A team of researchers from Tohoku University and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) has made significant strides in the field of microfluidics, enabling precise and efficient manipulation of fluids in three-dimensional microscale environments. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize bioanalytical applications, particularly in medical diagnostics.
Microfluidic devices are specifically designed to handle tiny fluid volumes, allowing for highly accurate analyses and processes.
In recent years, microfluidic technology has rapidly advanced across various fields, including medicine, biology, and chemistry. Among these advancements, three-dimensional spiral microfluidic devices have emerged as game-changers. Their intricate corkscrew-like design enables precise fluid control, efficient particle separation, and reagent mixing. However, the current challenges in fabrication have hindered their potential impact on bioanalytical applications due to time-consuming and costly processes, as well as limitations in material options and structural configurations.
To address these limitations, an interdisciplinary team from Tohoku University and OIST has introduced a miniaturized rotational thermal drawing process (mini-rTDP), drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese candy-making techniques—the fabrication of Kintaro-ame.
Their innovative approach involves rotating materials during thermal stretching to create intricate three-dimensional structures within fibers. This highly versatile process can accommodate a wide range of materials that can deform when heated, unlocking endless possibilities for combining diverse materials.
2024-01-26 16:00:05
Post from phys.org