Moving microfluidics ahead: Extending capabilities, accessibility, and applications

TL;DR

This paper discusses three innovative microfluidic technologies that enhance the capabilities, accessibility, and diverse applications of microfluidics in genomics and drug screening.

Contribution

Introduction of three novel microfluidic systems that expand the scope and usability of microfluidics in biological and pharmaceutical research.

Findings

Integrated microfluidic sample prep improves genomic assay efficiency

Hydrogel microfluidics enables high-throughput single-cell genome sequencing

Emulsion-based systems facilitate complex combinatorial drug screening

Abstract

Paul Blainey is professor of Biological Engineering at MIT. In this contribution he describes three microfluidic technologies that he and his team has developed to extend the capability, accessibility, and applications of microfluidics: (1) Integrated microfluidic sample preparation for genomic assays, (2) hydrogel-based microfluidics for single-cell genome sequencing, and (3) an emulsion-based system for combinatorial drug screening.