High throughput screening using microfluidics

Abstract

Microfluidic systems are well suited to create platforms for high throughput screening as they offer the possibility to reduce reagent volumes and increase functionality without increasing the experimental footprint. This chapter explores the current literature for high throughput microfluidic platforms in the areas of cellular and biochemical assays as well as drug screening, presenting the benefits and limitations of each system. Four main microfluidic methodologies for obtaining high throughput functionality emerge and are compared: isolated channel networks that do not require external pressure sources, flow or perfusion based fluidic devices, those that utilize arrays of valves and actuators and droplet based systems such as electrowetting on a dielectric (EWOD). In addition the role and interaction of users and developers of these systems i.e research labs, academic screening facilities and industry are presented in the context of the current trends and outlook for high throughput microfluidics. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.