In order to realize total reaction and analysis systems, we have been
developing a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) based microbiochemical system.
Several components, such as microreactors, a small volume liquid handling
chip and capillary gel electrophoresis chips are fabricated through
molding processes against negative masters fabricated with SU-8
photoresistors on silicon wafers. Based on the knowledge and techniques
acquired through these developments, this year we have launched a new
project to develop in situ genetic analysis systems for deep-sea
biological exploration. The system prototype consists of a sampling and
extraction part, a gene amplification part, a separation part with
integrated detectors, and a fraction collection and functional
characterization part.
The detailed designs, fabrication processes, and chemistries will be
discussed in the presentation.
Next: Breathing toxic selenium and arsenic oxyanions- Microbes, Mono Lake, and Mars