From prototype to point-of-care: digital microfluidics for scalable biomedical applications

Abstract

Digital microfluidics (DMF) has emerged as a powerful platform for automating and miniaturizing biomedical assays, enabling high-precision, low-volume workflows. However, its transition from research laboratory to industrial-scale manufacturing faces persistent barriers. These include the need for high actuation voltages, material degradation, lack of standardization, and the complexity of integrating diverse detection systems. This review explores and critically discusses recent advances in integrating sensors, hybrid device architectures, and programmable controllers to enhance DMF reliability, portability, and scalability. Emphasis is placed on inter-disciplinary efforts that bridge engineering, materials science, and diagnostics to address fabrication challenges, support real-world applications, and establish DMF as a viable technology for clinical diagnostics and point-of-care platforms.