This is a literature teaching resource review for biologically inspired microfluidics courses
or exploring the diverse applications of microfluidics. The structure is around key papers and model
organisms. While courses gradually change over time, a focus remains on understanding how
microfluidics has developed as well as what it can and cannot do for researchers. As a primary
starting point, we cover micro-fluid mechanics principles and microfabrication of devices. A variety
of applications are discussed using model prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms from the set
of bacteria (Escherichia coli), trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae),
slime molds (Physarum polycephalum), worms (Caenorhabditis elegans), flies (Drosophila melangoster),
plants (Arabidopsis thaliana), and mouse immune cells (Mus musculus). Other engineering and
biochemical methods discussed include biomimetics, organ on a chip, inkjet, droplet microfluidics,
biotic games, and diagnostics. While we have not yet reached the end-all lab on a chip,
microfluidics can still be used effectively for specific applications