| Abstract
| - We developed a novel bioassay system using a glassmicrochip and cultured cells. A microchamber for cellculture and microchannels for reactions and detectionwere fabricated on a Pyrex glass substrate by photolithography and wet etching techniques. Cell culture, chemicaland enzymatic reactions, and detection were integratedinto the microchip. To keep different temperatures locallyin three areas of the microchip, we designed and fabricated a temperature control device. Nitric oxide releasedfrom macrophage-like cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide was successfully monitored with the microchip, thetemperature control device, and a thermal lens microscope. The total assay time was reduced from 24 to 4 h,and detection limit of NO was improved from 1 × 10-6to 7 × 10-8 M compared with conventional methods.Moreover, the system could monitor a time course of therelease, which is difficult to measure by conventionalbatch methods. We conclude that this system is promisingfor a rapid bioassay system with very small consumptionof cells.
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