A recent proof-of-concept experiment has revealed exciting potential for high-throughput electrochemical analysis using a combination of Labman’s 64-channel potentiostat and a 3D-printed 96-well microfluidic platform with integrated PCB based electrodes developed by Rapid Fluidics. The findings suggest that electrochemical measurements could move into true parallel multi-well formats, accelerating applications from biosensing to materials testing.
Labman’s potentiostat, originally engineered for rapid, parallel signal acquisition across 64 working electrodes sharing common reference and counter electrodes, has demonstrated exceptional performance in high-throughput measurements. Originally developed for point-of-care diagnostic systems measuring genomic and proteomic biomarkers from multi-channel electrode arrays, the technology is now being explored for broader electrochemical research and screening environments.
In a recent study, the teams evaluated whether the Rapid Fluidics 96-well microfluidic platform is compatible with a multi-channel potentiostat for parallel signal acquisition. Initial experiments using Labman’s shared-cell potentiostat and potassium ferricyanide, the teams found it could capture distinct signals from each well. These promising initial results suggest that optimising the Labman’s potentiostat architecture for isolated wells, a format essential for independent high-throughput experimentation, could enable high-throughput or multi-analyte electrochemical assays.
Key Findings:
• The experiments demonstrated significant potential for the Labman’s potentiostat architecture to be modified for application in isolated wells within the 96-well plate format.
• Gold-coated PCB electrodes embedded within the 96-well plate performed effectively, though minor deposition observed due to surface inconsistencies, highlighting clear opportunities for further materials optimisation.
• The results validate the feasibility of merging simultaneous electrochemical measurements with 3D printed microfluidic well plates with integrated sensors, bridging the gap between low-throughput benchtop experimentation and scalable testing platforms.
Building on these encouraging results, both companies are now seeking feedback and potential collaborations from the electrochemistry and biosensing communities to define future development pathways, whether for biosensor prototyping, materials screening, or drug discovery.
About Labman Automation:
Labman designs and manufactures bespoke robotic and analytical systems, including advanced biomedical instrumentation. Its modular potentiostat technology has already been integrated into point-of-care research devices for conditions such as Osteoporosis, HPV (cervical cancer) screening, and detection of predisposition to myocardial infarctions.
Phil Biggs - PBiggs@labman.co.uk
About Rapid Fluidics:
Rapid Fluidics specialises in fast-turnaround, precision 3D-printed microfluidic devices, enabling scientists and engineers to prototype and validate ideas quickly—from concept to experiment-ready hardware.
Both companies are continuing to expand the project and invite electrochemists, biosensor developers, and instrument designers to explore how this platform could support high-throughput, low-variability electrochemical measurements in new domains.
Paul Marshall - Paul@rapidfluidics.com