Type:

Year:

Editor:

Author:

Panikowska, Katarzyna Ewa; Tiwari, Ashutosh; Alcock, Jeffrey R.

Series:

Section:

Page(s):

Abstract:

When describing microfluidics authors frequently point out its unique characteristics in terms of both the physical forces and technology drivers operating in this domain. However, this uniqueness is not translated into the area of design. Design methodologies for microfluidic devices have usually originated from micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) design models. However, due to a number of issues, such direct transfer of these models to microfluidics is considered as insufficient, as is the adaptation of macro-domain's design flows. This paper attempts to provide an insight into design methodologies for microfluidic design. Firstly, the comparison of micro-scale device design and macro scale device design is undertaken. This is followed by a comparison of the microfluidic domain with other micro-scale domains. The paper summarises these issues and highlights a set of concerns which should be taken into account during development of microfluidic design methodologies.

Keywords:

microfluidics, design of microfluidic devices, micro design, macro design