Ch 14: Lab-on-a-chip Biosensors Flashcards
What are the benefits of paper-based lab-on-a-chip devices?
They are cost-effective, portable, and allow fluid flow without pumps due to capillary action
What is PCR, and how is it conducted on lab-on-a-chip devices?
PCR amplifies DNA by cycling through denaturation, annealing, and extension. Lab-on-a-chip devices miniaturize this process for faster and more efficient diagnostics
Q: What is a lab-on-a-chip (LOC)?
A: A miniaturized device that integrates multiple laboratory processes onto a single chip.
Q: What is photolithography?
A: A process using light to transfer patterns onto a substrate for microfabrication.
Q: Why is soft lithography popular in LOC fabrication?
A: It is cost-effective, flexible, and compatible with various materials.
Q: How is capillary electrophoresis used in LOCs?
A: To separate molecules based on their charge and size.
Q: What is electroosmotic flow (EOF)?
A: The movement of liquid in a microchannel induced by an electric field.
Q: What are the strengths of using EOF for fluid delivery?
A: Precise flow control and integration with other microfluidic processes.
Q: How does a microfluidic mixer work?
A: By combining fluids at the microscale using designs like zig-zag channels or herringbone patterns.
Q: What is PCR, and why is it used in LOCs?
A: Polymerase chain reaction, used for amplifying DNA, is miniaturized in LOCs for rapid diagnostics.
Q: What is LAMP, and how does it differ from PCR?
A: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification is faster and simpler, as it doesn’t require thermal cycling.
Q: What are the benefits of paper-based LOCs?
A: Low cost, easy fabrication, and fluid handling without external pumps.
Q: How are optical fibers used in LOCs?
A: For precise light delivery and collection in optical sensing applications.
Q: What is a microfluidic channel?
A: A small conduit on a chip used for fluid transport and analysis.
Q: How are microchannels fabricated?
A: Using techniques like photolithography, etching, and soft lithography.
Q: What are the advantages of integrating PCR into LOCs?
A: Reduced reaction time, sample volume, and contamination risk.
Q: What is the role of optical detection in LOCs?
A: To analyze fluorescence, absorbance, or scattering signals from the sample.
Q: What is isothermal nucleic acid amplification?
A: Techniques like LAMP that amplify DNA/RNA at a constant temperature.
Q: Why are syringes used in LOCs?
A: For precise fluid injection into microfluidic channels.
Q: How does LOC enable point-of-care testing?
A: By integrating diagnostics into portable, easy-to-use devices.
Q: What are common LOC applications?
A: Disease diagnosis, drug testing, and environmental monitoring.
Q: Why is miniaturization key in LOC development?
A: It reduces reagent use, speeds up reactions, and enables portability.
Q: Compare photolithography and soft lithography.
A: Soft lithography is cheaper and more versatile.
Q: What is electroosmotic flow (EOF)?
A: Fluid motion induced by an electric field in a microchannel.
Q: How do EOF and syringe pumps differ?
A: EOF offers precise flow control; pumps deliver higher pressures.
Q: Why is a microfluidic mixer important?
A: To ensure thorough mixing in small volumes.
Q: What are the benefits of paper-based LOCs?
A: Low cost, portability, and capillary-driven fluid flow.
Q: How is PCR conducted in LOCs?
A: By miniaturizing thermal cycling to amplify DNA on a chip.
Q: What is LAMP?
A: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification, a simpler alternative to PCR.
