Lab-on-chip systems for integrated bioanalyses

Abstract

Biomolecular detection systems based on microfluidics are often called lab-on-chip systems. To fully benefit from the miniaturization resulting from microfluidics, one aims to develop ‘from sample-to-answer’ analytical systems, in which the input is a raw or minimally processed biological, food/feed or environmental sample and the output is a quantitative or qualitative assessment of one or more analytes of interest. In general, such systems will require the integration of several steps or operations to perform their function. This review will discuss these stages of operation, including fluidic handling, which assures that the desired fluid arrives at a specific location at the right time and under the appropriate flow conditions; molecular recognition, which allows the capture of specific analytes at precise locations on the chip; transduction of the molecular recognition event into a measurable signal; sample preparation upstream from analyte capture; and signal amplification procedures to increase sensitivity. Seamless integration of the different stages is required to achieve a point-of-care/point-of-use lab-on-chip device that allows analyte detection at the relevant sensitivity ranges, with a competitive analysis time and cost.

Laser-fabricated cell patterning stencil for single cell analysis

“…Though we describe a specific application, this general approach, a removable stencil fabricated in situ on a functional substrate, is extensible to a wide range of applications and geometries. In recent years there have been remarkable advances in lab-on-chip and high throughput single cell analytic technologies [ 73 ]. Many of these platforms require precise localization of individual cells prior to cell lysis [ 74 ] or on-chip analyses such as qPCR [ 75 , 76 ], proteomics [ 77 ], genome sequencing [ 78 ] or cell signaling [ 79 ].…”

Liquid Biopsy in Colorectal Cancer-Current Status and Potential Clinical Applications

“…Molecular biology and technology science have obviously recognized this need by introducing the concept of lab-on-a-chip (LOC). The concept itself seems very promising for practical use and is currently under investigation in many fields of natural science and also medicine [ 68 , 69 , 70 ].…”

Monitoring physical activity with wearable technologies

“…These devices can perform laboratory tests such as lactate, glucose, sodium, potassium. Sweat analysis and fatigue relation can be investigated with them (8). Motion sensors are mostly inert sensors that have accelerometer and gyroscope parts.…”