TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Lab-on-a-Chip technology is an exciting field that is transforming complex,
lab-oriented chemical analyses into quick, industry-oriented on-line assays.
Complicated solutions can be manipulated in micron-sized channels to reveal
individual components. Very small sample volumes are required, i.e., less
than a drop, results can be obtained in minutes, and instruments can be
operated by all users. Advanced MicroLabs'
results prove the technique is deployment ready.
Advanced MicroLabs' patented technology allows sensitive, inexpensive
detection on the powerful Lab-on-a-chip format. By combining electrochemical
detection with microchip
capillary electrophoresis our devices measure otherwise difficult to
measure analytes rapidly, accurately, and cheaply.
Example Lab-on-a-Chip
Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis
Efficient and rapid separations are possible by applying a potential across a microchannel. A sample plug created at the injection point of a channel separates into its individual components according to their interactions with the buffer solution present in the channel. This means of separation allows us to isolate a small concentration of the analyte of interest from a large concentration of background components.
Ion Chromatography (IC) -- the technique familiar to most chemists -- also uses separation in a channel. The separating force is provided by pressure. Unlike IC, Lab-on-a-Chip uses high voltage to to cause separation of analytes.
Additional information on migration and separation
Electrochemical Detection
AML's patented detection technology uses electrodes at the end of the microchannel, enabling electrochemical detection of different components as they migrate sequentially in time across the electrodes. Our sensitivity rivals if not surpasses many standard detection technologies including UV spectroscopy but at a fraction of the cost. Most analytes are detected directly, meaning no complicating derivatization steps are required. Furthermore, multiple modes of detection can be accessed that extend the applicability of this technique to a whole host of biological, environmental, and industrial targets of interest.
Key Facts:
- Inexpensive disposables, <$1/test in industrial settings
- Versatile: Multiple analytes measured from a single test.
- Compact: Small sample volumes (<1 mL),
- Quick: Results <5min.
- Portable and/or on-line
- Sensitive: ppb (mg/L) concentration levels possible.
Established Analytes:
- Carbohydrates: Very difficult to detect otherwise, but easily detected with our technology. Glucose, Fructose, Mannose, Galactose, & Higer Order Polysaccharides.
- Thiols: Antibiotics (Penacillin, Ampacillin, etc.), Amino Acids & Hormones (Cysteine, Homocysteine, Glutathione, etc.)
- Primary Amines: e.g. free Amino Acids
- Biomarkers: Creatine, Creatinine, Uric Acid
- Proteins: Hemoglobin, Albumin, IgG, Myoglobin, etc.
- Inorganic Ions: Perchlorate, Chloride, Nitrates, Sodium, Potassium, etc
