Development and Applications of Portable Biosensors
Balaji Srinivasan1, Steve Tung2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA balaji-srinivasan@live.com.
Journal of Laboratory Automation
|April 17, 2015
Summary
Microfluidics and MEMS biosensors offer portable, on-site diagnostics for health and agriculture. Overcoming challenges in sample prep and device integration is key for widespread adoption of these advanced biosensing technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Sensor Technology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Microfluidics-based and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based biosensors are crucial for diagnostics, personalized medicine, and safety.
- Increasing healthcare costs drive demand for remote patient monitoring via point-of-care testing.
- Growing needs for detecting biological warfare agents and plant diseases necessitate portable, rapid, on-site detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications and challenges of microfluidics and MEMS biosensors.
- To explore strategies for improving the portability and functionality of biosensors for on-site applications.
- To highlight advancements in biosensor design for diverse fields.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microfluidics and MEMS biosensors.
- Analysis of design strategies for overcoming portability limitations.
- Exploration of emerging technologies like droplet-based and paper-based microfluidics.
Main Results:
- Biosensors are vital for clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, food safety, and forensics.
- Portability challenges include sample preparation, fluid handling, reagent stability, and device integration.
- Innovative strategies are being developed to address these limitations.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics and MEMS biosensors hold significant promise for remote and on-site diagnostics.
- Continued research into design strategies is essential for realizing the full potential of portable biosensing.
- Advancements in fluid handling, reagent longevity, and wireless capabilities will enhance biosensor utility.
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