Articles tagged with Microfluidics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers develop optoelectrowetting-based system for ultra-precise microdroplets, achieving high volume consistency and reproducibility. The system uses programmable light patterns to control droplet formation, eliminating random pinch-off and improving accuracy.
Researchers at Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) propose a novel strategy for controlling tiny droplets on surfaces, reducing friction and enabling precise control. The study demonstrates that particle-coated droplets can move with reduced force, opening new avenues in micro-scale systems and applications.
A new microfluidic chip combines digital droplet control with built-in 3D microstructures to enable cells to self-assemble into tissue-like clusters. The platform overcomes limitations of traditional two-dimensional cultures and existing microfluidic systems, offering a streamlined approach to 3D cell culture.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria wrap their rotating flagella around their cell bodies to form a screw thread, allowing them to propel forward through narrow passages. This mechanism enables bacteria to navigate complex environments and even infect host insects.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic chip that can detect tumor cells in blood, allowing for real-time monitoring of brain cancer treatment effectiveness. The GlioExoChip uses extracellular vesicles to assess treatment response, providing a quick and minimally invasive way to inform doctors about chemotherapy efficacy.
A new organ-on-a-chip platform recapitulates age-dependent immune responses, allowing for more accurate testing of cancer vaccines in older adults. The platform reveals functional differences in immune responses between young and old lymphocytes, which are not detectable with traditional 2D cultures.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a microfluidic device that can isolate pancreatic cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The lidocaine infusion method has shown promise in reducing the aggressiveness of circulating tumor cells and may help lower the risk of metastasis.
Researchers are developing 'biohybrid robots' that flex and move using biological tissue, offering potential applications in medicine and industry. The field is advancing through advanced fabrication methods, such as 3D bioprinting and electrospinning, which enable precise control over muscle cells.
Researchers developed a novel label-free biosensing platform to monitor cellular secretion of monoclonal antibodies in real-time. This approach enables rapid clone selection and cost-effective manufacturing of life-saving immunotherapies.
Researchers developed a palm-sized, portable multimaterial printer using electrowetting on dielectric technology to print conductive and insulating liquids. The printer allows for on-site fabrication of origami devices with customizable shapes and functions, enabling site-specific sensor deployment in resource-limited environments.
A joint team from The University of Osaka revealed that soft particles exhibit unique focusing patterns compared to rigid particles, influencing their focusing behavior. The study provides fundamental insights into the underlying physics, offering a new theoretical model explaining particle behavior under various flow regimes.
Researchers at DGIST developed an implantable wireless neural interface capable of delivering drugs precisely to deep brain regions without external equipment. The device's micro-pump and microchannel structure enable precise drug infusion, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's limitations.
Scientists discovered that human melanoma cancer cells behave like stem cells when forced through channels narrower than 10 micrometres, gaining traits to survive, spread, and form new tumours. Researchers created a biomedical device to simulate blood flow through narrow blood vessels, showing the mechanical pressure makes cancer cells...
A novel electrochemical microfluidic workstation detects additive concentrations in acidic copper plating solution with average relative errors below 10%. The system reduces single-test solution consumption to 220 microliters, enabling online monitoring of process stability and reliability.
Scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo create photo-switchable binding of DNA nanostructures that generate two distinct directional motions. The research paves the way for innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.
A new microfluidic device promises to revolutionize kidney disease screening by enabling rapid, accurate, and low-cost testing of creatinine levels in urine. The uCR-Chip delivers clinically relevant results within 7 minutes and meets the sensitivity standards of existing point-of-care tests.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an interface that creates programmable electric fields to sort graphene oxide without fixed microfluidic devices. The findings allow precise sorting of GO sheets, which can capture pollutants, solvents, and biomolecules based on their size-dependent properties.
Researchers are developing a cutting-edge blood test that can accurately track clot formation and breakdown. This innovative approach has the potential to improve patient treatment and reduce complications associated with current treatments.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University solved the drainage mystery in foams by discovering the pressure needed to rearrange bubbles sets the limit for liquid to drain out. The team found that dynamics play a crucial role in understanding soft materials and designing better foam products.
Researchers developed collagen-based scaffolds that can integrate with a vascular and perfusion organ-on-a-chip reactor to form complete tissue engineering platforms. The team demonstrated the ability to create non-planar 3D networks in soft, organic material by printing helical vascular networks modeled after DNA structure.
A new microfluidic chip design enabled precise control over interstitial flow and shear stress distribution, leading to sustained microvascular growth for over 12 days. The study found that rectangle chambers exhibited the highest network density due to uniform low shear stress, mimicking physiological capillary conditions.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel FRESH bioprinting technique that enables the creation of microphysiologic systems entirely out of collagen, cells, and other proteins. This advancement expands the capabilities of studying disease and building tissues for therapy, such as Type 1 diabetes.
A smart bandage called iCares has been developed to monitor chronic wounds in human patients, detecting biomarkers of inflammation and infection. The bandage can provide real-time data and deliver treatment, accelerating the healing process.
A new version of Caltech's smart bandage, iCares, has been shown to continually sample fluid from human patients with chronic wounds, providing real-time data on biomarkers present. The bandage can detect molecules such as nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, potentially up to three days before symptoms appear.
The companies have created a microfluidic device-based LNP production system that enables precise control over particle size, addressing previous productivity issues. The system can produce various types of LNPs in small-batch or mass quantities, from personalized medicine to vaccines for infectious diseases.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a novel water-cooling system with three-dimensional microfluidic channel structures to enhance heat transfer. The new design achieved a significant increase in performance, reaching up to 10^5 COP, surpassing conventional cooling techniques.
