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Learn MoreFuture Science 1: Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chips and BioMEMS
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Future Science 1: Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chips and BioMEMS
Become an expert in miniaturization tech for future of research instruments, drug development, diagnosis, and synthesis
Created bySerhat Sevli
Last updated 10/2023
English
English [Auto],
What you'll learn
- Learn about the state of art for the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology
- Learn about the fabrication methods of bioMEMS devices
- Get experience for your academic research
- Improve your start-up business product development
- Learning more about basics of working inside cleanroom environment
- Discussion on prototyping and marketing principles for miniaturized devices
- Lectures' Keywords: BioMEMS, Biotechnology, Fluid Dynamics, Microfabrication, Microfluidics, Nano/Bio-Sensors,
Explore related topics
Course content
9 sections • 58 lectures • 3h 34m total length
- Course Outline3:40
Here, the course content is introduced with the lecture subjects, titles and learning aims.
- What are the meanings of nomenclature?4:19
Here, we learn what are the main terms and meanings used in this technology.
- What are the main flow types in microfluidics?4:17
Identify the main microfluidic flow types: paper-based, laminar flow, digital (droplet) microfluidics, and electroosmotic flow, and note when no liquid flow is needed in certain channels.
- Paper-based flow7:19
Explore paper-based microfluidic devices and lateral flow assays using capillary flow for rapid colorimetric detection. Discover low-cost, portable tests for point-of-need clinical, environmental, and food safety applications with simple fabrication.
- Laminar flow1:18
Explore laminar flow in microfluidic channels at low Reynolds numbers. Flow rate remains the only variable capable of inducing turbulence, while mixing systems preserve laminar flow.
- Droplet flow2:11
Generate tens to thousands of mono-dispersed droplets using microfluidic chips with flow, T-junction, and flow focusing designs, creating water-in-oil emulsions from dispersed and continuous phases.
- Digital electrowetting flow1:40
Use digital microfluidics to move, mix, split, and dispense droplets on a hydrophobic electrode array through electrowetting, enabling rapid colorimetric glucose tests and in-store diagnostic tests.
- Electro-osmotic flow1:10
- Quiz about introduction lectures
- Before Starting the Design3:51
Before starting the design of microfluidic devices, make your plan according to final use, fabrication, material, integrations etc.
What operating conditions for the final device?
What is the method of fabrication and chip material type?
What will be the flow type and flow rate?
2D or 3D design software related to fabrication method?
Designing software; AutoCAD, SolidWorks, 3D Builder…
What is the maximum size of the device?
What are the channel widths, lengths and heights?
What is the minimum feature size necessary?
What will be the connector types and port sizes?
Whether sensors or actuators are present or not?
What are the non-channel layers for bonding
How to make design controls?
- Design Setup and Layout3:05
Initially making a layout for your microchannel designs and using the same structure for multiple projects advances everything faster. The main challenge in today's microfluidics is the standardization. Make your own standard limits or apply formats for fabrication instruments. Here you can find two approaches
Set your design by the sizes of normal microscopy glasses or covers
Set your design maximum by photoresist-coated silicon or glass wafer sizes
The software I use for 2D design in DXF in the lecture:
* Nanocad, free version https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/download/
- Drawing 2D Gradient Reservoir Microchannel8:46
Making designs in 2D format using CAD software is easier and for most of the fabrication methods it is DXF format is required. Here
I summarize the details of how to draw a microfluidic device using CAD software.
I show the basics about determining the specs for a gradient generation microfluidic channels.
The channel heights will be formed during the fabrication part, not during the design.
The software I use for 2D design, in the lecture is:
* Nanocad, free version https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/download/
- Converting 3D Design into 3D Mold8:43
Making designs in 2D format using CAD software is easier. If 3D structures are not necessary then converting the 2D into 3D form solves the need. Here
I summarize the gradient reservoir device, made in the previous lecture.
I converted DXF files into STL with online tools.
I arranged the 3D mould using simple 3D Builder software
The software I use for 2D design, conversion, and 3D mould arrangement in the lecture are:
* Nanocad, free version https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/download/
* DXF to STL conversion online tool https://imagetostl.com/convert/file/dxf/to/stl
* Microsoft 3D Builder https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/3d-builder/9WZDNCRFJ3T6
- Drawing 3D Molds and Microchannels1:49
Making designs directly in a 3D format using CAD software may be necessary for
The chosen fabrication method
simulation of applications related to 3D structures
publications of computer models of designs
Here in this lecture
I summarize the most common CAD software suitable for direct moulding design.
