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Automating the Microfluidic Design Process

Professor Bruce Gale, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering Chair and Merit Medical Professor at University of Utah, uses microfluidics to solve problems. In the past he has developed tools for drug development, pathogen detection, fast PCR technologies, medical devices and more. Now he is turning that expertise toward automating the design of microfluidic devices to perform specific tests, assays, and more.

Gale received two million dollars in funding from NSF’s LEAP HI program to pursue “Microfluidic Design Automation for Biomedical Assays.” He will be working with associate professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Pierre-Emmanuel Gaillardon to take advantage of existing software that has been created for laying out computer chips and adapting it for microfluidics. He will also partner with a lab at BYU that has a lot of expertise in 3D printing microfluidic devices, taking advantage of building devices that work in three dimensions.

“One of the biggest problems in microfluidics is that every time someone wants a device, they need to hire an expert to design and build the device,” said Gale. “There really isn’t a standard way to make a cheap device at intermediate scale. A lot of applications don’t require millions of parts. If you only need ten or a hundred thousand devices, you don’t get the benefits of mass production. This approach could solve that problem.”

The program Gale intends to develop would allow a doctor/clinician/ or other individual needing a test or device to enter a basic summary of the needed protocol. The program would then use that to generate a CAD layout for the microfluidic chip and run a simulation to show that it works as intended. From there it could 3D print the chip. This could take the entire process of creating a new microfluidic device down to a couple of hours or even less.

Gale also sees this research increasing accessibility to microfluidics. He wants students to have the opportunity to create their own microfluidic devices. By offering a digital process with more automation, it will be much easier than generating these tools by hand. Gale also wants to create a store that has available finished modules that could be used as is or used to help generate additional designs, and that could be printed on-demand.

“This could help out small facilities, like those you’d find in rural Utah,” said Gale. “They don’t have to keep an inventory of devices around or buy things you may not need. You just download or generate the specific devices you need when you need them.”

This increase in access and production capabilities will help drive down prices and make these devices more readily available, even extending to printing tests at home.

“If I do this well, I’ll put myself out of business,” Gale joked.

Gale Inducted into the 2023 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the induction of Professor Bruce Gale, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering Chair and Merit Medical Professor at University of Utah, to its College of Fellows.

AIMBE is an organization that advocates for the value of medical and biological engineering to society. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to a medical and biological engineer. The College of Fellows is comprised of the top two percent of medical and biological engineers. College membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering and medicine research, practice, or education” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.”

Dr. Gale was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows “for outstanding contributions to advancing innovative applications of microfluidic technologies to address biomedical needs through research and commercialization.” Dr. Gale was inducted along with 140 colleagues who make up the AIMBE College of Fellows Class of 2023.

“I am excited to receive this recognition,” said Gale. “This is a great group to be part of and highlights the work we do.”

Gale’s research is focused on using microfluidics to solve problems. He has regular conversations with doctors, chemists, and biologists about problems they are trying to solve and then looks at ways to apply microfluidics to solve those problems. He has developed tools for drug development, pathogen detection, fast PCR technologies, medical devices, and more.

“Microfluidics is a great tool for manipulating biological materials,” said Gale, “which is why so much of our work is application oriented.”

In addition to the patents Gale has received for his work, he has also spun off multiple companies. The earliest company, originally Wasatch Microfluidics and now called Carterra, provides technology that helps rapidly discover new antibody-based drugs, which are becoming very common. Their technology is in 17 of the 20 largest pharmaceutical companies and was used to help develop one of the drugs used to treat COVID. Another company, WFluidx, builds a device for genotyping zebra fish embryos. This technology has helped labs more quickly find embryos that have generated specific genetic mutations. Biologists can use these zebra fish to test potential treatments to these genetic diseases, which can then lead to treatments in humans. Around 100 labs around the world are using this device.

Alum Josh Eckman Named Entrepreneur of the Year

Josh Eckman, CEO of Carterra and department of mechanical engineering alum, has been awarded the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year® Mountain West Award by Ernst & Young LLP. This award is given to leaders of high-growth companies based on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, impact, and other attributes. Eckman will now also be considered by a national panel of judges for a national Entrepreneur of the Year award.

