Unique innovation platform makes lab-on-chip a realityPhilips Applied Technologies helps companies go from idea to product efficientlyIn a medical emergency, every second counts and vital body information is essential. Yet even today, obtaining such vital data from blood, urine or tissues takes time. Imagine the benefits if this testing could be done on the spot, in just minutes. Fast diagnostics are becoming possible by using micro-fluidics in ‘lab-on-a-chip’ applications for instant (bio)-chemical analysis. Microfluidics enables the miniaturization and integration of a complete central diagnostic lab onto a single credit-card-sized chip. It is one of the key technologies for solving the lab-on-a-chip design challenge. When handling very small volumes of fluids, or fluids with high viscosity, their flow behavior is very different from normal fluidic flows. The interaction of the fluids with surfaces is quite different and becomes a dominant factor. Mastering these effects is one of the key challenges of micro-fluidics. Current silicon chip technologies have sufficient computing power to quickly analyze samples. But putting an entire lab on a chip requires much more technology: sensors to detect biological activity; and actuators to physically move fluid samples or other material towards and across the sensor surfaces. It can also be valuable to add communications interfaces so results could be transmitted across local (wireless) networks. In other words, a whole range of competences is needed to make this technology work. Philips Applied Technologies taps into more than 40 years of experience and over 70 technology and process competencies to speed up the development of new products. Combining the latest manufacturing processes in micro-systems, polymer technology and glass processing with a thorough knowledge of micro-fluidics, it is possible to create tiny channels and micro-chambers that can be used to move and manipulate even complex fluids like saliva and blood. The integration of these micro-fluidic systems onto a single platform along with the necessary electronics and sensors provides the basis for compact, self-contained lab-on-chip solutions. Fast, portable analysisBesides the medical application, lab-on-a-chip solutions could provide early warnings of hazardous substance spills or leaks in industrial environments. They could also help improve the environment by detecting pathogens in air or water. And beyond lab-on-chip systems, micro-fluidics has much wider application in areas such as immersion lithography, fuel cells and chemical micro-reactors. Drawing upon its complete product development platform, Philips Applied Technologies enables ‘first time right’ development. This covers all the steps from design, prototyping, small series manufacturing up to initial production. Philips Applied Technologies also provides access to all the necessary people, technologies and infrastructure, as well as to multidisciplinary teams of fluid dynamicists, biochemists, polymer processing experts and modeling experts. Drugs-of-abuse tester: MagnotechAs an example, Philips Applied Technologies is currently working for Philips’ handheld immunoassy venture in co-development with Concateno to support the development of a drug-of-abuse testing solution. The solution uses Philips’ Magnotech technology with a cartridge containing magnetic nanoparticles and a handheld analyzer. Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) is used to detect five major recreational drugs in saliva in just 90 seconds. (www.philips.com/magnotech) |
