Title:Customizable Microfluidic Devices: Progress, Constraints, and Future
Advances
Volume: 21
Issue: 10
Author(s): Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Mohammad A. Obeid, Vijay Mishra, Mohamed El-Tanani and Murtaza M. Tambuwala*
Affiliation:
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, England, UK
Keywords:
Microfluidics, reusability, rapid detection, organs-on-a-chip, SHM, polyethylene glycol, microchannels.
Abstract: The field of microfluidics encompasses the study of fluid behavior within micro-channels
and the development of miniature systems featuring internal compartments or passageways tailored
for fluid control and manipulation. Microfluidic devices capitalize on the unique chemical and physical
properties exhibited by fluids at the microscopic scale. In contrast to their larger counterparts,
microfluidic systems offer a multitude of advantages. Their implementation facilitates the investigation
and utilization of reduced sample, solvent, and reagent volumes, thus yielding decreased operational
expenses. Owing to their compact dimensions, these devices allow for the concurrent execution
of multiple procedures, leading to expedited experimental timelines. Over the past two decades, microfluidics
has undergone remarkable advancements, evolving into a multifaceted discipline. Subfields
such as organ-on-a-chip and paper-based microfluidics have matured into distinct fields of
study. Nonetheless, while scientific progress within the microfluidics realm has been notable, its
translation into autonomous end-user applications remains a frontier to be fully explored. This paper
sets forth the central objective of scrutinizing the present research paradigm, prevailing limitations,
and potential prospects of customizable microfluidic devices. Our inquiry revolves around the latest
strides achieved, prevailing constraints, and conceivable trajectories for adaptable microfluidic technologies.
We meticulously delineate existing iterations of microfluidic systems, elucidate their operational
principles, deliberate upon encountered limitations, and provide a visionary outlook toward the
future trajectory of microfluidic advancements. In summation, this work endeavors to shed light on
the current state of microfluidic systems, underscore their operative intricacies, address incumbent
challenges, and unveil promising pathways that chart the course toward the next frontier of microfluidic
innovation.
