Panasonic, IMT to mass produce microfluidic devices by glass molding
Category: #technology |   By Hrishikesh Kadam |   Date: 2019-11-06

Panasonic, IMT to mass produce microfluidic devices by glass molding

Conventional glass etching-based  microfluidic devices have been prominently used in sensing and analysis for environmental, medical and biological applications. However, poor precision and higher costs associated with the production of these devices have encouraged manufacturers to invest in R&D and experiment with alternative raw material sources for the manufacture of microfluidic devices.

Electronics major Panasonic Corporation and microchemical chip manufacturer Institute of Microchemical Technology (IMT) have reportedly devised a method to use glass molding to manufacture high precision, low cost microfluidic devices.

The two Japanese tech giants recently developed a technology for the mass production of high-quality microfluidic devices by combining Panasonic’s glass molding technology and IMT’s expertise in designing microfluidic devices. Apparently, this will enable disposable use of glass microfluidic devices.

Panasonic and IMT will evidently start accepting prototype orders from FY2019. The two companies also disclosed plans to commence mass production beginning FY2020.

As per credible sources, Panasonic and IMT will unveil the device at the 40th meeting of Society for Chemistry and Micro-Nano Systems (CHEMINAS 40th) scheduled to held between November 19th and 21st in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Technological features of the new microfluidic device

Panasonic and IMT have seemingly combined their joint expertise to incorporate interface technology optimized for glass molding to design highly-accurate microfluidic devices. The two companies have used thermal bonding technology to effectively combine a flat glass plate and a plate into microstructures.

Also read: Panasonic, IBM Japan partner on semiconductor manufacturing technology

Apparently, Panasonic’s molding technology and microstructure mold processing technology has been implemented to provide additional robustness and durability to the material and allow precise transfer to glass.

Major applications of the product  

Evidently, characteristics such as excellent environmental and chemical resistance of microfluidic devices make them suitable for a range of diverse applications including blood testing and environmental sensing.

The new microfluidic device can also be used in pharmaceutical applications as a disposable detection device for quality analysis and testing of environmental factors such as water and air in harsh and outdoor environments.

About Panasonic’s glass molding technology

For the record, the Japanese electronics giant has been developing glass molding technology since the 1980s. The technology has contributed to the commercialization of the world’s most advanced optical device and is used in lenses for modern optical devices such as digital still cameras.
 

Source credit: https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/press-releases-pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/panasonic-and-institute-of-microchemical-technology-co-ltd-jointly-develop-mass-production-technology-for-microfluidic-devices-by-glass-molding-a-first-in-the-industry1

  • shareShare
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn


About Author

Hrishikesh Kadam     Twitter

Hrishikesh Kadam

A graduate in electronics and telecommunication engineering, Hrishikesh Kadam has always found writing fascinating. Driven by a never-ending passion for content creation combined with a bit of experience in writing personal blogs, Hrishikesh blends his technical knowl Read more...

More News By Hrishikesh Kadam

Cloud solution provider Cloopen to acquire Zhuge in cash & stock deal

Cloud solution provider Cloopen to acquire Zhuge in cash & stock deal

By Hrishikesh Kadam

Cloopen Group Holding Limited, one of China’s leading multi-capability cloud-based communications solution providers, has announced that it has made a definitive agreement to purchase complete equity interests in Zhuge Inc., a provider of user-...

Sense raises USD 90 Mn in Series D to expand its HR tech offerings

Sense raises USD 90 Mn in Series D to expand its HR tech offerings

By Hrishikesh Kadam

HR tech firm Sense has multiplied its valuation to USD 500 million in its 50 million Series D fundraise, spearheaded by SoftBank Vision Fund. The five-and-a-half-year-old San Francisco-based startup, which caters to blue-collar workers and assists co...

Mazda Australia faces heat over misleading customers seeking refunds

Mazda Australia faces heat over misleading customers seeking refunds

By Hrishikesh Kadam

The court identified Mazda made 49 distinct fraudulent or misleading representations to nine consumers who sought a refund or replacement of their cars. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initially filed the case against Mazda, ...