Microfluidics

Microfluidics refers to the manipulation and control of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale at which capillary penetration governs mass transport. It is a multidisciplinary field intersecting engineering, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, with practical applications to the design of systems in which low volumes of fluids are processed to achieve multiplexing, automation, and high-throughput screening. Microfluidics emerged in the beginning of the 1980s and is used in the development of inkjet printheads, DNA chips, lab-on-a-chip technology, micro-propulsion, and micro-thermal technologies.

History

The concept of microfluidics was first proposed in the early 1980s, with the development of microfabrication technology. The field has since expanded to include a wide range of applications, from inkjet printheads to DNA chips.

Principles

Microfluidics operates on the principles of fluid dynamics, specifically focusing on the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small scale.

Applications

Microfluidics has a wide range of applications, including in the fields of engineering, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. It is used in the design of systems in which low volumes of fluids are processed to achieve multiplexing, automation, and high-throughput screening.

See also

• Lab-on-a-chip
• Microfabrication
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

References

Microfluidics Resources
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