Micro-analytical systems

Huikko, K. Kostiainen, R. Kotiaho, T., Introduction to micro-analytical systems Bioanaly-tical and pharmaceutical applications Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2003, 20, 149-171. 

Microstructures and systems are typically fabricated from rigid materials, such as crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, glass, quartz, metals and organic polymers. Elastomeric materials can be used in applications where rigidity is a drawback. We have demonstrated the concepts of elastomeric systems by fabrication of photothermal detectors, optical modulators and light valves. We believe that elastomeric materials will find additional applications in the areas of optical systems, micro analytical systems, biomaterials and biosensors. 

Microfabrication is growing in importance in a wide range of areas outside of microelectronics, including MEMS, microreactors, micro analytical systems and optical devices. Photolithography will continue as the dominant technology in the area of microelectronics for the foreseeable future. Photolithography has, however, a number of limitations for certain types of applications, as discussed in Sect. 3.1. 

The technology for integrating different biosensors on a chip forms the basis for the lab on-chip which will require additional liquid handling and optionally active liquid treatment. Different approaches for a micro analytical system (pTAS) have been published [89] and are now an emerging field of research. 

Rehm, J.E., Shepodd, T.J., Hasselbrink, E.F., Jr. Mobile flow control elements for high-pressure micro-analytical systems fabricated using in-situ polymerization. Micro Total Analysis Systems, Proceedings 5th i7AS Symposium, Monterey, CA, Oct. 21-25, 2001, 227-229. 

Professor Peter Keay, Director, Centre for Advanced Micro Analytic Systems (CAMAS), University of Luton ... 

Lauks, I.R. Microfabricated biosensors and micro-analytical systems for blood analysis. Acc. Chem. Res. 1998, 31, 317. 

Bioluminescence-based analytical assays were used to measure various analytes in nanoliter sample volumes. Nanoliter volumes of multiple bioluminescent analytical assays were deposited in an array format and lyophilized. ATP-firefly luciferase (FFL) and NADH-bacterial luciferase (BL) platform reactions were compared. We achieved parallel sample delivery via sample-hydrated membranes. A CCD camera measured the luminescent kinetics for each assay. These miniaturized assays and instruments can he prepared as micro-analytical systems to operate in point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices. 

Johnson, M. E. and Landers, J. R, Fundamentals and practice for ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence detection in micro analytical systems. Electrophoresis, 25, 3513, 2004. 

Peterson, D.S. Solid supports for micro analytical systems, Lab on a Chip 2005,5, 132-139. 

Electrostatically driven actuators like microvalves are integrated in housings made from carbon black containing PA12. They are used in process technology and in micro analytical systems. The diameters of the valves are 280 and 300 pm with a smallest wall thiclmess of 50 pm (Figure 5, left side) (10). 

Xing Chen, Da-Fu Cui, Chang-Chun Liu, Hui Li (2007) Fabrication of DNA purification microchip integrated with mesoporous matrix based on MEMS technology. Microsyst Technol 14 51-57 Zellers ET et al (2007) An integrated micro-analytical system for complex vapor mixtures. In IEEE proceedings of TRANSDUCERS EUROSENSORS 07, Varanasi, India, pp 1491-1496... 

In addition to its suitability for synthesis of hybrid bio/organic-Tnorganic materials, sol/gel is also a processing technology that can be used for fabricating frmctional coatings, components and devices. Many ofthe new micro-analytical systems utilize microfluidic electronic and optical based bioanalytical platforms, and rely on surface fimctionahzation... 

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