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Semitree

Learn microfluidics

A structured path from knowing nothing to designing with confidence. Every module pairs a plain-English explainer with the key equation and a direct link to the calculator that applies it. Levels 0 and 1 are written; the rest are on the way.

  1. 0Level 0

    Orientation

    What microfluidics is, and why the microscale behaves differently.

  2. 1Level 1

    Physics Foundations

    The calculator-linked core: the physics that runs the field.

  3. 2Level 2

    Materials & Fabrication

    How chips are made — the semiconductor bridge.

    • PDMS & soft lithography (the workhorse)16 min
    • Glass & silicon; photolithography & etching basicsSoon
    • Thermoplastics: injection molding, hot embossingSoon
    • Bonding techniques; 3D-printed & paper microfluidicsSoon
    • The “fabless” reality: using foundries & shared cleanroomsSoon
  4. 3Level 3

    Components & Unit Operations

    The building blocks of a device.

    • Channels & geometry design rulesSoon
    • Valves (incl. Quake/membrane valves) & pumpsSoon
    • Passive vs active mixersSoon
    • Droplet generators: T-junction & flow-focusingSoon
    • Gradient generators, filters, traps, sortersSoon
  5. 4Level 4

    Applications

    Where microfluidics is actually used.

    • Droplet microfluidics & single-cell (scRNA-seq)Soon
    • PCR / digital PCRSoon
    • Point-of-care diagnostics & lateral-flowSoon
    • Organ-on-chip & cell cultureSoon
    • Microfluidic cooling for electronics/AI chipsSoon
    • Chemical synthesis & flow chemistrySoon
  6. 5Level 5

    Do It Yourself

    From design to a working chip.

    • Designing your first chip (step-by-step)Soon
    • CAD & layout tools; simulation/CFD basicsSoon
    • Working with a foundry: files, tolerances, costSoon
    • World-to-chip interfacing (the classic pain point)Soon
    • Troubleshooting common failures (leaks, bubbles, clogging)Soon