Microfluidics-Based Nanobiosensors for Healthcare Monitoring

Abstract

Efficient healthcare management demands prompt decision-making based on fast diagnostics tools, astute data analysis, and informatics analysis. The rapid detection of analytes at the point of care is ensured using microfluidics in synergy with nanotechnology and biotechnology. The nanobiosensors use nanotechnology for testing, rapid disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management. In essence, nanobiosensors detect biomolecules through bioreceptors by modulating the physicochemical signals generating an optical and electrical signal as an outcome of the binding of a biomolecule with the help of a transducer. The nanobiosensors are sensitive and selective and play a significant role in the early identification of diseases. This article reviews the detection method used with the microfluidics platform for nanobiosensors and illustrates the benefits of combining microfluidics and nanobiosensing techniques by various examples. The fundamental aspects, and their application are discussed to illustrate the advancement in the development of microfluidics-based nanobiosensors and the current trends of these nano-sized sensors for point-of-care diagnosis of various diseases and their function in healthcare monitoring.

Integrated microfluidic devices for point-of-care detection of bio-analytes and disease

“…Nanofluidics deals with nanometric scale fluid flow behavior where one characteristic length is at least 1-800 nm. 15 This is the most miniature possible length scale in which fluid flow can be manipulated and visualized owing to the state-of-theart technologies. 45 New and unusual physical phenomena and mechanisms are observed at the nanoscale which is different from micro-and macroscale physics.…”

“…Most POC devices have the potential to meet the clinical requirements at the global level, but the challenge of standardization remains a problem. [13][14][15] Analytes like proteins, DNA/RNA, antibodies, antigens, or other metabolic compounds in the body could be examined as biomarkers to provide information about diseases or the physiological status of the patient. Monitoring, diagnosis, and risk assessments of diseases are made possible by recognizing and measuring these biomarkers.…”

“…Monitoring, diagnosis, and risk assessments of diseases are made possible by recognizing and measuring these biomarkers. 4,15 In research, detecting biomarkers is the gold standard for identifying various diseases, from acute nutritional deficiencies to pathogenic infections, including cancer. Commonly used methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).…”

“…17,20,21 This multidisciplinary microfluidics approach has resulted in groundbreaking findings with the potential to transform conventional diagnostic techniques and enhance patient care on a worldwide scale. 15,22 This advancement has opened the way for the design and manufacture of highly efficient miniaturized systems capable of carrying out complex analytical tasks with small sample quantities, including pretreatment, dilution, mixing, chemical reactions, separation, detection, and product extraction of samples, while also significantly cutting down on the time required compared to traditional laboratory techniques. [23][24][25] These capabilities are promising for point-of-care applications and lab-on-a-chip technologies, especially in the quick and sensitive identification of disease-specific biomarkers.…”

“…Liquid biopsies, which utilize physiological fluids like blood, saliva, and urine and are less invasive than solid tissue samples, are currently used in clinical procedures for early disease identification. 15 However, the complex composition and limited presence of these biomarkers in samples can lead to analysis errors, requiring enrichment protocols to improve the sensing capabilities of analytical techniques. 28,29 Microfluidic devices enable on-chip point-of-care diagnosis and real-time monitoring, detecting biomarkers for conditions like autoimmune disorders and acute nutrient deficiencies.…”