The development of micro- and nanodevices for blood analysis is an interdisciplinary subject that demands the integration of several research fields, such as biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, informatics, optics, electronics, mechanics, and micro/nanotechnologies. Over the last few decades, there has been a notably fast development in the miniaturization of mechanical microdevices, later known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which combine electrical and mechanical components at a microscale level. The integration of microflow and optical components in MEMS microdevices, as well as the development of micropumps and microvalves, have promoted the interest of several research fields dealing with fluid flow and transport phenomena happening in microscale devices. Microfluidic systems have many advantages over their macroscale counterparts, offering the ability to work with small sample volumes, providing good manipulation and control of samples, decreasing reaction times, and allowing parallel operations in one single step. As a consequence, microdevices offer great potential for the development of portable and point-of-care diagnostic devices, particularly for blood analysis. Moreover, the recent progress in nanotechnology has contributed to its increasing popularity, and has expanded the areas of application of microfluidic devices, including in the manipulation and analysis of flows on the scale of DNA, proteins, and nanoparticles (nanoflows). In this Special Issue, we invited contributions (original research papers, review articles, and brief communications) that focus on the latest advances and challenges in micro- and nanodevices for diagnostics and blood analysis, micro- and nanofluidics, technologies for flow visualization, MEMS, biochips, and lab-on-a-chip devices and their application to research and industry. We hope to provide an opportunity to the engineering and biomedical community to exchange knowledge and information and to bring together researchers who are interested in the general field of MEMS and micro/nanofluidics and, especially, in its applications to biomedical areas.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Micro/Nano Devices for Chemical Analysis" that was published in Micromachines

The development of micro- and nanodevices for blood analysis is an interdisciplinary subject that demands the integration of several research fields, such as biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, informatics, optics, electronics, mechanics, and micro/nanotechnologies. Over the last few decades, there has been a notably fast development in the miniaturization of mechanical microdevices, later known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which combine electrical and mechanical components at a microscale level. The integration of microflow and optical components in MEMS microdevices, as well as the development of micropumps and microvalves, have promoted the interest of several research fields dealing with fluid flow and transport phenomena happening in microscale devices. Microfluidic systems have many advantages over their macroscale counterparts, offering the ability to work with small sample volumes, providing good manipulation and control of samples, decreasing reaction times, and allowing parallel operations in one single step. As a consequence, microdevices offer great potential for the development of portable and point-of-care diagnostic devices, particularly for blood analysis. Moreover, the recent progress in nanotechnology has contributed to its increasing popularity, and has expanded the areas of application of microfluidic devices, including in the manipulation and analysis of flows on the scale of DNA, proteins, and nanoparticles (nanoflows). In this Special Issue, we invited contributions (original research papers, review articles, and brief communications) that focus on the latest advances and challenges in micro- and nanodevices for diagnostics and blood analysis, micro- and nanofluidics, technologies for flow visualization, MEMS, biochips, and lab-on-a-chip devices and their application to research and industry. We hope to provide an opportunity to the engineering and biomedical community to exchange knowledge and information and to bring together researchers who are interested in the general field of MEMS and micro/nanofluidics and, especially, in its applications to biomedical areas.

Nanotechnology for Hematology, Blood Transfusion, and Artificial Blood outlines the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of nanotechnology in hematology, blood transfusion and artificial blood. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and biomedical scientists who are looking to increase their understanding of how nanotechnology can lead to more efficient blood treatments. Sections focus on how nanotechnology could offer new routes to address challenging and pressing issues facing rare blood diseases and disorders and how nanomaterials can be used as artificial cell-like systems (compartmentalized biomimetic nanocontainers), which are especially useful in drug delivery. For artificial blood, the nanotechnological approach can fabricate artificial red blood cells, platelet substitutes, and white blood cell substitutes with their inherent enzyme and other supportive systems. In addition, nanomaterials can promote blood vessel growth and reserve red blood cells at a positive temperature. - Provides information on how nanotechnology can be used to create more efficient solutions for blood transfusions and hematology treatments - Explores the major nanomaterial types that are used for these treatments - Assesses the major challenges of using nanomaterials hematology

