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Lab-on-a-chip with multiple applications
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Scientists from the University of New South Wales in Australia have developed a tiny new ‘lab-on-a-chip’ device with potential applications that include screening of biological molecules, toxic gas detection and integrated circuit fabrication. In the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers solve the issue of solvent volatility, which has been a problem in making miniaturised devices, by using ionic liquids.

Lab-on-a-chip and miniaturised systems have recently become very popular with their potential for faster reaction times, minimal use of materials and relatively high yields. However, they face problems in terms of lack of reproducibility in some cases and with solvent volatility. Dr Chuan Zhao, senior author of the study, explains how the research team addressed this issue of solvent volatility: "We use a class of 'green' solvents called ionic liquids, which are salts that are liquid at room temperature. They are non-volatile, so this overcomes one of the main problems in making useful miniaturised devices - rapid evaporation of the solvents on the chip." Dr Zhao further explains the potential functions for this device: “The versatility of our chips means they could have a wide range of prospective functions, such as for use in fast and accurate hand-held sensors for environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis and process control in manufacturing."

Other researchers have attempted to address the problem of solvent volatility by confining solvents within walls or channels or using reservoirs for storage of extra solvent on the chip. However, in the current study the researchers used a process called microcontact printing to create a microarray of ionic solvent droplets which were chemically attached to the chip. Each droplet was about 50 micrometres wide- this is about half the width of a human hair- and 10 micrometres long. Dr Zhao explained the practicality of the devices for use in a variety of commercial applications: "These microarray chips can be easily produced in high numbers and are very stable. They can survive being turned upside down and heated to 50 degrees and some can even survive being immersed in another liquid. These properties will be important for commercial applications, including storage and transportation of microchips."

The research team demonstrated the utility of their system in processes including use as substrates for protein immobilisation, high-performance gas sensor arrays or electrochemical cells and reactors for metal microfabrication.

Sources
Gunawan, C.A., Ge, M. and Zhao, C. (2014) Nature Communications 5(3744); doi:10.1038/ncomms4744

Press release: University of New South Wales; available from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2...042914.php
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