Issue 24, 2022

Inertial microfluidics: current status, challenges, and future opportunities

Abstract

Inertial microfluidics uses the hydrodynamic effects induced at finite Reynolds numbers to achieve passive manipulation of particles, cells, or fluids and offers the advantages of high-throughput processing, simple channel geometry, and label-free and external field-free operation. Since its proposal in 2007, inertial microfluidics has attracted increasing interest and is currently widely employed as an important sample preparation protocol for single-cell detection and analysis. Although great success has been achieved in the inertial microfluidics field, its performance and outcome can be further improved. From this perspective, herein, we reviewed the current status, challenges, and opportunities of inertial microfluidics concerning the underlying physical mechanisms, available simulation tools, channel innovation, multistage, multiplexing, or multifunction integration, rapid prototyping, and commercial instrument development. With an improved understanding of the physical mechanisms and the development of novel channels, integration strategies, and commercial instruments, improved inertial microfluidic platforms may represent a new foundation for advancing biomedical research and disease diagnosis.

Graphical abstract: Inertial microfluidics: current status, challenges, and future opportunities

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
02 Aug 2022
Accepted
30 Sep 2022
First published
30 Sep 2022

Lab Chip, 2022,22, 4792-4804

Inertial microfluidics: current status, challenges, and future opportunities

N. Xiang and Z. Ni, Lab Chip, 2022, 22, 4792 DOI: 10.1039/D2LC00722C

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