Editing Microfluidics (section)

{{short description|Interdisciplinary science}}
[[File:Microfluidic Device (6842746147).jpg|alt=Microfluidic device|thumb|NIST researchers have combined a glass slide, plastic sheets and double-sided tape to create an inexpensive and simple-to-build microfluidic device for exposing an array of cells to different concentrations of a chemical.]]
'''Microfluidics''' refers to a system that manipulates a small amount of [[fluids]] (10<sup>−9</sup> to 10<sup>−18</sup> liters) using small channels with sizes of ten to hundreds of micrometres. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves molecular analysis, [[molecular biology]], and [[microelectronics]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Whitesides |first=George M. |date=July 2006 |title=The origins and the future of microfluidics |url=http://www.nature.com/articles/nature05058 |journal=Nature |language=en |volume=442 |issue=7101 |pages=368–373 |doi=10.1038/nature05058 |pmid=16871203 |bibcode=2006Natur.442..368W |s2cid=205210989 |issn=0028-0836}}</ref> 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 chip]]s, [[lab-on-a-chip]] technology, micro-propulsion, and micro-thermal technologies.

Typically, micro means one of the following features:

* Small volumes (μL, nL, pL, fL)
* Small size
* Low energy consumption
* Microdomain effects

Typically microfluidic systems transport, mix, separate, or otherwise process fluids. Various applications rely on passive fluid control using [[capillary force]]s, in the form of capillary flow modifying elements, akin to flow resistors and flow accelerators. In some applications, external actuation means are additionally used for a directed transport of the media. Examples are rotary drives applying centrifugal forces for the fluid transport on the passive chips. '''Active microfluidics''' refers to the defined manipulation of the working fluid by active (micro) components such as [[micropump]]s or [[microvalve]]s. Micropumps supply fluids in a continuous manner or are used for dosing. Microvalves determine the flow direction or the mode of movement of pumped liquids. Often, processes normally carried out in a lab are miniaturised on a single chip, which enhances efficiency and mobility, and reduces sample and reagent volumes.