July 30, 2012 — Microfluidics expert Dolomite has been awarded a SMART grant from the UK government to develop a plug-and-play microfluidic system, bringing microfluidics to a wider market and increasing research lab productivity.

Dolomite will prototype a suite of integrated tools for microfluidics users in research and education, aiming for intelligently coordinated capabilities, clear data visualization on a touchscreen user interface, and the ability to virtually reconfigure pumps and other connected hardware. The intuitive and easy to use connections to microfluidic devices will build on Dolomite’s existing range of microfluidic connectors, Multiflux.

The UK SMART funding awards are available to single, small- or medium-sized companies that operate in science, technology, or engineering. The program, previously known as the Grant for Research and Development, is run by the Technology Strategy Board’s Smart programme.

The “plug and play” microfluidic system is expected to launch during 2013. This project will benefit areas such as food science, pharma and petrochemical research.

Dolomite is pioneering the use of microfluidic devices for small-scale fluid control and analysis, enabling manufacturers to develop more compact, cost-effective and powerful instruments. By combining specialist glass, quartz and ceramic technologies with knowledge of high performance microfluidics, Dolomite is able to provide solutions for a broad range of application areas. Dolomite’s in-house micro-fabrication facilities include clean rooms and precision glass processing facilities. For more information please visit www.dolomite-microfluidics.com.

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