'Microfluidic Palette' May Paint Clearer Picture of Biological Processes
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 16:56
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- The masterpieces that spring from the talents of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other artists often begin with the creation of a gradient of colors on a palette. In a similar manner, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have created an innovative device called the `microfluidic palette` to produce multiple, steady-state chemical gradients -gradual changes in concentration across an area -in a miniature chamber about the diameter of a pinhead. The tool can be used to study the complex biological mechanisms in cells responsible for cancer metastasis, wound healing, biofilm formation and other fluid-related processes.