Issue 5, 2023

Recent microfluidic advances in submicron to nanoparticle manipulation and separation

Abstract

Manipulation and separation of submicron and nanoparticles are indispensable in many chemical, biological, medical, and environmental applications. Conventional technologies such as ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size exclusion chromatography, precipitation and immunoaffinity capture are limited by high cost, low resolution, low purity or the risk of damage to biological particles. Microfluidics can accurately control fluid flow in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometres. Rapid microfluidics advancement has enabled precise sorting and isolating of nanoparticles with better resolution and efficiency than conventional technologies. This paper comprehensively studies the latest progress in microfluidic technology for submicron and nanoparticle manipulation. We first summarise the principles of the traditional techniques for manipulating nanoparticles. Following the classification of microfluidic techniques as active, passive, and hybrid approaches, we elaborate on the physics, device design, working mechanism and applications of each technique. We also compare the merits and demerits of different microfluidic techniques and benchmark them with conventional technologies. Concurrently, we summarise seven standard post-separation detection techniques for nanoparticles. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives on microfluidic technology for nanoparticle manipulation and separation.

Graphical abstract: Recent microfluidic advances in submicron to nanoparticle manipulation and separation

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
27 Aug. 2022
Accepted
31 Okt. 2022
First published
01 Nov. 2022

Lab Chip, 2023,23, 982-1010

Recent microfluidic advances in submicron to nanoparticle manipulation and separation

S. Hettiarachchi, H. Cha, L. Ouyang, A. Mudugamuwa, H. An, G. Kijanka, N. Kashaninejad, N. Nguyen and J. Zhang, Lab Chip, 2023, 23, 982 DOI: 10.1039/D2LC00793B

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