Encoding microcarriers for biomedicine.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• High-throughput biological analysis is crucial for modern biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
• Flow encoding schemes using microcarriers offer a viable approach for multiplexed biological analyses.
• Diverse encoding characteristics enable microcarriers to employ distinct encoding mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and elaborate on the research progress of microcarrier encoding strategies.
• To categorize microcarrier encoding approaches into optical and non-optical methods.
• To summarize the biomedical applications and future prospects of microcarrier encoding.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of microcarrier encoding strategies based on encoding elements (optical vs. non-optical).
• Elaboration on the research progress within each encoding strategy.
• Review of existing literature on microcarrier encoding techniques.

Main Results:

• Microcarrier encoding strategies are divided into optical and non-optical approaches.
• Decoding microcarriers and quantifying signal intensity allows for various applications.
• Successful implementation in biosensor analysis, drug screening, cell culture, and bionic organ chip development.

Conclusions:

• Microcarrier encoding is a powerful tool for multiplexed biological analysis.
• The technology holds significant promise for advancing biomedical research and diagnostics.
• Future prospects include further refinement of encoding techniques and expanded applications in personalized medicine.