Software-programmable continuous-flow multi-purpose lab-on-a-chip

Abstract

Current lab-on-a-chip (LoC) devices are assay-specific and are custom-built for each single experiment. Performing an experiment requires scientists or engineers to go through the time-consuming process of designing, fabricating, and testing a chip before conducting the actual experiment. This prolonged cycle can take months to complete, increasing effort and cost and reducing productivity. Similarly, minor modifications to an assay protocol re-incur the overheads of the design cycle. In this paper, we develop a multi-purpose, software-programmableLab-on-a-Chip (SPLoC), where the user simply writes or downloads a program for each experiment. We describe the components necessary to realize the SPLoC, which include a high-level programming language, an abstract instruction set, a runtime and control system, and a microfluidic device. We describe two key features of our high-level language compiler, and describe a novel variable-volume variable-ratio mixer. Finally, we demonstrate our SPLoC on four diverse, real-world assays.

BioScript: programming safe chemistry on laboratories-on-a-chip

“…The net result of these collective advancements is that many experimental laboratory procedures have been miniaturized, accelerated, and automated, similar in principle to how the world's earliest computers automated tedious mathematical calculations that were previously performed by hand. Although the vast majority of microfluidic devices are effectively Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), a variety of programmable LoCs have been demonstrated [Amin et al 2013[Amin et al , 2007Fidalgo and Maerkl 2011;Jensen et al 2010;Pollack et al 2002;Urbanski et al 2006].…”

Programmable bio-nano-chip system: a flexible point-of-care platform for bioscience and clinical measurements

“…9, 35 The expense and time associated with design, fabrication, testing, and validation serve as barriers for dedicated single-class bioassay systems. 36 There is a strong need for universal modular testing platforms designed for non-expert users that can quickly and efficiently provide the clinical biosensing community with strategic disease-specific panels.…”

The Hidden Geometry of the Babylonian Square Root Method

“…Recent applications of iterated maps in numerical analysis have been found in literature, using and extending the techniques of dynamical systems to the study of numerical algorithms and number theory [3]- [5]. Application in technology and hardware devices are also frequent nowadays [6]- [9].…”