Centrifugal Microfluidic Control Mechanisms for Biosensors

Compact biosensors have been recognized as being useful for analyzing biomarkers such as protein and gene products from the micro-or nano-liter scale of human samples for diagnosis of human disease, and have led to the development of lab-on-a-chip or micro-total-analysis systems. Biosensor platforms allow near real-time detection and estimation of human disease indicators. Following a brief introduction of three elementary functions of biosensors-the molecular recognition element, the transducer element, and the microfluidic control mechanism-this review focuses on the current status of development of microfluidic control mechanisms for biosensors, and future technological advances. In this review, we highlight the recent experimental advances in centrifuge-based microfluidic platforms (centrifugal microfluidics), which aim to increase a biosensor's sensitivity and selectivity. Particular focus is placed on the application of hydrophobic micropatterns to centrifugal microfluidics. Centrifugal microfluidics will render biomarkers more field-practical and accessible to end-users in a cost-effective manner.