Micro- and Nanotechnologies for Medicine

The most profound effects of microtechnologies are evident in the development of microaiTays (biochips) for dmg discovery, testing and genotyping. 

Biological microchips (biochips) are revolutionizing gene expression analysis and classical genotyping as well as diagnostics and testing. Tlie worldwide markets for biochips are primarily composed of DNA chips, protein chips and laboratory chips. Generally, anays are differentiated from microfluidic systems, which can actively operate analysis, separation and synthetic processes by means of microscopic capillary systems, mini-pumps and mini-valves. Tliese are often called a Tab-on-a-chip . 

Tlie total market volume for biochips was estimated for 1999 to be approximately US 180 million, whereby the percentage of DNA chips is above 90%. Annual growth of more than 30% is expected for the years until 2005. In 2005, the total market volume is expected to amount to US 950 million (US 725 million DNA chips, US 157 milhon for lab chips and US 68 million for protein chips). 

Tlie niaiket is segmented (pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academia), and out of a total of anticipated US 660 million for 2003, the pharmaceutical industry will comprise 

US 260 million, the biotechnology industry US 185 million and the academic institutions US 212 million. 

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