Types and Components of BioChips

Types and Components of BioChips What is Biochips?

A biochip is a set of diminished microarrays placed on a strong substratum that allows many experiments to be carried out simultaneously to achieve a high throughput in less time. This unit includes millions of sensor elements or biosensors. Each biochip can be considered a micro reactor capable of detecting a particular analyte such as an enzyme, protein, DNA, biological molecule or anticörper. This chip's main function is to perform hundreds of biological reactions in a few seconds, such as decoding genes (a DNA sequence).

Components of Biochips Biochip comprises mainly two components namely transponder and reader.

Components of BioChips 1. Transponder Two types of transponders are active transponders and passive transponders. A passive transponder means that it does not contain any of its own energy or battery. This transponder consists of four parts, such as   

Antenna coil: The antenna coil is very small, primitive and this antenna type is used for sending and receiving signals from the scanner or reader.

Computer Microchip: The computer microchip stores a unique UID number, ranging from 10 to 15 digits in length.

Glass capsule: The glass capsule is fitted with the antenna coil, condenser and microchip and is made of a biocompatible material called soda lime.

Tuning capacitor: The tuning capacitor can be charged with a small signal, i.e.

1/1000 of a watt, sent by the operator.

2. Reader The reader consists of an “exciter” coil and forms an electromagnetic field by means of radio signals. It provides the energy needed to activate the biochip (< 1/1000 of a watt).

The reader carries a receiving coil to receive the ID number or code sent back from the implanted biochip.

Types of Biochips There are mainly three types of biochips-

Types of BioChips 

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DNA Microarray: A DNA microarray or DNA biochip is a set of small DNA spots that are attached to a strong surface. Each DNA mark comprises picomoles of specific genes called probes. This may be a short segment of a genetic material in situations of high rigidity.

Microfluidic Chip: Microfluidic biochips, also called lab- on- a- chip are usually used in conventional laboratories and can change various applications such as DNA analysis, molecular biology procedures, proteomics known as protein study and disease diagnosis (clinical pathology).

Protein Microarray: A protein microarray, also known as protein chip method is used to discover the actions and connections of proteins on a large scale.

The key advantage of protein chip methods is that a large number of proteins can be tracked at the same time. This protein chip includes a supporting surface such as a microtitre plate or bead, a nitrocellulose membrane and a glass slide.

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