Microfluidic Actuated and Controlled Systems and Application for Lab-on-Chip in Space Life Science

Abstract

The use of space environment to carry out life science research is of great significance. However, there are limitations in complex manipulation, research models based on mammalian and 2-dimensional cell culture experiments, etc. Microfluidic chips possess the characteristics of integrating the relevant functions of traditional laboratories into micron-scale chips, with low energy consumption, high throughput, and automation. The application of microfluidic chips can overcome the challenges of space environments, the scarce experimental resources, and the unmanned operation problems to some extent. Moreover, microfluidic chips can realize long-term experimental operation and remote data recording and transmission. To carry out related research with microfluidic chips, the actuation and control of microfluidics are very important. In this paper, the microfluidic actuated and controlled technologies in microfluidic chips are reviewed, and then the application of microfluidic chips and microfluidic actuated and controlled systems in space life science is also briefly described.