The Centrifugal Microfluidic: Lab-on-a-Disc Platform

Abstract

Over the past decades microfluidics has proved its game-changing potential where biomedical diagnostics are performed (Manz et al. 1990; Whitesides 2006). The field of research focuses on so-called ‘Lab-on-a-Chip’ or ‘Micro Total Analysis Systems’ (μTAS) that manipulate and analyse fluid on the microscale. These devices integrate the labour intensive operations of a specific laboratory diagnostic exam onto a chip of the typical size of a credit card. The method offers significant reduction of reagent volumes, reaction times and human intervention through on-chip automation [1]. Since the adaptation of microfluidics towards the biological sciences there has been a surge of interest in the evolution of these two complimentary fields; leading to the adaptation of a huge array of bioanalytical assays onto microfluidic platforms. One of the most promising areas of research in the field of microfluidics is the development of Point of Care (POC) diagnostic devices that are simple to use, cost efficient, fast and effective. By now different modes of operation such as continuous flow, batch-wise discrete volumes and droplet-based liquid handling have been implemented. A range of integrated microfluidic platforms have been developed including passively driven systems propelled by capillary action and paper imbibition, alongside pneumatically, peristaltically, and electrokinetically actuated platforms. This chapter introduces the centrifugal microfluidic “Lab on a Disc” platform [2].