Application of microfluidics technology in chemical engineering for enhanced safety

The unique virtues of microfluidic technology have earned it an important place in a variety of chemical engineering applications. Among advantages including improved selectivity or yield, one crucial yet often neglected one is enhanced safety. Herein, we have critically reviewed latest progress in the study of using microreactors to reduce associated risk when performing experiments. Related research results have been carefully selected and categorized based on the major consideration to employ microfluidic technology, for example, fast heat/mass transfer, tolerance to high pressure, and confinement of toxic materials. Frontiers and remaining challenge of the field have been addressed at the end of this review as well. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2015