Current Trends of Microfluidic Single-Cell Technologies

Abstract

The investigation of human disease mechanisms is difficult due to the heterogeneity in gene expression and the physiological state of cells in a given population. In comparison to bulk cell measurements, single-cell measurement technologies can provide a better understanding of the interactions among molecules, organelles, cells, and the microenvironment, which can aid in the development of therapeutics and diagnostic tools. In recent years, single-cell technologies have become increasingly robust and accessible, although limitations exist. In this review, we describe the recent advances in single-cell technologies and their applications in single-cell manipulation, diagnosis, and therapeutics development.

Keywords

• single-cell
• lab-on-a-chip
• microfluidics Bio-MEMS
• manipulation
• diagnosis
• therapeutics
• drug delivery