Microfluidic methods to advance mechanistic understanding and translational research in sickle cell disease

Next generation microfluidics: fulfilling the promise of lab-on-a-chip technologies

“…To increase adoption, the field should improve MF devices technologically and should focus on three key areas (Fig. 1): (1) improved recapitulation of in vivo conditions; [13][14][15][16] (2) standardization of design and fabrication processes; 9,[17][18][19][20][21] and (3) improving usability and reducing the dependence on technical expertise, peripheral equipment and laboratory infrastructure. 18,19 MF systems can be designed to better recapitulate in vivo conditions by using physiologically relevant materials, such as biomolecules, extracellular matrix proteins, or hydrogels.…”

“…To increase adoption, the field should improve MF devices technologically and should focus on three key areas (Fig. 1): (1) improved recapitulation of in vivo conditions; 13–16 (2) standardization of design and fabrication processes; 9,17–21 and (3) improving usability and reducing the dependence on technical expertise, peripheral equipment and laboratory infrastructure. 18,19…”

“…MF and lab-on-a-chip technologies have made an especially noteworthy impact in hematology and vascular biology due to MF technologies' inherent ability to mimic physiologic flow conditions in blood vessels and capillaries. 20,[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] For example, MF technology allowed researchers to integrate sensors and measure the physical forces of blood and biochemical behaviors in hemostasis and platelet research. 39 However, MF technology has had a more modest impact in other fields, such as cancer.…”