Themed collection Lab on a Chip Review Articles 2024
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Toward microfluidic continuous-flow and intelligent downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals
The concept of miniaturized biopharmaceutical downstream processing with AI-controlled continuous flow platforms is described to overcome limitations of conventional processes, potentially accelerating the development of novel biotherapeutics.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 2861-2882
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01097J
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Development of wafer-scale multifunctional nanophotonic neural probes for brain activity mapping
We explore the development of multifunctional nanophotonic neural probes, integrating microelectrodes, optical emitters, and microfluidic channels for multimodal brain mapping.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 2397-2417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00931A
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Next generation microfluidics: fulfilling the promise of lab-on-a-chip technologies
In this perspective article, we present the state of the microfluidic field regarding current limitations and propose future directions and new approaches for the field to advance lab-on-a-chip technologies closer to translation and clinical use.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1867-1874
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00796K
From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems
For MPS technology to be effective not only innovation but standardization will be vital. This will require the consensus of all interested parties including academics, developers, regulatory agencies, metrology institutions, and stakeholders.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1076-1087
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00994G
Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood–brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives
A great progress has been made in the development and use of lab-on-a-chip devices to model and study the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in the last decade.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1030-1063
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00996C
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Open microfluidics: droplet microarrays as next generation multiwell plates for high throughput screening
Droplet microarrays underpin novel experimentation across the biological and chemical sciences. This perspective explores operations and analysis with droplet microarrays, placing focus on a comparison to traditional multiwell plates.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1064-1075
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01024D
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Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 996-1029
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00860F
Microfluidic-assisted single-cell RNA sequencing facilitates the development of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
We explore how microfluidic-based high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing facilitates neutralizing monoclonal antibody development against SARS-CoV-2, and the potential improvement of therapeutic antibody discovery strategies.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 642-657
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00749A
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Direct laser writing-enabled 3D printing strategies for microfluidic applications
This Tutorial Review highlights strategies for leveraging the micron-to-submicron-scale additive manufacturing technique, “direct laser writing”, to enable 3D microfluidic technologies.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 2371-2396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00743J
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Microfluidic systems for infectious disease diagnostics
This review explores emerging microfluidic-based technologies incorporating innovative assay strategies for infectious disease diagnostics. Our classification scheme is based on the human body systems or pathogen transmission modes.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1441-1493
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00117F
Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications
Heart-on-chip systems are one of the tools at the forefront in the race to develop alternative in vitro preclinical testing for disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment. Further innovation and standardization will accelerate their use.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1494-1528
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00829K
AI-enhanced biomedical micro/nanorobots in microfluidics
Although developed independently at the beginning, AI, micro/nanorobots and microfluidics have become more intertwined in the past few years which has greatly propelled the cutting-edge development in fields of biomedical sciences.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1419-1440
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00909B
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Modelling the innate immune system in microphysiological systems
Integration of an immune component moves the field closer to a physiologically relevant human-on-a-chip.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 3604-3625
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00812F
Sample preparation and detection methods in point-of-care devices towards future at-home testing
This review covers recent advances in sample preparation and detection methods for point-of-care testing, aiming to accelerate progress towards at-home health monitoring for personalized healthcare in the future.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 3626-3650
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00943B
Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems
Biological barriers play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology and drug delivery, highlighting a need for representative in vitro tools. We discuss advances and challenges in modeling and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 3199-3225
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01027A
Critical review of single-cell mechanotyping approaches for biomedical applications
Current approaches for mechanical measurements of single cells compromise between fidelity and throughput. Development of non-contact technologies and optimized theoretical modelling will advance mechanical characterisation of large cell populations.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 3036-3063
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00978E
Integrating microfluidics and synthetic biology: advancements and diverse applications across organisms
Synthetic biology and microfluidics merge to propel the design of various biological systems like bacteria, yeast, fungi, mammalian cells, or cell-free systems for targeted functions. This synergy accelerates synthetic biology applications across these diverse hosts, showcased in this review.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 2834-2860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01090B
Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices
This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 2146-2175
