Micro/Nanofabrication for IVD/POCT Biosensors

Point-of-care technologies (POCT), defined as "the testing performed near or at the site of a patient with the result leading to a possible change in the care of the patient" by ISO 22870:2006, are transforming the healthcare system. With the growing global aging population, healthcare cost is becoming a huge burden for human society. IVD/POCT sensors can play an important role in alleviating this urgent social issue. First, they provide medical test and even therapy near the patient, saving the time and cost for commuting to hospitals. Second, with more frequent and even continuously test, more precise and even earlier diagnosis can be achieved, which further reduces the required treatment and gives doctors more information to determine more appropriate therapies. POCT sensors demand miniaturized devices and cheaper equipment. Micro/nanofabrication uses mass-production manufacturing methods to produce miniaturized sensors, which later can be packaged and fitted into a small equipment[1]. In this chapter, we will introduce the main microfabrication and nanofabrication techniques for POCT sensors.