Microfluidics: Boon or Bane!!!

Over a period (since ~1990 A. Manz first microTAS) microfluidics technology was built on the foundations of Integrated circuits and photolithography to play with fluids in miniaturized devices. Despite enormous amount of research and development of microfluidics technology all over the world and projected potential applications the technology after three decades of time is unfortunately still stuck at dawn. We know that the semiconductor industry took seven decades to reach current 3 nm node from its first transistor. And, since the very basic foundation and thought process of the microfluidics technology borrowed from semiconductor industry, do we need to wait another four decades to see the full potential of microfluidics with same thought process? Or do we switch from past-centric approaches to future-centric strategies to make it happen!

“Microfluidics Technology needs switching gears from past-centric approaches to future-centric strategies"

Microfluidics not necessarily mean, miniaturizing everything and anything just for sake of shrinking the device dimensions and naming it as microfluidics technology. The essence of microfluidic technology is not at all shrinking the device dimensions. However, it is first to figure out what is the intended application, is there a scarcity of sample, how lower/smaller the concentration of analytes and level of difficulty to detect, is conventional assay serving the purpose or not, what additional value this new technology brings in, and finally is the analysis really urgent or can it be done later. Most importantly, is it a niche application or not and how economical is the current technology vs. conventional, all such details need to be worked out before even thinking of microfluidics. Because, the microfluidics is big buzz word and it is too fancy as well. However, to make the technology work as intended is not at all a fancy task.

"Ask appropriate questions before even think of microfluidics as cool technology"

The reality is, working with 5 ml body fluid is much easier than 5 microliters of the same. The challenge begins from calculating how many number of analytes available to unlimited (in not literal sense though) wet, bio-techniques to ample methods of miniaturization followed by assembling, test validation, climbing TRL ladder to making dollars. Then the question arises is, if microfluidics technology that hard, then is it really worth working on it or not! The answer is yes. However, it needs a complete supporting ecosystem.

“Microfluidics need complete supporting eco-system to make real impact"

For example, focus on manufacturability for making pilot scale devices from tens of copies to hundreds of copies for clinical trials, field testing need to be developed as a whole. The lab on chip devices requires enormous amount of ancillary accessories such as valves, fittings, tubings, fine capillaries, fluid pumping mechanisms and many such. We currently, use conventional machines (e.g. Injection moulding) to make such accessories which have serious limitations to make devices with features from micron to submicron. We need innovative ideas and new-age machines to meet these and other such requirements.

Another aspect is, majority of the microfluidic devices conventionally made and tested on PDMS as a safe and easy material all over the world. However, least focus was made on testing and validating other materials. One need to develop newer materials, plastics and composites which can be machinable and compatbale with laser ablation methods.?

Also, methods and materials are required for bonding of machined devices. Transparent adhesives both liquid and tapes for bio and non-bio applications which can make hermetic seal instantly are highly desirable. In addition, current valves and pumping devices are too large to be used for microfluidic applications. Innovative ideas and designs are in great need to make these pumps and valves suitable to miniaturized fluidic applications.?

Despite all such limitations, thanks to 3D printing which is paving ways to make in to microfluidics domain and it seems quite promising. However, current 3D printing technologies can’t be directly used for microfluidics due to its rough surface finish and low resolution range from ~ 100 to 500 micron. Apparently, some companies are currently working on high resolution viz., tens of micron 3D printing tools. However, the machines are quite expensive and beyond the reach of any medium and small scale industries.

“Development of innovative and cost effective newer technological machines are in need for boosting small and medium scale enterprises to contribute effectively"

In summary, one can clearly say microfluidics is indeed a boon to the industry and can be tweaked to make wonders with this technology in multitude applications. However, it requires a complete paradigm shift from past-centric approaches to future-centric strategies. Further, a complete holistic eco-system need to be developed with re-engineering of machines, methods and materials to making investments in transforming small and medium scale industries to serve in this domain to become truly #atmanirbharbharat.

“Re-engineering of machines, methods and materials to making investments are need of the hour to make #atmanirbharbharat"

Hope, you enjoyed reading. Happy to hear your views too..!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely based on author's knowledge and experience and they do not reflect any ideas, views of the organization/s where author is currently engaged/or will engage.