Recent advancements in microfluidics that integrate electrical sensors for whole blood analysis
Journal
Analytical Methods
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
26
Pages
3318-3332
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
Whole blood analysis reveals crucial information about various physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis, infection, and immune status, among others. Despite this rich information, the complex composition of whole blood usually required multiple sample preparation steps to purify targeted analytes. Traditionally, whole blood preparation processes, including centrifugation, lysis, dilution, or staining, are usually manually operated by well-trained technicians using bench-top instruments. This preparation can require a large blood volume and cannot be directly integrated with detection systems. Recently, various studies have integrated microfluidics with electrical sensors for whole blood analysis, with a focus on cell-based analysis, such as cell type, number, morphology, phenotype, and secreted molecules. These miniaturized systems require less sample and shorter reaction times. Besides, the sample processing and analysis can be fully integrated and automated with minimal operations. We believe these systems can transfer the current whole blood analysis from hospitals or laboratories into clinics or home settings to enable real-time and continuous health condition monitoring in point-of-care settings. ? 2020 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Condition monitoring; Continuous time systems; Diseases; Home health care; Microfluidics; Real time systems; Cancer metastasis; Complex compositions; Electrical sensors; Integrated microfluidics; Miniaturized systems; Pathological conditions; Preparation process; Secreted molecules; Blood; blood examination; centrifugation; microfluidics; point of care system; specimen handling; Centrifugation; Hematologic Tests; Microfluidics; Point-of-Care Systems; Specimen Handling
Type
review