Fully integrated micro biochemical laboratory using biochemical IC chips - cell-free protein synthesis by using a built-in micropump chip

摘要

We have developed a fully integrated protein synthesis system including micropumps by using "Biochemical IC chips" proposed by Ikuta. The built-in micropumps driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) microactuators provide sufficiently long lifetime and flow rate to synthesize protein. The luminous protein "Luciferase" of firefly was successfully synthesized from DNA in seven hours with the built-in micropumps. The palm-top protein synthesis devices are promising and powerful tools for not only order-made examination but also implantable/wearable medical devices in the near future.