Open microfluidics, the study of microflows having a boundary with surrounding air, encompasses different aspects such as paper or thread-based microfluidics, droplet microfluidics and open-channel microfluidics. Open-channel microflow is a flow at the micro-scale, guided by solid structures, and having at least a free boundary (with air or vapor) other than the advancing meniscus. This book is devoted to the study of open-channel microfluidics which (contrary to paper or thread or droplet microfluidics) is still very sparsely documented, but bears many new applications in biology, biotechnology, medicine, material and space sciences. Capillarity being the principal force triggering an open microflow, the principles of capillarity are first recalled. The onset of open-channel microflow is next analyzed and the fundamental notion of generalized Cassie angle (the apparent contact angle which accounts for the presence of air) is presented. The theory of the dynamics of open-channel microflows is then developed, using the notion of averaged friction length which accounts for the presence of air along the boundaries of the flow domain. Different channel morphologies are studied and geometrical features such as valves and capillary pumps are examined. An introduction to two-phase open-channel microflows is also presented showing that immiscible plugs can be transported by an open-channel flow. Finally, a selection of interesting applications in the domains of space, materials, medicine and biology is presented, showing the potentialities of open-channel microfluidics.

The first book offering a global overview of fundamental microfluidics and the wide range of possible applications, for example, in chemistry, biology, and biomedical science. As such, it summarizes recent progress in microfluidics, including its origin and development, the theoretical fundamentals, and fabrication techniques for microfluidic devices. The book also comprehensively covers the fluid mechanics, physics and chemistry as well as applications in such different fields as detection and synthesis of inorganic and organic materials. A useful reference for non-specialists and a basic guideline for research scientists and technicians already active in this field or intending to work in microfluidics.

Recent developments in microfluidics have demonstrated enormous potential of microscale cell culture for biology studies and recognized as instrumental in performing rapid and efficient experiments on small-sample volumes. Microfluidic-based cell culture is an area of research that keeps growing and gaining importance as a prominent technology, able to link scientific disciplines with industrial and clinical applications. In particular, organotypic cell culture and its integration in microfluidic devices would enable the realization of “in vivo-like” cell microenvironment within systems that are more amenable to automation and integration. Such remarkable advancement forms the foundation and motivation to transfer research from the laboratory to the field. Although the microfluidics and cell culture technologies have influenced many areas of science, significant research efforts are currently focus on finding methods to transform drug screening and toxicity testing from a system reliant on high-dose animal studies to one based primarily on human-relevant in vitro models. In line with regulatory developments precluding the use of animal testing, as well as fundamental differences in animal versus human, human in vitro methodologies are required to replace the animal-based testes while permitting physiologically relevant model equivalents for superior prediction. Organs-on-a-chip is an ambitious and rapidly growing technology that promise to bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro studies and open wide possibilities in medical and industrial applications. However, many challenges are still ahead. This eBook present recent state-of-the-art works and critical reviews in organs-on-a-chip technology which highlight the new advances in this growing field with an emphasis on the interface between technological advancements and high impact applications.

Laboratory Methods in Microfluidics features a range of lab methods and techniques necessary to fully understand microfluidic technology applications. Microfluidics deals with the manipulation of small volumes of fluids at sub-millimeter scale domain channels. This exciting new field is becoming an increasingly popular subject both for research and education in various disciplines of science, including chemistry, chemical engineering and environmental science. The unique properties of microfluidic technologies, such as rapid sample processing and precise control of fluids in assay have made them attractive candidates to replace traditional experimental approaches. Practical for students, instructors, and researchers, this book provides a much-needed, comprehensive new laboratory reference in this rapidly growing and exciting new field of research. - Provides a number of detailed methods and instructions for experiments in microfluidics - Features an appendix that highlights several standard laboratory techniques, including reagent preparation plus a list of materials vendors for quick reference - Authored by a microfluidics expert with nearly a decade of research on the subject

