Jason A. A. West

Engineered Improvement of the Generation-2 μChemlab™ Biotoxin Detector

The μChemLab™ program is developing hand-portable systems for detecting a broad range of chemical, biological, and viral agents in both gas and liquid samples. The μChem Lab liquid sample analyzer employs electrokinetic sample injection, chip-based electrophoretic microseparations and laser-induced florescence detection to analyze liquid samples. A second-generation liquid phase prototype is described. The device incorporates improvements from technological advances and applied research experience. New features include a modular design that readily accommodates on-chip preconcentration and additional separation techniques. The redesign reduces hardware failures, minimizes downtime during component replacement, improves usability, and provides increased sensitivity. Improvements have been made without compromising previous system performance.