Multiplexed detection and applications for separations on parallel microchips

Abstract

Much work has been performed since the development of the lab-on-a-chip concept that has brought microfabricated systems to the forefront of bioanalytical research. The success of using these microchips for performing complicated biological assays faster and cheaper than conventional methods has facilitated their emerging popularity among researchers. A recently exploited advantage of microfabricated technology has led to the creation of single wafers with multiple channel manifolds for high-throughput experiments. Efforts toward parallel microchip development have yielded fascinating new devices for chemical separations showing the potential for replacing conventional multiplexing techniques. This review will focus on recent work toward multiplexed separations on microdevices and complementary detection instrumentation.