Abstract Lab-on-chip devices are ideal candidates for use in space missions where experiment automation, system compactness, limited weight and low sample and reagent consumption are required. Currently, however, most microfluidic systems require external desktop instrumentation to operate and interrogate the chip, thus strongly limiting their use as stand-alone systems. In order to overcome the above-mentioned limitations our research group is currently working on the design and fabrication of “true” lab-on-chip systems that integrate in a single device all the analytical steps from the sample preparation to the detection without the need for bulky external components such as pumps, syringes, radiation sources or optical detection systems. Three critical points can be identified to achieve ‘true’ lab-on-chip devices: sample handling, analytical detection and signal transduction. For each critical point, feasible solutions are presented and evaluated. Proposed microfluidic actuation and control is based on electrowetting on dielectrics, autonomous capillary networks and active valves. Analytical detection based on highly specific chemiluminescent reactions is used to avoid external radiation sources. Finally, the integration on the same chip of thin film sensors based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon is discussed showing practical results achieved in different sensing tasks.
Highlights Technology for fully integrated lab-on-chip devices suitable for space missions. Proposed technology addresses the main integration issues of current technologies. Combination of on-chip detection, chemiluminescence and autonomous microfluidics. Proposed technology ensures robust, compact and lightweight analytical devices.
Technologies for autonomous integrated lab-on-chip systems for space missions
Acta Astronautica ; 128 ; 401-408
2016-07-27
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Technologies for autonomous integrated lab-on-chip systems for space missions
Online Contents | 2016
|Systems Architecture for Fully Autonomous Space Missions
NTRS | 2002
|