The contribution of microfluidics to the fight against tuberculosis Articles uri icon

publication date

  • January 2022

start page

  • 40

end page

  • 54

issue

  • 1

volume

  • 11

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 2191-9089

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2191-9097

abstract

  • The high mortality associated with tuberculosis brings forward the urgency of developing new therapies and strategies against the disease. With the advance of drug-resistant strains, traditional techniques have proven insufficient to manage the disease appropriately. Microfluidic devices have characteristics that can enhance treatment prescription and significantly advance our knowledge about the disease and its interaction within the human body. In addition, microfluidic systems provide advantages in terms of time and costs, which are particularly important in countries with low income and resources. This review will highlight how microdevices can help bridge the gaps in disease management, including their use for drug testing and development, drug susceptibility, basic research, and novel approaches to anti-TB vaccines and organ-on-chip studies.

subjects

  • Biology and Biomedicine
  • Electronics

keywords

  • microfluidics; tuberculosis; microdevices; infectious diseases; respiratory diseases