MikrofluidikGeräten

MikrofluidikGeräten, also known as microfluidic devices, are systems that manipulate and control very small volumes of fluids, typically in the range of microliters to picoliters, within channels that have dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers. These devices are fabricated using materials such as glass, silicon, or polymers, and their intricate channel networks allow for precise handling of fluids.

The fundamental principle behind microfluidic devices is the unique behavior of fluids at the microscale, where surface forces often dominate over bulk forces. This leads to laminar flow, where fluids mix slowly and predictably, allowing for controlled reactions and separations. Various methods are employed to drive fluid movement within these devices, including pressure-driven flow, electrokinetic phenomena such as electroosmosis and electrophoresis, and acoustic or magnetic forces.

MikrofluidikGeräten find applications across a wide spectrum of scientific and technological fields. In biology and medicine, they are used for cell sorting and analysis, DNA sequencing, drug discovery, and point-of-care diagnostics. Their ability to perform complex laboratory procedures on a small scale with minimal sample and reagent consumption makes them highly valuable. In chemistry, microfluidics enables high-throughput screening, rapid reaction optimization, and the creation of novel materials. They are also utilized in environmental monitoring for detecting pollutants and in the food industry for quality control. The miniaturization and integration capabilities of microfluidic devices are driving innovation and leading to more efficient and cost-effective solutions.