Exploring Microfluidics at the Synchrotron Soleil with Dr. Gabriel David

Located near Paris, Synchrotron Soleil is a large-scale research facility that generates extremely bright photon beams — from infrared to hard X-rays — used to analyze matter across a wide range of scientific disciplines. From life sciences and chemistry to archaeology and materials science, researchers come to Soleil to probe the structure and dynamics of their samples with exceptional precision.

The Role of Microfluidics at a Synchrotron

At the heart of this advanced ecosystem is Dr. Gabriel David, head of the two Biolabs at Soleil and responsible for microfluidic R&D on site. A biochemist and biophysicist by training, Gabriel has dedicated over 15 years to developing microfluidic environments tailored to synchrotron applications.

“At Soleil, we use the synchrotron beam, an extremely intense and brilliant photon beam, to analyze samples from many different fields. Microfluidics allows us to precisely control these samples, reduce volumes, and maintain their integrity during analysis.”

Why Pressure-Based Flow Control?

For fluid handling, Gabriel relies on Elveflow’s pressure-based flow controllers, particularly the OB1 system.

“The main advantage of pressure control is that the sample never passes through a pump. It’s a clean, direct, and gentle way to generate flow, ideal for fragile biological systems or reactive chemical reagents.”

Among ongoing projects at Soleil are microfluidic systems for cell encapsulation and cryoconservation toward gene therapy, as well as the development of liquid microjets under vacuum for chemical analysis.

Looking to Soleil 2

Looking ahead, Dr. David envisions microfluidics playing an even larger role in Soleil 2, the upcoming upgrade of the synchrotron: “Future experiments will require smaller, more precise setups and microfluidics will naturally be part of this evolution.”

His conclusion on Elveflow’s technology: “The on/off control is unique compared to syringe or peristaltic pumps, and the software is intuitive and reliable. For synchrotron applications, Elveflow makes a real difference.”