Thermally-sensitive, PNIPAAm-Coated Nanobeads are used in Microfluidic Devices for Affinity Separations, Immunoassays and Enzyme Bioprocesses

摘要

Microfluidic chemical analysis systems have the potential to greatly impact biotechnology and medicine. Such systems have many advantages over conventional laboratory-scale analytical technologies. Transport in a microfluidic system is fast, the low Reynolds number, eliminates complications of turbulent flow and the output is rapid. The small volumes involved permits the use of expensive or toxic solvents and reagents, and disposal of such small volumes is relatively easy. In addition, microfluidic devices are potentially portable, allowing for their use in the clinic or home, in the field with emergency medical personnel, or on biochemical production lines.