Three specialist firms in the Netherlands have formed an alliance to support growing global demand for high-quality polymer microfluidic products. Nano technology expert Micronit (Enschede / The Netherlands; www.micronit.com) and injection moulding firms Axxicon (Eindhoven / The Netherlands; www.axxicon.com) and Helvoet (Tilburg / The Netherlands; www.helvoet.com) have launched the “Flow Alliance, House of Microfluidics” after working together on the project for two years.

The trio said market growth is being driven by the development of new fast diagnostic systems entering the healthcare market. “At the same time high-volume test cartridges are needed for new tests in water quality monitoring, environmental testing and for fast and reliable controls and checks in the food production chain. Polymer-based microfluidics support these needs through upscaling and cost advantages.”

The companies said they collaborated closely to provide support and capabilities over the full microfluidic value chain. Flow Alliance is offering a design centre, as well as various ways of prototyping and validation sample production.