A review on microfluidics applications in biotechnology

Khalili, Mohadeseh; Shayganfar, Farzaneh; Kazemi, Asieh Sadat

doi:10.48311/biot.2025.103407.0

A review on microfluidics applications in biotechnology

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

Mohadeseh Khalili ¹

Farzaneh Shayganfar ¹

Asieh sadat Kazemi ²

¹ Department of Physics Amirkabir University

² Department of Physics Iran University of Science and Technology

https://doi.org/10.48311/biot.2025.103407.0

Abstract

Microfluidic technology, known as the study and manipulation of fluid flow in channels with micrometer-scale dimensions, is one of the most important achievements in recent decades in the field of miniaturization technologies. By integrating knowledge from engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology, this technology enables the precise control and analysis of very small volumes of liquids, where fluid behavior at this scale differs significantly from the macro scale. Key features of microfluidics include precise control of physical parameters, reduced consumption of samples and reagents, faster experimentation, and the ability to perform multiple processes simultaneously. These advantages have led to the development of devices known as “lab-on-a-chip,” which can carry out complex biological processes in small, portable formats. In recent years, this technology has gained a prominent position in various fields of biotechnology and medicine. Its notable applications include rapid disease diagnosis, genetic analysis, drug screening, targeted drug delivery, and modeling of human tissues and organs. Moreover, advances in polymeric chips and paper-based microfluidics have further expanded the potential applications of this technology. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of microfluidic technology applications in biotechnology and to examine the most significant advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in three areas: pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and bioengineering.

Keywords

Microfluidic technology

fluid manipulation

lab-on-a-chip

biotechnology

disease diagnosis

drug screening

Subjects