Microfluidics at work

Within a Gyrolab microlaboratory, applications can be miniaturized and integrated into single, streamlined procedures, creating a nanoliter scale version of the process.

Each CD-like microlaboratory can contain hundreds of identical application-specific microstructures.

An interplay of capillary and centrifugal forces with sophisticated use of surface chemistry and precise microfabrication controls the movement of samples and reagents through an application.

			Click to see an example of precise volume definition within a microstructure.
				CAPILLARY FORCE draws liquids into a distribution channel, filling a volume definition chamber. A hydrophobic break (in red) prevents liquid moving further into the microstructure.
				As the CD spins, the distribution channel empties, leaving behind a precisely defined liquid volume.
				A second spin, at higher speed, creates a g-force sufficient to drive the liquid over the hydrophobic break.