Themed collection Lab on a Chip Recent Review Articles
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Droplet-based single cell RNAseq tools: a practical guide
A step-by-step guide for droplet-based single cell RNAseq experiments, practical considerations and technical notes.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 1706-1727
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC01239C
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Maximizing the impact of microphysiological systems with in vitro–in vivo translation
The full impact of MPS technologies will be realized only when robust approaches for in vitro–in vivo (MPS-to-human) translation are developed and utilized.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1831-1837
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00039E
Microfluidic engineering of exosomes: editing cellular messages for precision therapeutics
This review examines scientific advancements of microfluidic technology for engineering exosomes and assesses future applications and perspectives in developing precision therapeutics, which can serve the community by identifying potential new research areas or technologies that are urgently needed in precision therapeutics.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1690-1703
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00246K
Organ-on-a-chip devices advance to market
We reviewed the foundational technologies underlying the commercialization efforts of the current prominent organ-on-a-chip start-ups.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2395-2420
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01554A
Nip the bubble in the bud: a guide to avoid gas nucleation in microfluidics
A guide on the underlying physics, prevention and removal strategies of undesirable bubbles in microfluidics.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 2296-2314
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9LC00211A
Microfluidic radiobioassays: a radiometric detection tool for understanding cellular physiology and pharmacokinetics
A historical and comprehensive review of microfluidic radiobioassays from their onset, including basics, techniques, applications, and prospects.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 2315-2339
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9LC00159J
Extracellular vesicles as cancer liquid biopsies: from discovery, validation, to clinical application
Substantial research has been devoted to elucidate the roles that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play in the regulation of both normal and pathological processes, and multiple studies have demonstrated their potential as a source of cancer biomarkers.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 1114-1140
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC01123K
Cancer diagnosis: from tumor to liquid biopsy and beyond
Research on circulating biomarkers have enabled the development of new diagnostic tools that complement conventional biopsies through less invasive sampling of the tumor cells, also known as liquid biopsy.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 11-34
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00684A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Droplet microfluidics for the construction of compartmentalised model membranes
This tutorial review explores the use of droplet microfluidics to generate compartmentalised model membrane constructs that have potential applications as microreactors, as artificial cells in synthetic biology, as simplified cell models and as drug delivery vehicles.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 2488-2509
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00028J
Use of porous membranes in tissue barrier and co-culture models
A tutorial review of different porous membranes utilized in tissue barrier and co-culture models with a focus on experimental design and control.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1671-1689
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01248A
Fluorescent analysis of bioactive molecules in single cells based on microfluidic chips
Fluorescence labelling, sensing and detection device for multiple single-cell components analysis on microfluidic chip.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1151-1173
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01333G
Machine learning to detect signatures of disease in liquid biopsies – a user's guide
New technologies that measure sparse molecular biomarkers from easily accessible bodily fluids (e.g. blood, urine, and saliva) are revolutionizing disease diagnostics and precision medicine.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 395-405
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00955K
Cell migration in microengineered tumor environments
Recent advances in microengineered cell migration platforms are discussed critically with focus on how cell migration is influenced by engineered tumor microenvironments, the medical relevance being to understand how tumor microenvironments may promote or suppress the progression of cancer.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 4171-4185
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00555E
Nanofluidic crystals: nanofluidics in a close-packed nanoparticle array
Nanofluidic crystals bridge nanofluidic concepts with real-world applications in various fields.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3006-3025
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00588A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Integration and application of optical chemical sensors in microbioreactors
This tutorial review explains the integration of optical chemical sensor formats for the purpose of monitoring oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, glucose and temperature in microbioreactors.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2693-2712
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00538E
Paper microfluidics for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) of infectious diseases
On-field infectious disease diagnostics can be performed with paper microfluidics through sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2347-2371
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00013H
Microfluidic-assisted fabrication of carriers for controlled drug delivery
We reviewed different fluidic principles to produce drug delivery systems, especially the factors affecting drug release.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1856-1883
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00242D
