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20 articles
This short note will introduce you to the key takeways about microfluidic T junction among other microfluidic junctions.
Fluid mixing at microscale is of importance for many fields of application. This short review summarises the key takeaway aspects of fluid mixing at microscale.
In the past two years, several new microfluidic syringe pump systems have changed the use of syringe pumps in microfluidic experiments.
This review presents a few examples of applications where magnetic flux sources, magnetic particles and microfluidics are combined in order to perform particle sorting and handling.
In microfluidic laminar flows, traditional turbulent mixing between two liquids cannot occur. However, controllable and fast mixing is critical for microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices. So different mixing techniques were developed and are here presented.
There are three main classes of systems to control liquid motion in microfluidic and nanofluidic devices.
One of the great challenges for researchers using microfluidics is miniaturizing analysis processes in very small microchip.
Microfluidic flow controllers are designed to control flows in microfluidic chips.
Despite their sturdiness & simplicity, syringe pumps are often problematic in microfluidics.
The performance of your flow control instruments depends on your experimental conditions.
Liquid flow sensors are a compulsory element of microfluidic systems requiring a control of the sample volume dispensed and/or, obviously, the sample flow rate.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each type of microfluidic flow control system? Pressure controller, syringe pump...?
Fast medium switch in microfluidic channels is generally a required technique to perform a wide range of biomedical and chemical microfluidic assays, such as the analysis of living cells in vitro, particle washing, etc.
Outside of conventional syringe pumps which generate flow oscillation at low flow rate and long settling time, we can now find syringe pumps like the NE-1002X which is dedicated to microfluidic experiments.
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Outside of conventional syringe pumps which generate flow oscillation at low flow rate, we can now find syringe pump dedicated to microfluidic experiment like the Cellix ExiGo.
Common syringe pumps have two major drawbacks when it comes to research in MICROFLUIDICS: RESPONSIVENESS and flow OSCILLATION/PULSATILE FLOW. Recently, some syringe pump manufacturers have developed...
Since 1956, Harvard Apparatus offers a broad range of syringe and peristaltic pumps to suit almost every fluidic application. Harvard Apparatus PHD's ultra advanced syringe pump is designed for micro and nanofluidic applications.
KD Scientific designs, manufactures and sells a range of quality fluidics equipment and evaporators used by research laboratory markets worldwide. The KD Scientific Legato 180 Picoliter Syringe Pump is designed for micro and nanofluidic applications.
Since 1956, Harvard Apparatus offers a broad range of syringe and peristaltic pumps to suit almost every fluidic application.
High accuracy microfluidic pumps are important for many applications from dynamic cell culture to droplet or nanoparticle generation.
11 articles
This review gathers a collection of information regarding liposome and lipid nanoparticle from their use and applications to how to generate them by bulk
Brief overview of the numerous advantages of confined particles like bubbles, droplets and fibers and how confinement can be used for various applications
The review summarizes the various droplet production methods available from microfluidics to the more commun batch method.
This review focuses on sodium alginate and its applications in microfluidics
Droplets formed within microfluidic channels often serve as microreactors containing different chemical or biological compounds, allowing massive numbers of independent reactions to be performed rapidly using a minimal amount of total reagent.
Making droplets in a capillary or a microfluidic device is often met with two problems
Microfluidic technologies offer an efficient means of producing highly uniform droplets and bubbles, and also a convenient mechanism for manipulating their downstream motion.
Digital microfluidics is an alternative technology for microfluidic systems based on the design, composition and manipulation of discrete droplets and/or bubbles.
Drop-Seq is a strategy based on the use of microfluidics for quickly profiling thousands of individual cells simultaneously by encapsulating them in tiny droplets for parallel analysis. This review presents the techniques and applications of Drop-Seq.
Droplet generation in microfluidic, the aim of this technology is to create fluid-fluid dispersion into channels
It is possible to make droplets in a microfluidic capillary with commercial tools, especially chromatography tools. One can easily make droplets...
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40 articles
Free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) is a technique that enables the continuous separation of analytes as they flow through a planar channel.
The profile of laminar flow through a small straight pipe may be approximated by small concentric cylinders towards the direction of the flow.
Finding the right technique for particle encapsulation using micro and nanoparticles is key for a successful particle encapsulation protocol.
This review demonstrates the development of microfluidic techniques and their capability in performing various types of chemical synthesis.
A guide to calculate the flow resistance of your microfluidic circuit.
One of the key criteria to choose your microfluidic device material is its chemical resistance. This review will help you choose one depending on your application.
Microfluidics: definitions. This short review aims to cover the main microfluidics definitions from the simple word by word science to the advantages & applications
Introduction to thermoelectric sensor | Microfluidics immunosensors offer multiple advantages over the conventional immunoassays that include improved reaction rate, reduced time for incubation of the reactants, and decreased reagents and sample consumption. Moreover, miniaturization and integration of the multiple assay components permit automation, precise flow control, increased reproducibility, and the possibility for high-throughput analysis.
PLGA nanoparticles are of great interest for biomedical applications. This review focus on microfluidic synthesis methods of these nanoparticles.
This review focuses on point of care (POC) diagnostic devices for pathogen detection
Acoustic techniques for sorting and separation of micron-sized particles in microfluidic devices
Microfluidics is the science that deals with the flow of liquid inside micrometer-size channels.
Air bubbles are among the most recurring issues in microfluidics. Because of the micrometric dimensions of the tubes and channels
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Microrheology is a technique used to measure the rheological properties of a medium, such as viscosity and viscoelasticity. This short review is presenting the different techniques and applications.
Diagnosis is the first step in treating any disease, and paper microfluidic devices can facilitate this crucial step. Most of the time, this necessary task is
Electrochemical detection is particularly suitable for lab-on-a-chip integration and microfluidics due to the versatility of size, geometry and nature of electrodes that can be integrated within a microfluidic platform, and to the minimum instrumentation it requires.
This review introduces the field of microfluidics and provides an overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and current applications of microfluidics in chemistry.
Soft robotics is a growing field which relies on mimicking locomotion mechanisms of soft bodies existing in nature to achieve smooth and complex motion. This review presents the different techniques and applications of soft robotics.
Microfluidics is a term which appears more and more often in papers and scientific magazines; but, what exactly is microfluidics?
In this review, we will present the PCR, qPCR and other associated methods with their microfluidic applications.
This review presents the main applications of microfluidics for molecular analysis and its numerous techniques for DNA analysis.
Microfluidics, i.e. the science and engineering of fluid flows in microscale, can be the answer for a more effective and targeted drug administration.
A lab-on-a-chip is a miniaturized device that integrates onto a single chip one or several analyses, which are usually done in a laboratory; analyses such as DNA sequencing or biochemical detection.
Suitable detection techniques are required to be coupled to microfluidic technology in order to analyze experiment outcomes in a sensitive and scalable way.
Microfluidics involve different types of devices, and materials for microfluidic fabrication must be selected while bearing in mind all the requirements necessary for building a fine microfluidic device.
Nanoparticles are particles with a size smaller than 100 nm. They are made up of carbon, metal, metal oxides or organic matter.
Polydimethylsiloxane, called PDMS or dimethicone, is a polymer widely used for the fabrication and prototyping of microfluidic chips.
PDMS pneumatic microvalves are based on the pressure-driven deformation of a soft material (generally PDMS) that clogs or releases liquid flows into microsystems.
Microfluidics is both the science which studies the behaviour of fluids through micro-channels and the technology of manufacturing microminiaturized devices containing chambers and tunnels through which fluids flow or are confined.
Magnetic manipulation of micro-fluids is an attractive concept. Due to the non-invasive nature of magnetic fields, magnetic particles or magnetic fluids can be manipulated inside a microfluidic channel by external magnets that are not in direct contact with the fluid.
Multiple emulsions (monodisperse double emulsions for example) are promising materials for industrial fields like cosmetics, pharmaceutics or food. These emulsions in an emulsion can be used to encapsulate fragile compounds (drugs, vitamins, aromas…) inside droplets
Today, MICROFLUIDICS is a distinct and major technological field, but 20 years ago it was not like this and its boundaries were not so well defined. The history of microfluidics is strictly related to several other areas
Gas bubbles present in a liquid sample are a common problem encountered in numerous microfluidic experiments, and their removal in the sample of interest is quite often a major challenge for microfluidicists.
Microfluidic accessories, such as tubing, fittings and connectors are critical tools that strengthen experimental setups, making it possible to simplify and accelerate the discoveries of microfluidicists.
Several parameters have to be taken into consideration while choosing a microfluidic tubing. Depending on your application, the choice of the right tubing for
Polydimethylsiloxane, called PDMS or dimethicone, is a polymer widely used for the fabrication and prototyping of microfluidic chips. It is a mineral-organic polymer (a structure containing carbon and silicon)
Syringe pumps are widely used in microfluidics research since they are easy to use and enable fast setup of microfluidic experiments. The two main drawbacks of the syringe pump for MICROFLUIDICS are the slow response time when setting a new flow rate and the FLOW OSCILLATIONS DUE TO MOTOR STEPS. Here, we will focus on understanding why syringe pumps have low responsiveness in microfluidics and go through ways to address this concern.
It is no secret that in MICROFLUIDICS as in other fields, sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. We all have better things to do than waste our precious time dealing with leakage
Because they make setups more reliable, microfluidic accessories such as tubing, fittings and connectors are of fundamental importance. By enabling microfluidicists to free up more time to develop and test microfluidic strategies,
14 articles
Microfluidic flow cells with embedded optical sensors, have been the most common choice for microenvironment monitoring like pH control.
Microfluidic cell culture is an innovative technology to improve classical lab protocols
Microfluidic systems have an important role to play in the democratization of sperm sorting technologies as well as improving existing techniques...
Cell Biology: Microfluidic Concept and methologies for biologists to control the complete cellular microenvironment with microfluidics.
PDMS advantages and drawbacks for cell biology are here discussed.
Ability to switch drugs in seconds or less in microfluidic chambers allows studying cell response at cells timescale.
This short note summarizes the methods and techniques employed to perform perfusion for live cell imaging and critical issues encountered.
