Comprehensive overview of microfluidic flow sensors: principles, materials, and fabrication

Miniaturization has played a significant role in driving scientific and technological progress in recent decades. The ability to make things smaller, while maintaining or even enhancing their functionality, has led to numerous advancements across various fields. Microfluidic devices have emerged as pivotal tools for precise manipulation and control of fluid flows at small scales, revolutionizing biomedical diagnostics, chemical analysis, and environmental monitoring. These devices offer unique advantages such as reduced sample volumes, enhanced reaction kinetics, and portability, making them indispensable in diverse applications. Central to their functionality are integrated flow sensors, which enable real-time monitoring and regulation of fluid dynamics within microchannels. These sensors provide critical data on flow rates, pressure gradients, and viscosity changes, facilitating accurate control and optimization of microfluidic processes. This abstract discusses the pivotal role of flow sensors in microfluidic devices, highlighting their impact on advancing research and applications across various disciplines. The integration of advanced sensor technologies continues to drive innovations in microfluidics, promising further enhancements in sensitivity, resolution, and multiplexing capabilities. This review underscores the transformative potential of microfluidic flow sensors in accelerating scientific discovery and technological advancements.