Abstract

Emerging Trends in Microfluidics Inspired by Nature

Anderson Shum, Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong

The field of microfluidics has led to a wide variety of advances in bioanalyses, fluid characterization, materials design and many other applications. Microfluidics is now commonly used as a tool well integrated into the final application. Further development of the field of microfluidics requires new ideas in the design of the microfluidic devices and strategies in general. In this talk, I will discuss a few potential trends in the devices, for instance, by making the devices more responsive to the environment, enhancing the exchange of materials with the micro-environment and extending to a wider range of fluids. The resultant devices enable microfluidics to capture advantages and features that are often observed in Nature, such as in plants, vasculature, and cellular environment.