1Professor, Department of Pathology, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bangalore – 560090.
2*Professor, Department of Pathology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, BC Nagara, Mandya – 571448.
3Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Adichunchanagiri University, Nagarur, Bangalore – 562123.
4Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Adichunchanagiri University, Nagarur, Bangalore – 562123.
Microfluidics has emerged as a disruptive platform in the advancement of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic technologies, enabling rapid, sensitive, and decentralized disease detection. By precisely manipulating fluids at the microscale, microfluidic systems facilitate enhanced reaction kinetics, reduced reagent consumption, and minimal sample requirements, thereby significantly improving analytical efficiency. The integration of multiple laboratory processes—such as sample preparation, separation, amplification, and detection—within compact lab-on-a-chip architectures has enabled the development of portable and user-friendly diagnostic devices suitable for real-time clinical applications.
Microfluidic POC platforms have demonstrated broad applicability across diverse disease domains, including infectious diseases (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, and HIV), non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, and oncology through liquid biopsy and circulating tumor cell analysis. The incorporation of advanced biosensing modalities, including electrochemical, optical, and plasmonic detection systems, along with functional nanomaterials, has markedly enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and multiplexing capabilities. Furthermore, emerging integration with digital health technologies, including smartphone-based interfaces and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis, is facilitating real-time diagnostics and decision support.
Despite these advancements, challenges related to device fabrication, reproducibility, standardization, and regulatory validation remain critical barriers to widespread clinical translation. Recent developments in low-cost substrates, particularly paper-based microfluidics, and scalable manufacturing techniques are addressing these limitations.
Overall, microfluidic POC diagnostics represent a paradigm shift toward personalized, accessible, and rapid healthcare delivery. Continued interdisciplinary innovation is expected to further optimize device performance and accelerate their integration into routine clinical practice, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Keywords: Microfluidics; Point-of-Care Diagnostics; Lab-on-a-Chip; Biosensing; Nanomaterials; Liquid Biopsy; Multiplex Detection; Personalized Medicine.
How to cite this article: Annam V, Abhishek MG, Varaprasad BM, Anil J. Microfluidics in Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices Revolutionizing Disease Detection and Management. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1): 345-351. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.1.37
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None