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DNA ANALYSIS CHIP
 What is DNA analysis chip (or Silicon Lab-on-Chip)?
Silicon Lab-on-Chip is a disposable, standalone, point-of-care, monolithic DNA analysis device developed by STMicroelectronics, which performs both DNA amplification and detection on the same chip.
What it does?
The DNA analysis device performs DNA amplification in microscopic channels buried in the silicon and then identifies DNA fragments on gold electrodes.
Who is it useful for?
The primary end use targeted by the DNA analysis chip is in medical diagnostics, to detect genetically related disease directly at the point of care without the delays of laboratory testing. It is a compact, inexpensive and rapid solution for point-of-care diagnostics
Why a compact solution?
Compared to traditional tests, the ST silicon lab-on-chip device offers a very compact solution that reduces the overall testing cost and delivers results in minutes. Using this technology, extremely small quantities of fluid can be analyzed.
Since there is no practical way to clean the channels after use these devices are inevitably for single use only. In the conventional laboratory this method is done with bulky and costly equipment and can take several hours.
What is the technology behind this device?
This device is based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) technology that applies silicon-chip manufacturing technologies to produce miniature devices with a combination of mechanical, electrical, fluidic and optical elements. DNA amplification is performed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.
Where else is MEMS used?
STMicroelectronics develops and manufactures silicon MEMS devices using in-house-developed technologies covering a broad range of applications. The micro-fluidic technology used in the DNA analysis device builds on the company’s long experience in the manufacture of inkjet printer chips combining electronic and fluidic elements.
STMicroelectronics is particularly strong in “system-on-chip” technology, and supplies chips to, inter alia, Alcatel, Nokia, Philips, Siemens and Sony, inkjet print-heads to HP, and automotive electronics systems to | 
