Microfluidic devices for biological applications

Abstract

Microfluidics is a multi-disciplinary field that deals with the behaviour, control and manipulation of fluids constrained to sub-millilitre volumes. It is proving to be a useful tool for biological studies, affording advantages such as reduced cost, faster reaction times and process-specific designs. A microfluidic system typically consists of a series of channels with components like pumps, valves and actuators to control the flow of fluids. One of the applications being worked on is a microfluidic emulsification device (MED). It will be used to produce monodisperse Spherezyme particles, an enzyme manufacturing process patented by the CSIR. The MED will allow scale-up of the manufacturing process and will significantly reduce the size distribution of the enzynmes. Possible issues which will need to be considered include damage or denaturing of the enzymes during the production process.