Chemical communication and dynamics of droplet emulsions in networks of Belousov–Zhabotinsky micro-oscillators produced by microfluidics
This tutorial provides an introduction to the Belousov–Zhabotinsky oscillatory reaction and reviews the role of microfluidics in engineering compartmentalized and dynamical BZ systems.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1179-1189
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01583B
Liquid metal enabled microfluidics
This review discusses the opportunities provided by gallium liquid metal alloys for making various microfluidic components.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 974-993
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00046D
Optical DNA mapping in nanofluidic devices: principles and applications
This review describes the principles of optical DNA mapping in nanofluidic channels and highlights recent examples of exciting novel applications.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 579-590
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01439A
Microfluidic epigenomic mapping technologies for precision medicine
A review of microfluidic technologies for epigenetic and epigenomic analyses.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 2630-2650
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9LC00407F
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Sensitivity enhancement in lateral flow assays: a systems perspective
This critical review organizes and evaluates state-of-the-art approaches to LFA sensitivity enhancement from a system-level perspective.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 2486-2499
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9LC00104B
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Rotating magnetic particles for lab-on-chip applications – a comprehensive review
Magnetic particles are widely used in lab-on-chip and biosensing applications, because they have a high surface-to-volume ratio, they can be actuated with magnetic fields and many biofunctionalization options are available. This review focuses on the use of rotating magnetic particles for lab-on-chip applications.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 919-933
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC01323C
Point of care technologies for sepsis diagnosis and treatment
Development of new point of care tools for sepsis has the potential to improve diagnostic speed and accuracy, leading to prompt administration of appropriate therapeutics, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 728-737
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC01102H
Microfluidic modelling of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer drug development
Microfluidic tumor model has the unique advantage of recapitulating tumor microenvironment in a comparatively easier and representative fashion. In this review, we aim to focus more on the possibility of generating clinically actionable information from these microfluidic systems, not just scientific insight.
Lab Chip, 2019,19, 369-386
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00970H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Caring for cells in microsystems: principles and practices of cell-safe device design and operation
This review is geared towards device engineers, designers, and users who wish to establish “cell-friendly” technologies with utility to a broader scientific community.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 3333-3352
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00746B
Development and application of human skeletal muscle microphysiological systems
Human microphysiological systems were developed to model skeletal muscle and nerve-skeletal muscle interactions. These systems can be applied to a number of major disease states involve skeletal muscle, including type 2 diabetes, muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia and cachexia arising from cancer or heart disease.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 3061-3073
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00553B
Applications of tumor chip technology
By surpassing the predictive accuracy of conventional 2D cell culture models, tumor chips can reduce reliance on animal models in line with the 3Rs initiative and eliminate false positive selection of ineffective or toxic drugs earlier in the drug development pipeline, saving time and resources. Most importantly, better predictability of human drug response will reduce human risk and improve patient outcomes.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 2893-2912
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00330K
Microfluidic-based vascularized microphysiological systems
Microphysiological systems have emerged in the last decade to provide an alternative to in vivo models in basic science and pharmaceutical research.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 2686-2709
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00285A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Capillary microfluidics in microchannels: from microfluidic networks to capillaric circuits
This review critically analyzes the history, fundamental operating principles, limitations, applications, and emerging ideas related to microchannel-based capillary microfluidics.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 2323-2347
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00458G
Microfabricated devices for oral drug delivery
Oral administration of drugs is most convenient for patients and therefore the ultimate goal when developing new medication.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 2348-2358
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00408K
Micro/nano acoustofluidics: materials, phenomena, design, devices, and applications
Acoustic actuation of fluids at small scales may finally enable a comprehensive lab-on-a-chip revolution in microfluidics, overcoming long-standing difficulties in fluid and particle manipulation on-chip.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1952-1996
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00112J
Flexible plastic, paper and textile lab-on-a chip platforms for electrochemical biosensing
Flexible biosensors represent an increasingly important and rapidly developing field of research.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1812-1830
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00025E
Powering ex vivo tissue models in microfluidic systems
This Frontiers review analyzes the rapidly growing microfluidic strategies that have been employed in attempts to create physiologically relevant ‘organ-on-chip’ models using primary tissue removed from a body (human or animal).
