Lab-on-a-chip devices—Advancement in the designing of biosensors

Abstract Advancements in nanotechnology have led to the discovery of a miniaturized device called lab-on-a-chip (LOC). An LOC device incorporates one or many laboratory tasks onto a single integrated circuit only millimeters to a few centimeters in size (i.e., a single piece of glass or plastic chip). The small size of the device helps in attaining high throughput screening and automation. LOC devices are rapid, easy-to-use, and portable systems for applications in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, biomolecules analysis, forensics, food and drugs development, and environmental analysis. LOC devices represent a fast developing field due to their advantages of low wastage, less requirement of sample volume, cost-effectiveness, fast results, and portability. The main challenge in the development of LOC devices is fabricating and designing the devices on a minor scale so that they are functional, efficient, and cost-effective. In recent years, advances in nanomaterials and nanofabrication methods have allowed for the extensive manufacture of LOC devices. This chapter presents the latest developments in fabrication and production methods as well as potential applications of LOC devices.