“Learning on a chip:” Microfluidics for formal and informal science education

Abstract

Microfluidics is a technique for the handling of small volumes of liquids on the order of picoliters to nanoliters and has impact for miniaturized biomedical science and fundamental research. Because of its multi-and interdisciplinary nature (i.e., combining the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering), microfluidics offers much potential for educational applications, both at the university level as well as primary and secondary education. Microfluidics is also an ideal "tool" to enthuse and educate members of the general public about the interdisciplinary aspects of modern sciences, including concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects such as (bio)engineering, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Here, we provide an overview of approaches that have been taken to make microfluidics accessible for formal and informal learning. We also point out future avenues and desired developments. At the extreme ends, we can distinguish between projects that teach how to build microfluidic devices vs projects that make various microscopic phenomena (e.g., low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, microbiology) accessible to learners and the general public. Microfluidics also enables educators to make experiments low-cost and scalable, and thereby widely accessible. Our goal for this review is to assist academic researchers working in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies as well as educators with translating research from the laboratory into the lecture hall, teaching laboratory, or public sphere.

Hybrid 3D printed-paper microfluidics

“…The multicomponent integrated devices presented here capitalize on the highly complementary strengths of both 3D printed and paper-based microfluidic formats. The modular nature of the hybrid devices and their intuitive operation make them versatile for laboratory applications and well suited as teaching and outreach tools 42 . In this proof-of-concept work, integrated devices were fabricated in a stepwise manner, with reservoirs and valves adhered after device printing and baking.…”

The Fourth Decade of Microfluidics

“…We envision that microfluidics will continue to be integrated into different research topics and applications, with new innovation through combination with emerging disciplines, such as artificial intelligence,7,8 metamaterials9 and neuromorphic engineering 10. As the field has matured, microfluidics has played a key role in numerous applications and products that will reshape segmented markets.…”

Interface Engineering in Multiphase Systems toward Synthetic Cells and Organelles: From Soft Matter Fundamentals to Biomedical Applications

“…[18] Neutral phospholipid and cholesterol stabilize the vesicle, and PEG-lipid prevents the aggregation of nanosized vesicles, and reduces the nonspecific interaction with serum proteins, cells of the innate immune system, and nontarget local tissues. [24,419] Cationic peptide and polymers can condense nuclei acids, penetrate cellular membrane and promote gene transfection. [412][413][414] Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is one of the most investigated polymers for nuclei acid delivery.…”