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1399-1410
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00241J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Microsensor systems for cell metabolism – from 2D culture to organ-on-chip
We discuss microsensors for cell culture monitoring from 2D culture to organ-on-chip systems, including sensor principles, fabrication and culture formats.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1274-1291
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00942A
Circulating tumor DNA and liquid biopsy: opportunities, challenges, and recent advances in detection technologies
Opportunities and challenges in translational application of ctDNA along with recent developments in chip-based ctDNA detection technologies have been reviewed.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 1174-1196
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC00100F
Microfluidic approaches for probing amyloid assembly and behaviour
Microfluidic approaches can be used to study aspects of amyloid structures assembly and behaviour that are challenging to probe under bulk solution conditions. Developments in chip-based technology now allow researchers to explore the physicochemical parameters at the heart of the amyloid phenomenon.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 999-1016
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01241A
Light-responsive polymers for microfluidic applications
Light responsive polymers will drive revolutionary changes in microfluidics by reducing costs, platform dimensions and complexity.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 699-709
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01297G
Recent progress of particle migration in viscoelastic fluids
In this review, we discuss the up-to-date progress of particle migration in viscoelastic fluids mainly from the aspect of applications, laying out a comprehensive perspective on their potential in future lab-on-a-chip platforms.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 551-567
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01076A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Wearable sensors: modalities, challenges, and prospects
Non-invasive wearable sensing technology extracts mechanical, electrical, optical, and chemical information from the human body.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 217-248
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00914C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recent advances in microfluidic technologies for cell-to-cell interaction studies
Microfluidic cell cultures are ideally positioned to become the next generation of in vitro diagnostic tools for biomedical research, where key biological processes such as cell signalling and dynamic cell-to-cell interactions can be reliably analysed under reproducible physiological cell culture conditions.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 249-270
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00815E
Towards lab-on-a-chip diagnostics for malaria elimination
Lab on a chip technologies have the potential to improve diagnosis for malaria elimination programs.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 75-94
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00758B
Controllable synthesis of nanocrystals in droplet reactors
Different synthetic strategies derived from droplet reactors with integrated functional regions for NC synthesis.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 41-56
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00800G
Applications and developments of on-chip biochemical sensors based on optofluidic photonic crystal cavities
Photonic crystal (PC) cavities, which possess the advantages of compactness, flexible design, and suitability for integration in a lab-on-a-chip system, are able to distinguish slight variations in refractive index with only a small amount of analyte.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 57-74
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00641A
Micro free flow electrophoresis
This review focuses on the fabrication methods, theory, and applications of micro free flow electrophoresis (μFFE), a continuous separation technique particularly well suited for microscale purifications and online monitoring applications.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 27-40
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC01105A
Isotachophoresis applied to biomolecular reactions
This review discusses research developments and applications of isotachophoresis (ITP) to the initiation, control, and acceleration of chemical reactions, emphasizing reactions involving biomolecular reactants such as nucleic acids, proteins, and live cells.
Lab Chip, 2018,18, 11-26
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00852J
Modeling angiogenesis with micro- and nanotechnology
Application of micro- and nano-technology in pathological angiogenesis and revascularization strategies towards better clinical outcomes.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 4186-4219
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00774D
Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis
Microfluidic platforms provide endless possibilities for synthetic chemistry.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3960-3978
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00627F
The power of solid supports in multiphase and droplet-based microfluidics: towards clinical applications
This review focuses on devices developed for the manipulation of functionalized particles as solid-support in multiphase and droplet microfluidic systems, and on their clinical applications.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3979-3999
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00582B
Non-planar PDMS microfluidic channels and actuators: a review
Review of recent advances in fabrication of geometrically complex channels and actuators in PDMS, with a focus on 3D printing.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3948-3959
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00523G
Tumour-vessel-on-a-chip models for drug delivery
In this review, we present the use of tumour-vessels-on-a-chip to investigate and screen nanoparticles for cancer targeted drug delivery.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3760-3771
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00574A
Microfluidic systems for high-throughput and high-content screening using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
A review of the latest research on microfluidic devices for C. elegans analysis reveals a clear potential for their fruitful application in high-throughput and high-content screening contexts.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3736-3759
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00509A
