Lab-on-a-chip Devices for Advanced Biomedicines

Book excerpt: The global miniature devices market is poised to surpass a valuation of $12–$15 billion USD by the year 2030. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices are a vital component of this market. Comprising a network of microchannels, electrical circuits, sensors, and electrodes, LOC is a miniaturized integrated device platform used to streamline day-to-day laboratory functions, run cost-effective clinical analyses and curb the need for centralized instrumentation facilities in remote areas. Compact design, portability, ease of operation, low sample volume, short reaction time, and parallel investigation stand as the pivotal factors driving the widespread acceptance of LOC within the biomedical community. In this book, the Editors meticulously explore LOC through three key ‘Ts’: Theories (microfluidics, microarrays, instrumentation, software); Technologies (additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, computational thinking, smart consumables, scale-up tactics, and biofouling); and Trends (biomedical analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, personalized healthcare, bioactive synthesis, disease diagnosis, and space applications) This comprehensive text not only provides readers with a thorough understanding of the current advancements in the LOC domain but also offers valuable insights to support the utilization of miniaturized devices for enhanced healthcare practices. Aimed at career researchers looking for instruction in the topic and newcomers to the area, the book is also useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on new studies or for those interested in reading about the LOC platform.