Microbiomics: Dimensions, Applications, and Translational Implications of Human and Environmental Microbiome Research describes a new, holistic approach to microbiomics. International experts provide in-depth discussion of current research methods for studying human, environmental, viral and fungal microbiomes, as well as the implications of new discoveries for human health, nutrition, disease, cancer research, probiotics and in the food and agricultural industries. Distinct chapters covering culturomics and sub-microbiomes, such as the viriome and mycetobiome, provide an integrative framework for the expansion of microbiomics into new areas of application, as well as crosspollination between research areas. Detailed case studies include the use of microbiomics to develop natural products with antimicrobial properties, microbiomic enhancements in food and beverage technology, microbes for bioprotection and biopreservation, microbial tools to reduce antibiotic resistance, and maintenance and cultivation of human microbial communities. - Provides an integrated approach for realizing the potential of microbiomics across the life, environmental, food and agricultural sciences - Includes thorough analysis of human, environmental, viral and mycetol microbiomes, as well as methods and technology for identifying microbiotes - Features chapter contributions from international leaders in microbiomic methods, technology and applications

Bioelectronics is a rich field of research involving the application of electronics engineering principles to biology, medicine, and the health sciences. With its interdisciplinary nature, bioelectronics spans state-of-the-art research at the interface between the life sciences, engineering and physical sciences. Introductory Bioelectronics offers a concise overview of the field and teaches the fundamentals of biochemical, biophysical, electrical, and physiological concepts relevant to bioelectronics. It is the first book to bring together these various topics, and to explain the basic theory and practical applications at an introductory level. The authors describe and contextualise the science by examining recent research and commercial applications. They also cover the design methods and forms of instrumentation that are required in the application of bioelectronics technology. The result is a unique book with the following key features: an interdisciplinary approach, which develops theory through practical examples and clinical applications, and delivers the necessary biological knowledge from an electronic engineer’s perspective a problem section in each chapter that readers can use for self-assessment, with model answers given at the end of the book along with references to key scientific publications discussions of new developments in the bioelectronics and biosensors fields, such as microfluidic devices and nanotechnology Supplying the tools to succeed, this text is the best resource for engineering and physical sciences students in bioelectronics, biomedical engineering and micro/nano-engineering. Not only that, it is also a resource for researchers without formal training in biology, who are entering PhD programmes or working on industrial projects in these areas.

Flow Control Methods and Devices in Micrometer Scale Channels, by Shuichi Shoji and Kentaro Kawai. Micromixing Within Microfluidic Devices, by Lorenzo Capretto, Wei Cheng, Martyn Hill and Xunli Zhang. Basic Technologies for Droplet Microfluidics, by Shaojiang Zeng, Xin Liu, Hua Xie and Bingcheng Lin. Electrorheological Fluid and Its Applications in Microfluidics, by Limu Wang, Xiuqing Gong and Weijia Wen. Biosensors in Microfluidic Chips, by Jongmin Noh, Hee Chan Kim and Taek Dong Chung. A Nanomembrane-Based Nucleic Acid Sensing Platform for Portable Diagnostics, by Satyajyoti Senapati, Sagnik Basuray, Zdenek Slouka, Li-Jing Cheng and Hsueh-Chia Chang. Optical Detection Systems on Microfluidic Chips, by Hongwei Gai, Yongjun Li and Edward S. Yeung. Integrated Microfluidic Systems for DNA Analysis, by Samuel K. Njoroge, Hui-Wen Chen, Małgorzata A. Witek and Steven A. Soper. Integrated Multifunctional Microfluidics for Automated Proteome Analyses, by John K. Osiri, Hamed Shadpour, Małgorzata A. Witek and Steven A. Soper. Cells in Microfluidics, by Chi Zhang and Danny van Noort. Microfluidic Platform for the Study of Caenorhabditis elegans,by Weiwei Shi, Hui Wen, Bingcheng Lin and Jianhua Qin.