With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the emergence of next-generation sequencing,Microfluidic technology has been used to increase the degree of automation and reduce the turnaround time of genomics.

To further simplify the sample preparation required for next-generation sequencing, RainDance Technologies Inc. has developed a single-molecule skin drop system for digital PCR. Each drop contains a uniform amount of genomic DNA and primers. therefore，The system enhances reproducibility and can target specific regions of the genome. It can also be used for applications such as drug development and biomarker identification.

Standardization

Integrated

As a medical technology, POC diagnosis requires a lot of development funds. Therefore, raising funds is the first task for researchers to bring promising technologies to the market. The value of POC equipment varies by application. During the "prime time" of patients with a heart attack, POC diagnostic cardiac markers can immediately give the correct treatment plan. For pregnancy testing, POC equipment should pay more attention to the convenience of use. The benefits of POC testing outweigh its disadvantages, because changing the existing routine diagnostic program itself is also a high-input activity.

POC tests accounted for 31% of the diagnostic market (glucose tests accounted for 18%, professional POC products accounted for 11%, and over-the-counter drugs accounted for 2%). At present, the detection of infectious diseases and cardiac markers has been transferred from centralized laboratories to POC. Another example is the field of nucleic acid testing, which only accounts for 8% of the current diagnostic market, but is still growing by 7% every year, and is another major market for microfluidic POC equipment.

In order to promote this technology on a large scale, microfluidic products must far exceed existing technologies in performance and functionality, or provide clinical diagnostic results at a lower cost.At present, microfluidic devices should not wait for killer applications, but aim at the segmented areas of market segments, and realize that existing technologies cannot meet the needs of specific customers.Combining standardized development and integrated production, solving practical clinical problems, using materials and technical routes that can be mass-produced, so that microfluidic technology can play its commercial potential.