Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) Technology Based Multi-Channel Lab-on-a-Chip for Enzymatic and Chemical Analysis
Steven Sun, Nikolay Sergeev, Jesse Francis, Yordan Kostov, Minghui Yang, Hugh A. Bruck, Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly
from: Lab-on-a-Chip Technology (Vol. 1): Fabrication and Microfluidics (Edited by: Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2009)
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology has the potential to greatly simplify analytical analysis by providing a platform for chemical and biochemical reactions as well as the analysis of such reactions without a laboratory. Prototyping of LOC is critical for rapid and low cost system development. Among the many prototyping methods, Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) technology is one of the most rapid and cost effective options. Using this method, it is possible to create 3D microfluidic structures by assembling a stack of polymer sheets, where each layer is fabricated by laser machining of a polymer sheet such as acrylic or polycarbonate and bonding the layers with adhesive. The main elements of LOM using polymer sheets are described here, including LOC design, laser machining, bonding and testing. An example of an eight channel LOC for enzymatic and chemical analysis based on mixing two reagents is provided. The technology, combined with suitable medical assays, has the potential to enhance the quality of health care and to provide care to underserved populations read more ...
