Research Faculty Candidate Presentation | Microfluidic technologies for disease diagnostics and biomarker detection
This is a presentation by a Research Faculty Candidate
Microfluidic technologies for disease diagnostics and biomarker detection
Abstract: Disease diagnostics and biomarker detection consist of four fundamental steps: sample preparation, target isolation, signal generation, and result analysis/reporting. These steps typically require sophisticated laboratory equipment and well-trained personnel, limiting clinical applications, particularly in point-of-care settings and resource-limited environments. Therefore, there has been a relentless pursuit to reduce the time and complexity associated with each step while maintaining or even enhancing sensitivity and specificity.
Microfluidic technologies have been widely studied and applied to address this challenge. Their advantages, including minimal reagent consumption, programmable operation, and portability, enable significant reductions in time, space, and cost for each step and even the integration of all processes into a miniature system. Numerous studies and commercial kits have demonstrated the great potential of integrating microfluidic strategies to advance diagnostics, monitor disease progression, and assess therapeutic outcomes.
In this presentation, I will discuss my experience in developing microfluidic technologies across these four steps, including target isolation from complex biofluids, molecular assay optimization for biomarker detection, and ensuring their compatibility with downstream analyses. These strategies have been applied to study biological molecules, such as peripheral cells and extracellular vesicles, in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, I will summarize my projects and demonstrate how these advancements improve efficiency and reliability in both academic research and industrial applications.
Bio: Dr. Ting-Wen Lo holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and specializes in developing microfluidic technologies to advance molecular diagnostics and biomarker detection. His work focuses on addressing technical challenges that hinder clinical applications, particularly in point-of-care settings. He has extensive experience implementing microfluidic technologies to optimize key steps in disease diagnostics and clinical research, including sample preparation, target isolation, signal generation, and downstream analysis.
Dr. Lo has designed and developed miniaturized microfluidic chips and protocols using microfabrication and surface functionalization. Through collaborations with various research groups, including those at UM’s Rogel Cancer Center and ALS Clinic, his work has contributed to studies on neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, leading to publications in high-impact journals.
Currently a Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Lo develops surface chemistry and functionalization strategies for digital microfluidic systems to enable rapid biomarker detection. His research aims to translate cutting-edge advancements into accessible solutions to improve point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine.