Microfluidic systems for infectious disease diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Microorganisms are essential for ecosystems and host health, influencing gut-brain axis signaling.
• Viral replication enhances genetic diversity, but microbial infections cause significant global health burdens.
• Challenges include antibiotic resistance, disease outbreaks, and delivering diagnostics to low-resource settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in microfluidic diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
• To highlight innovative solutions combining microfluidics and biosensors for pathogen detection.
• To classify tools based on affected human body systems or pathogen transmission modes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the last 5 years.
• Classification of diagnostic tools by clinical relevance (body systems) and transmission routes.
• Emphasis on specific diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic systems with integrated biosensors present promising solutions for rapid pathogen detection.
• These technologies enable field-proven, point-of-care diagnostics.
• Advancements facilitate informed disease management and address healthcare disparities.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic diagnostic tools are crucial for combating infectious diseases globally.
• Technological innovation is key to overcoming challenges in disease surveillance and treatment.
• The review provides an overview of cutting-edge solutions for infectious disease management.