In addition to degrees in Business Administration and Asian Studies, Eckman received an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a microfluidics focus from the University of Utah. As part of his studies professor Bruce Gale, ME department chair and Eckman’s MS advisor, discussed with Eckman the the possibility of working to commercialize some of the projects they were working on at the time..

“Josh was in my sophomore-level dynamics class and getting one of the highest scores in the class,” said Gale, “then I found out he was a business major with an interest in engineering and I was doubly impressed. I knew this was someone I needed to talk to about some of the projects we were working on.”

Eckman identified a pending-patent from Gale’s for a technology he saw potential in pursuing, a biosensor that uses microfluidic technology to analyze samples much faster than general biosensors. He and his team went on to write a business plan and submitted to the Utah Entrepreneur Challenge, which they went on to win in 2005.

This start would go on to become Carterra, a leader in high-throughput biotherapeutic discovery and characterization technology. The company’s flagship LSA platform uses high-throughput Surface Plasmon Resonance technology, which is now a standard in 17 of the largest 20 pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, CROs, and government labs. In 2020, Eli Lilly and Abcellera discovered Bamlanivimab, the world’s first COVID-19 therapeutic, using the LSA platform in a 90-day sprint.

When talking about entrepreneurship, Eckman is clear on the potential for positive impact as well as the challenges.

“Working in a small company is a unique experience that can be quite challenging and thrilling,” said Eckman. “It is not the right fit for everyone, but for those that are wired for entrepreneurial endeavors and have a reasonable threshold for risk-taking, it is a great way to leave your mark on the world.”

Eckman also offered advice to students currently in school.

“Enjoy your time in school, it goes very quickly,” said Eckman. “Get involved in various groups and clubs, try new things, meet new people, broaden your exposure to different ideas and perspectives. Your working life will generally entail focusing on niche areas. Now is the time to develop a solid foundation and build the habits of life-long learning.”

Bruce Gale Appointed New Professorship

The University of Utah College of Engineering is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Bruce Gale as the Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Endowed Professor of Engineering.

Professor Gale, who is also chair of the U’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, was honored during a ceremony May 13 at the University of Utah James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building that included College of Engineering Dean Richard B. Brown and University of Utah President Taylor Randall.

“I was very surprised to receive this recognition. There are so many great professors here at the University of Utah College of Engineering,” said Gale. “I am grateful to Merit Medical Systems and Fred Lampropoulos for providing this Endowed Professorship. I am excited by the opportunities this will present for me and my team to engage in exciting new research projects.”

 

Bruce Gale

Professor Bruce Gale is chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering where he has graduated 28 Ph.D. students and currently advises 10 Ph.D. students. He has published over 150 journal articles and 300 conference papers. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and a doctorate degree in bioengineering from the U. Gale arrived at the U as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in 2001, was named professor in 2013, and became chair of the department in 2018. He also is director of the State of Utah Center of Excellence for Biomedical Microfluidics.

Professor Gale has started six companies and served as their head of engineering, including for Microsurgical Innovations, Espira, Advanced Conceptions, wFluidx and Carterra. He has 25 issued patents.

His research is centered on biomedical applications of microfluidics. He also has expertise in biosensors, microarrays, micropumps, and microscale medical devices.

The professor has a long list of college, university, and national academic achievements. He was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for 2021 and received the Fulbright Specialist Program award which enabled him to travel to the Rajalakshmi Engineering College in India where he helped develop a microfluidics research program. In May 2022 he was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

 

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Merit Medical is a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy. Merit has made it a priority to understand customers, innovate, and deliver life-changing products and services.

Merit’s founder, Fred Lampropoulos, has been in the medical device industry for more than 30 years. He currently serves as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Lampropoulos holds more than 200 patents on devices used in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of cardiac, peripheral, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary conditions. He is also highly involved in his community and serves on many boards.

Lampropoulos is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology and CEO of the Year. He was inducted into the Utah Business Hall of Fame, the Utah Technology Hall of Fame and was recognized as the 2019 Giant in our City.

