Tiny Chemical Sensor Protects Against Toxins

Tiny Chemical Sensor Protects Against Toxins
A highly sensitive, inexpensive “lab-on-a-chip” that provides warning within seconds of even trace amounts of toxic chemicals in water has been designed and demonstrated recently by NIST scientists and collaborators. For further information see: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/nist839/news_items.htm#Chips The stained bacterial cells (shown at right) are part of a prototype " lab on a chip" sensor system designed by NIST scientists and collaborators. The cells adhere to posts constructed within microscopic channels of a plastic sensor device. The blue, green and yellow colors reflect increasing densities of cells, which eject potassium in the presence of certain chemicals.
Copyright is owned by the photographer. This photo is available without charge for use in materials that describe NIST programs directly. All other uses require permission from the photographer. For further information or to receive a high resolution version of this image contact: inquiries@nist.gov, (301) 975-6478
Molecular Spectrometry and Microfluidic Methods Group Analytical Chemistry Division Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory NIST Image Gallery Created: 1/15/2003 Last updated: 09/29/2008

Stained bacterial cells

A highly sensitive, inexpensive “lab-on-a-chip” that provides warning within seconds of even trace amounts of toxic chemicals in water has been designed and demonstrated recently by NIST scientists and collaborators. For further information see: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/nist839/news_items.htm#Chips

The stained bacterial cells (shown at right) are part of a prototype " lab on a chip" sensor system designed by NIST scientists and collaborators. The cells adhere to posts constructed within microscopic channels of a plastic sensor device. The blue, green and yellow colors reflect increasing densities of cells, which eject potassium in the presence of certain chemicals.

Copyright is owned by the photographer. This photo is available without charge for use in materials that describe NIST programs directly. All other uses require permission from the photographer. For further information or to receive a high resolution version of this image contact: inquiries@nist.gov, (301) 975-6478

Molecular Spectrometry and Microfluidic Methods Group

Analytical Chemistry Division

Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory

NIST Image Gallery

Created: 1/15/2003
Last updated: 09/29/2008