Recent advances in microfluidic sample preparation and separation techniques for molecular biomarker analysis: A critical review

Abstract

Microfluidics is a vibrant and expanding field that has the potential for solving many analytical challenges. Microfluidics show promise to provide rapid, inexpensive, efficient, and portable diagnostic solutions that can be used in resource-limited settings. Researchers have recently reported various microfluidic platforms for biomarker analysis applications. Sample preparation processes like purification, preconcentration and labeling have been characterized on-chip. Additionally, improvements in microfluidic separation techniques have been reported for cellular and molecular biomarkers. This review critically evaluates microfluidic sample preparation platforms and separation methods for biomarker analysis reported in the last two years. Key advances in device operation and ability to process different sample matrices in a variety of device materials are highlighted. Finally, current needs and potential future directions for microfluidic device development to realize its full diagnostic potential are discussed.

Microchip electrophoresis separation of a panel of preterm birth biomarkers

“…Ideally, this platform would be inexpensive, easy to use, and robust while allowing low LODs even in a complex matrix [16]. Microfluidics are uniquely situated to fill the needs posed for PTB biomarker analysis; indeed, integrated microfluidics allow many laboratory-based techniques and processes to be miniaturized onto a single platform [16][17][18][19][20][21]. Additionally, integrated microfluidics require less sample and reagent volumes than most benchtop methods, limit sample loss, and allow for automation of complete analyses.…”

Progress in Microfluidics‐Based Exosome Separation and Detection Technologies for Diagnostic Applications

“…Because of the merits of microfluidics, for example, high‐throughput capacity and low‐time requirements, microfluidics‐based devices are able to handle and analyze more/multiple samples in less time than conventional methods . Currently, microfluidic chips are widely applied in the separation and detection of micro/nanoparticles, biomarkers, cells, and proteins . A study conducted by Lin et al utilized a flyover microfluidic chip to separate white blood cells (WBCs) from mouse peripheral blood through a two‐stage magnetic separation methods ( Figure A) .…”

“…[76,77] Currently, microfluidic chips are widely applied in the separation and detection of micro/nanoparticles, biomarkers, cells, and proteins. [78][79][80][81][82][83][84] A study conducted by Lin et al utilized a flyover microfluidic chip to separate white blood cells (WBCs) from mouse peripheral blood through a two-stage magnetic separation methods (Figure 1A). [85] A local magnetically enhanced nickel microarray in the first separation stage and vertical cell separation in the second stage ensure high-purity WBC separation.…”

Pulsatile Flow in Microfluidic Systems

“…Over this period, sophisticated microfluidic devices have emerged, demonstrating rapid cell sorting, ultrasensitive analyte detection, monodisperse microdroplet emulsification, precise micropumping, and biosample purification . These have utilized a variety of transport phenomena which can be broadly categorized as either capillary, pressure‐driven, centrifugal, electrokinetic, and acoustic transport .…”

“…Over this period, sophisticated microfluidic devices have emerged, demonstrating rapid cell sorting, [7] ultrasensitive analyte detection, [8,9] monodisperse microdroplet emulsification, [10] precise micropumping, [11][12][13] and biosample purification. [14,15] These have utilized a variety of transport phenomena which can be broadly categorized as either capillary, pressure-driven, centrifugal, electrokinetic, and acoustic transport. [1] Regardless above, it is possible to take advantage of the viscous nature of these low-Re flows, which require negligible energy to accelerate or decelerate.…”