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The Microfluidic Probe: Operation and Use for Localized Surface Processing
Published on: June 4, 2009
Microfluidic probes for use in life sciences and medicine
Mohammad A Qasaimeh1, Sébastien G Ricoult, David Juncker
1Biomedical Engineering Department and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Lab on a Chip
|October 9, 2012
Summary
Microfluidic probes (MFPs) offer a contact-free way to precisely manipulate microfluidic streams on samples. This technology enables selective processing of large areas and diverse applications in life sciences.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Scanning Probe Microscopy
Background:
- Microfluidic probes (MFPs) represent a novel class of microfluidic systems.
- Unlike traditional microfluidics, MFPs apply the microfluidic stream to the sample.
- They utilize hydrodynamic flow confinement, eliminating the need for physical channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental concept of Microfluidic Probes (MFPs).
- To highlight the diverse applications of MFPs in life sciences.
- To provide a guide for engineers and life scientists on MFP development and utilization.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and research on Microfluidic Probes.
- Discussion of the principles of hydrodynamic flow confinement.
- Case studies illustrating MFP applications.
Main Results:
- MFPs enable contact-free, channel-free microfluidic processing.
- Hydrodynamic flow confinement allows precise stream control.
- MFPs facilitate selective processing of large sample areas.
Conclusions:
- MFP technology is a recent advancement with significant potential in life sciences.
- Key applications include surface biopatterning, cellular microenvironment control, tissue processing, and gradient generation.
- MFPs serve as an interdisciplinary tool for technological development and scientific research.
