Miniaturization of Chemical Analysis Systems – A Look into Next Century's Technology or Just a Fashionable Craze?

Abstract

Miniaturization of already existing techniques in on-line analytical chemistry is an alternative to compound-selective chemical sensors. Theory points in the direction of higher efficiency, faster analysis time, and lower reagent consumption. Micromachining, a well known photolithographic technique for structures in the micrometer range, is introduced and documented with structures as examples for flow injection analysis, electrophoresis, and a detector cell.