Microwave Fluidics Technology

What are "Lab-On-A-Chip" Technologies?

In addition to a test sample (for example, drop of patient's blood), bioanalytical tests usually require the introduction of one or more specialized liquids. For example, liquids containing antibodies or specific DNA might be used to detect a disease in a patient's sample. Additionally, a colored or fluorescent liquid is often needed to physically detect the molecule of interest.

Traditionally, lab technicians have manually mixed test liquids. More recently, large automated machines and robotics have been used to carry out tests, often in high-throughput central laboratories.

In recent years there has been a trend toward sophisticated small disposable cartridges called "chips" that contain all needed test liquids. Self-contained "Lab-On-A-Chip" technologies have several advantages over traditional test methods. These include:

Quality control (no opportunity for user error)
Portability (for use in field applications where large instruments are not feasible)
Economy of Sample (tests run using only a fraction of a drop of liquid)
Convenience (little or no training is required to perform a test)

Lab–On–A–Chip technologies require "fluidics" – in other words, an automated means of moving and mixing small amounts of liquids. Common drawbacks to most fluidics technologies are that they can very expensive or unreliable to manufacture or they can be highly complex requiring sophisticated valves, pumps, or miniature electronics.

What are some practical applications for "Lab–On–A–Chip" devices?

Lab–On–A–Chip devices can be used in a huge number of applications – anywhere convenient rapid biomolecular tests are needed.

Biomedical Research - basic medical research, drug development, clinical trials
Medical Diagnostics - emergency room, doctor's office, bedside care
Field Applications - biological and chemical warfare detection, food and water testing, veterinary medicine

What is Microwave Fluidics?

Mirari scientists have invented a new patent pending fluidics technology called Microwave Fluidics. Microwave Fluidics technology allows fluids to be moved through channels or tubes using only the energy of microwaves. This elegant technology is valuable because it is a "noncontact" method that does not require electrical contacts or pumps. The fluids are moved but not heated by the microwaves.

How Does Microwave Fluidics Work?

Microwave fluidics technology involves coating a heat-shrinkable material with a microwave-absorbing paint. The animation and photos shown below demonstrate how Microwave Fluidics works.

The "Before" and "After" photographs further illustrate how microwave fluidics works.

Before (Panel A): The top panel (A) of the figure shows a photograph of a black heat-shrinkable tube (1.). Also shown is a similar black heat-shrinkable tube that has been partially painted with a grey microwave-loving material (2.). Although not visible, both tubes contain a red liquid.

After (Panel B): Following brief microwave irradiation, a second photograph was taken, which is shown in Panel B. The microwaves did not affect the unmodified tube (1.), but caused the modified tube (2.) to contract. This contraction caused the red liquid to be delivered to a clear piece of tubing (3.).

Microwave Fluidics: Microwave-Induced Fluid Flow