Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices can serve as ideal alternative detection systems to provide rapid, sensitive, specific, automated and portable features for on-site use.  Using the most recent technological development in microlithography, micromachining and bonding techniques, small features (e.g., wells, channels, electrodes, and filters) can be created inside an enclosed silicon, glass or polymer substrate.  These features eventually form a network interconnected to fluid reservoirs and reaction compartments, where samples and reagents are stored, and physical/chemical reactions are carried out.  Incorporation of micropumps, microvalves and heating devices further enable sample/reagent dispensing, mixing and incubation, and biochemical reactions before analytes are detected through optical or electrochemical methods.  Thus, sample preparation, biochemical reactions, and signal detection can be easily carried out to provide possible on-site solutions.  LOC technology has the potential as key technology platforms for monitoring of biological contaminants in water. This presentation focuses on its potentialities in this new emerging field.

Lab–on-a-chip devices for microbial monitoring and detection in water

244th National Meeting (2012)

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