When Embedded Systems meet Life Sciences: Microfluidic Biochips for Real-Time Healthcare

This tutorial will provide the participants with first-hand experience on the emerging technology of digital microfluidic biochips. In addition to an introductory theory session, this tutorial offers a unique (and first-ever) hands-on lab, where the participants will directly interact with biochips. First, the participants will be introduced to the envisioned use of biochips in synthetic biology and health care. Then, the participants will learn the technical challenges behind biochips, mainly the fluidic movement using electrowetting on dielectric and various fabrication techniques. Next, the tutorial will present an overview of the CAD tools for biochips focusing on their reliability in the presence of faults. Afterwards, during a hands-on lab, the participants will experience all the steps of the workflow: application design, application synthesis, data collection and result interpretation. The participants will design their own application and execute it on an actual biochip. The hands-on lab will also provide a practical guide on custom fabrication of biochips.