Congratulations Enrique for your new publication in Microchimica Acta.

The manuscript entitled "Non‑invasive detection of VEGF secretion from small clusters of mesenchymal stem cells using VEGF‑SSSA integrated
into the CellStudio platform" by Enrique Azuaje‑Hualde, Naiara Lartitegi, Fernando Benito‑Lopez and Lourdes Basabe‑Desmonts. 

Abstract
Accurately detecting cell secretions in complex microenvironments is crucial for understanding cellular communication, disease progression, and therapeutic responses. Traditional methods, such as ELISA, provide limited insight into the spa- tiotemporal dynamics of secretions, often requiring invasive or endpoint analyses. To address these challenges, we have functionalized the CellStudio platform—previously developed to integrate cell adhesion areas and microbeads patterns—with a novel self-reporting structure-switching signaling aptamer (SSSA) for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) detection. This functionalization enables in situ single-step, real-time quantification of VEGF secretion from hundreds of live mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) clusters over a 24-h period, using standard fluorescence microscopy without the need for cell fixation. The spatial resolution provided by this system enables precise, localized monitoring of secretion events without the need to add extra reagents. This user-friendly platform is easily adaptable to conventional laboratory workflows, offering a versatile tool with potential for studying cellular behavior in real time with minimal technical barriers.

Lourdes Chairs DNA Devices Session at Transducers 2025 in Orlando

July 1, 2025 – Orlando, Florida — Lourdes served as Session Chair at the Transducers 2025 Conference on Tuesday, leading Session T1C: DNA Devices. The session focused on emerging innovations in DNA-based devices, including biosensors, molecular diagnostics, and nanoscale biointerfaces.

Her role as Session Chair reflects her active contribution to the global research community and her leadership in the field of bio-integrated technologies. The session featured cutting-edge research from international experts, fostering meaningful discussion at the forefront of bio-MEMS and molecular systems.

Held in Orlando, Transducers 2025 continues its legacy as the premier international conference on solid-state sensors, actuators, and microsystems.

Lourdes and Fernando attended Transducers 2025 in Orlando from the 29th of June till the 3rd of July.

It was a great opportunity to present our latest published work on "Non-invasive Detection of VEGF Secretion from Small MSC Clusters Using VEGF-SSSA Integrated into the CellStudio Platform" by Enrique Azuaje-Hualde, Naiara Lartitegi-Meneses, Fernando Benito-Lopez and Lourdes
Basabe-Desmonts.

We also have the time to catch up with our colleges from Florida: Prof. Swaminathan Rajaraman from University of Central Florida and Prof. Hugh Fan from University of Florida.

What a great conference!

Congratulations, Raquel!

It’s been a long journey, but your thesis is finally ready and printed! Looking forward to your defense on the 16th of September.

Title: Development of Autonomous and Portable Devices for the Detection of Biomolecules and Pollutants in Solution

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Fernando Benito López & Prof. Lourdes Basabe Desmonts

On June 18th, the Microfluidics Cluster at UPV/EHU welcomed a visit from TE Connectivity.
We had ample time to discuss the progress made under the National Project PROMISE.

So many results! Excellent science with real-world industrial applications in mind!

Thanks Ikerne and Kiko for the visit.

Lots of cake to celebrate five publications in just two weeks! Science and sweets make the perfect combo!

Thanks to all the Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU team.

Summer starts with the tradicional Microfluidics Cluster Day!

This year Naiara and Asier organised a wonderful day walking around the Garaio Lake. Beautiful day! 13 Km! I lot of time to talk about science and more!

Thanks to the organizers!!

Congratulations, Isabel! Your first publication is now online in Analytica Chimica Acta!

Your manuscript entitled: Autonomous microfluidic device for the naked-eye detection of benzodiazepines in adulterated beverages by I. Poves-Ruiz, E. Azuaje-Hualde, I. Corchado-Gonzalez, L. Basabe-Desmonts and F. Benito-Lopez deals with the development of a portable microfluidic device for the naked-eye detection of benzodiazepines in adulterated beverages, one of the prevalent compounds implicated in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases. For the detection of benzodiazepines, Cobalt (II) thiocyanate complex was employed for the first time in a solid support.

Congratulations Xiangjiang! 

Your thesis is ready! Lookinf forward to enjoy your VIVA the 30th of July in Leioa.

