Towards computation with microchemomechanical systems

Abstract

Labs-on-chips are promising candidates for the realization of chemical information systems, where data are embodied in the form of chemical concentrations. In this paper we present the concept of microchemomechanical systems, a lab-on-a-chip technology based on intrinsically active components. The active components are valves fabricated from phase-changeable polymers that provide a direct feedback mechanism and exhibit a transistor-like functionality. Therefore this microfluidic platform facilitates the realization of logic operations, if-then structures and the sampling of chemical signals. In analogy with electronic von Neumann CPUs, control and execution unit are integrated on a single chip. Due to the intrinsic activity of the valves and their small size, microchemomechanical systems are highly suitable for large-scale integration. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.