Innovative Studies in Microfluidics
9/8/16 Microfluidic studies involve the study of the behavior of fluids in micro-channels and deals with the manufacturing of microfluidics devices for applications. Microfluidic device systems help to reduce side effects and improve the efficacy of medical treatments. It has many applications including inkjet printers, chemical synthesis, blood-cell-separation equipment, electro-chromatography, surface micro machining, biochemical assays, genetic analysis, drug screening, laser ablation and mechanical micro milling.
The increasing demand of microfluidic device systems from point of care testing and pharmaceutical industry are the major factors driving the microfluidic device system market. This market can be segmented into three major industries: pharmaceuticals, in-vitro diagnostics, and medical devices. Point of care testing, pharmaceutical and life science research, drug delivery, analytical devices, clinical and veterinary diagnostics, environment and industrial are the key applications involved in the microfluidic device system market.
MES has been involved in microfluidic projects, one is featured on our Micro Machining Projects page:
Microfluidic devices are designed to control extremely tiny droplets of fluid such as blood, drugs, or gel-like fluids. Tiny channels, v-grooves, holes, and valves are accurately positioned on tiny chips and surfaces to push, pull, pressurize, or atomize these fluids in order to give the microfluidic device the required functionality. Key to the efficient working of microfluidic devices are sub-micron surface finishes, extremely accurate adhesion and positioning of features in relation to other features, and an understanding of the fluid flow and interactions with external forces — such as static, temperature, pressure, and humidity.
MES creates features in the sub-micron range using several different processes including micro molding, micro machining, lithography, and direct ion etching. Some applications among many others that require this level of precision and positioning include microfluidic chips, insulin and other drug delivery valving, and drug aspirators.