• The fundamental research performed in this project resulted in two record-of-inventions: a microtensiometer and a novel method to enhance bead/cell encapsulations into droplets. 

• The project will focus on creating a high dynamic range digital PCR device that combines digital PCR with real-time PCR in a droplet microfluidic device. 

• The goal of this project is to develop a simple, reliable and inexpensive ‘smart’ catheter to continuously and accurately monitor the biochemical and physiological parameters that are vitally important in the neurocritical care of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• An innovative, flexible polymer lab-on-a-tube and BioMEMS devices will be used as the ‘smart’ catheter platform, which is accurate, simple to use, multifunctional, low-cost and mass-manufacturable.
• A portable reader with real-time display using custom designed bioelectronics or FPGA will also be developed for monitoring the physiological signals from the smart catheter.

The CTSA provides funding for the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST) to support the research and educational needs of the entire clinical and translational research community of the UC Academic Health Center (AHC). National Institutes of Health (NIH) to bring innovations from the laboratory bench to the bedside and to applications within the community.

• The development of POCT to determine the ratio of nicotine metabolites:3HD/COT.
• This test can be used by physicians to adapt replacement therapies/non-nicotine drugs for smoking cessation programs.

• OCMI is a jumpstart the launch of an extremely broad spectrum of microfluidic products (biomedical lab-on-chip, fluid dispensing for household goods, environmental sensors), which project to >$1.1B in sustainable Ohio revenue (>$20B total market) and potentially >1000 sustainable Ohio jobs.
• On a broader scale, OCMI is also enhance prior 3rd Frontier investments in advanced materials (polymers), biomedical products, and sensors (Dayton), and displays (Kent).

The objective of this research project is to develop a immunoassay polymer lab-on-a-chip for specific PAHs and Dioxin proteomic biomarkers, using polymer microfabrication technologies like polymer injection molding and/or hot embossing and chemiluminescence immunoassay detection scheme through a synergistic tie-up between University of Cincinnati, which specializes in the development of microfluidics based biochips and relevant detection protocols, and Graduate School of Medicine at Korea University, Korea, which specializes in identification/detection of biomarkers or response.

• Interdigitated Nanoelectrode (IDn) Biosensors on Polymer with Charge-Balanced Transduction Method
• The goal of this proposal is to develop an innovative interdigitated nanoelectrode (IDn) biosensor on polymer with a new on-chip charge-balanced transduction method.

• A Point Detection Disposable Lab-on-a-chip With Bulit-in Mercury Precursor Electrodes For Heavy Metal Detection
• The objective of this project is to develop a point detection disposable heavy metal lab-on-a-chip with mercury electrodes using easy-to-handle and inexpensive disposable polymer lab-on-a-chip (or disposable cartridge) and built-in mercury precursor as its working electrode by microfabrication technology and screen printing technology.

• Rapid, Multi-Analyte Immuno Biosensor with Passive Microfluidics: A Model System – Four Cardiac Marker Monitoring Device
• The major goals of this project are to develop a sensing unit that can monitor four cardiac markers simultaneously using optical detection with fiber optics.

• Bioassays and Molecular Characterization by Microchip CE
• The major goals of this multi-investigator project are to develop polymer-based multilane microchips for pharmaceutical biossays.

• Applications of Micro Molding Technology to BioMEMS Components and Systems
• The major goals of this project are to develop polymer microfabrication technologies for the fabrication of polymer lab-on-a-chips toward biomedical applications.

Completed Research Projects

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) - DSO

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), Gregory Beaucage and Joseph H. Nevin, "Plastic-Bsed Structurally Programmable Microfluidic Bio-Chips for Clinical Diagnostics", BioFlips Program, June 1, 2000 - June 14, 2004.

Children Research Foundation

• Ian Papautsky(PI), Chong H. Ahn(Co-PI), "Intravascular Sensors for Smart Neonatal Catheters",  June 1, 2002 - May 31, 2004.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) - MTO

• Chong H. Ahn (PI) and T. Hendesrson (PI), "A Generic Microfluidic system for Remote Sensors", MicroFlumes Program, May 1, 1997 - November 31, 2000.

NASA - Glenn Microsystem Initiative

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), "A Novel Bi-Directionally Actuated Magnetic Microactuator for Fuel/Air Control and Regulation", February 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000.

NASA - JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), "Development of Micromachined Planar Inductors for On-Chip DC/DC Power Converters Using UV-LIGA and MEMS Techniques", January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000.

GE-CRD (Corporate Research & Development)

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), "Development of Microvalves for Small Scale Propulsion Systems (SSPS)", November 1, 1999 - April 30, 2003.

P&G (Procter & Gamble) - Pharmaceutics

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), "Development of A Prototype Eelctrophorosis (CE) System on A Glass Chip Toward High Throughput Drug Synthesis", June 1, 1999 - May 31, 2002

Ohio BioMEMS Consortium

• Chong H. Ahn (PI), "BioMEMS UC-Node for Ohio BioMEMS Consortium", January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2003.