An overview is given of research activities in the field of fluid components or systems built with microfabrication technologies. This review focuses on the fluidic behaviour of the various devices, such as valves, pumps and flow sensors as well as the possibilities and pitfalls related to the modelling of these devices using simple flow theory. Finally, a number of microfluidic systems are described and comments on future trends are given.

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SUMMARYThis paper presents a micro device employing the Coulter principle for counting and sizing of living cells and particles in liquid suspension. The microchip Coulter Particle Counter (pCPC) has been employed into a planar silicon structure covered with glass, which enables detailed observation during operation possible. By sheathing of a non-conductive liquid on either side of an electrolyte, it is possible to optimize the sensitivity to a specific cell-size dynamically. A method for measuring the relative flow-rates between liquid phases with different conductivity is presented. The method utilizes the laminar flow and short contact time of liquids in microchannels. As a result, the width of the liquids can be controlled without knowing the actual flow rates. The pCPC have been fabricated by standard microfabrication techniques, including NE, wet silicon etching, metalization and anodic bonding. The manufacturing is compatible with the fabrication of many different devices such as particle sorters and mixers.

Abstract-We present a wearable health system (WHS) for non-invasive and wireless monitoring of physiological signals. The system is made as an electronic patch where sensors, low power electronics, and radio communication are integrated in an adhesive material of hydrocolloid polymer making it a sticking patch. The patch is made with a reusable part and a disposable part which contains the adhesive material and the battery. This part is changed once every week. The patch has a size of 88 mm by 60 mm and a thickness of 5 mm. It is made for attachment on truncus or the greater muscle groups. The patch is demonstrated in two applications: Monitoring of electromyography (EMG) and arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2). The pulse oximetry sensor is made of a concentric backside Silicon photodiode with a hole in the middle for the two light sources. This makes it suitable for reflectance pulse oximetry. For the EMG application three standard dry silver electrodes are used separated by 10 mm.

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