Microfluidics as an Emerging Precision Tool in Developmental Biology

• Published in: Developmental cell Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 293 - 311
• Main Authors: Sonnen, Katharina F., Merten, Christoph A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 11.02.2019
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Physiological Phenomena - physiology; Cells - cytology; Developmental Biology - methods; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques - methods; Microfluidics; perturbation; single-cell analysis; Spatio-Temporal Analysis; spatiotemporal resolution; microfluidics; perturbation; spatiotemporal resolution; single-cell analysis
• ISSN: 1534-5807; 1878-1551
• DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.01.015

Microfluidics has become a precision tool in modern biology. It enables omics data to be obtained from individual cells, as compared to averaged signals from cell populations, and it allows manipulation of biological specimens in entirely new ways. Cells and organisms can be perturbed at extraordinary spatiotemporal resolution, revealing mechanistic insights that would otherwise remain hidden. In this perspective article, we discuss the current and future impact of microfluidic technology in the field of developmental biology. In addition, we provide detailed information on how to start using this technology even without prior experience. Microfluidics, a precision tool in modern biology, enables omics data to be obtained from individual cells and allows the manipulation of biological specimens in entirely new ways. Sonnen and Merten discuss current and future impacts of microfluidic technology on developmental biology and provide novice-accessible information to start using the technology.