The present and future role of microfluidics for protein and peptide-based therapeutics and diagnostics

Edward Weaver, Shahid Uddin, David K. Cole, Andrew Hooker, Dimitrios A. Lamprou*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
31 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The implementation of peptide-based molecules within the medical field has vast potential, owing to their unique nature and predictable physicochemical profiles. However, peptide therapeutic usage is hindered by delivery-related challenges, meaning that their formulations must be altered to overcome these limitations. This process could be propelled by applying microfluidics (MFs) due to its highly controllable and adaptable attributes; however, therapeutic research within this field is extremely limited. Peptides possess multifunctional roles within therapeutic formulations, ranging from enhancing target specificity to acting as the active component of the medicine. Diagnostically, MFs are well explored in the field of peptides, as MFs provide 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 enhances the attractiveness of MFs as a diagnostic platform. The structural individuality of peptides makes them prime candidates for diagnostic purposes, for example, antigen detection and isolation. Therefore, this review provides a useful insight into the current applications of MFs for peptide-based therapy and diagnostics and highlights potential gaps in the field that are yet to be explored or optimized.


Original languageEnglish
Article number4109
Number of pages16
JournalApplied Sciences
Volume11
Issue number9
Early online date30 Apr 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • Drug Delivery
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanotechnology
  • Microfluidics
  • Peptide
  • Theranostics
  • Biomaterials
  • Proteins

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