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Advanced microfluidic systems with temperature modulation for biological applications

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2025-05-01
JournalBiomicrofluidics
AuthorsJuhee Ko, Jungchul Lee
InstitutionsKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Citations2

Recent advances in microfluidic technology have shown the importance of precise temperature control in a wide range of biological applications. This perspective review presents a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms that utilize thermal modulation for various applications, such as rapid nucleic acid amplification, targeted hyperthermia for cancer therapy, and efficient cellular lysis. We detail various heating mechanisms—including nanoparticle-driven induction, photothermal conversion, and electrothermal approaches (both external and on-chip)—and discuss how they are integrated within lab-on-a-chip systems. In parallel, advanced multi-modal sensing methods within microfluidics, ranging from conventional integrated sensors to cutting-edge quantum-based techniques using nanodiamond nitrogen-vacancy centers and suspended microchannel resonators, are highlighted. By integrating advanced multi-modal sensing capabilities into these microfluidic platforms, a broader range of applications are enabled, including single-cell analysis, metabolic profiling, and scalable diagnostics. Looking ahead, overcoming challenges in system integration, scalability, and cost-effectiveness will be essential to harnessing their full potential. Future developments in this field are expected to drive the evolution of lab-on-a-chip technologies, ultimately enabling breakthroughs in precision medicine and high-throughput biomedical applications.

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