Abstract

Optical Sensors for Lab on Chip Devices

Meng-Han Kuok, Co-founder, Camtech

Optical detection is an important component of lab on chip devices, and this talk examines the development of a optical detection systems for transduction of biosensors within lab on chip devices. With transition to hand held devices for rapid point of care tests and the dream of ultimately using mobile phones as optical readers for disposable devices, optical sensing is becoming of increasing importance and the trend increasingly is towards mobile systems capable of signal quantification, multiplexing, real time sensing and fast response. At the same time, evolution in biosensor technology to miniaturization and higher sensitivity establishes more challenges to optical detection capabilities. The development of an integrated system for optical detection of hazardous pathogens by a benchtop lab on chip platform is considered. This integrates fluid control and manipulation within the lab on chip device, using a custom designed and automated control system. The subsequent transition to a handheld device and reader is shown, and how the optical detection and sensing challenges are met in order to achieve rapid, portable and sensitive detection. Finally, we evaluate how sensors that are truly optically readable by eye will change optical detection and point of care testing.