Preface Free

Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) stands as one of the most rapidly growing fields, one that has spearheaded a revolution in the biomedical domain and is poised to continue transforming the healthcare landscape. The rapid development of LOC technology in the field of biomedical applications has been significantly propelled by the growth of disciplines such as nanotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, materials science, particle engineering, and biomaterials. LOC provides an exclusive platform for a variety of essential medical applications, including DNA isolation, cell analysis, electrokinetic separation, fabrication of micro-reactors, and the development of mass spectrometer interfaces. Moreover, LOC facilitates valuable functions in every phase of the medical fraternity, including pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

The LOC devices have garnered increased attention, primarily attributable to the distinctive properties of microfluidic-based LOC components. The easier design process, feasibility of miniaturization, non-invasive nature, flexible applications, and lower production costs at the lab level have garnered significant consideration from clinicians, pharmaceutical researchers, and material chemists. The small size of the chips offers numerous benefits, including a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, tunable integrated circuitry, and the unique capability to scale single or multiple lab processes down to chip format to achieve the desired properties and functions. The potential of LOC materials is further evidenced by the growing number of university spinoffs, startups, and commercial activities led by various well-known market players. This trend underscores the growing recognition and investment in the capabilities and applications of LOC technology.

LOC showed substantial presence at global platforms in four key stages, i.e., Materials (instruments, reagents, consumables, and software), Technology (microarrays, microfluidics, tissue biochips and bio-printing), Application (genomics, proteomics, point of care diagnostics, drug discovery and testing), and End-user (hospitals, biotechnology firms, pharmaceuticals companies, forensic laboratories and diagnostics centers). This distinctly underscores the widespread appeal of the LOC technique across four pivotal domains of life science―chemistry, physics, biology and electronics―on a global scale. In light of this context, the current book provides an in-depth exploration of the developmental stages of LOC devices, spanning initial laboratory research to clinical application and eventual market integration.

With this framework in mind, we have endeavored to engage authors from each continent to provide a broad perspective on LOC worldwide. As a result, we have successfully compiled 18 book chapters authored by individuals from 12 different countries. Predominantly, each chapter was crafted by groups with substantial expertise in LOC research and the teaching/learning process. Consequently, every chapter reveals a distinct aspect of LOC, contributing to a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the subject matter. The book chapters will try to touch every aspect of LOC systems, i.e., microfluidics fundamentals (e.g., scaling laws, velocity effects, and flow impacts), micro-fabrication (e.g., valves, pumps, and mixers) and materials (e.g., 3D printed subjects, PDMS and novel substrates), standard operations (e.g., flow control, detection means and μTAS) and upcoming functions (e.g., digital microfluidics and organs-on-a-chip). In addition, specific attention is devoted to chapters that provide important updates on “Do it yourself” (“DIY”) concepts, space research, clinical outcomes, market potential, and AI-integrated future systems.

In essence, LOC stands as an ever-expanding resource for academic laboratories, research institutes, industrial pipelines, and tech giants, elevating healthcare practices globally. Through the meticulous process of writing, editing, and compiling scientific insights on LOC, this book offers readers a platform to actively participate in this evolving network. Finally, we encourage readers to delve into the myriad applications and transformative possibilities of LOC, and to become integral contributors to the ongoing advancement of healthcare innovation through collaborative research and discovery.

Arpana Parihar

Piyush Pradeep Mehta