Lab-on-a-chip

After the invention of microtechnology (≈1954) for realizing integrated semiconductor structures for microelectronic chips, these lithography-based technologies were soon applied in pressure sensor manufacturing (1966) as well.

Due to further development of these usually CMOS-compatibility limited processes, a tool box became available to create micrometre or sub-micrometre sized mechanical structures in silicon wafers as well: the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) era had started.

Although the application of LOCs is still novel and modest, a growing interest of companies and applied research groups is observed in different fields such as chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics and cellomics, but also in synthetic chemistry such as rapid screening and microreactors for pharmaceutics.

Sub-micrometre and nano-sized channels, DNA labyrinths, single cell detection and analysis,[5] and nano-sensors, might become feasible, allowing new ways of interaction with biological species and large molecules.

Many books have been written that cover various aspects of these devices, including the fluid transport,[6][7][8] system properties,[9] sensing techniques,[10] and bioanalytical applications.

The demand for cheap and easy LOC prototyping resulted in a simple methodology for the fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices: ESCARGOT (Embedded SCAffold RemovinG Open Technology).

[15] This technique allows for the creation of microfluidic channels, in a single block of PDMS, via a dissolvable scaffold (made by e.g. 3D printing).

[18] The following are some of the advantages of PCB technology: a) PCB-based circuit design offers great flexibility and can be tailored to specific demands.

[19] b) PCB technology enables the integration of electronic and sensing modules on the same platform, reducing device size while maintaining accuracy of detection.

c) The standardized and established PCB manufacturing process allows for cost-effective large-scale production of PCB-based detection devices.

Typical advantages[10] are: The most prominent disadvantages[23] of labs-on-chip are: Lab-on-a-chip technology may soon become an important part of efforts to improve global health,[26] particularly through the development of point-of-care testing devices.

Another active area of LOC research involves ways to diagnose and manage common infectious diseases caused by bacteria, e.g. bacteriuria, or viruses, e.g. influenza.

In 2023, researchers developed a working prototype of an RT-LAMP lab-on-a-chip system called LoCKAmp, which provided results for SARS-CoV-2 tests within three minutes.