Figure 2: a) Sketch of LOC functionality. The host substrate (LiNbO3) is covered by a laterally patterned layer of Pt, Ni and Au for transducers and sensor metallization. Subsequent silanisation of the surface accounts for a hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface chemistry, facilitating a planar fluid track system, which could be further functionalized by a problem-specific detection array. Reaction center A is controlled by a load resistor heating, reaction point B by a peltier element b) optical image of the chip installed in the heating unit; on reaction center A a 1 μl aqueous solution is covered by 5 μl mineral oil; scale bar 5 mm. Inset: electron microscope images of the hydrophilic reaction center A on the hydrophobic chip surface, scale bar 10 μm.