Towards an Integrated Chemical Circuit

摘要

"Chip laboratories" or "lab-on-a-chip devices" are catch phrases describing a new technology by which chemical processes and systems are miniaturized using microsystem technologies. Scientists dream of repeating the success of microelectronics in chemistry by shrinking entire chemistry and analysis laboratories to fit on a single microstructured chip. Such microfluidic laboratories are full of promise. As they use only tiny quantities of chemicals, they are more environmentally friendly and economical. Besides the advantages of miniaturization, such as improved portability, safety, and reduced reagent consumption, one of the most promising features of chip laboratories is the accelerated speed of reaction and analysis. The most fascinating perspective of this new technology, however, is the ability to create entirely new systems that surpass the performance of conventional chemical devices, just as in the triumph of microelectronics, where an entire new technology was invented rather than just shrinking or improving main-frame computers.