Recent advances in low-cost microfluidic platforms for diagnostic applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Mass production of microfluidic devices is crucial for widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Inexpensive materials and cost-effective manufacturing are key drivers for developing accessible diagnostic tools.
• Microfluidic devices offer significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics and clinical assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in low-cost substrates for microfluidic device fabrication.
• To highlight innovations in materials, fabrication methods, designs, and applications of paper-, plastic-, and thread-based microfluidics.
• To assess the suitability of these low-cost microfluidic devices for diagnostic and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent research on low-cost microfluidic devices.
• Analysis of fabrication techniques for paper, plastic, and thread-based microfluidic platforms.
• Evaluation of detection methods and assay capabilities for various diagnostic applications.

Main Results:

• Numerous novel fabrication methods and device designs utilizing paper, plastic, and threads have emerged.
• These low-cost microfluidic devices demonstrate enhanced capabilities for diverse clinical assays.
• Significant progress has been made in improving detection sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost materials and manufacturing processes are enabling the mass production of effective microfluidic diagnostic devices.
• Paper, plastic, and thread-based microfluidics represent a promising avenue for affordable diagnostics in resource-limited environments.
• Continued innovation in this field is expected to expand the reach and impact of microfluidic technologies in healthcare.