Blood testing miniaturisation – Opportunities, Trends and Challenges. Dr Al Edwards (University of Southampton)

This video is the Fourth talk from our Future Blood Testing: Webinar 2024 series.

Blood testing miniaturisation – Opportunities, Trends and Challenges. Dr Al Edwards (University of Southampton)

Bio: With a background in fundamental immunology combined with expertise in biochemical engineering, Al Edwards is an interdisciplinary researcher focussed on solving current and future healthcare challenges using an engineering science approach that combines a range of fields from biology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics. He works at the interface between academic technology discovery and industrial development and have experience of both fundamental research and the commercialisation of new technology. The two main challenges he currently work on are the development of affordable microfluidic technology for clinical diagnostics and microbiology, and the engineering science of complex biologic therapeutics such as vaccines.

Abstract: Although the need for better diagnostics, especially point-of-care testing, is clear, the uptake of novel technology lags a long way behind demonstration and research papers. Using several case studies from my own research, alongside insight from current state-of-the art notably in diagnostics for microbiology and infection, I will outline the technological basis for bioassay miniaturisation (i.e. tiny blood tests) and discuss the diagnostics innovation pathway. Examples will include a review of >10 years developing microfluidic quantitative multiplex immunoassays that can measure multiple biomarkers in blood, as well as our latest developments in measuring platelet cell function directly in blood.

Further details on this event can be found at: https://futurebloodtesting.org/event/blood-testing-miniaturisation-opportunities-trends-and-challenges-dr-al-edwards-university-of-southampton/

Further details on the full webinar series can be found here: https://futurebloodtesting.org/events/future-blood-testing-webinar-series/

YouTube Link: (3) Blood testing miniaturisation – Opportunities, Trends and Challenges. Dr Alexander Edwards - YouTube

This video is an output from the Future Blood Testing Network which is funded by EPSRC under Grant Number EP/W000652/1