MEMS & Microfluidics

A microfluidic device, also known as a lab-on-a-chip or microfluidic chip, is a miniaturized platform that manipulates and controls small volumes of fluids (typically in the microliter or nanoliter range) within microscopic channels or chambers. It combines principles of fluid mechanics, physics, chemistry, and biology to perform various analytical, diagnostic, and experimental tasks. Microfluidic devices are typically fabricated using techniques such as photolithography, soft lithography, or micro-machining, which allow the creation of precise and intricate structures at the microscale. These devices often consist of interconnected channels, valves, pumps, mixers, and detectors designed to carry out specific functions.
The key advantages of microfluidic devices are their ability to handle small sample volumes, provide rapid analysis, enable precise control of fluid flow, offer high-throughput capabilities, and allow integration of multiple laboratory functions onto a single chip. They find applications in diverse fields, including chemical synthesis, biomedical diagnostics, DNA analysis, drug discovery, point-of-care testing, and environmental monitoring. Microfluidic devices have revolutionized various areas of research and technology by offering miniaturization, automation, and improved efficiency compared to traditional laboratory techniques. They have the potential to accelerate scientific discoveries, enhance healthcare delivery, and enable portable and cost-effective analytical tools.