title: Microfluidic chips for point-of-care immunodiagnostics.
abstract: We might be at the turning point where research in microfluidics undertaken in academia and industrial research laboratories, and substantially sponsored by public grants, may provide a range of portable and networked diagnostic devices. In this Progress Report, an overview on microfluidic devices that may become the next generation of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is provided. First, we describe gaps and opportunities in medical diagnostics and how microfluidics can address these gaps using the example of immunodiagnostics. Next, we conceptualize how different technologies are converging into working microfluidic POC diagnostics devices. Technologies are explained from the perspective of sample interaction with components of a device. Specifically, we detail materials, surface treatment, sample processing, microfluidic elements (such as valves, pumps, and mixers), receptors, and analytes in the light of various biosensing concepts. Finally, we discuss the integration of components into accurate and reliable devices.
authors.affiliation: IBM Research-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, CH-8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gervais
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: de Rooij
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Delamarche
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers