Chapter 7.11, Problem 1LLP

To determine

The information about lab-on-a-chip device.

Explanation of Solution

The lab-on-a-chip is integrated circuit device that integrates one or more laboratory function on a single chip.  It is abbreviated as LOC. It can handle very small fluid volumes that are less than pico-liters $\left({10}^{-12}\right)$. It is a subclass of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). LOCs are used in the physics, manipulation and study of microfluidics. Gas chromatograph is the first lab-on-a-chip system analysis. In general, most of the LOCs are fabricated through photolithography process.

The advantages of lab-on-a-chips are listed below:

• Lab-on-chip requires less fluid volume consumption that results in less wastage and lower reagents cost.
• LOC analyses the experiments that are faster and responds quickly.
• The apparatus is compact since multiple functions are integrated.
• It is safe for radioactive or biological studies.

The disadvantages of lab-on-a-chip are listed below:

• The micro manufacturing requires expensive equipment and specialized personnel.
• Fine control is difficult for complex fluidic actuation networks that requires multiple pump and connectors.

The available commercial lab-on-a-chip devices are:

• Lithium Chip
• Fertility Chip
• Nanowire sensor for cancer diagnostics