microfluidics

[ mahy-kroh-floo-id-iks ]

noun

1. the science of the behavior of fluids at very small volumes or flowing in very small channels typically measured in tens of micrometers, as in microminiaturized devices: used in many technologies, including those involved in DNA analysis, immunoassays, chemical synthesis, and optics.

   With recent advances in microfluidics and on-demand drug manufacturing, your pharmacist could soon be tailoring your prescription to the exact dose and formulation you need.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microfluidics¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; micro- ( def ) + fluidics ( def )

Example Sentences

"And what better example of microfluidics in nature than plant roots and fungal hyphae? So, we set out to develop a method that could harness the natural growth patterns of these organisms and create optimized microfluidic networks."

From Science Daily

By exploring and realising the potential of microfluidics for more efficient biofluid processing and analysis, the team realises that new paradigms in designing and fabricating fluidic devices are needed.

From Science Daily

"Our long-term goal is to utilise microfluidics to develop ultra-sensitive analysis of human body fluids, to assist precision medicine against diseases, and to benefit human health."

From Science Daily

This work was conducted by the research team of Professor Anderson Ho Cheung Shum's Microfluidics and Soft Matter Team in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering.

From Science Daily

They also created a low-cost, printed circuit board with built-in digital microfluidics, which the emitter is soldered to.

From Science Daily