Abstract
The integration of optical circuits with microfluidic lab-on-chip (LoC) devices has resulted in a new era of potential in terms of both sample manipulation and detection at the micro-scale. On-chip optical components increase both control and analytical capabilities while reducing reliance on expensive laboratory photonic equipment that has limited microfluidic development. Notably, in-situ LoC devices for bio-chemical applications such as diagnostics and environmental monitoring could provide great value as low-cost, portable and highly sensitive systems. Multiple challenges remain however due to the complexity involved with combining photonics with micro-fabricated systems. Here, we aim to highlight the progress that optical on-chip systems have made in recent years regarding the main LoC applications: (1) sample manipulation and (2) detection. At the same time, we aim to address the constraints that limit industrial scaling of this technology. Through evaluating various fabrication methods, material choices and novel approaches of optic and fluidic integration, we aim to illustrate how optic-enabled LoC approaches are providing new possibilities for both sample analysis and manipulation.
Highlights
Since the mid-2000’s, optofluidics has developed into a separate field; independent from its merging parental fields of ‘optics and fluidics’ [1,2]
We address the subject of on-chip optical control due to its increasing importance in novel nano-biotechnologies
Virus particle detection of herpes with a minimal concentration of 850 pp/mL [147] were identified, meaning clinically relevant concentration detection. This device provided the possibility of multiplexed detection due to being able to graft 3 different receptors on each of the 3 sample waveguides to be compared with the reference signal
Summary
Since the mid-2000’s, optofluidics has developed into a separate field; independent from its merging parental fields of ‘optics and fluidics’ [1,2]. The scale reduction with microfluidic devices provides multiple physical advantages such as economy of reagents, increased reaction rates and a decreased laboratory footprint [6] These systems enable static, mono and multi-phase flows depending on their application. Optical “add-ons” have since paved the way for a new generation of LoCs which we will baptise as OptoMicrofluidicLoCs (OMLoCs) for the rest of this review These optically integrated devices have used photonics to realise essential Lab-on-chip processes such as sample processing, detection and manipulation and through which have made progress to achieving the potential of the predicted LoC paradigm. Recent OMLoC integrated approaches have demonstrated increased detection sensitivity [8] while challenging traditional analytical methods requiring external sample preparation, separation and detection [6] Miniaturisation of these detection modes requires novel designs to overcome physical constraints that become apparent at the μ-scale. Through examining recent developments in this field, and taking into account fabrication methods, material choices and fluidic/photonic integration, we aim to assess the progress while highlighting the clear potential of OMLoC’s to realise the aspirations of the integrated LoC
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