Microfluidics for biology research

1. What is microfluidics and when did it emerge as a research field?

Microfluidics emerged in the early 1980s as a technology that leverages microfabrication techniques originally developed for transistors and microprocessors to manipulate small volumes of liquids within channels at the micrometer-to-nanometer scale. In the 2000s, polymer-based technologies, particularly using PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) molding, enabled rapid prototyping capabilities in any research laboratory, democratizing access to microfluidic tools. Today, microfluidics is a mature technology that provides efficient solutions across multiple research domains, particularly in the biological sciences.

2. How has microfluidics adoption in biology research evolved over the past two decades?

Scientific publications combining microfluidics and biology have increased tenfold since 2002, demonstrating the technology’s growing integration into biological research workflows. This exponential growth reflects both technological maturation and wider recognition of microfluidics’ unique capabilities for addressing biological questions. The technology has transitioned from specialized early-stage development in engineering laboratories to mainstream adoption across diverse biological research areas, including cell culture, single-cell analysis, organ-on-chip platforms, and high-throughput screening applications.

3. What are the key advantages of microfluidics for cell biology research?

Microfluidic systems offer several critical advantages. First, they are fully compatible with conventional microscopy and standard biology assays, facilitating integration into existing workflows. Second, the micrometer-scale resolution matches cellular dimensions, enabling rapid medium switching, essential for single-cell analysis, calcium imaging, and drug response studies. Third, microfluidics provides precise flow control and stable concentration gradients, crucial for chemotaxis studies, shear stress assays, and hydrodynamic cell trapping. Finally, the technology readily supports parallelization, promoting high-throughput applications in drug screening, quantitative cell biology, and bioinformatics.

4. What types of biological applications can microfluidics support?

Microfluidics supports a wide range of biological applications: cell culture and live-cell imaging, 3D culture systems, single-cell analysis, calcium imaging, drug response testing and screening, chemotaxis studies, shear stress assays, hydrodynamic cell trapping, and high-throughput screening platforms.

Microfluidic systems are able to precisely control the cellular microenvironment, including flow, gradients, and mechanical forces, while remaining compatible with standard analytical and imaging techniques. As a result, microfluidics is well-suited to investigations at the molecular, cellular, and tissue scales.

5. How does the Microfluidics Innovation Center support researchers adopting microfluidics?

The MIC provides comprehensive support through a structured four-stage process. First, our team of engineers and PhDs discusses projects to understand goals and assess needs. Second, we collaboratively define optimal setups that balance experimental requirements with budget constraints. Third, we offer plug-and-play systems with installation support, including setup in user laboratories and trial experiments. Fourth, we provide support with guaranteed responses to any questions regarding microfluidics and biological research, ensuring researchers can focus on their biological investigations while we manage technical microfluidic aspects.