'No muss, no fuss' miniaturised analysis for complex samples developed
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 05:07
in Physics & Chemistry
The goal of an integrated, miniaturised laboratory analysis system, also known as a 'lab-on-a-chip,' is simple: sample in, answer out. However, researchers wanting to use these microfluidic devices to analyse complex solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials often find that the first part of the process isn't so easy. Effective sample preparation from these solutions can be laborious, expensive and time-consuming, involving complicated laboratory methods that must be performed by skilled technicians. This can significantly diminish the benefits associated with using miniaturised analytical techniques. Recent work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) could help change that...