Microfluidic Devices
Microfluidic Devices - Related Videos
08:29
Thermal Measurement Techniques in Analytical Microfluidic Devices
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Cited by 6 •
2015
Here, we present three protocols for thermal measurements in microfluidic devices.
10:18
Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices
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Cited by 26 •
2017
Multilayer microfluidic devices often involve the fabrication of master molds with complex geometries for functionality. This article presents a complete protocol for multi-step photolithography with valves and variable height features tunable to any application. As a demonstration, we fabricate a microfluidic droplet generator capable of producing hydrogel beads.
29:02
Cell Capture Using a Microfluidic Device
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Cited by 1 •
2007
02:10
Assessing Bacterial Motility Using a Microfluidic Device
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2025
Source: Scheidweiler, D., et al. Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Porous Media Across Spatial Scales. J. Vis. Exp. (2020).This video demonstrates the use of a microfluidic device to quantify bacterial motility through a porous matrix composed of randomly arranged pillars. Fluorescently labeled bacteria are introduced into the device, imaged via microscopy as they move through the porous matrix into the observation channel, and analyzed...
04:22
Generating Neuromuscular Junctions Using a Microfluidic Device
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2025
The video demonstrates the formation of neuromuscular junctions using a microfluidic device. Neural precursor cells and muscle progenitor cells are seeded into different wells within the device and left to mature into motor neurons and myotubes, respectively. The creation of a volume and chemical gradient leads to the development of active neuromuscular junctions.
FAQs
Laminar flow makes adjacent fluid streams move in an orderly, minimally turbulent manner, so transport between them is governed largely by diffusion and by the design of the flow path. This predictable behavior lets investigators control how fluids contact one another, regulate mixing, and establish reproducible conditions for biological assays without relying on uncontrolled bulk turbulence.
Channel geometry and surface properties influence how fluids move through a device and how consistently experiments can be performed. Geometry determines the available flow paths, while surface characteristics can affect fluid behavior at channel boundaries. Adjusting these features helps researchers create controlled environments for cell culture, separation, biochemical assays, and other biological experiments.
Pumps and valves provide active control over when and where fluids move, complementing the passive effects of channel design and surface properties. Their coordination can direct samples or reagents through different portions of a network and support sequential operations on one chip. This control is important when an experiment combines preparation, analysis, and readout in a single workflow.
Researchers can introduce a biological sample and reagents into the channel network, use pumps or valves to direct them, and exploit designed flow paths to control contact, transport, or mixing. The device can then support a selected assay, culture, separation, or analysis step, with several operations integrated on the same chip.
They are especially useful when experiments require small sample or reagent volumes, precise control of conditions, or analysis of limited biological material. Applications include cell culture, separation, single-cell analysis, biochemical assays, and rapid diagnostic testing. The same platform can also connect multiple stages, supporting higher throughput and more reproducible workflows.
By creating controlled environments and directing fluids through defined flow paths, these systems let investigators examine cell behavior and responses to treatment under reproducible conditions. Cell culture and single-cell analysis are relevant for studying disease processes, while biochemical assays and integrated workflows extend the approach to treatment-response studies and rapid diagnostic testing.