Introduction to microfluidics

Microfluidics is defined as the manipulation of a fluid in micrometer-sized structures or channels. In such microchannels, the behavior of a liquid is significantly different than at the macroscale. Surface effects and viscosity start to dominate and flows such as laminar flows are more predictable. This chapter aims at introducing the theoretical aspects behind microfluidics and the analysis in microfluidic systems. The chapter finishes with a description of the main effects used in microfluidics when combined with an electric field and factors to consider when working with nanofluidics.