What are the applications of microfluidics in cell biology research?

In cell biology, researchers can culture cells within microfluidic devices, allowing them to introduce drugs directly into the cell culture and observe real-time cellular responses. This enables researchers to study how individual cells react to different drugs. Microfluidic systems are also used to isolate, sort, and manipulate individual cells or cell populations based on various characteristics such as size, shape, or surface markers. Additionally, microfluidic systems provide a controlled environment for studying the kinetics of chemical reactions involving cells or cellular components. Microfluidic systems also enable precise control over cell placement and arrangement, allowing researchers to generate cell patterns.