Fluidigm announced that its Singapore biochip factory has manufactured and shipped more than 250 million microscopic NanoFlex™ valves. The 250 million valves are built into Fluidigm’s integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs). Fluidigm’s NanoFlex valves stop or release the flow of liquids containing genetic samples and reagents in microfluidic chips. These chips are used by life science researchers to conduct endpoint, real-time and digital PCR analyses. Scientists utilize this technology to explore everything from individual stem cells and cancer cells.

In 2005, Fluidigm opened Singapore’s first biochip factory and it is now the world’s leading manufacturer of microfluidic devices. Today, the factory manufactures both IFCs and associated instruments/systems, as well as conducts research and development in coordination with the company’s South San Francisco operations.

Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm president and chief executive officer, noted that when Fluidigm first came to Singapore it found a supportive partner in Singapore’s Economic Development Board. “Having the Singapore government ready, willing and able to help us, led to the creation of a world-class biochip manufacturing site with a world-class staff - resulting in a world-class outcome,” concluded Worthington.

“Our multi-layer soft lithography manufacturing builds on technologies developed in the semiconductor industry. Singapore has a stellar reputation for its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, so we were confident that we could find and train highly-skilled workers to build high-quality, high volume biochips for the life science industry,” said Grace Yow, Fluidigm vice president of worldwide manufacturing and Fluidigm Singapore’s managing director.