Test Your Knowledge: The Ultimate Lab on a Chip Quiz
AMF-Quiz_Lab_on_a_chip_Fact_or_Fiction_07.24
Jul 2024

The Ultimate Lab on a Chip Quiz: Fact or Fiction?

Welcome to the second edition of our Summer Quiz! This month, we’re exploring the world of lab on a chip technology and more. From general microfluidic concepts to specific applications and technical details about devices and components.

This fact or fiction quiz aims to dismantle well-established legends in microfluidics. Whether you’re an expert or new to the field, test your knowledge and see where you stand. Are you ready to separate fact from fiction in the fascinating domain of lab on a chip? Let’s get started and see how well you know the field!

 

Great job on completing the quiz! 

Based on your answers, you received your personalized score and category. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just beginning your journey in lab on a chip technology, there’s always more to learn and discover. Your category will reflect your current level of knowledge and encourage you to keep exploring this fascinating field.

Lab on a chip is a wonderful area with immense potential for innovation. It integrates various processes into a single chip, allowing for miniaturization and efficiency in medical and scientific applications.

This technology encompasses diverse aspects such as chip technology, peer-reviewed articles, disease applications, and innovations in microfluidic cell culture. It includes organ on a chip models, stem cell research, and real-time analysis, alongside the critical roles of editors, peers, and chief reviewers in scientific publishing. The impact of microfluidic devices on disease detection, HIV treatment, and other biomedical applications is wide.

Advancements in this field span the integration of microfluidic systems in California’s biotech hubs to nanoscience and communications innovations in Japan. The technology involves understanding the costs, materials, and processes essential for creating these powerful systems that revolutionize scientific research and medical diagnostics.

Below, you’ll find the detailed answers to each question along with references for further reading. Use these explanations to deepen your understanding of lab on a chip. Whether you aced the quiz or found some areas to improve, the important thing is that you’re expanding your knowledge. We hope this quiz has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to learn more about the innovations and advancements in this field.

Thank you for participating, and keep an eye out for more engaging and educational content in our future newsletters. Now, let’s dive into the answers and see what new insights you can gain!

Question 1:

Lab on a chip devices can mimic the environment of human tissues for biomedical research.

Answer:

Fact

Explanation:

Lab on a chip (LOC) devices, integrating microfluidic technology and advanced materials, can create environments that closely mimic human tissues. These miniaturized systems enable researchers to model organ functions, such as the heart or lung, on a chip. They facilitate real-time monitoring and analysis of cell behavior, providing a platform for studying disease mechanisms and testing drug effects, which significantly enhances biomedical engineering and biochemical applications.

Reference:

Huh, D., et al. “Reconstituting Organ-Level Lung Functions on a Chip.” Science, vol. 328, no. 5986, 2010, pp. 1662-1668. DOI: 10.1126/science.1188302.

Question 2:

Microfluidic chips cannot be used for single-cell RNA sequencing.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Microfluidic chips are integral in single-cell RNA sequencing, enabling the isolation and analysis of individual cells. This technology is crucial for understanding cell heterogeneity and the development of diseases such as cancer. Microfluidic platforms streamline the handling of tiny samples, providing precise control over fluid flow, which is essential for capturing and analyzing single-cell RNA. Researchers at institutes like the University of California have developed microfluidic systems that significantly improve the throughput and accuracy of single-cell RNA sequencing.

Reference:

Macosko, Evan Z., et al. “Highly Parallel Genome-wide Expression Profiling of Individual Cells Using Nanoliter Droplets.” Cell, vol. 161, no. 5, 2015, pp. 1202-1214. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.05.002.

Question 3:

All microfluidic diagnostic devices require a power source to function.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Not all microfluidic diagnostic devices require a power source. Some devices operate based on capillary action or centrifugal force, eliminating the need for external power. For instance, paper-based microfluidic devices and lab on a chip platforms can conduct chemical analysis and diagnostics without electricity. These devices are particularly useful in resource-limited settings and offer cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic solutions for diseases, enhancing accessibility and usability.

Reference:

Martinez, Andres W., et al. “Diagnostics for the Developing World: Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices.” Analytical Chemistry, vol. 82, no. 1, 2010, pp. 3-10. DOI: 10.1021/ac9013989.

Question 4:

Microfluidic devices cannot integrate temperature control mechanisms.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Microfluidic devices can indeed integrate temperature control mechanisms. These systems often include embedded heaters and temperature sensors to regulate and monitor temperature during biochemical reactions and assays. This capability is crucial for applications in molecular biology and medicine, such as polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and enzyme kinetics studies, where precise temperature control is essential for accurate results. The integration of such mechanisms enhances the functionality and versatility of lab on a chip devices.

Reference:

Yuen, P. K., & Goral, V. N. “Microfluidic Device Combining Electrochemical Detection and Temperature Control for Genetic Analysis.” Lab on a Chip, vol. 10, no. 3, 2010, pp. 384-387. DOI: 10.1039/B919720E.

Question 5:

The Reynolds number in microfluidic systems is typically high, indicating turbulent flow.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

In microfluidic systems, the Reynolds number is typically low, which indicates laminar flow rather than turbulent flow. Laminar flow is characterized by smooth, orderly fluid motion, which is crucial for precise control and manipulation of fluids at the microscale. This predictable flow pattern is essential for applications in bioengineering, chemical analysis, and diagnostic processes, where consistent and accurate results are necessary.

Reference:

Stone, H. A., & Kim, S. “Microfluidics: Basic Issues, Applications, and Challenges.” AIChE Journal, vol. 47, no. 6, 2001, pp. 1250-1254. DOI: 10.1002/aic.690470602.

