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        <title>Frontiers in Lab on a Chip Technologies | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/lab-on-a-chip-technologies</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Lab on a Chip Technologies | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T14:03:55.551+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1738893</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1738893</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The environmental footprint of point-of-care diagnostics: quantitative review and a practical eco-design metric]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Grégoire Le Brun</author><author>Ramy Moumneh</author><author>Ignace Adant</author><author>Jean-Pierre Raskin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Single-use biosensors such as lateral flow assays (LFAs) have transformed point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics, yet their environmental footprint is rarely considered during design. As deployment scales globally, this oversight raises pressing sustainability concerns. Although early integration of eco-design principles could reduce environmental burdens, biosensor developers lack practical tools to operationalize sustainability during early-stage development. This practical review proposes a quantitative, multi-scale design methodology that bridges materials selection and system-level performance. We compile environmental indicators for materials commonly used in biosensors and conduct a PRISMA-based review of life-cycle assessments, revealing distinct orders of magnitude in carbon footprint across LFAs, instrumented devices, and PCR-based systems. Building on these findings, we introduce the Environmental Cost of Performance (ECoP), a simplified eco-design metric that links analytical sensitivity to environmental impact and reframes conventional performance-driven technology roadmaps into performance-impact trade-off approaches. This practical review is intended to serve as a quantitative toolbox, enabling scientists to integrate eco-design principles into their development practices and to arbitrate between design options using operational environmental metrics. In doing so, it represents a first step beyond generic sustainability claims, paving the way for broader impact assessments that integrate environmental, economic, and societal dimensions into PoC diagnostic innovation.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1761794</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1761794</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From lab to fab: overcoming the design–manufacture divide in microfluidic product development]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>DK Baxani</author><author>Stefan Koestler</author><author>Ronald Tingl</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Microfluidic technologies underpin many advances in diagnostics and life-science tools, yet only a minority of laboratory concepts survive the transition to manufacturable products. Drawing on development experience across multiple industry-facing projects within the Microfluidics Innovation Hub, we identify the recurring reasons for this gap: weak market definition, over-integrated device architectures, early design choices misaligned with scalable materials and processes, and manufacturing workflows that become unnecessarily complex. These issues are often amplified when teams approach product development with a laboratory mindset rather than a product mindset. This Perspective distils a practical framework—spanning user alignment, design discipline, manufacturability, and supply-chain strategy—to help researchers and founders anticipate translational pitfalls and develop microfluidic systems capable of succeeding beyond the lab. We argue that successful translation requires early convergence of market definition, constrained system design, and manufacturable architectures, supported by development strategies that treat manufacturing and regulatory realities as primary design inputs rather than downstream optimisation challenges.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1716776</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1716776</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Optimizing diagnostic procurement and waste management in low- and middle-income countries during emerging infectious disease threats: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Franklin M. Maloba</author><author>Severin Donald Kamdem</author><author>Christelle Geneviève Jouego</author><author>Lesley N. Ngum</author><author>Donald D. Buri</author><author>Ide Armelle Djuidje Chatue</author><author>Mary Ngongang Kameni</author><author>Roger F. Neba</author><author>Linda Djune Yemeli</author><author>Irene Ane-Anyangwe</author><author>Palmer Masumbe Netongo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionTimely access to diagnostics is vital for detecting and controlling emerging infectious diseases. However, the procurement, utilization, and waste management of diagnostic devices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains a significant challenge. This scoping review study sought to assess the challenges and solutions associated with diagnostic procurement and waste disposal in LMICs.MethodA scoping review was conducted using PubMed, DOAJ, and Web of Science, covering literature published between January 2015 and August 2025, to assess the challenges and solutions related to diagnostic procurement and waste disposal.ResultOf the 275 articles identified through the literature search, 49 peer-reviewed articles and official reports published were used. Key themes identified include fragmented funding, limited local manufacturing, weak regulatory systems, inadequate maintenance, and unsafe disposal practices that increase environmental and public health risks. Stakeholder engagement, stronger regulatory frameworks, pooled procurement, adoption of waste minimization strategies, and investment in local capacity are critical approaches to improving sustainability.ConclusionOur findings emphasize that integrating procurement reforms with effective waste-management policies is essential for developing resilient diagnostic systems in LMICs. Addressing these issues will not only enhance pandemic preparedness but also support sustainable health systems aligned with global health security objectives.