The only passive fluid technology that enables true lab-on-a-chip diagnostics — no pumps, no readers, no barriers to adoption.
Passive capillary force self-propels fluid through microchannels — eliminating the primary cost driver in cartridge-based systems.
Flow can be started, stopped, and directed using only the surface coating — no mechanical components required.
Multiple independent flow rates on a single device layer with no external hardware, power, or electronic control.
Patent Citations
Subsequent patents cite this work
Patent Claims
Comprehensive protection scope
Target Markets
Across five industries
Active Until
Long runway for licensing partners
Platform Technology
Surface Energy Gradient Coating technology addresses a fundamental engineering challenge — fluid management without mechanical complexity — across a broad range of high-value markets.
Eliminate pumps from cartridge-reader systems. Passive flow reduces hardware cost by 80%+ and enables truly portable field diagnostics.
Pump-free liquid cooling for AI chips, high-density semiconductors, and data center modules — passive, reliable, no moving parts.
Biocompatible passive coatings enable fluid control inside implants without pumps — smaller form factor, longer device life.
Metered passive flow enables controlled drug release without pumps or actuators — transdermal, implantable, and oral applications.
Directional passive fluid management in fuel cells, batteries, and solar panels — no parasitic power draw.
No moving parts. No power requirements. Inherently reliable in high-vibration, vacuum, and zero-gravity environments.
The Technology
A precise gradient in surface energy along microfluidic channel walls generates a net capillary force that self-propels liquid through passages — with no external input of any kind. Multiple flow rates, multiple channels, single device layer.
14+
Compatible Materials
100%
Flow Rate Control
80%+
Hardware Reduction
Zero
Moving Parts
The Team Behind the Technology
Brian Babcock
Inventor & President
Registered US Patent Agent · Vanderbilt B.S./M.S. ChemE · Argonne National Laboratory
Paul Denman
Co-Founder & Business Dev
20+ yrs life sciences, medical device, semiconductor, defense