Micro Total Analysis Systems: Microfluidic aspects, integration concept and applications

In this contribution three aspects of miniaturized total analysis systems (µTAS) are described and discussed in detail. First, an overview of microfabricated components for fluid handling is given. A description of the importance of sampling- and fluid-handling techniques is followed by details of microvalves, micropumps and micro flowchannels. Secondly, the problems associated with system integration are discussed. As a solution for the realization of microfluidic- and micro analysis systems, the concept of a planar mixed circuit board (MCB) as a platform for the integration of different components is described. In addition, the design, modeling and simulation, and realization of several components in the form of standard modules for integration on a MCB is described. As an illustration of the potential of this approach, the realization of a µTAS demonstrator for the optical detection of the pH change of a pH indicator, is presented. Finally, a number of different applications of µTAS are described, such as on-line process monitoring, environmental monitoring, biomedical and space applications and DNA-analysis.