Give information about the additional tips about making the designs.
The software I mentioned in the lecture are;
* FreeCad, https://www.freecad.org/index.php
* SolidWorks, https://www.solidworks.com
* Microsoft 3D Builder https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/3d-builder/9WZDNCRFJ3T6
* 3DuF, https://3duf.org
- Simulation Software2:33
After making designs in 2D or 3D with formats of DXF, STL or others, it is possible to analyze the flow characteristics and other physical properties inside channels using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation software. Here you can find the primary ones and their capabilities in a bite.
- Comsol Usage Basics3:09
Here, basic starting point of Comsol lateral flow simulation is described.
- Ansys Usage Basics2:03
Here, basic starting point of Ansys droplet flow simulation is described.
- Flow3D Usage Basics3:27
Here, basic starting point of Comsol lateral flow simulation is described.
- Comsol: Details of Linear Flow Simulation (part-1)9:42
We previously made a gradient generation microfluidic chip design in this section.
Now we are making control of liquid flow using simulation software. During the simulation, we will edit and update the designs.
Here;
I summarize the details of how to make CFD simulations of microfluidic device designs in DXF format.
I show the basics of laminar flow simulation and transport of diluted species simulation.
The channel heights are neglected during the simulation.
The software I use in the lecture is:
* Nanocad, free version https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/download/
* Comsol Multiphysics, https://www.comsol.com/
- Comsol: Details of Linear Flow Simulation (part-2)7:10
This is the second part of the simulation subject previously. We previously made a gradient generation microfluidic chip design in this section.
Now we are making control of liquid flow using simulation software. During the simulation, we will edit and update the designs.
Here;
I summarize the details of how to make CFD simulations of microfluidic device designs in DXF format.
I show the basics of laminar flow simulation and transport of diluted species simulation.
The channel heights are neglected during the simulation.
The software I use in the lecture is:
* Nanocad, free version https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/download/
* Comsol Multiphysics, https://www.comsol.com/
- Artificial Intelligence in Microfluidic Device Designing5:25
This is the last part of section 2 for microfluidic device design. The artificial intelligence of this year is capable of making channel designs and drawings. GPT4 is not a master but a good learner. Let's see what we can find.
The software I use in the lecture is:
* ChatGPT, free version https://chat.openai.com/
* OPENSCAD, https://openscad.org/
- What are the main materials used for the fabrication of ufluidic lab-on-a-chip?3:29
Survey common materials for microfluidic lab-on-a-chip fabrication, including PDMS, plexiglass, glass, metal, ceramic, and printed polymers, their bonding methods, multilayer channel architectures, and sensor integrations.
- PDMS (Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane)2:26
- Glass (Quartz, Glass)3:46
Choose glass for microfluidic devices to harness optical transparency, biocompatibility, chemical resistance up to 400 degrees, and low adsorption, enabling reuse and easy cleaning.
- Silicon-SU82:23
- PMMA (Poly-Methyl-Meth-Acrylate)3:10
Explore PMMA, a biocompatible, transparent thermoplastic for microfluidic chips, covering bonding methods, CO2 laser micromachining, injection molding, and mass production advantages.
- Other popular used thermoplastics3:54
Explore thermoplastics for microfluidic lab-on-a-chip fabrication, highlighting mold-based high-temperature processing, rapid commercial replication, surface treatments to tune bonding and hydrophobicity, and optical and chemical constraints for biological use.
- Alternative material types5:52
Explore alternative microfluidic materials, from cheap paper substrates like cellulose and nitrocellulose for flow, filtering, and separation, to 3D-printed resins and ceramic or metal channels for high-temperature and chemical resistance.
- Quiz of Materials Section
- Photoresist coated Si-wafer molds by UV lithography12:41
Explore photoresist-coated silicon wafer molds and UV lithography for microfluidic chips, including mask-based and maskless approaches, and compare SLA 3D printing and CNC-machined metal molds.
- Soft Lithography for PDMS chip manufacturing2:22
Fabricate PDMS microfluidic chips via soft lithography using molds such as wafer, 3d-printed resin, or aluminium; degas the PDMS precursor, cure at 75–90°C, and bond to glass to form channels.
