Chip-camera combo tracks viruses

Labs-on-a-chip promise to make mixing chemicals and detecting microbes cheaper, faster and easier. But how do you keep track of reactions that are taking place on a tiny chip?

Researchers from Purdue University have devised methods of labeling virus structural elements and DNA, of imaging virus particles as they flow through labs-on-a-chip, and of concentrating virus particles.

The researchers' dielectrophoretic microchip could ultimately be used to separate, concentrate and detect many types of biological molecules for biodefense, microbiological research and development, space and point-of-care clinical diagnostics, according to the researchers.

The researchers' system consists of a biochip for capturing virus particles, a digital camera, and image analysis software.

They are working to integrate the viral analysis functions into biosensor chips to make an integrated device that would sense infectious agents like bacteria, spores and viruses, and then carry out a biochemical analysis on the microorganisms.

The method could be used practically in four or five years, according to the researchers. The work appeared in the November 5, 2003 issue of Nano Letters.