Title: RATIONALIZATION OF MICROFLUIDICS FOR METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Stefan Wuttke and Assoc Prof. Fernando Benito-Lopez

Sukayna and Isabel presented two posters at the I Workshop Consorcio NyNA, which took place from May 26 till 29, 2025 in the city of Ciudad Real, Spain.

Sukayna presented a poster entitled: LSPR OPTICAL BIOSENSOR INTEGRATED INTO A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM FOR THE QUANTITATIVE DETECTION OF VEGF by Sukayna Ezquerro-Berdouzi, Raquel Catalán-Carrió, Lucero Hernández Cedillo, F. Nicolas Nazar, Pablo E. Guevara-Pantoja, Joel Villatoro, Fernando Benito-Lopez, Concepción Alonso and Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts.

Isabel presented a poster entitled: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR DETECTING BENZODIAZEPINES IN BEVERAGES by Isabel Poves-Ruiz, Enrique Azuaje-Hualde, Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts and Fernando Benito-Lopez

Congratulations Pablo for your last publication in Lab on a Chip.

Your manuscript entitled: A Microfluidic Device for Passive Separation of Platelet Rich Plasma from Whole Blood presents a microfluidic device for separating Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) from whole blood, addressing key limitations in current sedimentation-based technologies. Unlike existing methods that rely on a single sedimentation trench—limiting plasma yield and processing speed—our device incorporates a novel multi-trench design, allowing the processing of 1mL of whole blood in 40 minutes, yielding ~250 μL of PRP with at least a 2-fold increase in platelet concentration. The device is fabricated using a CO2 laser cutter on acrylic layers and bonded with a pressure sensitive adhesives, offering a cost-effective and simple alternative to more complex manufacturing processes. To ensure reliable PRP separation and minimize bubble formation, we applied a hydrophilic coating at the trench bottoms. We analyzed three trench geometries to optimize PRP yield and quality. Flow simulations optimized shear rates to improve sedimentation. Our approach effectively removes red and white blood cells with purities of 98% and 96%, respectively, only 8.2% of the total platelets were activated post-processing, compared to 31% with conventional centrifugation. This combination of a novel multi-trench layout, simplicity, cost-efficiency, and effective platelet preservation enables a low-cost device for obtaining high-quality PRP for clinical research and therapy

Sergi just published a new manuscript entitled: Passive Heat Stimuli as a Systemic Training in Elite Endurance Athletes: A New Strategy to Promote Greater Metabolic Flexibility by S. Cinca-Morros, M. Burtscher, F. Benito-Lopez and J.  Álvarez-Herms in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.

Abstract: Objectives: The ability to efficiently regulate body temperature is crucial during endurance activities such as trail running, especially during competitive events in hot conditions. Over the past decade, passive hyperthermia exposure has grown significantly in popularity as a means of improving acclimatization and performance in hot environments. The present study aims to compare the physiological changes that occur in a group of professional athletes due to passive sauna exposure (80–90 °C) and their own response to maximal aerobic performance. Methods: Twelve professional trail runners (eight men and four women) were tested in three conditions: (i) baseline; (ii) before; and (iii) after (a) passive dry sauna exposure and (b) a maximal endurance test. In both cases, physiological parameters such as heart rate, tympanic temperature, arterial and muscle oxygen saturation, and blood concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemoglobin were measured. Results: Sauna exposure produced similar trends in cardiovascular and metabolic responses to those occurring during exercise, but at a much lower physiological level. Glucose and HDL levels were both significantly elevated (or tended to be so) after sauna and exercise (p < 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). Athletes who mobilized the sum of substrates (glucose and HDL) performed the exercise test faster (r = −0.76; p < 0.004). The response of arterial oxygen saturation (decreased) was similar during sauna and exercise, but opposite at the muscular level (increased during sauna and decreased during exercise). Additionally, inter-individual variability in responses was noted for most of the other parameters, suggesting the existence of ‘responders’ and ‘non-responders’ to thermal stimuli. Conclusions: The physiological responses of trained endurance athletes are moderately impacted by passive sauna use. However, individual changes could be correlated with endurance performance and optimizing individualization. Heat stimuli promote different physiological responses in terms of cardiac function, oxygen kinetics and substrate mobilization, albeit to a lesser extent than exercise. Greater substrate mobilization during maximal endurance exercise was found to be correlated with better performance. Further studies are needed to explore the concepts of metabolic flexibility, as described here, and how heat exposure may improve systemic health and performance.

CONCRATULATIONS SERGI!!

The collaboration between the Microfluidics Cluster (UPV/EHU) and the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) has resulted in a publication in the journal Talanta.

