Microfluidics technologies
Microfluidics technologies are designed to handle small volumes of liquids (in practice, about a few microliters, μl). Working with such volumes of liquid requires specific approaches. For example, at such volumes, capillary forces begin to have a significant effect, the flow of liquids becomes laminar, the transfer in the liquid is carried out only through diffusion, and so on.
Microfluidic chips
The so-called microfluid chips are used to work with technologies in practice. Usually, these are plastic or silicon plates in which various technologies have created channels for the transportation and separation of liquids, different reservoirs, inlet and outlet ports, chip areas transparent in certain optical ranges, filters, various chemical compounds are placed.
External devices
A large number of technologies are available to control the flow of liquids in microfluidic chips. But in practice, due to the need to interact with the environment, external devices are mainly used.
These can be:
- Different pumps for the movement of liquids;
- Various heat exchangers (heating and cooling), to control the temperature inside the microfluidic chips and to maintain stable conditions, different sensors (e.g. optical) for analytical work, etc;
- Control electronics.
- Single-use chips require a variety of automated chip storage and replacement systems when they need to be replaced
Where to use
Microfluidics technology is now used in practice mainly for various analytical work (research applications are much more extensive). These are, above all, analytical work with a small amount of substance. It is most demanded in the field of various methods of biochemical analysis (biotechnology, medicine, food industry, etc.), in environmental control, technological processes.
Mass production (HVM)
There are many microfluidics and microfluid chip technologies available. But not all of them are suitable for mass production. When it comes to the need to produce several thousand pieces per month, there are few available technologies.
That we can...
At present, we have developed technologies for the development of chips for mass production, developed technologies for the production of microfluidic chips. We are able to develop accompanying devices for parameter control, liquid transport and implementation of analytical methods. We integrate microfluid devices into other systems.
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