- GLASS chip fabrication techniques11:49
glass microfluidic chips are fabricated by isotropic etching on chrome-coated glass after uv lithography, creating smooth channels; alternative methods include powder blasting, dry etching, femtosecond laser writing, and pressure molding.
- PMMA chip manufacturing by UV curation using PDMS mold4:34
- Thermoplastic chip manufacturing by injection molding1:15
Explore thermoplastic chip manufacturing for microfluidic devices using injection molding, including metal molds, polymer beads, and the creation of microfluidic channels.
- Open Channel device manufacturing by PDMS stamp2:51
Explore open channel microfluidic devices molded on biomaterials using a PDMS stamp, enabling cell culture in defined microchannel areas with an open top.
- Quiz of Micro-Fabrication Section
- Laminar flow and hydrodynamic focusing channels2:30
- Droplet generation channels3:48
Explore emulsion droplet microfluidics using three chip designs, Cflow, T-junction, and flow, to enable high-throughput, uniform droplets for biological and chemical assays, including digital PCR and nanoparticle synthesis.
- Serpentine channels1:57
Explore serpentine channels for passive mixing in microfluidic lab-on-a-chip and bioMEMS, using pump actuation, with integration options and applications in chemical synthesis, gradient formation, and nanoparticle synthesis.
- Spiral channels2:10
- Gated parallel channels1:21
Gated parallel channels in microfluidic chips enable horizontal and vertical gaps for co-cultured cell layers, mimicking 3D tissue for drug testing, toxicology studies, and cell interaction research.
- Mixing channels1:24
Explore microfluidic mixing channels in lab-on-a-chip systems, comparing passive and active mixers, and their use in flow chemistry, vaccine encapsulation, and drug delivery within BioMEMS.
- Centrifugal CD-Chip Channels2:14
Explore centrifugal disc microfluidic biochips that integrate separating, mixing, reactions, and detection on a disk powered by centrifugal force, using centrifugal, Coriolis, and capillary forces for flow control.
- Micro-structured surface, Wells and Grooves in Channels2:25
- Quiz of Channel Design Section
- Designing Micro-channels
- Gold electrode fabrication in microchannel devices6:00
Explore electrode integration in microfluidic channels, comparing gold and graphene options, and learn UV photoresist and film-cutting fabrication for gold electrodes on glass.
- Graphene and rGO electrode fabrication in microchannel devices3:57
Explore graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide electrodes for integrating conductive surfaces into microfluidic devices, using laser-induced reduction and bonding to glass or polymers for scalable fabrication.
- ITO elecrode fabrication in microchannel devices2:04
- Screen printed electrode integration in microchannel devices1:32
- PCB fabricated electrodes integration in microchannel devices1:06
- Quiz of Electrode Integration
- Light microscopy based methods to analyze microfluidic chips6:15
Explore optical sensor integration and light microscopy versus lens-free imaging for microfluidic chips, detailing detectors and key optical properties like absorbance, fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, and light reflectance.
- Lens-free optical imaging methods to analyze microfluidic chips3:04
- Quiz for Optıcal Analysis
- Your contribution about Optical Analysis Section
- Flow Quality Terms1:36
In this lecture, I try to give you the instruments and techniques for setting up your microfluidics laboratory.
I will try to provide you pros and cons of flow control methods together with real application examples.
In microfluidics latency is the time needed by the microfluidic flow controller to react to the set order.
The settling time includes the response time, plus the rise time and finally, the time needed to be within the specified error margin.
Processing time is the time needed between the reaction of the microfluidic flow controller and the first move in the setup.
Response time is the length of time between an indication of the start of the flow and the display of the first change in flow.
- Passive Flow4:30
Capillary-driven microfluidics offers a unique approach to fluid manipulation without relying on external forces. Instead, it harnesses the inherent capillary action of materials. When a liquid is introduced at one end of a microchannel, it readily fills the channel, driven by surface interactions. These interactions can be facilitated by materials such as absorbent paper, hydrophilic surfaces, or even microstructured grooves at the bottom of the microchannel, allowing for precise control of fluid movement.
