High-throughput Fluorescence Detections in Microfluidic Systems

High-throughput detection is always attractive for researchers in developing sensing techniques. Recently, MEMS techniques have become well-established to produce miniaturized microfluidic devices with low-cost and small size. However, large-scale conventional off-chip detection approaches may limit the throughput of the detection systems such that the benefits come with the miniaturization are hindered. This review gives a brief overview for the development of high-throughput detection techniques in microfluidic systems, especially for the major optically fluorescence detections. Fundamental fluorescence techniques and two microfluidic systems including the micro capillary electrophoresis and the micro flow cytometer are introduced in this review. Various approaches for developing high-throughput and parallel fluorescence detection in microfluidic system are reviewed. A state-of-the-art diascopic illumination system for multispectral analysis in microfluidic systems is also included. Even though great progress for high-throughput bio-analysis has been made during the past decades, there is plenty of room for further improving the performance of existing detection techniques.