Title:Implantable Microfluidic Device: An Epoch of Technology
Volume: 28
Issue: 9
Author(s): Abey Joseph, Arivazhagan Rajendran , Akash Karthikeyan and Baiju G. Nair*
Affiliation:
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala, India
- RIKEN, Nanomedical Engineering Laboratory, Japan
Keywords:
Implantable microfluidic devices, microfluidic platform, reservoir, actuators, sensors, imaging, cell differentiation, drug delivery.
Abstract: Implantable microfluidic devices are milestones in developing devices that can measure parameters
like ocular pressure and blood glucose level or deliver various components for therapeutic needs or behavioral
modification. Researchers are currently focusing on the miniaturization of almost all its tools for a better healthcare
platform. Implantable microfluidic devices are a combination of various systems including, but not limited
to, microfluidic platforms, reservoirs, sensors, and actuators, implanted inside the body of a living entity (in
vivo) with the purpose of directly or indirectly helping the entity. It is a multidisciplinary approach with immense
potential in the area of the biomedical field. Significant resources are utilized for the research and development
of these devices for various applications. The induction of an implantable microfluidic device into an
animal would enable us to measure the responses without any repeated invasive procedures. Such data would
help in the development of a better drug delivery profile. Implantable microfluidic devices with reservoirs deliver
specific chemical or biological products to treat situations like cancers and diabetes. They can also deliver
fluorophores for specific imaging inside the body. Implantable microfluidic devices help provide a microenvironment
for various cell differentiation procedures. These devices know no boundaries, and this article reviews
these devices based on their design and applications.