Micro/Nano mechatronics is currently used in broader spectra, ranging from basic applications in robotics, actuators, sensors, semiconductors, automobiles, and machine tools. As a strategic technology highlighting the 21st century, this technology is extended to new applications in bio-medical systems and life science, construction machines, and aerospace equipment, welfare/human life engineering, and other brand new scopes. Basically, the miniaturizing technology is important to realize high performance, low energy consumption, low cost performance, small space instrumentation, light-weight, and so on. This book presents the summary of our project Center of Excellence for Education and Research of Micro-Nano Mechatronics. The project implements a strategy to realize applications of micro-nano mechatronics, which are based on mechanical engineering or materials science, control systems engineering, and advanced medical engineering. The chapters describe the research advances in micro/nano measurement and control, micro/nano design and manufacturing, nano materials science, and their applications in biomedical engineering. The publication of this book was supported by Nagoya University, the 21st COE program "Micro- and NanoMechatronics for Information-Based Society," and the global COE program “COE for Education and Research of Micro-Nano Mechatronics.”

Nanomaterials in Diagnostic Tools and Devices provides a complete overview of the significance of nanomaterials in fabricating selective and performance enhanced nanodevices. It is an interdisciplinary reference that includes contributing subjects from nanomaterials, biosensors, materials science, biomedical instrumentation and medicinal chemistry. This book is authored by experts in the field of nanomaterial synthesis, modeling, and biosensor applications, and provides insight to readers working in various science fields on the latest advancements in smart and miniaturized nanodevices. These devices enable convenient real-time diagnosis of diseases at clinics rather than laboratories, and include implantable devices that cause less irritation and have improved functionality. Research in the field of nanomaterials is growing rapidly, creating a significant impact across different science disciplines and nanotechnology industries. This synthesis and modeling of nanomaterials has led to many technology breakthroughs and applications, especially in medical science. - Provides a distinctive platform for the latest trends in the synthesis of smart nanomaterials for nanodevices in disease diagnostics - Presents a broad range of advancements and applications of lateral-flow nanostrip for point-of-care applications - Examines smart-phone based nanodevices for field-based diagnosis with accurate information - Comprises more than 70 figures and illustrations that will help readers visualize and easily understand the role of nanodevices in the field of nanomedicine - Serves as an ideal reference for those studying smart nanomaterials, biosensors, and nanodevices for real-time and in-situ clinical diagnosis and drug delivery

Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials and Nanodevices links interdisciplinary research from leading experts to provide graduate students, academics, researchers, and industry professionals alike with a comprehensive source for key advancements and future trends in nanostructured biosensor development. It describes the concepts, principles, materials, device fabrications, functions, system integrations, and applications of various types of biosensors based on signal transduction mechanisms, including fluorescence, photonic crystal, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, electrochemistry, electro-luminescence, field-effect transistor, and magnetic effect. The book: Explains how to utilize the unique properties of nanomaterials to construct nanostructured biosensors to achieve enhanced performance Features examples of biosensors based on both typical and emerging nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, graphene, graphene oxides, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanowires/nanorods, plasmonic nanostructures, and photonic crystals Demonstrates the broad applications of nanostructured biosensors in environmental monitoring, food safety, industrial quality assurance, and in vitro and in vivo health diagnosis Inspires new ideas for tackling multiscale and multidisciplinary issues in developing high-performance biosensors for complex practical biomedical problems Focusing on the connection between nanomaterials research and biosensor development, Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials and Nanodevices illustrates the exciting possibilities and critical challenges of biosensors based on nanomaterials and nanodevices for future health monitoring, disease diagnosis, therapeutic treatments, and beyond.