In proteomics, genomics and cellomics, microfluidics is a disruptive technology. Analytical instrumentation based on lab-on-a-chip revolutionize the world of DNA and protein analysis, or cancer research.

Key advantages of microfluidics in biotechnology:

• high data quality
• speed of analysis
• low cost

Proteomics
Proteomics is the study of proteins, their structures and functions. Microfluidic techniques enable high-throughput protein profiling, because of its speed of analysis and the high data quality.

Microfluidics is, for instance, used in crystallography where proteins are crystallized inside uniform micrometer sized droplets, ready for continuous X-ray diffraction analysis on chip.

Genomics

Micronit is involved in next-generation DNA sequencing projects in universities and industry. The application of flow cells leads to a reduction of expensive chemicals, and offers a well-controlled environment where the sequencing takes place.

The excellent optical properties, smoothness and shelf life make glass an ideal material for these applications.

Cellomics
In cellular research (cellomics or cytology), lab-on-a-chip is used for cell counting, cell sorting and cell growth. Micronit chips are used in cell sorters allowing optical cell sorting of up to 1 billion cells per hour!

The application of microfluidics in cellomics has many advantages. It leads to a decrease in reagent volumes and reaction time. Moreover, it enables accurate dosing methods and it increases the reproducibility of analysis.