mikrofluida

Mikrofluida, or microfluidics, is the field that studies the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids at submillimeter length scales. Microfluidic systems typically feature channels with dimensions from tens of micrometers up to about a millimeter, enabling precise handling of nanoliters to microliters of liquid. The small scale offers laminar flow and high surface-to-volume ratios, allowing rapid mixing via diffusion and the integration of multiple laboratory functions on a single chip.

Historically, microfluidics emerged in the late 20th century with advances in microfabrication and soft lithography. The lab-on-a-chip concept aims to perform chemical or biological analyses on a compact device. Common platforms use polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for rapid prototyping, though thermoplastics and glass are also used for production and compatibility.

Methods for moving fluids include passive approaches such as capillary action and hydrodynamic focusing, and active methods such as syringe pumps, pneumatic or piezoelectric valves, and electrokinetic pumping. Droplet-based microfluidics generates discrete droplets within an immiscible carrier phase, enabling high-throughput assays and single-cell analysis.

Applications include medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, chemical synthesis in microreactors, drug discovery, DNA analysis, protein assays, and point-of-care devices.

Challenges include fabrication costs, surface fouling, evaporation at small volumes, and the need for standardization and robust connection to macro-scale equipment. The field continues to evolve with developments in materials, sensors, and integration with electronics and data analytics.