What Is a Microfluid Device?

The use of microfluid devices and their uses grew by more than four-hundred percent between 2013 and 2018, based on a moving average. Many medical disciplines rely on these devices to better test for toxins or diseases. Using microfluid chips offer faster reaction times and enhanced reaction controls. Because stem cells require a highly controlled microenvironment, microfluidic technology offers a way to construct precise physiological environment to support cell growth.

A microfluid device is not only used to facilitate cell health, though. They have a usage in other industries that need very fine control of fluid movement as well. So, what exactly is a microfluid device and how are they used?

Also, what is “microfluidics” and what are “microfluids”? Read on to learn all about microfluid devices and the terms that are used to describe them.

What Are Microfluids and How Do They Work?

Microfluids, or microfluidics, are the study of how fluids work and behave as they move through tiny channels. Fluids work don’t work the same at smaller scales than they do at normal ones. This gives scientists the chance to do things they couldn’t at normal scales.

These “Lab on a Chip” systems are essential for doing advanced disease testing or “Organ on a Chip” type studies. These micro labs can isolate cancers cells in the blood, or mix different fluids and analyze the reaction. When scientists work with microfluidics, they are using what amounts to a miniature laboratory the size of a glass slide.

How Do Microfluid Chips Work?

Microfluid chips are micro-scale chip that has tiny channels inside. These channels connect to other chips or fluid reservoirs by tiny ports and allow for the movement and mixing of different fluids. The ability to link many chips in sequence lets scientists run automated experiments at a micro-scale.

The chips are made using thermoplastics and fit into a small slide or tray. These trays are readily available and make the process simpler. Go to xonamicrofluidics.com for more information on how to order these trays.

What Is a Microfluid Device?

So, then, what is a microfluid device? A microfluid device takes all the concepts of microfluidics and microfluid chips and allows scientists to create a system that can analyze DNA. A system that can simulate a human or animal organ. Systems than can run in a fraction of the space of a full lab.

A microfluid device can link with other microfluid devices. This lets powerful experiments happen with almost any fluid. All in an automated process.

The size of these devices allows for portability. They are cheaper than a standard lab due to their size and construction. Using microfluid devices, you can do experiments you couldn’t otherwise do.

These devices are made possible thanks to the overlap of many scientific disciplines. These devices use chemistry, biology, material science, microelectronics, and fluid dynamics to do the work of a full lab. Many scientists are looking forward to the application of these relatively new advances in science.

What Can a Microfluid Device Do for You?

A microfluid device is a new development in scientific circles that can drastically changes the need for large-scale equipment. This is because large amounts of experiments can be done at once and in sequence, making these devices are a technological leap forward.

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