Scientists have made significant strides toward the development of a more rapid, efficient, and reliable ‘lab on a chip’ device, comparable in size to a small coin. Overcoming challenges associated with fluid manipulation within tiny valves and pumps on the chip, researchers at the University at Buffalo (UB) in the US have introduced a novel approach. Published in the journal Lab on a Chip, their study utilizes capillary and vacuum-driven forces to control the movement of fluids in micro- and nano-sized channels.
This innovation addresses a critical issue encountered in such devices, where the mixing of blood with a reagent can lead to undesired backward flow due to pressure differences. Kwang W Oh, associate professor at UB, likened the process to plumbing, explaining that they are essentially managing fluid movement within a microchip. The breakthrough holds promise for the creation of faster, more efficient, and reliable lab-on-a-chip devices, particularly in areas with limited access to medical labs, such as the developing world, battlefields, and homes.
In experiments, the researchers demonstrated the chip’s ability to accurately distinguish between eight blood types based on the time it takes for different blood types to traverse the chip. For instance, when Type A blood is mixed with a specific antibody, it thickens and flows more slowly. The chip’s applicability extends beyond blood typing, making it suitable for various biological and chemical assays. An essential feature is that the chip does not require external sensors or power sources, making it a cost-effective option for medical device manufacturers seeking to produce disposable lab-on-a-chip products.