Despite its many advantages, microfluidics faces several challenges, including:
Complex fabrication processes: The creation of microfluidic devices often requires sophisticated and expensive fabrication techniques. Fluid handling issues: Controlling fluid flow at such small scales can be difficult, particularly for viscous or non-Newtonian fluids. Surface effects: At the microscale, surface tension and other surface-related phenomena can significantly impact fluid behavior. Integration with other systems: Combining microfluidic devices with other analytical instruments can be technically challenging. Standardization and reproducibility: Variability in device fabrication and operation can lead to inconsistent results.
