Revisiting Pulmonary Diseases using Microfluidic Technology

Abstract

Pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and tuberculosis are among the leading causes of death globally, accounting for nearly 4 million of all deaths worldwide every year. Prevention, management and treatment of these deadly diseases require early detection of pathogens and accurate study of pathophysiology of the respiratory system. In recent years, microfluidic technology has emerged as a powerful tool for recapitulation of the physiological and pathological scenarios of the lung for enhancing the current understanding of pulmonary disorders. This review paper outlines the advantages of microfluidic devices in providing improved insights into the mechanism of the pulmonary diseases, identification of their novel biomarkers and the development of new and advanced therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, several microfluidic lung models are discussed along with progresses made from the aboriginal to till date.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Liquid Biomarkers in Airway Diseases: Toward Point-of-Care Applications

“…To address the limitations of current methods, novel microfluidic detection devices are being actively explored to develop POC testing capable of delivering accurate, rapid, inexpensive diagnoses ( 138 – 142 ). Microfluidic devices include microfabricated fluid channels capable of efficiently manipulating small amounts of fluids for biochemical reactions ( 143 ).…”