Microfluidics Applications
Advances in micromachining technology and more specifically advances in microfluidics, has allowed a vast number of industries to see practical applications of microfluidics.
Since its emergence, microfluidics technology has proven to be a powerful tool in connecting the engineering world with life sciences. In this post, we’ll cover how microfluidic devices are helping in academic research and other industries. Check out the list of microfluidic applications below.
Organ on a Chip
Organ-on-a-chip is one of the most popular applications of microfluidic chips. They are among the highest demand on the market, and have helped revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. Organ-on-a-chip devices recreate organ functions to help researchers learn more, test, and experiment with the benefit of not having to use animal subjects but rather miniature versions of human organs, thus speeding up research time.
Microfluidic Cell Sorting
Microfluidic cell sorter and cell separation chips are higly effective modular, and cost effective. They are among the most successfully commercialized microfluidic devices. Microfluidic cell sorter devices operate based on the difference in a specific parameter. The dimensions at which microfluidic technology operates allow cells to be sorted based on very fine differences in an inherent parameter.
Gene Delivery on Chip
Microfluidic gene delivery chips are capable of transferring genetic or chemical cargo into the cells at higher efficiencies. One of the deficiencies of using a tool such as CRISPR is that transfection rate does not always occur, therefore forcing scientists to run large scale experiments. Microfluidics technology is well-known for its capacity of handling very small volumes of liquids within micron-scale confinements. Bulk methods rely on random exposure of the genetic material to the cells in a relatively large area. In microfluidic devices, however, the large surface to volume ratio increases the chance of interaction between the genetic material and the target cell. This can dramatically increase the transfection rate.
Point of Care Applications
Microfluidic technology provides a suitable platform for Point-Of-Care applications in diagnostics and environmental testing. Monitoring the environmental pollutants and disease diagnostics are the two hot subject matters in the point of care research. The goal is to develop portable devices that can reliably detect a contaminant or a pathogen at the desired place rather than sending the samples back to a central lab. Microfluidics based devices for point-of-care applications have been showing promising results for both environmental monitoring of the microorganisms and chemicals as well as pathogen detection.
Drug Delivery Devices
Microfluidic systems are capable of delivering precise doses of compounds to the body as well as producing drug carriers. Drug delivery systems aim at the controlled release and targeted delivery of pharmaceutical compounds to the body. This increases the effectiveness of drugs by being able to target a specific infected organ. Microfluidics has show promise at being able to precisely deliver drugs to intended targets, making microfluidics devices a high demand commodity for drug delivery systems.
Citrogene: Microfluidic Device Manufacturers
As one can see, microfluidics has a multitude of applications across a wide variety of industries. When it comes to producing the ideal microfluidic device for your specific needs, there’s only one microfluidic partner to consider: Citrogene. Our proprietary process allows us to create precise, customized, state-of-the-art microfluidic devices based on your needs, all produced in glass. Contact us today to learn more.