Vibration technology-based droplet microfluidic devices for biomedical applications

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics has emerged as a versatile and powerful strategy for precise fluid manipulation at the micro- and nano-scales, with widespread applications in biomedical detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Among active control techniques, vibration-based methods are distinguished by their high precision, exceptional biocompatibility, and non-contact nature, which collectively reduce the risk of cross-infection and sample contamination. This review provides a concise summary of the fundamental principles, technological advancements, and representative biomedical applications of vibration-induced droplet manipulation. This work highlights both acoustic methods and other mechanical vibration strategies, including their distinct working mechanisms and potential for integration with other active control methods to enhance flexibility. It explores the extensive range of vibration strategies' applications in biomedicine, including the use as drivers for diverse sample pretreatment processes (cell manipulation, sorting, cultivation, and activity research), biosensors for detecting and diagnosing various biological targets, and post-diagnostic drug treatment studies. Despite their promise, current challenges remain, including equipment complexity, scalability, and the need for robust integration with existing microfluidic systems. Lastly, this review outlines future directions for advancing vibration-based droplet microfluidics, which include the development of new materials, the integration of interdisciplinary technologies, and intelligent control. These initiatives will facilitate the development of integrated devices for rapid disease diagnostics and medical research applications.