What is lab-on-a-chip technology?

The ultimate aim of lab-on-a-chip technology (LOC) is to integrate one or more laboratory processes or techniques onto a single miniaturized chip. Theoretically, LOC technology has the potential to carry out almost any laboratory procedure on a miniaturized scale. This could range from DNA sequencing and biochemical detection to chemical synthesis, clinical diagnostics and biomarker validation. What are the advantages of lab-on-a-chip technology? Lab-on-a-chip technology offers a wide array of possible advantages over traditional benchtop operations. For example, a portable handheld device capable of performing point-of-care clinical diagnostics could find use in medical offices or remote locations where access to...