Advancing Point-of-Care Applications with Droplet Microfluidics: From Single-Cell to Multicellular Analysis

Annu Rev Biomed Eng. 2024 Feb 5. doi: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110222-102142. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Recent advances in single-cell and multicellular microfluidics technology have provided powerful tools for studying cancer biology and immunology. The ability to create controlled microenvironments, perform high-throughput screenings, and monitor cellular interactions at the single-cell level has significantly advanced our understanding of tumor biology and immune responses. We discuss cutting-edge multicellular and single-cell microfluidic technologies and methodologies utilized to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions and assess the effectiveness of immunotherapies. We explore the advantages and limitations in the wide range of 3D spheroid and single-cell microfluidic models recently developed, highlighting the various approaches in device generation and applications in immunotherapy screening for potential opportunities for point-of-care approaches. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 26 is May 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Publication types

  • Review