Authors: Eric K. Sackmann, Anna L. Fulton & David J. Beebe, University of Wisconsin Madison

Microfluidics, a technology characterized by the engineered manipulation of fluids at the submillimetre scale, has shown considerable promise for improving diagnostics and biology research. Certain properties of microfluidic technologies, such as rapid sample processing and the precise control of fluids in an assay, have made them attractive candidates to replace traditional experimental approaches. Here we analyse the progress made by lab-on-a-chip microtechnologies in recent years, and discuss the clinical and research areas in which they have made the greatest impact. We also suggest directions that biologists, engineers and clinicians can take to help this technology live up to its potential.

Microfluidic publications in engineering, multidisciplinary, and  biology and medicine journals from 2000 to 2012.

Nature 507, 181–189 (13 March 2014) doi:10.1038/nature13118

Source: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v507/n7491/full/nature13118.html