Insight
Nature 442, 374-380 (27 July 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05059; Published online 26 July 2006
Scaling and the design of miniaturized chemical-analysis systems
Dirk Janasek1, Joachim Franzke1 and Andreas Manz1
Abstract
Micrometre-scale analytical devices are more attractive than their macroscale counterparts for various reasons. For example, they use smaller volumes of reagents and are therefore cheaper, quicker and less hazardous to use, and more environmentally appealing. Scaling laws compare the relative performance of a system as the dimensions of the system change, and can predict the operational success of miniaturized chemical separation, reaction and detection devices before they are fabricated. Some devices designed using basic principles of scaling are now commercially available, and opportunities for miniaturizing new and challenging analytical systems continue to arise.
