Labonadisc

Labonadisc, more commonly written as lab-on-a-disc, is a centrifugal microfluidic platform designed to perform a sequence of laboratory operations on a single rotating disc. The concept enables automated sample processing, chemical reactions, and detection without the need for complex external pumps or instrumentation.

A disc is typically made from polymer substrates and contains a network of microchannels, reservoirs, and reaction chambers, as well as passive valves and timing elements. When the disc is spun, centrifugal forces drive the movement of fluids through predefined paths. The flow is controlled by valve structures such as capillary burst valves, siphons, and discharge gates, enabling metering, mixing, separation, and reagent release in a predetermined sequence. Some designs also employ external actuation or light- or heat-triggered elements to enhance control.

On-disc assays can include sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification, immunoassays, enzymatic reactions, and other biochemical tests, with readouts provided by optical methods like fluorescence or colorimetric detection, often using an external reader. In some implementations, smartphone cameras or compact spectrometers provide the detection readout.

Development of lab-on-a-disc platforms began in the late 1990s and has progressed as a subset of centrifugal microfluidics. They are studied for point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings, because they can reduce reagent use, shorten assay times, and enable multiplexed analyses on portable hardware.

Advantages include automation, reduced user intervention, and compatibility with small sample volumes. Challenges involve manufacturing tolerances, standardization of disc formats, integration with detection systems, and ensuring reliability across diverse operating conditions.