A study presents a versatile electrodynamics simulation model to analyze driving forces in partially filled electrodes, optimizing structural parameters of digital microfluidic chips. The model reveals the effects of dielectric layer parameters, droplet electrical properties, and substrate spacing on droplet driving performance.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to alleviate limitations of conventional blood-filtering machines used in treating hyperleukocytosis in children. The new device separates blood cells by size without platelet loss or adverse effects, enabling safe leukapheresis procedures.
A new study using a microfluidic device found that certain infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as previously thought. The researchers tested three different antibiotic agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found a gradient of antibiotic activity dependent on the flow rate.
Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance catalysis efficiency in industrial reactions. The new methodology increases the density of catalytic sites and improves reactant diffusion rates, resulting in higher turnover frequencies and reaction efficiency.
Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad have developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance reaction efficiency in catalytic reactions. The new methodology integrates a porous heterogeneous thin film in a cross-flow microfluidic setup, allowing for faster reaction rates and increased catalyst reusability.
The Rice team created a low-cost, pump-free flow cytometer that uses gravity-driven slug flow to analyze cells with similar accuracy as conventional devices. The device is powered by AI and can count specific immune cells from unpurified blood samples within minutes.
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.
A new droplet microfluidic component library utilizes micromilling technique to produce devices at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. The library includes versatile components for complex workflows, enabling high-throughput applications in biological and chemical research.
Researchers from Aalto University have created a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves and found that plastronic waves travel along the surface at speeds up to 45 times faster than capillary waves. The discovery could lead to new applications in biotechnology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.
A novel lab-on-chip platform uses acoustofluidics to efficiently separate rare circulating tumor cells, enabling real-time diagnosis. The system's precision and energy efficiency hold promise for improved cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine.
A team of University of Florida chemical engineers has developed a microfluidic device for DNA purification that extracts genomic DNA without centrifuges or magnetic beads. The device uses fluid flow and electric fields to remove contaminants, resulting in more accurate results and reducing DNA fragmentation.
The study reveals that directional connections propagate signals in a downstream flow, leading to more complex activity patterns. Mathematical models also suggest that modularity and connectivity interact to foster dynamical complexity.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed lab-grown neurons that form complex networks resembling animal nervous systems. These networks exhibit diverse neuronal ensembles and can be reconfigured through repetitive stimulation, mimicking neural plasticity.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that can measure memory B cells' binding affinity to flu virus, helping track immunity. The device, Shear Activated Cell Sorting (SACS), can compare how well cells bind to original and new variants.
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a novel technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks using plant roots and fungal hyphae in silica nanoparticles. This bio-inspired method enables the creation of intricate biological structures, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new microfluidic platform, ReSCUE, that allows for unprecedented control and manipulation of tumor shapes. This enables the formation, release, and transfer of patient-derived tumoroids, providing insights into how tumor shape predicts cancer cell behavior and aggressiveness.
A new type of cationic epoxy photoresist exhibits greater sensitivity to two-photon laser exposure, enabling fast writing speeds and fine features. The material was developed by a research team led by Professor Cuifang Kuang, who achieved lithography speeds of 100 mm/s and resolution of 170 nm.
Researchers use tongue and groove technique inspired by ancient East Asian wooden structures to create advanced ceramic microparticles with unprecedented complexity and precision. These particles can be used in various applications across microelectronics, aerospace, energy, and medical engineering.
Researchers developed a microchip that captures exosomes from blood plasma to identify signs of lung cancer, achieving 10x faster detection and 14x greater sensitivity. The chip uses twisted gold nanoparticles to distinguish between healthy patients and those with lung cancer.
A new method combines confocal fluorescence microscopy with microfluidic laminar flow to detect nanoparticles and viruses quickly and accurately. The approach uses a 3D-printed Brick-MIC setup for sensitivity and specificity improvements, potentially changing virus detection in clinical settings.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new quantitative testing system called the Express Biochecker, which uses Janus particles to detect coronavirus N protein. The system is simple, rapid, and low-cost, with potential applications for other viral illnesses and biomarkers.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip that mimics in vivo renal physiology. This model exhibits enhanced expression and polarity of essential renal transporters, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.
A new approach developed by researchers could streamline the forensic analysis pipeline and reduce delays in processing DNA evidence. The technique, using differential digestion with digital microfluidics, simplifies the process of isolating an assailant's DNA from a single sample, reducing manual steps from 13 to five.
Researchers from HKUST developed a novel magnetic actuation platform enabling the efficient production of sperm-like micro-robots, which demonstrate excellent motility and precision in targeted drug delivery. The Vortex Turbulence-Assisted Microfluidics (VTAM) platform streamlines the production process, paving the way for promising bi...
A new SERS microfluidic system was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers, achieving a detection limit lower than 10 ppt of harmful substances. The system uses femtosecond laser-induced nanoparticle implantation into flexible substrate for sensitive and reusable microfluidics detection.
Researchers developed a faster and more precise method to separate particles in fluids, enabling quicker sorting of cells in blood samples and removal of pollutants in water. The improved technique uses specially engineered channels and high polymer concentrations to guide particles and increase accuracy.
Researchers introduced a novel method for improving anti-cancer drug detection using advanced three-dimensional cell culture technology. The new platform enables more accurate assessment of chemotherapeutic agents by simulating physiological conditions that cancer cells encounter in the body.
Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.
A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a technique to create miniature soft hydraulic actuators that can move small soft robots, allowing for exceptional control and delicacy. The actuators use shape memory polymers and microfluidic channels to control the motion and shape change of the soft robots.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed vessel-chip technology to create a platform for preclinical drug discovery, reducing the need for animal testing. The system mimics human circulatory systems using tissue-engineered microfluidic devices.
A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.
A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.