How treat blood to not clotting inside microfluidic channels?5 answersTo prevent blood clotting inside microfluidic channels, various strategies have been explored. One approach involves dispersing deoxyribonuclease into the blood specimen, which has been found effective in inhibiting clogging by breaking down DNA adhering to the micro-posts. Additionally, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors like tirofiban can prevent thrombus formation in fresh blood at high shear rates and stored blood at low shear rates. Dielectrophoresis has also been proposed as an anti-clogging method, allowing for continuous operation of blood plasma separators without cell accumulation in microchannels. Furthermore, the formation of a barrier layer within microfluidic channels through gas phase deposition can help mitigate clotting issues within the device. These diverse approaches collectively contribute to maintaining blood flow and preventing clot formation in microfluidic systems.
What are the current challenges and limitations in the fabrication of microfluidic devices using micro-miniature interfaces?5 answersThe current challenges and limitations in the fabrication of microfluidic devices using micro-miniature interfaces include the difficulty in managing medication inside domestic healthcare situations, especially during injection therapy. Leakage testing is a key area that requires consensus guidelines due to the unique challenges in preventing and detecting leaks in microfluidic systems. The fabrication of microfluidic systems for biomedical applications requires advanced manufacturing technology and material requirements. Lab-on-chip devices have limitations in terms of sensitivity or the limit of detection, which can be improved by integrating functional nanomaterials. The integration of analysis methods into microengineered chips has made significant impacts, but there are challenges in terms of reduced sample volumes and short times for mass transfer.
What are the master eliminating methods for generating microfluidic channels?5 answersThere are several methods for generating microfluidic channels without the need for masters. One method involves using a cutting-plotter machine to cut commercially available water-soluble starch sheets into channels, which can then be used as a master mold for the devices. Another method is mechanical micromachining, where micro-scale milling tools are used to fabricate semi-circular patterns on metallic surfaces, which are then transferred to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a reverse molding process. Femtosecond laser irradiation and chemical etching (FLICE) is another technique that allows for the fabrication of directly buried microchannels with various aspect ratios, without the need for multiple layers of glass substrates. These methods provide alternatives to traditional lithographic and chemical-etching techniques for generating microfluidic channels.
What are microfluidic devices?5 answersMicrofluidic devices are small-scale systems that manipulate fluids at the microscale level. They are used in various applications such as drug production, nanomedicine delivery, diagnostic kits, and the manipulation of biomolecules, cells, or particles. These devices consist of micro-channels etched or molded into materials like glass, silicon, or polymers such as PDMS. They can generate a flow of fluids within a chamber, allowing for the formation of concentration gradients. Microfluidic devices are compatible with standard laboratory microscopes for optical analyses of the chamber. Additionally, systems have been developed to operate microfluidic devices, including a lid with fluid ports that allow for the flow of fluidic medium into and out of the device. Overall, microfluidic devices offer precise control and manipulation of fluids at the microscale, enabling a wide range of applications in various fields.
What is microfluidic?5 answersMicrofluidics is an interdisciplinary field that involves manipulating small volumes of fluids on a microscale level. It aims to provide high precision and accuracy while using minimal reagents and equipment. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), have emerged as potential instruments for optimizing operations and decreasing costs in various industries. They can be made using materials such as polymers, paper, and hydrogels, and fabricated using techniques like soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing. Microfluidics has numerous applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and biomedicine. It also plays a vital role in the fabrication of biomedical analytical devices, including biosensors for sample collection and handling. Additionally, microfluidics has gained interest in the development of flexible and wearable devices for tracking physiological information.
What is microfluidics?5 answersMicrofluidics is an interdisciplinary field that involves manipulating small volumes of fluids on a microscale level. It utilizes microchannels contained on a microfluidic chip to treat or manipulate fluids. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), provide precise liquid manipulation, rapid measurements, and real-time visualization at the microscale. They have applications in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical, food, and cosmetics, offering benefits like greater control over experimental conditions, faster analysis, and improved reproducibility. Microfluidics has also been used in studying cell deformation, which provides insights into fundamental cell processes like migration, division, and signaling. Additionally, microfluidics has been applied in gut microbiome research, particularly in the development of intestine-on-a-chip models, which mimic the intestinal tract and allow for studying the interactions and functions of intestinal microorganisms. Furthermore, microfluidics has been used in microbial studies, such as investigating microbial activities, interactions, and community composition in soil analog systems using microfabricated devices called Soil Chips. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have also brought innovation to microfluidics, enabling precision control, automation, and data analysis.