The Impact of MEMS on the Chemical and Pharmaeutical Industries

Abstract

Microfabrication techniques are increasingly used in different fields of chemistry to realize structures with capabilities exceeding those of conventional macroscopic systems. In addition to already demonstrated analysis applications (j.tTAS), MEMS microreactor systems are expected to have a number of advantages for chemical synthesis, chemical kinetics studies, and process development. Current efforts in microfabrication and application of microchemical systems are reviewed.Chemical processing advantages from increased heat and mass transfer in small dimensions are demonstrated with model gas, liquid, and multiphase reaction systems. These case studies also serve to illustrate benefits of integrating sensors for flow, temperature, and chemical composition with microfluidic reaction and control components. The role of process simulations in the development of microreaction technology is included along with approaches to scale up via replication of microchemical devices.

Design and Optimization of Compact Microscale Electrophoretic Separation Systems

“…Microscale devices for chemical production are an attractive option whenever small quantities of specialty materials must be produced or highly degradable materials must be produced on demand. 7 This technology has a great deal of potential in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields for specific applications in which device size, product purity, and efficiency are critical factors. Microscale devices that can be implanted within the human body to perform specific tasks, such as microdialysis, represent an exciting application of this technology.…”