The market for microfluidic devices for neurology is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% through 2021.

The human nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes nerves and ganglia. The basic cell unit for the tissues forming the human nervous system is the neuron. There is growing interest in the development of technologies for the regeneration and repair of nervous tissue.

One of the most advanced technologies in this field is microfluidics. In neurology, microfluidics is applied either in vitro or in vivo to grow and isolate cells, probe functional properties of neurons, deliver treatments to diseased tissues, and regenerate the affected tissue.

A detailed summary of current and emerging applications of microfluidics in neurology is provided in the table below.  

In its most basic configuration, a microfluidic device (or chip) comprises miniature chambers connected by microchannels in which fluids flow continuously. Discrete amounts of fluids (droplets) can also flow by spreading. The movement of fluids is typically generated by one of three techniques: electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis (for continuous flow), and electrowetting (for discrete flow). The amount of fluid processed is measurable in units ranging from microliters to picoliters.

Over time the basic microfluidic technology has evolved to include components such as valves, microchambers and pumps. More complex devices also comprise coils, sensors, microfilters, and lasers, forming fully functional microscopic laboratories, also known as lab-on-a-chip (LOCs) or micro total analysis systems (µ-TAS).

Microfluidic devices are fabricated using processes that are common in microelectronics and, in particular, for manufacturing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In fact, microfluidic devices, together with microneedles, pressure sensors, and bioactuators, form a category of devices that are referred to as BioMEMS (i.e., biomedical microelectromechanical system).

Common materials for producing microfluidic chips are glass, silicon, silica, and polymers. Polymers have become very popular during the last decade due to their higher biocompatibility. Those that are used the most are poly(dimethylsiloxane), also known as PDMS, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin polymers and copolymers, and polycarbonate.

The market for microfluidic devices for neurological applications is estimated to be valued at approximately $30 million in 2015 but it is forecast to expand at a very healthy CAGR of 20.1% through 2020.

The next table provides a list of key producers of microfluidic devices for the medical sector with special focus on neurological applications. 

Related topics: microfluidic chips for nerve injury, nervous system lab-on-chip, microfluidics for neurology, microfluidics for neurological diseases, BioMEMS for neurology, superalloys for microfluidic devices, medical electronics market

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