EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M73033/01
Title: LABORATORY-ON-A-CHIP
Principal Investigator: de Mello, Professor AJ
Other Investigators:
Manz, Prof Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
LGC Ltd-Laboratory of Government Chemist
Department: Chemistry
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 June 1999 Ends: 31 May 2002 Value (£): 250,133
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Analytical Science
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The research programme at Imperial, which feeds into the global objectives of the Laboratory-on-a-Chip initiative, focuses on solution based synthesis in novel micro-reactor environments. The project (Project E, Theme 1) aims to provide a better understanding of reaction chemistries in microenvironments. Studies will initially focus on the development of continuous-flow methodologies for bio-catalysed reactions. Model reactions have been selected for investigation. These include the polymerase chain reaction, immunoassays, nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, and Wittig reactions. These model reactions possess specific features that will challenge the efficacy of the proposed technology (in terms of reaction speeds and yields). Furthermore, the high surface: volume ratios inherent in micro-reactors will be utilised to test reactions where catalysts (and reagents) are immobilised on the reactor walls. Initial microchip systems will be fabricated from glass or quartz, with channel dimensions ranging from 5-500 microns. Mixers and detectors will be integrated on prototype devices, using more sophisticated micromachining technologies. Commercial viability will be tested through the creation of highly integrated prototype chips.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk