15 Questions
Which characteristic makes microfluidic systems and Bio-MEMS ideal for efficient mass transport?
Large surface-to-volume ratio
What is a key advantage of using disposable chips in microfluidic systems and Bio-MEMS?
Cheap production
Why are microfluidic systems often associated with manageable or limited number of platforms?
Disposable chips
Which feature of microfluidic systems enables chips and systems with a small footprint?
Efficient mass transport
In what way does the large surface-to-volume ratio of microfluidic systems contribute to their efficiency?
It promotes efficient mass transport
What is a key objective of microfluidic systems mentioned in the text?
Low consumption of (expensive) reagents
Which term best describes the handling of small fluid volumes in microfluidic systems?
Low thermal mass
What is the advantage of chips and systems with a small footprint as discussed in the text?
Efficient mass transport
What characteristic of microfluidic systems helps in achieving laminar flow?
Low Reynolds number leading to laminar flow
How do microfluidic systems benefit from having a low thermal mass?
Enhanced control over temperature changes
Which of the following is a key advantage of microfluidic systems?
Low thermal mass, allowing rapid heating and cooling
Which of the following flow regimes is typically encountered in microfluidic systems?
Laminar flow, with streamlines and minimal mixing
What is a key advantage of the small footprint of microfluidic chips and systems?
Portability and integration into compact devices
Which of the following materials was introduced for microfluidic systems in the 1990s, enabling rapid prototyping and low-cost fabrication?
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Which of the following applications was one of the earliest demonstrations of microfluidic technology?
Ink-jet printing
Study Notes
Microfluidics Overview
- Microfluidics is an emerging R&D field since 1990
- Microfluidic systems and Bio-MEMS are simple to process and cheap in production
- Disposable chips are used in many cases
- A manageable/limited number of platforms are available
- Many applications are already commercialized
- Main application areas include life science and biochemical diagnostics
Introduction to Microfluidic Systems
- TheLotus Effect and Capillary Effect are examples of microfluidics in nature
- Flagella, cilia, and blood flow are other examples of microfluidics in nature
Objectives of Microfluidic Systems
- Fast handling of small fluid volumes
- Small footprint of devices
- Low consumption of (expensive) reagents
- Portable (point-of-use devices)
- Robust
- Easy-to-handle
- Cheap
- Disposable (one-time use)
History of Microfluidics
- 1950: First developments in ink-jet printing technology
- 1978: First immunoassay based on capillary forces (glass chip)
- 1979: First gas chromatography chip in silicon (Stanford University)
- 1990: First high-pressure liquid chromatography chip in silicon/Pyrex glass, introduction of μTAS concept
- 1990s: Micro valves and micro pumps in silicon, paper-based test strips, Abbot iSTAD platform (blood parameter)
- 1993: Introduction of soft-lithography
- 1994: Si-/glass-chip for polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)
- 1997: First capillary electrophoresis chip in PDMS
- 2000: Introduction of multi-layer soft-lithography
Test your knowledge on the history of microfluidics, including key developments such as the first ink-jet printing technology, immunoassays based on capillary forces, and the introduction of μTAS concept. Explore the milestones that paved the way for advancements in microfluidics technology.
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