Microfluidic Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Multi-Disease Detection Using Optical Techniques: A Review.

The lifestyle of modern society is a major contributing factor for the majority of patients suffering from more than one disease. To Screen and diagnose each of those diseases, there is a great need for portable, and economical diagnostic tools, which are highly stipulated to yield rapid and accurate results using a small volume of the samples such as blood, saliva, sweat, etc. Point-of-care Testing (POCT) is one of the approaches to harvest prompt diagnosis of numerous diseases. The Majority of Point-of-Care Devices (POCD) are developed to diagnose one disease within the specimen. On the other hand, multi-disease detection capabilities in the same point-of-care devices are considered to be an efficient candidate to execute the state-of-the-art platform for multi-disease detection. Most of the literature reviews in this field focus on Point-of-Care (POC) devices, their underlying principles of operation, and their potential applications. It is evident from a perusal of the scholarly works that no review articles have been written on multi-disease detection POC devices. A review study analyzing the current level and functionality of multi-disease detection POC devices would be of great use to future researchers and device manufacturers. This review paper is addressing the above gap by focusing on various optical techniques like fluorescence, Absorbance, and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for multi-disease detection by harnessing the microfluidic-based POC device.

Surface Engineering of a Bioartificial Membrane for Its Application in Bioengineering Devices.

Membrane technology is playing a crucial role in cutting-edge innovations in the biomedical field. One such innovation is the surface engineering of a membrane for enhanced longevity, efficient separation, and better throughput. Hence, surface engineering is widely used while developing membranes for its use in bioartificial organ development, separation processes, extracorporeal devices, etc. Chemical-based surface modifications are usually performed by functional group/biomolecule grafting, surface moiety modification, and altercation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Further, creation of micro/nanogrooves, pillars, channel networks, and other topologies is achieved to modify physio-mechanical processes. These surface modifications facilitate improved cellular attachment, directional migration, and communication among the neighboring cells and enhanced diffusional transport of nutrients, gases, and waste across the membrane. These modifications, apart from improving functional efficiency, also help in overcoming fouling issues, biofilm formation, and infection incidences. Multiple strategies are adopted, like lysozyme enzymatic action, topographical modifications, nanomaterial coating, and antibiotic/antibacterial agent doping in the membrane to counter the challenges of biofilm formation, fouling challenges, and microbial invasion. Therefore, in the current review, we have comprehensibly discussed different types of membranes, their fabrication and surface modifications, antifouling/antibacterial strategies, and their applications in bioengineering. Thus, this review would benefit bioengineers and membrane scientists who aim to improve membranes for applications in tissue engineering, bioseparation, extra corporeal membrane devices, wound healing, and others.