring it meets both technical specifications and user needs. This project lays the groundwork for future innovations in wearable health technologies, emphasising the importance of integrating advanced diagnostic capabilities into everyday devices.