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01086D
Recent developments and future perspectives of microfluidics and smart technologies in wearable devices
Wearable devices are increasingly popular in health monitoring, diagnosis, and drug delivery. Advances allow real-time analysis of biofluids like sweat, tears, saliva, wound fluid, and urine.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1833-1866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00089G
Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems
Organotropism is an important concept to explain the process of cancer metastasis. In this paper, we introduce microphysiological systems with simultaneous physiological relevance and high throughput to recapitulate the series of cancer progression.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1542-1556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00889D
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Microfluidic approaches in microbial ecology
Here we explore the use of microfluidic systems in microbial ecology, describing applications ranging from the investigation of single-cell behaviors to the imaging of complex three-dimensional biofilms.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1394-1418
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00784G
Twenty years of islet-on-a-chip: microfluidic tools for dissecting islet metabolism and function
Islet-on-a-chip devices have the power to measure pancreatic islet metabolism from donor and engineered islets. These measurements could be used to determine healthy islets for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1327-1350
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00696D
Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism
MPS technology holds great potential for studying complex metastasis organotropism. It effectively simulates the dynamic interactions between distinct organ environments and the tumor cells, capturing both their inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1351-1366
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01033C
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Progress in developing microphysiological systems for biological product assessment
This review delves into microphysiological systems, miniature physiological environments used to evaluate biological products, reducing the need for animal experimentation. We consider their benefits as well as persistent challenges in material selection/fabrication and reproducibility.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1293-1306
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00876B
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Lab-on-chip technologies for exploring the gut–immune axis in metabolic disease
Further development of lab-on-chip platforms is required to create an environment capable of hosting more complex microbiota and immune cells.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1266-1292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00877K
Revolutionizing targeting precision: microfluidics-enabled smart microcapsules for tailored delivery and controlled release
Microfluidic-enabled smart microcapsules as delivery systems from droplet fabrication to tailored delivery and controlled release.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1367-1393
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00835E
High-throughput microfluidic systems accelerated by artificial intelligence for biomedical applications
This review outlines the current advances of high-throughput microfluidic systems accelerated by AI. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities in this field are critically discussed as well.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1307-1326
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC01012K
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Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices
This review focuses on microfluidic techniques for sampling, sensing, and managing of sweat and interstitial fluid (ISF).
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1244-1265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00874F
Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics
This review outlines Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell manufacturing, highlights challenges, and explores successful microfluidic approaches and related technologies to address them.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1088-1120
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00622K
Development and future of droplet microfluidics
This review introduces the development of droplet microfluidics by explaining the physical mechanisms of droplet generation, discussing various approaches in manipulating droplets, and summarizing key applications in material science and biological analyses.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1135-1153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00729D
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Microfluidic synthesis of radiotracers: recent developments and commercialization prospects
Current radiotracer production approaches restrict clinicians' access to a wide range of targeted probes. In this review, we assess the current state of microfluidic synthesis platforms with a view towards future dose-on-demand production.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1226-1243
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00779K
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Innovative electrode and chip designs for transendothelial electrical resistance measurements in organs-on-chips
This review summarizes innovative chip and electrode designs that use transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements to assess biological barrier properties (figure created with Adobe Firefly).
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1121-1134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00901G
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Antibodies, repertoires and microdevices in antibody discovery and characterization
Essential in treating numerous diseases, novel therapeutic antibody candidates are needed. This critical review examines recent advances in microdevices and the challenges associated with candidate discovery and characterization.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1207-1225
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00887H
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Microfluidics in environmental analysis: advancements, challenges, and future prospects for rapid and efficient monitoring
This review highlights the latest advancements in microfluidic devices in environmental monitoring during the last 5 years. We also emphasize the current limitations in the devices and propose effective strategies to improve environmental monitoring.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1175-1206
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00871A
Microfluidic synthesis of lipid-based nanoparticles for drug delivery: recent advances and opportunities
The current landscape of microfluidic technologies for lipid nanoparticle production, size control, scaling, and nanomedicine post-processing is described in a review of this evolving field.
Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1154-1174
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00821E
About this collection
This themed collection features recent review articles published in Lab on a Chip.