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Lab-on-a-chip for drug development.
Bernhard H Weigl1, Ron L Bardell, Catherine R Cabrera
1Micronics Inc, 8463 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, USA. bweigl@micronics.net
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|March 12, 2003
Summary
Microfluidic devices offer significant advantages for biomedical and drug discovery, enabling advanced sample handling and analysis. This review covers microfluidic concepts, construction, and applications in areas like proteomics and PCR.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Micro-scale technologies have advanced significantly for biomedical and drug discovery.
- The first generation of microfluidics-based analytical devices are functional.
- Microfluidic devices provide unique advantages in sample handling, reagent mixing, separation, and detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microfluidic concepts and microconstruction techniques.
- To discuss methods like flow-injection analysis, electrokinesis, and cell manipulation.
- To review advances in micro-device technology for various applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of microfluidic concepts and principles.
- Discussion of microconstruction techniques.
- Analysis of established and emerging microfluidic methods.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic devices are functional and offer distinct advantages.
- Key methods including flow-injection analysis, electrokinesis, and cell manipulation are detailed.
- Advances in proteomics, immunoassays, mass spectrometry, and PCR are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics represents a significant advancement in analytical technologies.
- These devices are crucial for efficient sample handling and detection in biomedical research.
- The reviewed technologies are poised to impact drug discovery and diagnostics.