The Present and Future Role of Microfluidics for Protein and Peptide-Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics

The implementation of peptide-based molecules within the medical field has vast potential, owing to their unique nature and predictable physicochemical profiles. However, peptide ther-apeutic usage is hindered by delivery-related challenges, meaning that their formulations must be altered to overcome these limitations. This process could be propelled by the application of microfluidics (MFs), due to its highly controllable and adaptable attributes; however, therapeu-tic research within this field is extremely limited. Peptides possess multi-functional roles within therapeutic formulations, ranging from enhancing target specificity to acting as the active com-ponent of the medicine. Diagnostically, MFs is being well explored in the field of peptides, as MFs provides an unsullied platform to provide fast, yet accurate examinations. The capacity to add attributes such as integrated sensors and microwells to the MF chip only enhance the attrac-tiveness of MFs as a diagnostic platform. The structural individuality of peptides makes them prime candidates for diagnostic purposes, for example antigen detection and isolation. There-fore, this review provides a useful insight into the current applications of MFs for peptide-based therapy and diagnostics, as well as highlighting potential gaps in the field that are yet to be ex-plored or optimised.