Biological Tests Executed In Seconds With Microchip Technology

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued U. S. Patent Number 5,800,690 to Caliper Technologies Corp., covering an invention by Caliper scientists that relates to fundamental elements of microfluidic technology.

The issued patent, entitled Variable Control of Electroosmotic and Electrophoretic Forces in a Fluid Containing Structure Via Electrical Forces, covers a method for rapidly developing, linking, and controlling diverse laboratory functions (e.g. reactors, diluters, and separation systems) in a microchip.

Caliper's LabChip measures about 1" x 0.75"

According to the Company, the LabChip technology platform functions like a "liquid integrated circuit." Fluids containing DNA, proteins and cells are processed in the microchip as semiconductors process electrons—executing biological tests in seconds.

The invention eases development of LabChip devices and reduces LabChip manufacturing costs. "Iterations of LabChip-based applications that previously took months can now be done in minutes," said Wally Parce, Caliper's vice president of research. He believes these developments have profound implications for many fields including pharmaceutical research, bioanalytical research and medical testing.

For more information: Michael R. Knapp, Caliper Technologies Corp. Telephone: 650-842-0700.