Machin-ery in the cell copies and translates that information. Along with similarities, silicon chips and biochips have differences-mostly in feature sizes and the types of materials and process conditions that can be employed. But such fine geometries would make a biochip too small for cells. Also, in bioarrays and microfluidics, reaction volumes would be too small. The materials in biochips are biological, and that limits the types of processes that can be used.
Some tests rely on enzymes, which are sensitive to heat as well as the usual material interactions.
The unit is using some existing manufacturing gear while developing unique equipment of its own. We are providing the basic distribution platform-the biochip. 2001 CMP Media Inc. All rights reserved.