TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Lab-on-a-chip technology is an exciting field that promises to miniaturize
complex, expensive chemical analyses to quick, hand-held assays. Complicated
solutions can be manipulated in micron-sized channels to reveal individual
components. Very small sample volumes are required, i.e., less than a drop,
results can be obtained in minutes, and instruments can be operated by
novice users. Modern glucometers that measure blood glucose levels are
device examples that have been borne from the field.
Advanced MicroLabs' patented technology allows sensitive, inexpensive detection on the powerful Lab-on-a-chip format. By combining electrochemical detection with microchip electrochromatography our devices measure otherwise difficult to measure analytes rapidly, accurately, and cheaply. Our microchips are made from inexpensive, disposable materials eliminating the typical problems such as field contamination, cross-sample contamination, or user maintenance.
Microchip Electrochromatography
Efficient and rapid separations are possible by applying a potential across a microchannel. A sample plug created at the inlet of a channel separates into its individual components according to their interactions with the stationary phase material present in the capillary. This means of separation allows us to isolate a small concentration of the analyte of interest from a large concentration of background components.
Electrochemical Detection
Our patented technology places electrodes near the end of a microchannel, allowing us to electrochemically detect different components as they migrate sequentially over the electrode. Our sensitivity rivals if not surpasses many standard detection technologies such as UV spectroscopy but at a fraction of the cost. Most analytes are detected directly, meaning no complicating derivatization steps are required. Furthermore, multiple modes of detection can be accessed that extend the applicability of this technique to a whole host of biological, environmental, and industrial targets of interest.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive: Disposable microchips, <$5/test
- Versatile: Multiple analytes measured from a single test.
- Compact: Small sample volumes (<1 microL), hundreds of analyses can be configured on a single microchip, entire device not larger than a bread box.
- Quick: Results <5min.
- Easy: Operated by a novice user.
- Portable: Reliable field testing, fabricated with robust materials, compact device.
- Sensitive: nM (ppb) concentration levels possible.
Established Analytes:
- Carbohydrates: Very difficult to detect otherwise, but easily detected with our technology. Glucose, Fructose, Mannose, Galactose, & Higer Order Polysaccharides.
- Thiols: Antibiotics (Penacillin, Ampacillin, etc.), Amino Acids & Hormones (Cysteine, Homocysteine, Glutathione, etc.)
- Primary Amines: e.g. free Amino Acids
- Biomarkers: Creatine, Creatinine, Uric Acid
- Proteins: Hemoglobin, Albumin, IgG, Myoglobin, etc.
- Inorganic Ions: Perchlorate, Chloride, Nitrates, Sodium, Potassium, etc
