Abstract

Tools for Ensuring Successful Outcomes in Microfluidic Experiments

Thomas Corso, Chief Technical Officer, CorSolutions

The challenges of designing and developing microfluidic assays are frequently overlooked, which can negatively impact the robustness, repeatability and reliability of the outcome.  However if the microfluidic researcher has the correct tools available, these subtleties and nuances can be understood and often circumvented.  These essential tools for troubleshooting problematic microfluidic experiments will be discussed including flow meters, pressure meters, and closed-loop feedback control pumps.  Additionally, common pitfalls and ways to avoid them will be examined, such as leaky connections, pulsatile flows, and presence of bubbles.  Finally ways of designing microfluidic experiments to minimize the possibility of issues developing will be considered.