High Throughput Microenvironments for Studying Cell Biology

摘要

Microfluidics is poised to have a great impact across multiple fields of scientific inquiry where precise spatial and temporal control and low reagent use are advantageous. Incompatibility of current microfluidic methodology with existing laboratory liquid dispensing and detection infrastructure is a barrier to adoption of microfluidic systems. There is an unmet need for improved approaches that will enhance performance and promote acceptance of microfluidic systems in life sciences-specifically in cell biology. Ease of use, standardized interfaces and automation remain critical challenges. We present a platform based on surface tension effects, where the difference in pressure inside droplets of unequal volume drives flow in passive structures.