Microfluidics: Current and Future Perspectives

The advancement of microfluidics (MFs) for use in a variety of fields has pushed forward technology in many areas, including rapid diagnostics, point-of-care devices, therapeutic manufacturing, and non-animal trial methods for the testing of therapeutics and cosmetics. The importance of MFs was especially highlighted by the role they played in the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the manufacturing of COVID vaccines and in rapid antigen tests that were used widely in clinical and non-clinical settings. In this chapter, the most recent of these advancements in these fields will be discussed. Additionally, ways in which the field of MFs could change in order to push forward further progress will be discussed along with what potential advancements in adjacent fields would be useful for the continued improvement and expansion of MFs.