Biomedical devices and microfluidics: development of lab-on-a-chip systems, biosensors and diagnostic devices with applications in clinical and point-of-care settings

The convergence of biomedical devices and microfluidics is revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment in the healthcare sector, offering faster, more accurate, and more accessible solutions. Microfluidics, which manipulates fluids at nanometer and micrometer scales, leverages principles such as laminar flow and diffusion to enable the development of miniaturized systems. Labs-on-a-Chip (LOC) are the embodiment of this symbiosis. These devices integrate multiple laboratory functions into a single platform, utilizing manufacturing techniques such as photolithography and 3D printing. Their impact is palpable in the rapid detection of pathogens, the diagnosis of chronic diseases and cancer, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, facilitating point-of-care (POC) testing with minimal sample volumes and reduced costs. The integration of biosensors (optical, electrochemical, nucleic acid-based) into microfluidic platforms enhances biomarker detection with high sensitivity and specificity. This translates into earlier diagnoses and continuous monitoring. Although these advances promise to transform healthcare, significant challenges remain. Production scalability, cost reduction, regulatory harmonization, and the need for biocompatible materials are crucial hurdles. However, future trends are promising, including the incorporation of artificial intelligence for more efficient analysis, the development of wearable and implantable biosensors, and the expansion of organs-on-chip for biomedical research. Microfluidics and biomedical devices are shaping the future of more efficient and personalized medicine.