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1768163</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2026.1768163</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Approaches to enable vortex chromatography in silicon devices]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Gusta Irem Sakiz</author><author>Wim De Malsche</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Most analytical applications are run with conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) technology, however the separation of highly complex mixtures is still challenging. One key challenge is to minimize band broadening caused by the velocity profile within the channel. Miniaturization of flow-through channels (between particles) has been mainly used to overcome this challenge, yet physical constraints limit further advancements. Moreover, packed columns often result in long separation times, restricting practical improvements in column design. Vortex Liquid Chromatography (Vortex LC) introduces a concept in which lateral vortex flows are generated to enhance transverse mass transfer and reduce axial dispersion. As a result, larger characteristic flow dimensions can be used while still achieving the separation performance normally associated with smaller channels. When identical dimensions are used in vortex LC mode, a higher, unprecedented performance can be achieved. Generating stable vortices requires an additional driving mechanism. We focus on methods that can be scaled to chromatographically relevant, i.e., micron-scale, dimensions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1716737</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1716737</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrating synthetic biology and laboratory-on-a-chip technologies for next-generation biosensors]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-06T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Gabrielle David</author><author>Yizhi Cai</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Biosensors harness biological components to detect and report on specific analytes, offering crucial insights across medicine, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and food security. The convergence of synthetic biology and laboratory-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies is enabling a new generation of biosensors that are programmable, modular, and field-deployable. Synthetic biology provides engineered sensing elements, including bespoke proteins, aptamers, and genetic circuits, that expand the range of detectable analytes while offering tunable sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range. LoC platforms, in turn, miniaturize fluid handling and analytical processes into integrated microfluidic devices, creating controlled environments that enhance biosensor performance, portability, and biocontainment. Together, these approaches address long-standing barriers in biosensing by coupling biological programmability with physical precision. This review surveys the applications of synthetic biology-LoC integration, from healthcare and environmental monitoring to emerging frontiers, including biocomputing and deep sea exploration. With rapidly accelerating innovation, the potential of these devices can be realized, reshaping the way we diagnose disease, safeguard ecosystems, manage food supplies, and explore new frontiers.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1719128</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1719128</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Engineering liver organoids-on-a-chip]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jiafei Zhu</author><author>Anna Dressman</author><author>Kylee Gall</author><author>Sunghee Estelle Park</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Advances in stem cell biology and microengineering have led to the emergence of liver organoids-on-a-chip systems, hybrid platforms that integrate self-organizing three-dimensional organoids with microfluidic devices. These technologies enable more physiologically relevant modeling of human liver biology by enhancing organoid maturation, incorporating dynamic cues such as flow and shear stress, and facilitating multicellular interactions across parenchymal and non-parenchymal compartments. As a result, they provide powerful opportunities to investigate liver development, interrogate mechanisms of disease progression, and assess pharmacological responses with higher fidelity than conventional models. Applications span from studying steatohepatitis and fibrosis to evaluating drug-induced liver injury and patient-specific variability in metabolism. In this Review, we highlight recent progress in liver organoids-on-a-chip systems, discuss their potential in personalized medicine and predictive toxicology, and outline current technical challenges and translational opportunities that will shape their future impact on therapeutic discovery and precision health.