Curriculum Overview

Scientists use nanotechnology to create lab-on-a-chip devices. A lab-on-a-chip is a portable bio-analysis device that provides fast results to detect disease in a patient or to quickly analyze DNA fingerprinting information from a crime scene. A lab-on-a-chip transports fluids through nanoscale channels to sensors that analyze the fluid. A potential difference (voltage) across a nanofluidic channel often moves the fluids to sort cells or DNA for nucleic acid assays. When the ionic fluid moves, it creates an electrical current. In this lab, students will relate the resistance of electrical current to the length and diameter of the channel, just as researchers who build lab-on-a-chip devices do.