'Microfluidic palette' may paint clearer picture of biological processes
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - 14:42
in Physics & Chemistry
The masterpieces that spring from the talents of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other artists often begin with the creation of a gradient of colours on a palette. In a similar manner, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 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...