Microfluidics for Biotechnology

Book excerpt: The application of microfluidics to biotechnology is an exciting new area that has already begun to revolutionize how researchers study and manipulate macromolecules like DNA, proteins and cells in vitro and within living organisms. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, the Artech House bestseller, Microfluidics for Biotechnology brings you to the cutting edge of this burgeoning field. Among the numerous updates, the second edition features three entirely new chapters on: non-dimensional numbers in microfluidics; interface, capillarity and microdrops; and digital, two-phase and droplet microfluidics.Presenting an enlightening balance of numerical approaches, theory, and experimental examples, this book provides a detailed look at the mechanical behavior of the different types of micro/nano particles and macromolecules that are used in biotechnology. You gain a solid understanding of microfluidics theory and the mechanics of microflows and microdrops. The book examines the diffusion of species and nanoparticles, including continuous flow and discrete Monte-Carlo methods.This unique volume describes the transport and dispersion of biochemical species and particles. You learn how to model biochemical reactions, including DNA hybridization and enzymatic reactions. Moreover, the book helps you master the theory, applications, and modeling of magnetic beads behavior and provides an overview of self-assembly and magnetic composite. Other key topics include the electric manipulation of micro/nanoparticles and macromolecules and the experimental aspects of biological macromolecule manipulation.