Recent progress of microfluidic sample preparation techniques

Sample preparation turns out to be one of the important procedures in complex sample analysis by affecting the accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity of analytical results. However, the majority of the conventional sample preparation techniques still suffer from time-consuming and labor-intensive operations. These shortcomings can be addressed by reforming the sample preparation process in a microfluidic manner. Inheriting the advantages of rapid, high efficiency, low consumption, and easy integration, microfluidic sample preparation techniques receive increasing attention, including microfluidic phases separation, microfluidic field-assisted extraction, microfluidic membrane separation, and microfluidic chemical conversion. This review overviews the progress of microfluidic sample preparation techniques in the last 3 years based on more than 100 references, we highlight the implementation of typical sample preparation methods in the formats of microfluidics. Furthermore, the challenges and outlooks of the application of microfluidic sample preparation techniques are discussed.

Automated summary

Sample preparation is a crucial step in complex sample analysis, as it affects the accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity of analytical results. Conventional techniques often suffer from time-consuming and labor-intensive operations, which can be addressed by microfluidic sample preparation methods. This review provides an overview of the progress in microfluidic sample preparation techniques over the past 3 years, highlighting the implementation of typical methods in microfluidic formats. The challenges and future prospects of microfluidic sample preparation techniques are also discussed.