Feasibility study
We run the critical steps of your protocol on a digital microfluidic platform and report what works, the limits we found, and what a full development would take.
R&D services
R&D services in digital microfluidics
Combi-DX helps pharma, biotech, agri-science and academic teams find out whether a droplet-based workflow can make their assay smaller, easier to automate or quicker to reconfigure, and then builds it with them.
What we offer
Our team builds on Preciflex SA's experience in digital microfluidics and electrowetting, the same technology behind the Combi-DX susceptibility testing platform.
Assay transfer and miniaturisation
We translate liquid handling into droplet operations: dispensing, mixing, dilution series, incubation and readout. Smaller volumes cut reagent and sample use, and small batches can be automated.
Custom development
Electrode layout, cartridge design and protocol software for a defined application, up to a working prototype.
When channel-based microfluidics suits an application better than droplets, we work with it too.
Fields of application
- Pharma and biotech
- Lab-on-a-chip assays, dose-response and dilution series, enzymatic and cell-based assays, and small-volume screening when samples or reagents are scarce or costly.
- Agri-science and environment
- Culture and testing of microbial isolates, soil microbiome studies, and screening of microbial strains for agricultural use.
- Microbiology research
- Susceptibility testing of bacteria (AST), phages (PST) and fungi (AfST), synergy studies, and miniaturised microbiology protocols in research settings.
Why digital microfluidics
Programmable. The same chip runs different protocols. A change of protocol is a change of software.
Small volumes. Every operation works on droplets, which reduces reagent and sample consumption.
No pumps or valves. Droplets are moved by electric fields on an electrode array, which keeps the system compact.
Multi-step automation. Dispensing, mixing, splitting, incubation and readout follow one another on the same chip, without manual handling.
How we work
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Step 1
Introductory call
You describe your application. We tell you whether digital microfluidics is a good fit.
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Step 2
Proposal
Scope, deliverables, timeline and budget, in writing.
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Step 3
Feasibility
Experimental work on the critical steps, with a written report.
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Step 4
Development or partnership
Prototype development, or a longer collaboration when the results justify it.
Confidentiality first. Confidentiality and intellectual property terms are agreed in writing before any technical exchange or work starts.
Discuss your project
Tell us your organisation, your application, what you want to achieve and your timeline.
Rue de Prébarreau 17
2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland