Recent advances in microfluidics-based bioNMR analysis

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been used in a variety of fields due to its powerful analytical capability. To facilitate biochemical NMR (bioNMR) analysis for samples with a limited mass, a number of integrated systems have been developed by coupling microfluidics and NMR. However, there are few review papers that summarize the recent advances in the development of microfluidics-based NMR (mu NMR) systems. Herein, we review the advancements in mu NMR systems built on high-field commercial instruments and low-field compact platforms. Specifically, mu NMR platforms with three types of typical microcoils settled in the high-field NMR instruments will be discussed, followed by summarizing compact NMR systems and their applications in biomedical point-of-care testing. Finally, a conclusion and future prospects in the field of mu NMR were given.

Automated summary

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely used for its powerful analytical capability. Microfluidics-based NMR (mu NMR) systems have been developed for biochemical NMR (bioNMR) analysis of limited mass samples. This review summarizes the recent advances in mu NMR systems built on high-field commercial instruments and low-field compact platforms. Different types of microcoils in high-field NMR instruments and compact NMR systems for biomedical point-of-care testing are discussed, followed by a conclusion and future prospects in the field of mu NMR.