Gale Receives Medal for Science and Technology

Congratulations to University of Utah mechanical engineering chair and professor, Bruce Gale, who was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

Gale will be recognized during the One Utah Summit May 10 in Salt Lake City by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. His medal is one of 10 One Utah Summit Awards for 2022 that will be given and one of three Medals for Science and Technology.

“I am very surprised and honored to receive this recognition,” Gale said. “The environment at the University of Utah has been very supportive of my research and commercialization efforts and allowed for significant success in both areas.”

He received a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in bioengineering (now biomedical engineering) from the U. He was first an assistant professor of biomedical engineering from Louisiana Tech University before he arrived at the U as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in 2001. He was named professor in 2013 and became chair of the department in 2018. He also was director of the Utah State Center of Excellence for Biomedical Microfluidics.

He has also started several companies and served as their head of engineering, including for Microsurgical Innovations, Espira, Nanonc and Cartera. His research is centered around biomedical applications of microfluidics. He also has expertise in developing biosensors, microarrays, micropumps, and microneedles.

Gale has a long list of university-wide and department academic achievements. He was recognized as one of two honorees in the entrepreneur category for his 2017 work, “Optofluidic Device for Genetic Screening.” He also received the TVC “Star” Award in 2016. The U’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has recognized him with multiple awards for Researcher of the Year, and he was named the 2014 Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Distinguished Mentor by the University of Utah Graduate School. Most recently he was named an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for 2021, and he received the Fulbright Specialist Program award in which he is spending more than two weeks in India to help develop a microfluidics research program with the Rajalakshmi Engineering College.

In the Academic/Research category of the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology (medals are also given in the K-12 and Industry categories), the award is given to someone who has distinguished themselves in the field of science, engineering, or other technologies, and in factors including quality of research activities, the extent of recognition by peers, recognition as an educator, and personal research and science achievements.

Past recipients of the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology from the U’s College of Engineering include Dean Richard B. Brown, electrical and computer engineering professor Cynthia Furse, and materials sciences and engineering Distinguished Professor Anil Virkar.

Click here to see a full list of this year’s One Utah Summit Award award winners.

Gale Receives Fulbright Specialist Award

University of Utah mechanical engineering chair and professor, Bruce Gale, has received the Fulbright Specialist Program award in which he will spend more than two weeks in India to help develop a microfluidics research program with the Rajalakshmi Engineering College.

The Fulbright Specialist Program award is handed out by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to one of 400 citizens. It is designed to “exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities both in the U.S. and overseas through a variety of educational and training activities within the field of engineering education.”

While Gale is in India in March and April, he will specifically teach microfabrication techniques for microfluidics to mechanical engineering faculty and students, point-of-care devices with microfluidic technology to biomedical engineering faculty and students, the design and development of micro-PCR systems for viral diagnoses to biotechnology faculty and students, as well as help develop laboratory and teaching methods, academic curricula and materials, and future research projects.

“The goal,” he said, “is that they can become self-sufficient in developing their own microfluidic assays for inexpensive health testing in India.”

Gale received a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in bioengineering from the University of Utah.

His research is focused on the biomedical applications of microfluidics as well as the design and manufacturing methods for medical devices such as biosensors, microarrays, micropumps, and microneedles. He has developed tools for drug development, pathogen detection, fast PCR technologies, and more.

Since joining the department as an assistant professor in 2001, Gale has a long list of university-wide and department academic achievements. Last spring, he was recognized as one of two honorees in the entrepreneur category for his 2017 work, “Optofluidic Device for Genetic Screening.” He also received the TVC “Star” Award in 2016. The U’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has recognized him with multiple awards for Researcher of the Year, and he was named the 2014 Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Distinguished Mentor by the University of Utah Graduate School. Additionally, he has multiple teaching commendations from the College of Engineering.

