Autonomous Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies

Abstract

Autonomous lab-on-a-chip (auto-LOC) devices are self-sustaining devices that can perform assays and report results without external cues. In this chapter, we describe the main frameworks for developing auto-LOC devices including the plug-in framework and the monolithic framework. The plug-in model aims at miniaturizing stand-alone plug-and-play components, which can then be assembled together with the microfabricated chip to develop an integrated auto-LOC device. The monolithic framework, on the other hand, seeks to integrate all components on a microfabricated microfluidic chip platform. We also highlight technologies that are relevant to portable, low-energy, and autonomous functioning of LOC devices. Finally, we present some case studies of integrated auto-LOC devices with applications ranging from point-of-care diagnostics to space exploration.