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1695903</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1695903</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Towards sustainable diagnostics: assessing biodegradable lateral flow cassettes in real world conditions in Africa]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Elijah Kolawole Oladipo</author><author>Sander Julian Brus</author><author>Sola Peter Ogunmodede</author><author>Luis Fernando Barrios</author><author>Gladys Ayodele Adigun</author><author>Possible Okikiola Popoola</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe widespread use of Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) has significantly improved diagnostic accessibility in low- and middle-income regions, yet their reliance on single-use plastic cassettes poses urgent environmental concerns as conventional plastics persist for centuries, degrading only into harmful microplastics.MethodsThis study evaluated the biodegradability of certified plant-based diagnostic cassettes developed by Okos Diagnostics under field conditions in Nigeria using a 4-month controlled burial study across three soil types: sandy, clayey, and loamy. The biodegradable cassettes, made from certified plant-based polymers, were monitored using precision weight analysis and qualitative degradation assessments, compared against conventional plastic controls.ResultsResults demonstrated statistically significant degradation in biodegradable cassettes with weight increases of 7.44% ± 0.12% (sandy), 7.02% ± 0.08% (clayey), and 11.36% ± 0.16% (loamy soil), which showed the highest degradation rate. Observed initial weight increases primarily reflect moisture uptake and microbial biofilm formation on cassette surfaces rather than net polymer mass gain; these early-stage changes precede fragmentation and mineralization during biodegradation. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences between soil types (F=15.7, p < 0.001) and materials (F=89.3, p < 0.0001), while plastic controls showed negligible change (1.36% ± 0.04%). Posthoc Tukey analysis showed that degradation in loamy soil was significantly higher than in sandy and clayey soils (p < 0.05).DiscussionThe study validates biodegradable cassettes as eco-friendly alternatives capable of reducing diagnostic waste in resource-limited settings and provides baseline biodegradation data for tropical environments to inform global standards on sustainable diagnostic materials.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1703031</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1703031</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bio-based materials: an alternative to synthetic polymers for the development of lab-on-a-chip devices]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Morgane Zimmer</author><author>Emmanuelle Laurenceau</author><author>Stéphane Trombotto</author><author>Cécile Jamois</author><author>Anne-Laure Deman</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) devices have proved their potential for biomedical and analytical applications. Despite their growing demand, their environmental impacts remain insufficiently taken into account. These microfluidic devices are mainly made from petroleum-based materials like PDMS and thermoplastics, whose life-cycle (from resource extraction to disposal) poses ecological and health concerns. In response, a growing number of research papers are exploring bio-based alternatives, such as cellulose, PLA, chitosan, or zein. This review details properties of microfluidic devices made from these bio-based materials compared with more conventional materials, and particularly their impact on the environment from raw material sourcing through manufacturing to disposal. Although many of these materials are still in early stages of research, and published data is limited, developments are promising, and the associated technological challenges must be met. The alternative to plastics used for the manufacture of LoC could be a panel of complementary bio-based materials, locally sourced to support the local economy and limit transport, and which do not lead to new imbalances. This review advocates for a sustainable approach to material selection, encouraging the development of greener microfluidic devices.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1693514</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1693514</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The environmental price of diagnostic scale-up—addressing a toxic trade-off we cannot afford]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Collins Otieno Odhiambo</author><author>Beatrice Van Puije</author><author>Edward Krisiunas</author><author>Anafi Mataka</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The scale up of diagnostic service in many Low-Income Countries (LIC) has greatly improved health outcomes of the populations being served by 21st century laboratory platforms like those seen in High Income Countries (HIC). A challenge because of this scale up is the contribution of increased volume of plastic and hazardous chemical waste that needs to be properly managed with limited options as compared to what is available in HIC. Guanidinium thiocyanate (GTC), as an example, a widely used component of extraction reagents used in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, when inappropriately disposed of can cause harm to animals and the environment because it contains a toxic cyanide compound. While environmental short term disposal methods exist that would improve the practices and offer alternative waste treatment options, challenges in availability of required infrastructure and sustainability remain, thereby limiting their impact. While testing generates revenue, waste associated with testing is a cost that is not adequately funded hence unsustainable in the current environment. The availability of alternative compounds that are less toxic yet can achieve the required actions may provide a lasting solution. Developing platforms geared towards microchemistry as well as the recyclability of the materials used for testing would steer waste/material management in a new direction. We call on diagnostic manufacturers to consider these options upstream of the product lifecycle in the long term that are in line with their internal corporate commitment to sustainability beyond the manufacturing process.