In summary, capillary-driven microfluidics is a versatile and powerful technique that leverages capillary action to control fluid flow in microchannels. Understanding and manipulating parameters such as wettability, contact angles, capillary pressure, corner flow, flow rate, and flow resistance is essential for designing functional and reliable capillary flow systems, with broad applications in fields ranging from diagnostics to analytical chemistry.
In essence, while the designs and methods for achieving power-free flow in microfluidic devices can be sophisticated, the underlying principle remains constant. it is entirely feasible to transport a specific volume of liquid sample through these devices via passive actuators, all without the need for pumps, pulsation, or external power sources.
- Active Flow: Syringe Pumps2:57
Among the various types of active pumps, one of the most commonly utilized is the syringe-driven pump. This cost-effective solution is favoured in research laboratories and some industrial instruments equipped with original equipment manufacturer syringe pump actuators.
Syringe pumps can either be readily available off-the-shelf or built through do-it-yourself projects found on the internet. Critical components of these pumps include a drive-screw and a motor responsible for its rotation, while a pusher block keeps the syringe in position to ensure the flow continues. The motor's capacity and the step size of the screw play a pivotal role in determining the system's minimum flow rate and flow resolution, while the maximum flow rate is influenced by the inner diameter of the syringe.
- Active Flow: Pressure Regulatory Pumps1:58
Pressure-regulated pumps are essential tools in microfluidics, offering precise control over fluid flow. They function by maintaining a constant pressure within a closed microfluidic system, ensuring a consistent and stable flow rate.
- Active Flow: Peristaltic Pumps1:35
Peristaltic pumps employ a unique mechanism involving the alternating compression and relaxation of a flexible tube containing the liquid, creating a drawing action that generates fluid flow. Like any technology, peristaltic pumps come with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Quake valve on microchannels3:36
Selam Researchers
Microfluidics is all about finely controlling the flow of tiny amounts of fluids, and different valves play a crucial role in achieving this control.
Quake valves are these pneumatic valves that folks use quite often in microfluidics. Now, these valves are crafted in three layers: there's one layer for the control channel, another for the fluid channel, and a bottom layer.
People love using Quake valves in all sorts of microfluidic applications, like PCR, protein separation, and cell sorting. However, there are a couple of quirks to keep in mind.
- Global market size3:34
Assess the economics of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology with a global market size of about 5–24 billion dollars and 16–24% compound annual growth rate, driven by clinical studies and high-throughput screening.
- Applications at a glance2:40
Explore how microfluidic lab-on-a-chip and BioMEMS support pharmaceutical and life science research, drug discovery, rapid diagnostics, and point-of-care testing across labs, clinics, and biotech companies.
- Clusters and Networks for collaboration2:02
Explore how international collaboration advances microfluidic lab-on-a-chip and bioMEMS development through a Tunisia collaboration platform, SMEs and academicians, and standardization efforts with ICM.
- Custom design and contract micro-fabrication companies1:41
Explore custom design and contract micro-fabrication for instrument manufacturers, chip fabrication services, and innovative microfluidic product companies, with global reach including the Middle East and North Africa.
Requirements
- College level basic knowledge is required about life sciences, biology, chemistry and/or clean-room equipment
Description
What is it about?
Microfluidics or BioMEMS is the science and engineering subject for the development of miniaturized devices functioning as an improved alternative to current research, diagnosis, and synthesis methods.
This course is for understanding the basic concepts, fabrication techniques, and general concepts of applications of this technology. Be prepared to learn premium knowledge before starting your new academic projects or start-up prototypes.
What is included?
The first section introduces the basic nomenclature and the reason why it is called chips. It is not necessary to have electronic components but it is a functional tiny device.
The following sections give detailed information on the chips' design, simulation, and fabrication. Besides theoretical explanations, practical lectures and assignments are also provided for a complete experience of this technology.
The last section covers and summarizes what is going on in the world about this technology, how to meet collaborations, and who gives service for the fabrication of the custom chip designs.
By the end of this course;
The students will have enough confidence and knowledge to start their projects and research. Students will be able to develop and adopt lab-on-a-chip technology and design their devices and sensors. The potential of applications is endless, especially in the next 10 years we expect not to see experimental tubes anymore.
Who this course is for:
- College and Grad students who are looking for better research positions
- Entrepreneurs who are looking for solutions for their product ideas
- Academicians who are looking for new project ideas