1990, Manz and Widmer of Ciba-Geigy company in Switzerland first put forward the concept and design of micro total chemical analysis system (μ-TAS), and positioned the main configuration of micro total chemical analysis system as a flat chip (including microarray biochip and microfluidic analysis chip) with a general thickness of less than 5 mm and an area of several square centimeters to more than ten square centimeters. Since 1994, Ramsey of Oak Ridge National Laboratory has published a series of papers based on Manz's work, and microfluidic analytical chips have made important progress. Microfluidic analysis system combines the principle and technology of conventional CE with flow injection sampling technology. With the help of MEMS technology, rectangular or trapezoidal pipes and units with other functions are etched on the chip. Through the design and layout of different pipe networks, reactors and detection units, sample collection, pretreatment, reaction, separation and detection are realized. It is a multifunctional micro device with high speed, high efficiency, high sensitivity and low power consumption. It is a new interdisciplinary field, and its core is to miniaturize various functions and steps in all chemical analysis processes, including pumps, valves, flow channels, mixing reactors, phase separation and sample separation, detectors, electronic control and conversion points.

Microfluidic analysis system can greatly improve the analysis speed and reduce the analysis cost. Microfluidic CE analysis system is also commonly called integrated capillary electrophoresis (ICE). Microfluidic analysis system has opened a new chapter in the history of analytical science and entered a new world of miniaturization, integration and automation.