The thesis focuses on microfluidics as a growing technology in the field of biotechnology. Microfluidics, the technology of manipulating fluids in micrometre-sized channels, is particularly well established in red and white biotechnology, but this thesis explores its applicability in the context of green biotechnology. With its miniature design, microfluidics enables precise and high-performance analyses with exceptional time-space control. The thesis introduces the physical fundamentals of microfluidics, followed by the characteristics of commonly used materials and methods of manufacturing microfluidic chips, and then the general applications. The main focus however is on examples of microfluidic applications for green biotechnology, particularly in the field of protoplasts and roots. Microfluidic methods for isolation, cultivation, fusion and characterization of protoplasts are described, as well as devices for analysing root responses, intercellular signalling, and interactions with pathogenic microbes, The usefulness of droplet systems, flow cytometry, and lab-on-a-chip technology for portable diagnostics is emphasized. Despite the high potential for integration into plant biotechnology processes, particularly sustainable smart agriculture, the thesis also highlights key challenges such as a lack of standardization, low levels of integration into laboratory practices and the absence of killer-applications. The thesis argues for the gradual integration of microfluidics into practice through the development of more user-friendly systems and supports the view, that microfluidics represents an important link in the future development of green biotechnology, particularly in the fields of diagnostics, cell analytics and the creation of hybrid plant species.
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