Digital microfluidics for biological analysis and applications

Abstract

Digital microfluidic (DMF) bioassays with the benefits of automation, addressability, integration and dynamic configuration ability for nucleic acids, proteins, immunoreaction and cell analysis are presented in this review.

Recent Advances in Field‐Effect Transistor‐Based Biosensors for Label‐Free Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2

“…The platform achieves automated addressing of analytes by controlling the wettability of droplet‐like analytes, which completes analyte preprocessing, detection, and signal output. [ 237 ] Sun et al [ 238 ] established a platform in which DMF was combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)‐Cas12a‐based assay to detect SARS‐CoV‐2. Computer‐controlled movement of nucleic acids completes the processes of nucleic acid amplification and probe identification.…”

Droplet manipulation on an adjustable closed-open digital microfluidic system utilizing asymmetric EWOD

“…The closed structure enables droplet dispensing, transporting, splitting, and mixing manipulations, and provides reliable volume control. However, it needs to remove the top plate for offline processing, such as purification, 24 biological culture, 25 or mass spectrometry evaluation 26 in most EWOD biological experiments, which may lead to undesired volume changes or contamination. By integrating the advantages of both structures onto the same chip, droplets in microliters/ nanoliters can be dispensed and controlled independently in the closed region for sample pretreatment and then driven to the open region for sample post-processing and detection.…”

Enhancing safety in small confined spaces with thermally triggered fire-extinguishing microcapsules from microfluidics

“…Microfluidic technology serves as a versatile platform for the meticulous manipulation of small volume fluids, affording precise control over the generation of uniform emulsions, particles, and microcapsules. [26][27][28][29][30] Its applicability extends to a diverse array of encapsulation materials, effectively addressing challenges in microencapsulation. The utilization of microfluidic methods facilitates accurate fluid control, yielding benefits such as uniform droplet size and structured microdroplets.…”