Microfluidics and Nanofluidics

Microfluidics and nanofluidics are rapidly growing fields that involve manipulating small volumes of fluids in channels with micrometer and nanometer dimensions, respectively. These technologies find extensive applications in chemical and biological research, medical diagnostics, and industrial settings and enable the development of lab-on-a-chip devices, offering miniaturized platforms for chemical and biological reactions.

These devices provide advantages like reduced sample volumes, faster reaction times, and enhanced sensitivity, making them valuable in drug discovery, point-of-care diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Microfluidic devices can feature various structures, and fabrication materials include SU-8 and mr-DWL resists, patterned using direct-write lithography tools like DWL and MLA series. For complex 3D structures, the MPO 100 utilizes two-photon polymerization.

On the other hand, nanofluidics is crucial in nano- and biotechnology applications, where precise handling of tiny liquid volumes is necessary. It encompasses DNA sequencing, sorting, assembling, and manipulating nanoparticles, proteins, enzymes, and viruses. Nanofluidic structures demand excellent shape control, and various materials, including biocompatible polymers and epoxies, can be used. The NanoFrazor employs grayscale patterning capabilities, enabling efficient creation of nanofluidic systems. Its closed-loop lithography approach and integrated topography sensor ensure high accuracy and ultrahigh resolution, making it advantageous for nanofluidics applications. As technology advances, microfluidics and nanofluidics are set to play increasingly vital roles in various fields, from basic research to medical diagnostics.