Question 6:

Electroosmotic flow can be used to control fluid movement in microfluidic devices.

Answer:

Fact

Explanation:

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) is a common method to control fluid movement in microfluidic devices. By applying an electric field across a fluid-filled channel, charged particles in the fluid move towards the electrodes, dragging the fluid with them. This technique offers precise control over fluid flow, essential for applications in chemical analysis, biomedical engineering, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. EOF is particularly useful in DNA analysis and cell sorting, providing a versatile tool for integrated microfluidic systems.

Reference:

Wu, D., & Qin, J. “Electroosmotic Flow in Microfluidic Devices.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 14, no. 1, 2004, pp. 23-31. DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/14/1/303.

Question 7:

Syringe pumps can be used without flow rate sensors to control accurately microfluidic fluid flow.

Answer:

Fact

Explanation:

Syringe pumps can accurately control fluid flow in microfluidic systems even without additional flow rate sensors. They achieve precise flow control through stepper motors that push the syringe plunger at a constant rate. This consistency is critical for various laboratory processes, including chemical reactions and biological assays. The reliability of syringe pumps makes them a valuable tool for researchers and scientists in diverse fields, from nanotechnology to environmental monitoring.

Reference:

Nguyen, T. A., & Shaegh, S. A. “A Review on Development of Microfluidic Platform Integrated with Syringe Pumps.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 21, no. 5, 2011, pp. 054001. DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/21/5/054001.

Question 8:

Industrial programmable syringe pumps need regular maintenance of tubing or syringe as in peristaltic pumps

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Industrial programmable syringe pumps do not require the same level of regular maintenance of tubing or syringes as peristaltic pumps. Syringe pumps use a fixed syringe, which eliminates the wear and tear on tubing that is common in peristaltic pumps. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacement of parts, making syringe pumps a cost-effective and reliable option for precise fluid dispensing in various applications, including laboratory processes and nanotechnology.

Reference:

Grayson, A. C. R., et al. “A Biocompatible Silicon Peristaltic Pump for Lab-on-a-Chip Applications.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 14, no. 3, 2004, pp. 156-161. DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/14/3/301.

Question 9:

Syringe pumps cannot be used for continuous perfusion or recirculating microfluidic flow

Answer:

Fact

Explanation:

Syringe pumps are versatile tools capable of providing continuous perfusion or recirculating flow in microfluidic systems. By precisely controlling the volume and rate of fluid dispensed, these pumps enable sustained fluid movement through micro channels. This capability is essential for applications in real-time monitoring and testing of biological samples, ensuring consistent fluid dynamics and accurate results over extended periods. Their use in micro total analysis systems (µTAS) underscores their importance in advanced research and bioengineering.

Reference:

Duffy, D. C., et al. “Rapid Prototyping of Microfluidic Systems in Poly(dimethylsiloxane).” Analytical Chemistry, vol. 70, no. 23, 1998, pp. 4974-4984. DOI: 10.1021/ac980656z.

Question 10:

Samples’ viscosities will impact flow rate.

Answer:

Fact

Explanation:

The viscosity of samples significantly impacts the flow rate in microfluidic channels. Higher viscosity fluids require greater force to maintain the same flow rate as lower viscosity fluids. This factor is crucial in designing and operating microfluidic systems, as it affects the accuracy and efficiency of processes such as cell separation, molecular synthesis, and real-time monitoring. Understanding and accounting for viscosity is essential for reliable data and optimal performance in bioengineering and nanotechnology applications.

Reference:

Whitesides, G. M. “The Origins and the Future of Microfluidics.” Nature, vol. 442, no. 7101, 2006, pp. 368-373. DOI: 10.1038/nature05058.

Question 11:

High temperature sample flow rate cannot be managed with a syringe pump.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Syringe pumps can manage high temperature sample flow rates effectively. They are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, ensuring accurate flow rates for samples at elevated temperatures. This capability is crucial for various applications, including the synthesis of materials and biochemical processes. Advanced materials like PDMS and glass, which can withstand high temperatures, are often used in conjunction with syringe pumps to ensure stability and performance in demanding conditions.

Reference:

Li, Z., et al. “Temperature-Dependent Rheological Properties of PDMS and Its Applications in Microfluidic Devices.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 21, no. 10, 2011, pp. 105018. DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/21/10/105018.

Question 12:

Rotary valves showcase significant dead volumes and are hence not suitable for microfluidics.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

Advanced rotary valves, such as those manufactured by AMF, are designed with precision to eliminate dead volumes. This design ensures efficient and accurate fluid handling, making them highly suitable for microfluidic applications. The absence of dead volumes prevents cross-contamination and maintains high precision, essential for applications that require exact fluid control and handling, such as those involving PDMS-based microfluidic chips.

Question 13:

PDMS-based lab on a chip technologies are easy to industrialize at a large scale.

Answer:

Fiction

Explanation:

PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) is widely used in lab-on-a-chip technologies due to its biocompatibility and ease of fabrication for prototyping. However, industrializing PDMS-based devices at a large scale is challenging. Issues such as material inconsistencies, scalability of production processes, and integration with other materials and components pose significant hurdles. These factors complicate the large-scale manufacturing of PDMS-based microfluidic devices, making the transition from laboratory to industrial production difficult.

Reference:

Schneider, F., et al. “Process and Material Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for Optical MEMS.” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 151, no. 2, 2009, pp. 95-99. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2009.01.026.

Made in Switzerland
10+ years of experience
Short Lead Time