Microfluidic toolbox: tools and standardization solutions for microfluidic devices for life sciences applications

After more than a decade of activities in the field of microfluidics, an increasing need for standardized modules and off-the-shelf components can be observed. In particular the compatibility with existing laboratory equipment o procedures greatly helps the acceptance of miniaturized systems, as in practice, miniaturized systems are very likely to be used in parallel with existing equipment and are not totally replacing this. In this paper we present the basic concept of a microfluidic toolbox with interchangeable components where the external dimensions are adopted from existing standards. Furthermore the fluidic interfaces were selected for compatibility to established systems.