LOC systems have several potential advantages over other analytical approaches, especially the ability to perform complex analytical chemistry operations without a laboratory. This has the potential to allow samples to be analysed at the point of need rather than at a centralized laboratory.
Inherent advantages of LOC systems The laminar flow behaviour of liquids in typical miniaturized LOC systems allows better control of concentrations and other reaction conditions. Thus, it can reduce the time taken to synthesize and analyse samples, and improve the quality of the product. Miniaturized LOC systems typically require small reagent volumes which can reduce costs of testing and reduce the amount of chemical waste. Small sample sizes can also be a disadvantage because they may not always represent the average condition of a larger reservoir from which they are taken.
from Herold and Rasooly (Eds)
in Lab-on-a-Chip Technology (Vol. 2)Further reading:
Labels: lab on a chip, Lab-on-a-Chip Technology, LOC