Alum Spotlight: BJ Minson (ME EN BS/MS 2013)

BJ Minson’s path to success included a fork in the road. Fortunate for many, the founder and CEO of GRIP6 Belt Company chose to simultaneously take both the right and the left roads. The road on the right would carry him toward cutting-edge mircrofluidics. The road on the left was to satisfy an itch, the kind you get when you feel something just isn’t right

(Pictured: After obsessing about Tesla for the past six years, Minson finally took delivery of his Model 3 last July. He was just a tad bit excited.)

As a master’s student, Minson was creating microfluidic chip designs and waiting for E. coli colonies to grow. But between rounds, his mind was on product design. He had an idea to use the CO2 laser in his lab to test out thin plastic belt buckle concepts. “I simply wanted a better belt, one that didn’t have holes, didn’t have a flap hanging off and wouldn’t stick out under my shirt,” he said.

Within a few weeks, the prototypes were taking shape and working well. Next, he began cutting out aluminum parts on the water-jet cutter in the advanced machine shop and giving them to friends to try out. The new buckle design worked well, and the feedback was encouraging.

After graduating with his master’s and still on his chosen career path, Minson began a job working as an engineer at Merit Sensor Systems. By day, he was designing new manufacturing techniques for high volume blood pressure sensors, and by night he was refining the design and manufacturing techniques for his new belt.

His best friend gave him $1,000 to purchase a few supplies so he could launch the belt on Kickstarter to test the viability of the product. With no marketing, the belt raised $106,000 in 30 days. When the number reached nearly 10,000 units, manufacturing them in his garage no longer seemed feasible.

“The advice I received at the time,” said Minson, “is that I would not succeed without making my products in China, but something bothered me about that. Why did so many people think it was impossible to make products domestically? Why should I have to rely on someone halfway around the world to be successful? After all, I had specifically designed the belt to be simple to both use and manufacture. After about the 10th time. someone said I would fail without China. I was determined to prove them wrong.“

Minson posing with his custom built animatronic badger on set before filming a GRIP6 commercial.
Minson posing with his custom built animatronic badger on set before filming a GRIP6 commercial.

So GRIP6 was born in his garage. Minson buckled down and got friends and family to help him for free. Over the next several months, he purchased a few small machines, made several custom machines and pumped out belts and buckles. The labor and the long hours, in addition to a full day at work, made it a truly hellish experience, he said. However, the small team delivered on their promise and shipped GRIP6 belts all over the world.

“Today,” he said, “GRIP6 is a team of about 30 full time employees including five mechanical engineers and a machinist. We do almost all of our manufacturing in-house and pride ourselves on doing things faster and better than our competitors. GRIP6 has never been in debt, never had to take out a loan and has always been profitable. At my core, I believe manufacturing is the foundation to innovation, technology and a strong economy.” (https://grip6.com/ )
Besides manufacturing and engineering, GRIP6 operates almost everything in-house including photography, marketing, video production, retail displays and animatronic badgers for commercials.
“There is a simpler, better way,” he said. “In my experience, bringing things in-house has almost always made it possible to do things simpler, faster, better and cheaper. In the next few years I hope to continue developing new products, bringing more production in-house and growing GRIP6 into a large, capable manufacturing company and a common household brand.”

BJ’s Tips For Engineering Students:

Be a project-oriented engineer. It’s critical to have a solid understanding of underlying principles, but you also have to move beyond the theory and get experience building physical things by hand. My most valuable engineers are the very diverse and adaptable type. They can’t help but work on their own projects on the side. They love learning and doing. School projects and personal projects and extremely valuable catalysts for learning and becoming valuable as an engineer.

Minson and his daughter Elyxzia at the FIRST Lego League competition held January 2018. They finished 3rd in the state competition and had a blast building robots together.
Minson and his daughter Elyxzia at the FIRST Lego League competition held January 2018. They finished 3rd in the state competition and had a blast building robots together.

Interesting things: Fun facts about BJ:

  • BJ is obsessed with anything related to Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX.
  • BJ coaches a small First Lego League team consisting of his daughters and nephews.
  • BJ designs and builds electric scooters with and for his kids every summer.
  • BJ cuts his own hair.
  • BJ actively encourages engineering among youth; GRIP6 held its first annual “Engineering Day” for kids last summer, and plans to expand it in 2019 and beyond.