A concept for a sensitive micro total analysis system for high throughput fluorescence imaging

Abstract

This paper discusses possible methods for on-chip fluorescent imaging for integrated bio-sensors. The integration of optical and electro-optical accessories, according to suggested methods, can improve the performance of fluorescence imaging. It can boost the signal to background ratio by a few orders of magnitudes in comparison to conventional discrete setups. The methods that are present in this paper are oriented towards building reproducible arrays for high-throughput micro total analysis systems (μTAS). The first method relates to side illumination of the fluorescent material placed into micro-compartments of the lab-on-chip. Its significance is in high utilization of excitation energy for low concentration of fluorescent material. The utilization of a transparent μLED chip, for the second method, allows the placement of the excitation light sources on the same optical axis with emission detector, such that the excitation and emission rays are directed controversly. The third method presents a spatial filtering of the excitation background. © 2006 by MDPI.