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About

David J. Kinahan is a leading figure in the field of centrifugal microfluidics, with a research focus on developing innovative, low-cost platforms for automated bioassay processing. His major contributions center on the design and control of fluidic networks on spinning discs, particularly through the use of novel valving mechanisms. Kinahan’s most impactful work, "Xurography actuated valving for centrifugal flow control" (2016, 37 citations), introduced a groundbreaking, instrument-controlled valving scheme that leverages xurography—a rapid, low-cost fabrication method—to create pneumatic chambers sealed with dissolvable films. This approach enables precise, event-triggered flow control without complex external hardware, significantly simplifying automation. His subsequent research has advanced this concept, as seen in his work on programmable fluidic networks and the integration of solid phase extraction with LAMP isothermal amplification for plant pathogen detection (2024). By demonstrating how the Lab-on-a-Disc platform can closely mimic benchtop liquid handling steps, Kinahan has made critical strides toward accessible, field-deployable diagnostic tools. His achievements underscore a commitment to translating complex biological assays into robust, user-friendly microfluidic systems, with clear potential for point-of-care applications in agriculture and healthcare.