Microfluidics
Microfluidics
Microfluidics (/maɪkroʊˈfluːɪdɪks/) is the science and technology of systems that process or manipulate small (10^-9 to 10^-18 liters) amounts of fluids, using channels with dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers.
Etymology
The term "Microfluidics" is a combination of "micro", from the Greek mikros meaning small, and "fluidics", pertaining to the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids.
History
Microfluidics emerged in the beginning of the 1980s with the development of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and the miniaturization of various laboratory procedures, often called Lab-on-a-chip technology.
Applications
Microfluidics is applied in various fields such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology. It has been used for DNA analysis, clinical diagnostics, and the production of Microscale Chemical Reactors.
Related Terms
- Lab-on-a-chip: A device that integrates one or several laboratory functions on a single integrated circuit of only millimeters to a few square centimeters in size.
- Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS): Technology of microscopic devices, particularly those with moving parts.
- Nanotechnology: The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.
- Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
- Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products.
- Microscale Chemical Reactors: A type of reactor used in chemistry and chemical engineering where the process occurs in the microscale.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microfluidics
- Wikipedia's article - Microfluidics
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