This research article was written by Ms Kriya Sakthi of ATHEENAPANDIAN PRIVATE LIMITED, about the Microfluidic Innovations in Healthcare.
Microfluidics is a growing field that shows promise in transforming biomedical devices. It refers to a technique for controlling and analyzing the fluids or micro-/nano-bioparticles in microscale channels or structures.Werner Jacobi was a German engineer who in 1949 developed the prototypes of ICs and was considered the 'Father of Microfluidics' [5]. The developed and integrated systems of microfluidic generation are known as lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems. By controlling fluids on a tiny scale, scientists and engineers are creating new solutions for healthcare. The use of microfluidics is gaining attention for its potential to revolutionize various applications in the medical field. This technology has the potential to pave the way for next-generation biomedical devices. Let's take a look into some of its extended applications [4].
Lab-on-a-Chip Technology
Microfluidics technology has become increasingly important in the development of lab-on-a-chip devices, which condense numerous laboratory functions onto a single microchip. These miniaturized systems offer a means for swift and effective analysis of biological samples, notably in the target of point-of-care diagnostics (POC) [3]. Researchers have successfully implemented microfluidic chips for detecting diseases like malaria and HIV by using m-Chip technology, providing a rapid and precise method for diagnosis [6].
Drug Delivery Systems
Microfluidic platforms are being used to design precise drug delivery systems that can administer medications in a controlled manner [2]. For manipulating the flow of fluids at a microscale, Medtronic's microfluidic insulin pumps, such as the MiniMed™ 780G were developed to offer continuous insulin administration and may modify doses based on glucose levels. It also benefits the diabetes control to optimize therapeutic outcomes. More precised microscale systems like Emulate's Organ-On-a-Chip, TheraPD etc., has the potential to grant the smart nano-personalized medicine by enabling targeted drug delivery based on individual patient needs [5].
Biomedical Imaging
Biomedical imaging techniques are also witnessing the demand of microfluidic systems.In 2020, the use of advanced imaging techniques increased by nearly 50%, with integration with microfluidic devices enhancing single-cell analysis and high-throughput screening, and now thereby increasing picture resolution and reducing imaging times by over 70%.Screening methods use NanoString nCounter® and CTC-iChip for particular applications of real-time monitoring like cancer diagnosis and bio-marker recovery [1],
Future advancements
The field of microfluidics is constantly evolving, with new exploration of biosensors, fabrication techniques for extended purposes. Recent advancements include the integration of IC and actuators into microfluidic systems with the development of 3D printing and transplantation technologies.Paper microfluidics, a modern advancement in microfluidic systems, offer efficient point-of-care diagnostics with minimal sample quantities and faster analysis times. Incorporation of photonics, plasmonics and magnetics with smart fluidic system will serve the full embodiment to the wellness of patient diagnosis [4]. The use of artificial intelligence for data analysis and device optimization in medical sector is very needful and is achieved by OOC and LOC systems. The emergence of microfluidics for next-generation biomedical devices holds great promise for advancing healthcare technologies. As this field continues to grow, we can expect to see more groundbreaking developments that will shape the future of healthcare [3].
REFERENCES
2. Yager, P., Edwards, T., Fu, E., Helton, K., Nelson, K., Tam, M. R., & Weigl, B. H. (2006). Microfluidic diagnostic technologies for global public health. Nature, 442(7101), 412-418.
4. Sackmann, E. K., Fulton, A. L., & Beebe, D. J. (2014). The present and future role of microfluidics in biomedical research. Nature, 507(7491), 181-189.
5. Whitesides, G. M. (2006). The origins and the future of microfluidics. Nature, 442(7101), 368-373.
6. Dittrich, P. S., & Manz, A. (2006). Lab-on-a-chip: microfluidics in drug discovery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 5(3), 210-218.
With Regards
Kriya Sakthi
ATHEENAPANDIAN PRIVATE LIMITED
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