Thermomicrofluidics for biosensing applications

The accurate detection of biological systems containing biomolecules and bioparticles is increasingly important in diverse research fields, particularly in analytical and biological chemistry. Implementing thermophoresis in microfluidic devices (thermomicrofluidics) enables the manipulation and measurement of biomolecules and bioparticles in a label-free and high-precision manner, providing a promising avenue for biosensing. This review presents fundamentals of thermophoresis and its coupling with other thermal-induced physical phenomena in the microfluidic setups. We overview the capabilities of thermomicrofluidics for diverse biosensing applications such as monitoring of biomolecular interactions, detection of nucleic acids, profiling of extracellular vesicles, and manipulation of cells. Biosensing by thermomicrofluidics provides insights into physiopathological processes and disease diagnostics. Current challenges and further directions of thermomicrofluidic detection are discussed.

Automated summary

Thermophoresis in microfluidic devices allows for precise manipulation and measurement of biomolecules and cells in a label-free manner, providing a promising avenue for biosensing. It can be used for various biosensing applications such as monitoring biomolecular interactions, detecting nucleic acids, and profiling extracellular vesicles, offering insights into disease diagnostics and physiopathological processes. Current challenges and future directions in thermomicrofluidic detection are also discussed.