Recent advances in centrifugal microfluidics for point-of-care testing

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) holds significant importance in the field of infectious disease prevention and control, as well as personalized precision medicine. The emerging microfluidics, capable of minimal reagent consumption, integration, and a high degree of automation, play a pivotal role in POCT. Centrifugal microfluidics, also termed lab-on-a-disc (LOAD), is a significant subfield of microfluidics that integrates crucial analytical steps onto a single chip, thereby optimizing the process and enabling high-throughput, automated analysis. By utilizing rotational mechanics to precisely control fluid dynamics without external pressure sources, centrifugal microfluidics facilitates swift operations ideal for urgent medical and field settings. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in centrifugal microfluidics for POCT, covering both theoretical principles and practical applications. We begin by introducing the fundamental operational principles, fluidic control mechanisms, and signal output detection methods. Subsequently, we delve into the typical applications of centrifugal microfluidic platforms in immunoassays, nucleic acid testing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and other tests. We also discuss the strengths and potential limitations of centrifugal microfluidic platforms, underscoring their transformative impact on traditional conventional procedures and their significant role in diagnostic practices.