Fabrication of Nafion-Based Micro-Membranes for Micro-Chemical Systems

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Micro devices have become an essential part of our daily life and are engaged in a multitude of technologies such as smart phones or inkjet printers. A further upcoming micro technology is the so-called Lab-on-Chip (LOC). An ideal LOC is a device that integrates a multitude of chemical and biological laboratory functions on a single chip of only few square centimetres in size. A typical application could be the determination of blood's insulin content of a diabetic person. The LOC concept features several advantages such as reduced fabrication and maintenance costs, improved performance, and also less waste. The current research program proposes the development of novel micro membranes which can be easily integrated in such Lab-on-Chips. These micro membranes are permeable for small positive ions but impermeable for negative ions and other species. Additionally, these membranes have catalytic properties; that is, they facilitate certain chemical reactions. Eventually, such novel micro membranes would allow for the realization of a multitude of electrochemical and chemical processes in Lab-on-Chips and the novel technology generated can be adopted in the development of LOCs for medical applications. Such micro devices for portable medical diagnostics would directly benefit the Canadian healthcare system by providing patients with affordable and easy access to regular testing that can be carried out in the privacy of a home. Also, the research will assist in the expansion of `high tech' jobs in Canada through the training of highly qualified engineers and scientists.