title: Microfluidic tools toward industrial biotechnology.
abstract: Microfluidics is a technology that operates with small amounts of fluids and makes possible the investigation of cells, enzymes, and biomolecules and encapsulation of biocatalysts in a greater variety of conditions than permitted using conventional methods. This review discusses technological possibilities that can be applied in the field of industrial biotechnology, presenting the principal definitions and fundamental aspects of microfluidic parameters to better understand advanced approaches. Specifically, concentration gradient generators, droplet-based microfluidics, and microbioreactors are explored as useful tools that can contribute to industrial biotechnology. These tools present potential applications, inclusive as commercial platforms to optimizing in bioprocesses development as screening cells, encapsulating biocatalysts, and determining critical kinetic parameters. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1372-1389, 2016.
authors: Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 500 Albert Einstein avenue, Campinas, P.O. Box 6066.
authors: Aline F
authors: AF
authors: Oliveira
authors: Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 500 Albert Einstein avenue, Campinas, P.O. Box 6066.
authors: Amanda C S N
authors: AC
authors: Pessoa
authors: Department of Agroindustrial Technology and Rural Socioeconomy, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Km 174 Anhanguera Highway, Araras, P.O. Box 153.
authors: Reinaldo G
authors: RG
authors: Bastos
authors: Department of Bioprocesses and Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 500 Albert Einstein avenue, Campinas, P.O. Box 6066.
authors: Lucimara G
authors: LG
authors: de la Torre
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D044085:Microfluidics
keywords: concentration gradient generator; droplet-based; industrial biotechnology; microbioreactor; microfluidics