Open Microfluidics

Open microfluidics or open-surface is becoming fundamental in scientific domains such as biotechnology, biology and space. First, such systems and devices based on open microfluidics make use of capillary forces to move fluids, without any need for external energy. Second, the "openness" of the flow facilitates the accessibility to the liquid in biotechnology and biology, and reduces the weight in space applications. This book has been conceived to give the reader the fundamental basis of open microfluidics. It covers successively The theory of spontaneous capillary flow, with the general conditions for spontaneous capillary flow, and the dynamic aspects of such flows. The formation of capillary filaments which are associated to small contact angles and sharp grooves. The study of capillary flow in open rectangular, pseudo-rectangular and trapezoidal open microchannels. The dynamics of open capillary flows in grooves with a focus on capillary resistors. The case of very viscous liquids is analyzed. An analysis of suspended capillary flows: such flows move in suspended channels devoid of top cover and bottom plate. Their accessibility is reinforced, and such systems are becoming fundamental in biology. An analysis of “rails” microfluidics, which are flows that move in channels devoid of side walls. This geometry has the advantage to be compatible with capillary networks, which are now of great interest in biotechnology, for molecular detection for example. Paper-based microfluidics where liquids wick flat paper matrix. Applications concern bioassays such as point of care devices (POC). Thread-based microfluidics is a new domain of investigation. It is seeing presently many new developments in the domain of separation and filtration, and opens the way to smart bandages and tissue engineering. The book is intended to cover the theoretical aspects of open microfluidics, experimental approaches, and examples of application.

Open microfluidics, the study of microflows having a boundary with surrounding air, encompasses different aspects such as paper or thread-based microfluidics, droplet microfluidics and open-channel microfluidics. Open-channel microflow is a flow at the micro-scale, guided by solid structures, and having at least a free boundary (with air or vapor) other than the advancing meniscus. This book is devoted to the study of open-channel microfluidics which (contrary to paper or thread or droplet microfluidics) is still very sparsely documented, but bears many new applications in biology, biotechnology, medicine, material and space sciences. Capillarity being the principal force triggering an open microflow, the principles of capillarity are first recalled. The onset of open-channel microflow is next analyzed and the fundamental notion of generalized Cassie angle (the apparent contact angle which accounts for the presence of air) is presented. The theory of the dynamics of open-channel microflows is then developed, using the notion of averaged friction length which accounts for the presence of air along the boundaries of the flow domain. Different channel morphologies are studied and geometrical features such as valves and capillary pumps are examined. An introduction to two-phase open-channel microflows is also presented showing that immiscible plugs can be transported by an open-channel flow. Finally, a selection of interesting applications in the domains of space, materials, medicine and biology is presented, showing the potentialities of open-channel microfluidics.

Summarizing the latest trends and the current state of this research field, this up-to-date book discusses in detail techniques to perform localized alterations on surfaces with great flexibility, including microfluidic probes, multifunctional nanopipettes and various surface patterning techniques, such as dip pen nanolithography. These techniques are also put in perspective in terms of applications and how they can be transformative of numerous (bio)chemical processes involving surfaces. The editors are from IBM Zurich, the pioneers and pacesetters in the field at the forefront of research in this new and rapidly expanding area.

Open microfluidics or open-surface is becoming fundamental in scientific domains such as biotechnology, biology and space. First, such systems and devices based on open microfluidics make use of capillary forces to move fluids, without any need for external energy. Second, the “openness” of the flow facilitates the accessibility to the liquid in biotechnology and biology, and reduces the weight in space applications. This book has been conceived to give the reader the fundamental basis of open microfluidics. It covers successively The theory of spontaneous capillary flow, with the general conditions for spontaneous capillary flow, and the dynamic aspects of such flows. The formation of capillary filaments which are associated to small contact angles and sharp grooves. The study of capillary flow in open rectangular, pseudo-rectangular and trapezoidal open microchannels. The dynamics of open capillary flows in grooves with a focus on capillary resistors. The case of very viscous liquids is analyzed. An analysis of suspended capillary flows: such flows move in suspended channels devoid of top cover and bottom plate. Their accessibility is reinforced, and such systems are becoming fundamental in biology. An analysis of “rails” microfluidics, which are flows that move in channels devoid of side walls. This geometry has the advantage to be compatible with capillary networks, which are now of great interest in biotechnology, for molecular detection for example. Paper-based microfluidics where liquids wick flat paper matrix. Applications concern bioassays such as point of care devices (POC). Thread-based microfluidics is a new domain of investigation. It is seeing presently many new developments in the domain of separation and filtration, and opens the way to smart bandages and tissue engineering. The book is intended to cover the theoretical aspects of open microfluidics, experimental approaches, and examples of application.

