Innovations in ultra-low-light CMOS bio-optical sensor design, combined with microfluidics technology can enable a new generation of low cost and portable molecular testing platforms. This article discusses how this complementary pair of technologies have been applied successfully in a miniaturized qPCR system, and a chemiluminescence immunoassay platform to detect a variety of human diseases based on identifying DNA/RNA and protein biomarkers. Cost reduction and miniaturization of molecular test enabled by CMOS biosensors and microfluidics will have positive impact on global battle against infectious diseases and cancer, as well as enabling new applications in food safety and environmental monitoring.
In spite of its long history, optical microscopy – particularly laser-based microscopy – is a very dynamic field. New techniques continue to be developed, while existing techniques are being applied to new applications. For biologists, drug developers, clinical lab professionals and other scientists to fully exploit these new techniques and applications, parallel developments in laser technology are often required. This article will take a broad overview of three important trends in laser-based microscopy and examine how laser manufacturers are responding with products optimized to match the needs of these applications.