Toward breath analysis on a chip for disease diagnosis using semiconductor-based chemiresistors: recent progress and future perspectives
Semiconductor gas sensors using metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, and metal chalcogenides have been reviewed from the viewpoint of the sensitive, selective, and reliable detection of exhaled biomarker gases, and perspectives/strategies to realize breath analysis on a chip for disease diagnosis are discussed and suggested.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3537-3557
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00810D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Microfluidics for exosome isolation and analysis: enabling liquid biopsy for personalized medicine
Breakthroughs in adapting microfluidic systems for exosome isolation, detection, and analysis are providing new tools to revolutionize personalized medicine.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3558-3577
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00592J
Point-of-care diagnostics to improve maternal and neonatal health in low-resource settings
We present diagnostic technologies available to detect the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality, highlighting key gaps in development.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3351-3387
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00374A
Droplet microfluidics for synthetic biology
Review of current droplet microfluidics systems as they apply to the field of synthetic biology and genetic engineering.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3388-3400
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00576H
Tissue chips – innovative tools for drug development and disease modeling
The high rate of failure during drug development is well-known, however recent advances in tissue engineering and microfabrication have contributed to the development of microphysiological systems (MPS), or ‘organs-on-chips’ that recapitulate the function of human organs.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3026-3036
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00462A
Novel nanosensing technologies for exosome detection and profiling
This article reviews recent advances of new assay platforms that are developed to facilitate molecular analyses of exosomes.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2892-2898
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00247E
Microfluidic and nanofluidic phase behaviour characterization for industrial CO2, oil and gas
We critically review both microfluidic and emerging nanofluidic phase behaviour characterization methods for industrial CO2, oil and gas applications.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2740-2759
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00301C
Point-of-care testing: applications of 3D printing
We review recent advancements adopting 3D printing in the POCT device development pipeline, highlighting its utility in all analytical stages.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2713-2739
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00397H
Droplet control technologies for microfluidic high throughput screening (μHTS)
This review analyses state-of-the-art droplet control technologies that exhibit potential to be used in the new generation of screening devices.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2372-2394
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00005G
Progress of crystallization in microfluidic devices
An overview of the materials and structures, applications and modern analytical technology for microfluidic crystallization is presented.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2167-2185
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01225F
Sessile droplets for chemical and biological assays
We review the advantages of sessile-droplet-based assay platforms and highlight their applications in analyte enrichment, cell/particle separation, and DNA analysis.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2150-2166
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00366H
Finding a helix in a haystack: nucleic acid cytometry with droplet microfluidics
Nucleic acid cytometry using droplet microfluidics identifies and sorts single cells, virus, or free molecules based on specific “keyword” sequences.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2032-2045
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00241F
Magnetic sensing platform technologies for biomedical applications
A review highlighting the historical basis, routes and roadmap of the development of magnetic biosensing platform technologies.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1884-1912
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00026J
Generation and manipulation of hydrogel microcapsules by droplet-based microfluidics for mammalian cell culture
This critical review discusses microfluidic generation and manipulation of cell-laden hydrogel microcapsules, and their applications for in vitro cell culture.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1913-1932
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00262A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Mobile microrobots for bioengineering applications
Untethered micron-scale mobile robots can navigate and non-invasively perform specific tasks inside unprecedented and hard-to-reach inner human body sites and inside enclosed organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices with live cells.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1705-1724
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00064B
Design and application of ‘J-shaped’ stress–strain behavior in stretchable electronics: a review
This review highlights five representative material/structure strategies to achieve ‘J-shaped’ stress–strain responses and introduces their applications in stretchable electronics.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1689-1704
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00289K
Microengineered biomimetic ocular models for ophthalmological drug development
Recent developments in the eye-on-a-chip platforms for ocular drug testing and possible prospective directions highlight the potential integrations.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1539-1551
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00112F
Recent advances in the design of polymeric microneedles for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing
Polymeric microneedles have attracted extensive attentions due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and nontoxicity compared to solid microneedles made of silicon, metals and ceramics.
Lab Chip, 2017,17, 1373-1387
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00016B
About this collection
In addition to high quality research papers, Lab on a Chip features topical review articles. This web collection brings together recent reviews. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.