Microfluidics and Lab-On-A-Chip

Microfluidics is the science that studies the behavior of fluids through microchannels. Microfluidic technology is involved in manufacturing systems that manipulate small amounts of fluidics using micro-channels. It deals with the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids that are constrained in small spaces in the range of sub-millimeters, where the surface forces dominate volumetric forces. It plays an important role in the design of systems which process low volumes of fluids to achieve multiplexing, automation, and high-throughput screening. It is used in the development of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology, DNA chips, micro-propulsion, inkjet print heads, and micro-thermal technologies. LOC devices are a part of microelectromechanical systems devices performing analyses on micro-amounts of fluids. They integrate and automate multiple high-resolution laboratory techniques such as synthesis and analysis of chemicals or fluid testing into a system that fits on a chip. This book outlines the processes and applications of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip in detail. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, the book makes an effort to highlight their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline.