Basic concepts in microfluidics

Abstract

Abstract Theoretical microfluidics deals with the theory of flow of fluids and of suspensions in submillimeter-sized systems influenced by external forces. Although an old discipline in hydrodynamics, the scientific and technological interest in and development of microfluidics has been particularly significant during the past decade and a half following the emerging and rapidly evolving field of lab-on-a-chip systems. This field is mainly driven by technological applications, the vision being to develop entire bio/chemical laboratories on the surface of silicon or polymer chips. Many of the amazing techniques developed over the past fifty years in connection with the silicon-based microelectronics industry are now used to fabricate lab-on-chip systems. In recent years, also polymer-based lab-on-a-chip systems have emerged, and these systems promise cheaper and faster production cycles. As microfluidic technology advances the demand for better theoretical insight grows, and this has been one of the motivating factors behind this book.