A Novel Microfluidic Detector with Position Sensitivity

Microfluidic chips, fabricated from low cost polymers, are a promising, emerging technology for the synthesis and study of new molecular imaging probes. These chips can contain a variety of microcircuitry and microwells, and are capable of manipulating nanoliter samples of reagents and solvents. These microfluidic chips have been designed for a multitude of applications, such as cell incubation and FDG synthesis. By adding an ability to quantify and image low amounts of radioactivity on a microfluidic chip, researchers could be provided with a platform for investigating new imaging probes, as well as molecular processes with radiolabeled probes, in a controlled in-vitro environment. Therefore, this project will design, build, and implement a high-performance position-sensitive detector that can be integrated with microfluidic chips. The instrument can be used for the detection and imaging of charged particles emitted by radiolabeled probes present in the fluids that circulate in these chips. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility by designing and building novel position sensitive detectors for charged particle imaging, which can function under conditions appropriate for in vitro studies. The detectors will be integrated with prototype microfluidic chips, and their performance will be evaluated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Over and above the use in nuclear medicine, the proposed detection technology should be useful in nuclear and particle physics, space research, homeland security, environmental monitoring, and synchrotron studies.