The Microfluidics Cluster (M&B Cluster), established in 2015 in the Álava Campus of the University of the Basque Country, and consolidated as a research group since 2019, focuses on the development of advanced Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip technologies. This is the third consecutive application to this call, following two successful grants in which the group ranked among the top proposals (over 93/100 points). Successful in competitive funding: €1.1M in research funding and €0.24M in contracts awarded between 2022–2025.

The Cluster develops next-generation microfluidic platforms that combine biological, chemical, and computational approaches to address challenges in biomedicine, personalised health, archaeogenetics, and forensic science. Its research lies at the intersection of materials science, molecular biology, and information technology, merging microfabrication, biosensing, and artificial intelligence to create autonomous, miniaturised systems for real-time biological analysis.

Microfluidics serves as the core enabling technology, allowing the recreation and monitoring of complex biological environments at the microscale. Integrated biosensors, immunoassays, and cell culture modules enable precise analysis of cellular and molecular processes. Examples include fiber-optic microfluidic immunosensors for VEGF detection, allergy and immunological diagnostic devices, and the CellStudio platform for cell behaviour under controlled microenvironments. These microsystems operate as compact automated laboratories, enabling reproducible and high-throughput experimentation.

The Cluster also investigates the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and nutrition, particularly in colorectal cancer, using microfluidic culture platforms to monitor cytokine, growth factor, and ROS secretion under controlled conditions, supporting the discovery of biomarkers and personalised nutritional strategies. In parallel, forensic and archaeogenetic applications are addressed through next-generation sequencing, fiber-optics, and paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) for detecting microRNAs, psychoactive substances, and other molecular targets in complex samples, providing portable, rapid, and low-cost analysis.

Complementing its experimental systems, the Cluster integrates computational modelling, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics as transversal tools for the analysis of multi-omics and cellular data. Machine learning and predictive models are applied to simulate cellular behaviour, optimise device performance, and reveal molecular–phenotypic correlations. These computational approaches enhance data reproducibility, accelerate discovery, and guide the design of future Lab-on-a-Chip systems.

Overall, the Microfluidics Cluster unites engineering, life sciences, and data science to develop innovative microtechnologies for diagnostics, therapeutics, and DNA analysis. Its strategy directly aligns with the RIS3 Euskadi priorities in Health, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digitalisation, promoting technological sovereignty, sustainability, and the transfer of scientific knowledge into societal and economic value.

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Expected Impact 2026–2029: Social: Advances in rapid diagnostics, personalised medicine, environmental and food analysis, and the training of new researchers. Economic: Boost to biotech ventures and reduction of clinical costs through Lab-on-a-Chip technologies, within a global market projected to exceed $14B by 2030. Technological: Consolidation of platforms such as CellStudio, μPADs, and tissue-on-chip systems, generating intellectual property and technology transfer to industry and healthcare.

Networks and Collaborations: The Cluster maintains international partnerships (DNADIVE, MSCA H2020), national collaborations (MIFLUNET, SESMoOC), and local alliances (BIOARABA, BCMaterials), together with hospitals, companies, and technology centres in the Basque Country, strengthening its capacity for innovation and transfer.