The first live-cell imaging chambers were designed in the early twentieth century, shortly after mammalian cell culture techniques were developped
Live-cell imaging is a non destructive method which focuses on the observation of live cells and is widely used in cellular biology research and biomedical industry. This short review will present some technical aspects and challenges encountered in this field. Nowadays, the most widely used cell culture system is the static culture, where the cells are cultivated inside Petri dishes or multiwall plates. In static culture, the culture medium is supplied in a batch-wised manner.
Live-cell imaging is a non destructive method which focuses on the observation of live cells and is widely used in cellular biology research and biomedical industry. This short review will present some technical aspects and challenges encounter in this field.
This review presents an overview of the different techniques developed over the last decade to regulate the temperature within microfluidic systems.
Cells growth, gene expression and differentiation are often related to mechanical environment such as confinement or applied stresses.
In this review we will describe some label-free microfluidic techniques to accomplish cell separation and sorting.
Chemical gradients play a key role in many biological processes and regulate a number of cellular functions in vivo. Indeed, there are several examples of gradient-dependent phenomena in nature.
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Coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) diagnostic through microfluidics
In this report, we identify the following two main purposes for the 3D cell market
At the beginning of the third millennium, due to prolonged aging, neurodevelopmental disorders are growing and a much deeper understanding of the brain is necessary.
The liver is involved in more than 300 vital functions, but is mainly known for being part of the digestive tract, where it has the extremely important role of metabolizing both xenobiotics and nutrients (carbohydrates and lipids).
A heart-on-chip is a microfluidic chip reproducing the mechanisms of a heart, in order to test medicine quickly and observe the reaction of heart cells. Great care is given to mimic the mechanics of a heart in an artificial structure, lined with live heart cells.
While many animal models have been used to study lung diseases, they lack sufficient similarity with human systems, leaving gaps in what is possible in animal-based platforms.
The lung is the main organ of respiration whose function is to facilitate gas exchange in and out of the blood stream.
It could be extremely interesting to build a human-on-chip that will model the interactions between different organs, but it is also essential to develop simulations of tissue-tissue interfaces and more generally of local organ behavior.
Multi-organs on chip could also allow us to witness the side effects of certain drugs on different organs, not limited to those that the treatment targets.
Since 2012, more and more people, companies or lab, have worked on the organ-on-a-chip. These cell cultures can, thanks to microfluidics, mimic the cells microenvironment of the human body. Thus, these chips could become wonderful search accelerators and we can hope that, in ten years, they could replace the animal testing. Finally, organs on chips could lead us to personalized medicine.
Cell culture consists in growing cells in an artificial environment in order to study their behavior in response to their environment[1]. Different kinds of cell cultures can be found nowadays, and some would be more suited than others depending on its properties and applications.
Organs on chips are microengineered biomimetic systems that replicate key functions of living organs. They provide a more accurate model than conventional cell culture for simulating complex cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
Organ-on-chip companies developping innovative technologies
Although we take part in various research projects such as artificial photosynthesis, pathogen detection and stem cell differentiation, the ultimate goal of our entrepreneurial adventure is to accelerate anti-aging research.
22 articles
Microfabrication techniques for a circular channel
In soft lithography, the fabrication of a mold, often made in SU-8, is required for replicating PDMS microfluidic structures.
Replicating PDMS-based structures first requires the fabrication of a SU-8 master mold that will serve as a patterned template for PDMS casting
How do you perform a successful SU-8 exposure? Here you will find the tips and tricks to do it.
How do you perform a successful photoresist baking? Here you will find the tips and tricks to do it.
How do you perform a successful spin coating? Here you will find the tips and tricks to do it.
The final PDMS layer thickness mainly depends of spin-coating speed and duration.
Here you can find a complete overview of a SU-8 mold fabrication process.
Here you can find a complete overview of a PDMS chip replication.
Unlike photolithography, soft lithography can process a wide range of elastomeric materials, i.e. mechanically soft materials.
A UV Lamp to expose your SU-8 photoresist. You will find here the relevant points to think about.
A plasma cleaner to bond your PDMS chip, you will find here the relevant points to think about.
A spin coater creates a thin layer of photoresist or PDMS, you will find here the relevant information about how to choose one.
You have the choice between glass or plastic photolithography mask, but how do you choose? here is some information to help you with the decision
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A hot plate to bake your SU-8 photoresist, you will find here the relevant points to think about.
Every following technology is based on the same system of additive process, every object is built layer by layer after being sliced by an informatic system.
How do you perform a successful PDMS bonding with a plasma cleaner? Here you will find the tips and tricks to do it.
The photolithography mask is an important tool in soft photolithography processes, we explain here how they are made
Environmental and mechanical conditions can affect the overall size of the photolithographic mask considerably when it is polyester film-made, and to a lesser degree when it is glass-made.
There are different techniques to make microfluidic devices. The main ones are etching, thermoforming, polymer ablation and polymer casting
When you talk about microfluidics, some words can be new, we gathered here some common and relevant definitions
A photolithography mask is an opaque plate or film with transparent areas that allow light to shine through a defined pattern
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