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1688689</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1688689</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Early-stage life cycle assessment for sustainable design of wearable microfluidic sweat sensor: continuous dehydration monitoring]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Genis Rabost-Garcia</author><author>David Sanchez</author><author>Victor Nacher-Castellet</author><author>Andrea Fajardo</author><author>Oriol Ymbern</author><author>Xavier Muñoz-Pascual</author><author>Albert Alvarez</author><author>Jaime Punter-Villagrasa</author><author>Jasmina Casals-Terré</author><author>Ricardo Heredia</author><author>Fernando Espinoza</author><author>Lia Moreno-Simonet</author><author>Pedro L. Cosio</author><author>Joan A. Cadefau</author><author>Max Marwede</author><author>Alfredo E. Ongaro</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionWearable sweat sensors are emerging as non-invasive tools for health monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics. However, their single-use nature and complex manufacturing processes pose significant sustainability challenges. This research integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at the design stage to address these environmental concerns, using it as a decision-making tool to guide material selection.MethodsWe developed an integrated capacitive sensor for continuous sweat rate and dehydration monitoring. The study’s focus was on replacing conventional silver-printed electrodes with more sustainable alternatives. We specifically investigated the viability of using copper-based laminates and screen-printed graphite as alternative electrode materials, assessing their performance against the original silver electrodes. A comprehensive LCA was performed to evaluate the environmental footprint of the device’s manufacturing and assembly processes.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that both copper-based laminates and screen-printed graphite are viable substitutes for silver-printed electrodes, maintaining functional performance while significantly reducing the device’s environmental impact. The LCA data confirmed that these material substitutions lowered the overall environmental footprint of the wearable sweat sensors.DiscussionThis work underscores the critical role of integrating sustainability principles and tools like LCA early in the design phase of medical devices. By making informed material choices, it is possible to develop functional, high-performance wearable sensors that are also environmentally conscious. This approach offers a practical pathway toward scalable, sustainable, and net-zero healthcare technologies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1669220</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1669220</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Organs-on-a-chip for global equity: a perspective from Guatemala on advancing biomedical research in resource-limited settings]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Maria D. Cabrera</author><author>Andrea C. del Valle</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Animal models have long supported biomedical research, particularly in the development of drugs and preclinical testing. Yet, persistent discrepancies between animal data and human clinical outcomes have prompted a critical reassessment of their translational value. Challenges, including biological variability, inadequate methodological reporting, and limited regulatory oversight, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, undermine the reliability of animal research in guiding clinical practice. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology offers a compelling alternative, especially relevant for resource-limited contexts. These microengineered systems enable more accurate modeling of human physiology and better predictions of drug safety and effectiveness, yielding direct benefits for underserved populations. By incorporating patient-derived cells, OoC platforms allow the study of region-specific diseases while fostering international research collaboration. Moreover, such approaches reduce reliance on costly animal research infrastructure, addressing critical barriers in countries like Guatemala, where the legal framework and funding remain limited. We argue that broader adoption of OoC technology is essential to improving research equity, quality, and accessibility worldwide. This perspective reflects the realities and aspirations of the Guatemalan scientific community, where advancing alternatives to animal models is not only a scientific priority but also a pathway to greater participation in global biomedical research.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1663420</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1663420</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancements and challenges in culturing patient-derived cancer cells for personalized therapeutics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-09-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Yatian Fu</author><author>Bee Luan Khoo</author><author>Chwee Teck Lim</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Patient-derived cancer cells (PDCCs) have emerged as a key strategy for advancing personalized cancer treatment. Unlike traditional cancer cell lines, PDCCs retain the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the patient’s original tumor and can more accurately reflect tumor biology. This review explores recent advances in methods for culturing PDCCs, highlighting the role of these models in drug discovery and high-throughput screening of personalized therapeutic options. By establishing living models directly from patient tumors, PDCCs can more faithfully recapitulate tumor heterogeneity and microenvironmental features than traditional cell lines. These cultures bridge laboratory research and clinical reality, allowing functional testing of patients' cancer cells. Despite the promise of PDCCs, their culture remains fraught with challenges, including the extremely low number of cancer cells that can be obtained, difficulty maintaining tumor heterogeneity, low culture initiation success rates, and ethical considerations for using patient tissues. In addition, controversy remains regarding the reproducibility of results between different laboratories and patient samples. By examining the field’s current state, this review identifies gaps in the application of PDCCs, such as limited modeling capabilities for specific tumor types and the lack of comprehensive, scalable protocols for broad clinical use. This article discusses future directions, including integration with advanced microengineering and AI-driven analysis, which have the potential to overcome existing limitations and optimize PDCCs-based therapeutic strategies. PDCCs are expected to transform the future of cancer treatment as they ultimately provide more accurate drug testing and personalized medicine models.