Discussion: Embracing microfluidics to advance environmental science and technology

Date published

2024-05-29

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Elsevier

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Article

ISSN

0048-9697

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Citation

Dou J, Yang Z, Singh B, et al., (2024) Discussion: Embracing microfluidics to advance environmental science and technology. Science of The Total Environment, Volume 937, August 2024, Article number 173597

Abstract

Microfluidics, also called lab-on-a-chip, represents an emerging research platform that permits more precise and manipulation of samples at the microscale or even down to the nanoscale (nanofluidic) including picoliter droplets, microparticles, and microbes within miniaturized and highly integrated devices. This groundbreaking technology has made significant strides across multiple disciplines by providing an unprecedented view of physical, chemical, and biological events, fostering a holistic and an in-depth understanding of complex systems. The application of microfluidics to address the challenges in environmental science is likely to contribute to our better understanding, however, it's not yet fully developed. To raise researchers' interest, this discussion first delineates the valuable and underutilized environmental applications of microfluidic technology, ranging from environmental surveillance to acting as microreactors for investigating interfacial dynamic processes, and facilitating high-throughput bioassays. We highlight, with examples, how rationally designed microfluidic devices lead to new insights into the advancement of environmental science and technology. We then critically review the key challenges that hinder the practical adoption of microfluidic technologies. Specifically, we discuss the extent to which microfluidics accurately reflect realistic environmental scenarios, outline the areas to be improved, and propose strategies to overcome bottlenecks that impede the broad application of microfluidics. We also envision new opportunities and future research directions, aiming to provide guidelines for the broader utilization of microfluidics in environmental studies.

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Software Description

Software Language

Github

Keywords

Microfluidics, Lab-on-a-chip, Real-time in situ detection, Microscale dynamics, Environmental interfacial processes, Microbial assay

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Attribution 4.0 International

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