Abstract
This paper presents a basic concept of lab-on-a-chip systems and their advantages in chemical and biological analyses. In addition, magnetic bead-based immunoassay on a microfluidic system is also presented as a typical example of lab-on-chip systems. Rapid and low volume immunoassays have been successfully achieved on the demonstrated lab-on-a-chip using magnetic beads, which are used as both immobilization surfaces and bio-molecule carriers. Total time required for an immunoassay was less than 20 minutes including sample incubation time, and sample volume wasted was less than $50{\mu}l$ during five repeated assays. Lab-on-a-chip is becoming a revolutionary tool for many different applications in chemical and biological analysis due to its fascinating advantages (fast and low cost) over conventional chemical or biological laboratories. Furthermore, simplicity of lab-on-a-chip systems will enable self-testing capability for patients or health consumers overcoming space limitation.