Microfluidic technology and its biological applications

With recent advances in microfluidics, the use of microfluidic devices for biological applications has gained several advantages, making it a promising alternative to conventional techniques. This chapter aims to provide biologists an overview of microfluidic technology and its potential applications in the field of life science. It starts with a comprehensive discussion of the historical development of microfluidic technology, the characteristics of the microfluidic world, and the materials and fabrication techniques used to generate microfluidic devices. Some critical micro-scale components in common microfluidic systems such as micropumps, micromixers, microvalves, and micro-scale thermal control systems are also introduced. Finally, some practical applications of microfluidic systems in biological areas, particularly those of sample pretreatment, manipulations of microparticles or living cells, microflow cytometry, and micro-scale cell culture, are highlighted.