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1604411</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1604411</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Celebrating 1 year of Frontiers in lab on a chip technologies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Michael G. Mauk</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1611743</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1611743</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development of a miniaturized electrochemical biochip]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Giovanni Bella</author><author>Paolo Calorenni</author><author>Neeraj Yadav</author><author>Emanuele Luigi Sciuto</author><author>Angelo Alberto Messina</author><author>Katia Buonasera</author><author>Leandro Lorenzelli</author><author>Sabrina Conoci</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The technological evolution towards portable systems for nucleic acids (NAs) analysis is central in diagnostics and healthcare. Conventional approaches for genetic analysis require multistep procedures, from the genetic material purification to its detection, that are mostly based on the NA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and constrained to bulky specialized instruments and dedicated laboratories. These limitations imply an increase in time and cost of analysis avoiding the possibility of massive molecular screening, as in the case of an infectious pandemic, and accessible diagnosis. Therefore, research efforts are moving towards new Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies that guarantee a more integrated, decentralized, user-friendly, and low-cost NA analysis. These are based on miniaturized optical or electrical chips on which it is possible to integrate a sensing surface for specific analytical applications. In this scenario, we presented the fabrication and characterization of a miniaturized electrochemical (EC) biochip as a potential LoC for genetic applications. The chip was developed with microfabricated electrodes on top and polycarbonate/PDMS microchambers for the surface treatment and functionalization. The characterization of chip EC performances has been performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, the chip surface has been functionalized with thiol-modified oligonucleotides, whose immobilization has been characterized by contact angle (CA) and surface free energy (SFE) analysis. Results reported a good robustness and responsivity of the chip proving its suitability for sensing array preparation and integration in a LoC format.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1623274</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1623274</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Insights in micro- and nano-fluidics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-05-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Samar Damiati</author><author>Susana O. Catarino</author><author>Xiangchun Xuan</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1549365</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1549365</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advanced nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor for ultra-sensitive dopamine detection in physiological fluids]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-03-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Megha Shinde</author><author>Gymama Slaughter</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study presents a novel point-of-care electrochemical sensor for dopamine (DA) detection, featuring a flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) modified with a unique nanocomposite comprising Nb4C3Tx MXene, polypyrrole (PPy), and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). The LIG-Nb4C3Tx MXene-PPy-FeNPs is characterized by scanning electron microscopy to confirm the successful surface modification. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor via cyclic voltammetry showed significant electrochemical activity upon Nb4C3Tx MXene-PPy-FeNPs nanocomposite modification of the LIG surface with an increased peak anodic current (Ipa) from 43 μA to 104 μA. The sensor demonstrated high electrocatalytic activity and a wide linear detection range of 1 nM to 1 mM DA with excellent sensitivity of 0.283 μA/nM cm−2, and an ultralow detection limit of 70 pM. The LIG-Nb4C3Tx MXene-PPy-FeNPs sensor exhibited good recovery in biological samples and a remarkable selectivity for DA, effectively distinguishing it from common interfering compounds such as uric acid, ascorbic acid, glucose, sodium chloride, and their mixtures. This flexible LIG-Nb4C3Tx MXene-PPy-FeNPs sensor platform provides a reliable and accurate approach for detecting DA, even in complex biological matrices at point-of-care applications highlighting its potential for advanced biosensing applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1502127</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2025.1502127</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Capillary microfluidics for diagnostic applications: fundamentals, mechanisms, and capillarics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-01-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Elham Khanjani</author><author>Andrea Fergola</author><author>Joan Antoni López