Addressing Biocomplexity Through Microfluidics: From Systems Biology to Biological Systems

Keywords:
microfluidics

Abstract:
Elastomer-based microfluidic devices, created by soft lithography methods, are emerging as valuable tools with biomedical applications. Within the last decade, microfluidics has been recognized as a powerful tool for the miniaturization of traditional diagnostic assays. Microfluidic systems have been used to demonstrate a diverse array of biological applications, including bioparticle separations, protein-protein interactions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohybridization assays. Advances in surface chemistry patterning, thin film electrodes, and soft lithography have facilitated the transition from simple microfluidic channels to complex integrated diagnostic devices. As their complexity inevitably increases, robust design and fabrication methods are essential to fabricate components that are well integrated and functional. In this presentation, I will discuss several projects currently underway in my laboratory addressing biocomplexity at the microscale, ranging from devices for high-throughput genomic and proteomic analysis to a microfluidic platform for artificial respiration.

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Nanotech 2005 Conference Program Abstract