Microfluidic point-of-care testing for antimicrobial resistance: advances, strategies, and One Health perspectives

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stands as a pressing global public health concern, particularly under One Health concept, requiring innovative approaches for effective treatment and control. In this context, point-of-care testing (POCT) emerges as a critical strategy to combat this challenge. Microfluidic systems have the potential to improve AMR management by enabling rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic strategies toward POCT for early detection and treatment guidance. This review first summarizes the current status of sample processing, manufacturing techniques, design and detection strategies in microfluidic systems. It then highlights the recent advances in microfluidic diagnostics for AMR, including microfluidic platforms for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) detection, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the further development of microfluidic technology in POCT for AMR are discussed under the One Health concept.