Martínez</author><author>Simin Nazarnezhad</author><author>Jasmina Casals Terre</author><author>Simone Luigi Marasso</author><author>Behrouz Aghajanloo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Microfluidic systems, especially those using capillary forces, have recently attracted considerable interest due to their potential to facilitate passive fluid management in portable diagnostic devices and point-of-care settings. These systems utilize capillary forces to autonomously regulate fluid flow, eliminating the requirement for external power and providing a more straightforward and economical option compared to active microfluidic systems. This review examines the fundamental concepts of capillary-driven microfluidics, emphasizing significant progress in the design of capillary pumps and valves, as well as the influence of surface tension, wettability, and the geometrical configurations of microchannels on the enhancement of fluid dynamics. Furthermore, the review explores other configurations, such as porous and solid substrates, to illustrate their potential for healthcare and biochemical applications. Moreover, the challenges related to managing flow rates and enhancing the reproducibility of devices are addressed, alongside recent innovations designed to overcome these challenges. Capillary systems offer an effective and reliable foundation for developing miniaturized diagnostic instruments, which hold significant potential across various domains, including biological research and environmental monitoring.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1467423</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1467423</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancements and challenges in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices: design, manufacturing, sustainability, and field applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-12-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Prakash Aryal</author><author>Charles S. Henry</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have gained significant attention in analytical science and technology due to their numerous advantages over traditional analytical techniques, including cost-effectiveness, miniaturization, and sustainability. µPADs are widely used in point-of-care diagnostics, health monitoring, environmental detection, food safety, forensics, and security. Since the first report in 2007, there have been substantial advancements in their fabrication techniques, detection methods, and applications. Over the years, significant efforts and advancements have been made to improve the cost-effectiveness, manufacturing scalability, user-friendliness, and sustainability of µPADs. In this review, we explore the general trends and advancements in the fabrication, sensing methods, and applications of µPADs, highlighting key improvements and innovations. We also examine the eco-friendliness of µPADs and present real-world success stories from field studies and citizen science initiatives. Additionally, we address the challenges associated with transitioning µPADs from the lab to the field. Finally, we examine the outlook for µPADs and propose strategies to improve their usefulness in various fields.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1530449</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1530449</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Part of the problem or part of the solution? An interdisciplinary action call for more research on the environmental sustainability of lab-on-a-chip and point-of-care devices]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-12-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Specialty Grand Challenge</category>
        <author>Anne-Laure Deman</author><author>Rosanne M. Guijt</author><author>Collins Otieno Odhiambo</author><author>Zibusiso Ndlovu</author><author>Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1487377</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frlct.2024.1487377</link>
        <title><![CDATA[How organ-on-a-chip is advancing cancer research and oncology - a cancer hallmarks’ perspective]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-11-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Leela Rani Avula</author><author>Piotr Grodzinski</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Despite significant improvements in methodologies behind the development of new anticancer therapies, the path from early-stage drug development through preclinical and clinical development pipeline is still arduous. Further refinement of the current preclinical models and the development of complementing alternative techniques that enable more reliable studies are paramount. The emerging organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technologies are physiological-like organ biomimetic systems built on a microfluidic chip, capable of enabling precise control over various physicochemical and biomechanical parameters and helping recreate the natural physiology and mechanical forces that cells experience in the human body. In oncology research, especially, since cancer has been understood to be a dynamic disease featured by complex interactions between cancer cells and their environment, this technology offers added advantage as it is able to provide a dynamic platform to simulate cancer-on-a-chip emulating the biological context of tumor microenvironment (TME); demonstrating progression to metastases to multiorgans; and helping to unravel complex information that other current in vitro methods are otherwise not able to provide. In this contribution, we provide a biological perspective on the recent advances in the field of OoC models in cancer biology studies from a cancer hallmark perspective. We also discuss current prospects and funding opportunities in this space, as well as a possible future outlook from a biology perspective, including major challenges and new opportunities as a way forward to OoC technologies.]]></description>
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