What Is Microfluidics Microfluidics refers to the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small scale at which surface forces dominate volumetric forces. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves engineering, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. It has practical applications in the design of systems that process low volumes of fluids to achieve multiplexing, automation, and high-throughput screening. Microfluidics emerged in the beginning of the 1980s and is used in the development of inkjet printheads, DNA chips, lab-on-a-chip technology, micro-propulsion, and micro-thermal technologies. How You Will Benefit (I) Insights, and validations about the following topics: Chapter 1: Microfluidics Chapter 2: Droplet-based microfluidics Chapter 3: Digital microfluidics Chapter 4: Paper-based microfluidics Chapter 5: Microfluidic cell culture Chapter 6: Electroosmotic pump Chapter 7: Materials science (II) Answering the public top questions about microfluidics. (III) Real world examples for the usage of microfluidics in many fields. (IV) 17 appendices to explain, briefly, 266 emerging technologies in each industry to have 360-degree full understanding of microfluidics' technologies. Who This Book Is For Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of microfluidics.

Summarizing the latest trends and the current state of this research field, this up-to-date book discusses in detail techniques to perform localized alterations on surfaces with great flexibility, including microfluidic probes, multifunctional nanopipettes and various surface patterning techniques, such as dip pen nanolithography. These techniques are also put in perspective in terms of applications and how they can be transformative of numerous (bio)chemical processes involving surfaces. The editors are from IBM Zurich, the pioneers and pacesetters in the field at the forefront of research in this new and rapidly expanding area.

Reliable, precise and accurate detection and analysis of biomarkers remains a significant challenge for clinical researchers. Methods for the detection of biomarkers are rather complex, requiring pre-treatment steps before analysis can take place. Moreover, comparing various biomarker assays and tracing research progress in this area systematically is a challenge for researchers. The Detection of Biomarkers presents developments in biomarker detection, including methods tools and strategies, biosensor design, materials, and applications. The book presents methods, materials and procedures that are simple, precise, sensitive, selective, fast and economical, and therefore highly practical for use in clinical research scenarios. This volume situates biomarker detection in its research context and sets out future prospects for the area. Its 20 chapters offer a comprehensive coverage of biomarkers, including progress on nanotechnology, biosensor types, synthesis, immobilization, and applications in various fields. The book also demonstrates, for students, how to synthesize and immobilize biosensors for biomarker assay. It offers researchers real alternative and innovative ways to think about the field of biomarker detection, increasing the reliability, precision and accuracy of biomarker detection. Locates biomarker detection in its research context, setting out present and future prospects Allows clinical researchers to compare various biomarker assays systematically Presents new methods, materials and procedures that are simple, precise, sensitive, selective, fast and economical Gives innovative biomarker assays that are viable alternatives to current complex methods Helps clinical researchers who need reliable, precise and accurate biomarker detection methods

Micro- and Nanotechnology Enabled Applications for Portable Miniaturized Analytical Systems outlines the basic principles of miniaturized analytical devices, such as spectrometric, separation, imaging and electrochemical miniaturized instruments. Concepts such as smartphone-enabled miniaturized detection systems and micro/nanomachines are also reviewed. Subsequent chapters explore the emerging application of these mobile devices for miniaturized analysis in various fields, including medicine and biomedicine, environmental chemistry, food chemistry, and forensic chemistry. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers wanting to understand how miniaturization techniques are being used to create a range of efficient, sustainable electronic and optical devices. Miniaturization describes the concept of manufacturing increasingly smaller mechanical, optical, and electronic products and devices. These smaller instruments can be used to produce micro- and nanoscale components required for analytical procedures. A variety of micro/nanoscale materials have been synthesized and used in analytical procedures, such as sensing materials, sorbents, adsorbents, catalysts, and reactors. The miniaturization of analytical instruments can be applied to the different steps of analytical procedures, such as sample preparation, analytical separation, and detection, reducing the total cost of manufacturing the instruments and the needed reagents and organic solvents. Outlines how miniaturization techniques can be used to create new optical and electronic micro- and nanodevices Explores major application areas, including biomedicine, environmental science and security Assesses the major challenges of using miniaturization techniques