Flow control

Flow Control

Introduction to Flow Control in Microfluidics

Flow control in microfluidics is essential for precise fluid manipulation in lab-on-a-chip devices, organ-on-a-chip models, and droplet-based microfluidics. By regulating flow rates and pressure at the microscale, researchers can improve experimental accuracy and reproducibility. Whether for single-cell analysis, drug delivery, or biomimetic tissue engineering, mastering microfluidic flow control enables greater precision in biological and chemical processes.

This review explores the principles, common techniques, and key applications of flow control in microfluidics, along with the latest advancements in the field.

What is Flow Control in Microfluidics?

Flow control in microfluidics refers to the ability to regulate the movement of liquids and gases within microfluidic devices. The method used depends on the experiment’s requirements, such as stability, response time, and accuracy.

Common Flow Control Methods in Microfluidics

Pressure-driven flow – The most precise method, using pressure controllers to deliver stable and pulsation-free fluid movement.
Syringe pumps – Mechanically driven pumps that provide controlled flow but can introduce pulsation effects.
Electro-osmotic flow – Uses electrical fields to manipulate fluid movement without mechanical components.
Capillary flow – Passive transport driven by surface tension, often used in paper-based microfluidics.

Among these, pressure-driven flow control offers the highest precision, making it the preferred choice for advanced microfluidic experiments.

Key Applications of Flow Control in Microfluidics

Flow control plays a crucial role in a variety of microfluidic applications, including:

Droplet microfluidics – Generating precise droplets for drug encapsulation, chemical reactions, and single-cell analysis. (Read more)
Organ-on-a-chip systems – Replicating physiological flow conditions for disease modeling and drug testing. (More info)
Point-of-care diagnostics – Enabling rapid detection of diseases by controlling microfluidic flows in diagnostic chips. (Learn more)
Single-cell analysis – Isolating and manipulating single cells for genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics research.
Viscoelastic fluid control – Studying non-Newtonian fluids for applications in soft matter physics and industrial processing.