Applications of Modular Microfluidics Technology

Abstract

Abstract Microfluidics has been widely used in the life science, analytical chemistry, environmental science and other fields in the recent years. Traditional microfluidics systems usually use a highly integrated system with multiple components for handling the fluid in the micro/nano scale. The design and fabrication of integrated microfluidics usually require highly sophisticated instruments and operation professionals. With the experience inherited from integrated circuit and micro electro mechanical system, the modular microfluidics system has been experienced a rapid development in recent years. Modular microfluidics system is a combination of a series of individual modules to achieve complicated liquid handling functions. Compared with conventional microfluidics approach, the modular microfluidics method has the potential in significantly reducing the fabrication cost by using the massive production of single chip, besides, it is easy to be operated, and the user can easily assembly the modules to obtain their customized microfluidics system. The concept of modular microfluidics also indicates the future development path for the standardization of microfluidics system and also provides a promising approach for the industrial massive production of microfluidics. However, the study of modular microfluidics is still in an early stage. Although lots of studies have been conducted with varies materials, fabrication methods and interface technologies, issues like modular interface still restricted the further development of microfluidics. In this paper, a comprehensive review for the latest research on the modular microfluidics and applications in biological and medical fields is provided, and the future research trends of modular microfluidics is also discussed.