Acoustofluidic precise manipulation: Recent advances in applications for micro/nano bioparticles.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Acoustics

Background:

• Acoustofluidic technologies integrate acoustic waves and microfluidic chips for bioparticle manipulation.
• Acoustic tweezers are a key technology, noted for simple manufacturing, contact-free operation, and low energy use.
• These technologies manipulate a wide range of bioparticle sizes, from millimeters (zebrafish) to nanometers (DNA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles of acoustic tweezers and related acoustofluidic technologies.
• To compare and summarize recent applications of acoustofluidics in bioparticle manipulation and sensing.
• To provide an outlook on future development directions in device design and interdisciplinary applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on acoustofluidic technologies.
• Analysis of principles behind acoustic tweezers and related chips (separating, mixing, enriching, transporting).
• Compilation and comparison of recent applications in bioparticle manipulation and sensing.

Main Results:

• Acoustic tweezers and related acoustofluidic chips effectively manipulate diverse bioparticles (cells, vesicles, liposomes).
• Applications span bioparticle manipulation, separation, mixing, enrichment, transport, and smart sensing.
• The technology demonstrates versatility across size scales, from large organisms to DNA molecules.

Conclusions:

• Acoustofluidics, particularly acoustic tweezers, is a powerful and versatile platform for bioparticle manipulation and sensing.
• Future developments will focus on advanced device design and interdisciplinary integration.
• The field holds significant promise for advancements in biotechnology and diagnostics.