Hidden in Plain Sight: The History, Science, and Engineering of Microfluidic Technology

by Albert Folch Folch

Stories behind essential microfluidic devices, from the inkjet printer to DNA sequencing chip.

Hidden from view, microfluidics underlies a variety of devices that are essential to our lives, from inkjet printers to glucometers for the monitoring of diabetes. Microfluidics—which refers to the technology of miniature fluidic devices and the study of fluids at submillimeter levels—is invisible to most of us because it is hidden beneath ingenious user interfaces. In this book, Albert Folch, a leading researcher in microfluidics, describes the development and use of key microfluidic devices. He explains not only the technology but also the efforts, teams, places, and circumstances that enabled these inventions.

Folch reports, for example, that the inkjet printer was one of the first microfluidic devices invented, and traces its roots back to nineteenth-century discoveries in the behavior of fluid jets. He also describes how rapid speed microfluidic DNA sequencers have enabled the sequencing of animal, plant, and microbial species genomes; organs on chips facilitate direct tests of drugs on human tissue, leapfrogging over the usual stage of animal testing; at-home pregnancy tests are based on clever microfluidic principles; microfluidics can be used to detect cancer cells in the early stages of metastasis; and the same technology that shoots droplets of ink on paper in inkjet printers enables 3D printers to dispense layers of polymers. Folch tells the stories behind these devices in an engaging style, accessible to nonspecialists. More than 100 color illustrations show readers amazing images of microfluids under the microscope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Physics

352 pages, Hardcover

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Abdellah Aazmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece from a pillar in microfluidics. The book gives a beautiful picture of the science of microfluidics, the arts created using them, and, more interestingly, the humans behind it. Albert Folch, in his book, delves into the story of each milestone in the rapidly evolving field of microfluidics. This helps the reader understand the process of innovation that led great researchers to achieve life-changing technologies. The author's narrative approach makes the book accessible and enjoyable for all readers, with and without prior knowledge of the domain. This book can serve as an introduction to the field, a guide and a source of inspiration for researchers in the field, and a dose of happiness, joy, and pleasure for artists' eyes.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have worked in the field of microfluidics since 2005, and I can only think of good elements about this book. The Author gives a unique recount of the technological developments paired with the background stories you will not get in the more classical books used in classrooms.
You will learn more about the equations, devices and applications that use flow at the microscale, with a visually attractive set of figures and schematics. I am sure you will be fascinated by the marvels 'hidden in plain sight' while Albert Folch unveils them for you.

[Sonia Aran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!