Current progress in micro/nanofluidic chips and applications in cancer research and therapy

Abstract

Micro/nanofluidic chips have set a new stage for cancer research and therapy, revolutionising the way we detect, diagnose, and treat this formidable disease. This paper provides an overview of the basic properties of micro/nanofluidic chips and current progress in the utilization of micro/nanofluidic chips in the realm of cancer. Their application in DNA and protein analysis, their role in cancer modelling and drug testing, and their innovative use in drug-eluting devices for cancer immunotherapy are discussed. The advantages and limitations of these technologies are evaluated, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities. Having the potential for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, novel therapy methods with better outcomes and less side-effects, more advancement and further breakthroughs can be anticipated in tackling tumours with micro/nanofluidic chips. In future development, it is suggested that combinations of such chips and various other emerging technologies can be attempted and explored for inventing more innovative and functional micro/nanofluidic devices, making a difference in the field of cancer research and therapy. Simultaneously, more improvement such as enhancing reproducibility and affordability is also necessarily required to realise the clinical trial, mass production, commercialisation of these chips.