microfluidicbased

Microfluidic-based technologies refer to systems and devices that manipulate small volumes of fluids, typically in channels with dimensions from tens to hundreds of micrometers. Working at this scale leverages laminar flow, high surface-to-volume ratios, and precise control of mixing, heating, and chemical reactions. Common materials include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for rapid prototyping and thermoplastics for scalable production. Common fabrication methods include soft lithography, laser ablation, and 3D printing.

Architectures are varied: continuous-flow microfluidics, which transports fluids through networks of channels; droplet-based microfluidics, which compartmentalizes reactions into picoliter droplets; and digital microfluidics, which manipulates discrete droplets via electrical actuation. Key components include microchannels, valves, pumps, mixers, and integrated sensors. Digital microfluidics uses electrowetting; droplet systems rely on immiscible phase boundaries; continuous-flow relies on controlled pressure or pumping.

Applications include point-of-care diagnostic tests, rapid chemical synthesis, single-cell analysis, high-throughput screening, organ-on-a-chip models, and environmental monitoring. Microfluidic-based platforms offer reduced reagent consumption, faster processing, integration of multiple steps, and potential portability. Challenges include device reproducibility, scaling up production, surface fouling, achieving robust detection and data interpretation, and meeting regulatory requirements. The field continues to evolve with advances in automation, sterile manufacturing, multi-omics integration, and AI-assisted analysis.