In this paper, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein detection was experimentally demonstrated using a TiO₂ thin film that enabled lossy mode resonance (LMR) generation in a planar optical waveguide within a microfluidic platform. Three detection modes - label-free, sandwich and AuNP-labeled - were tested, and the AuNP-labeled approach achieved the highest sensitivity, reaching a detection limit of 0.1 ng mL-¹, the lowest reported for planar LMR-based planar biosensors.

Congratulations to the whole team and we envisage great synergies to keep on going!

A new manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in Advanced Materials Interfaces. Congratulations Gema!

The paper entitled: Fabrication and Characterization of PEDOT:PSS-based Microstructured Electrodes for in vitro Cell Culture by G. R. Lopez-Buenafe, J. A. Alonso-Cabrera, F. Benito-Lopez, L. Basabe-Desmonts, and J. Saez, reports for the first time the use of vacuum soft lithography to fabricate conductive microstructured electrodes.

This novel approach enables the scalable, rapid, and cost-effective production of PEDOT:PSS-based electrodes, offering a promising alternative to conventional fabrication methods in bioelectronics. The resulting structures are robust, conductive, and cytocompatible, demonstrating their potential for advanced in vitro applications.

Congratulations, Enrique!

A big congratulations to Enrique Azuaje-Hualde for delivering an outstanding presentation at Biosensors 2025 in Lisbon!

Biosensors is the premier global event for the biosensor community and the largest in the field, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Enrique presented an oral contribution titled:
"High-resolution analysis of cellular secretions using self-reporting aptasensors"
authored by Enrique Azuaje-Hualde, Naiara Lartitegi, Fernando Benito-Lopez, and Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts.

Well done to the entire team on this exciting work and for representing our research so impressively on the international stage!

We’re excited to unveil the official logo for the MicroTAS 2026 Conference, which will be held in the beautiful city of Granada!

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their creativity and effort to designing such a stunning and meaningful logo. Your input helped shape a visual identity that truly represents the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the heart of the MicroTAS community.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for an unforgettable event in 2026!

Come Visit Us at MicroTAS 2025 in Adelaide!

We’re excited to be part of the MicroTAS 2025 Conference in Adelaide, Australia—and we’d love to see you there!

📍 Booth #42

Don’t miss the chance to connect—come and say hello!

Congratulations to Naiara for Her Outstanding Presentation at TERMIS-EU 2025 in Freiburg!

We are proud to congratulate Naiara for her excellent presentation at the TERMIS-EU Congress 2025, held in Freiburg from May 20th to 23rd.

The TERMIS-EU Congress is one of the leading international events in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This year’s conference, themed “Shaping the Future by Connecting Scientific Diversity,” brought together researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to discuss the latest advancements in biomaterials, stem cell therapies, bioprinting, and translational science.

Naiara presented her innovative research titled “Investigating the Role of Different Co-receptors on T Cell Activation through IFN-γ Secretion Using a Novel Cell Monitoring Platform.” Her work contributes valuable insights into immune cell behavior and showcases exciting possibilities for future applications in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

Well done, Naiara!

On Wednesday, 15th May, the Microfluidics Cluster at UPV/EHU had the honour of welcoming Assoc. Prof. Hideyuki Mitomo and one of his research team members for a visit.

It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the research being carried out at our Cluster and to learn about the exciting work conducted by Prof. Mitomo's group.

This visit served as an excellent occasion to strengthen scientific connections and explore potential avenues for future collaboration.

Thank you for your visit!

Congratulations Juncal for the recent publication of your article, which obtained a Supplementary Cover published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

After a lot of changes it finally shows in a simple and beautiful way the idea of your work. Well done!!

A new manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Congratulations Juncal!

The paper entitled: Generation and combination of ionogel microstructures using Vacuum-driven Lithography technique by Juncal Alonso-Cabrera, Enrique Azuaje-Hualde, Alexia Ramos-Gutiérrez, Mikel Diez-Bravo, Fernando Benito-Lopez and Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts, introduces a novel application of vacuum-driven lithography for the efficient fabrication of high-resolution, homogeneous, multifunctional ionogel microstructures. For the first time, we demonstrate the simultaneous generation and combination of ionogels microstructures with varying physicochemical properties in a single loading and polymerization step. Furthermore, the integration of a pH-sensitive dye enables the fabrication of robust, miniaturized colorimetric sensors with a detection range from pH 3 to 12, advancing the versatility of ionogel-based sensing platforms.