This study investigated the rapid drug delivery capabilities of neutrophil-like cells using a microfluidic chip-based mechanical deformation approach, with an emphasis on glioblastoma treatment at the cellular level. We designed a microfluidic chip comprising multiple constriction gaps and parallel microchannels to enable efficient drug loading into HL-60 cells and neutrophil-like cells derived from differentiated HL-60 cells (dHL-60 cells). Optimization was performed using dye molecules, including FITC-dextran (4 kDa, 20 kDa) and FITC-BSA, with delivery efficiency and the cell recovery rate serving as critical evaluation parameters. The optimal performance was achieved at a gap size of 8 μm and a flow rate of 150 μL min-1; for FITC-BSA, a concentration of 300 μg mL-1 was deemed suitable. Under these conditions, neutrophil-like cells loaded with albumin-bound paclitaxel (PTX-ALB) were successfully and rapidly prepared, yielding a delivery efficiency of 55.93 ± 19.7% and a drug loading of 784.20 ± 74.6 ng per 105 cells, with a throughput of up to ∼107 cells per hour. The chemotactic performance of PTX-ALB-loaded neutrophil-like cells did not change significantly, and these cells could cross the endothelial barrier constructed in vitro and exerted antitumour effects on U87-eGFP cells. The antitumour effects could be further strengthened by increasing the dosage of drug-loaded cells (from 4× 105 cells to 1× 106 cells) and extending the treatment duration (from 48 hours to 72 hours), which reduced U87-eGFP cell viability to 80 ± 7% and 62 ± 3%, respectively. This microfluidic-based mechanically mediated cargo delivery platform represents a rapid, high-throughput strategy for cell-based drug loading, with broad potential in cellular therapy and immunotherapy.

Parallel solid-state nanopore measurements are expected to improve not only throughput but also molecular discrimination performance. Here, we report the development of a 16-channel solid-state nanopore array measurement system that enables parallel nanopore fabrication by dielectric breakdown and subsequent ionic current recording. The system supports two fabrication modes: pulsed-voltage-induced dielectric breakdown (MPVI) and controlled dielectric breakdown (CBD) under constant-voltage bias, allowing nanopore formation over a wide diameter range. To demonstrate the operation of the developed system, two experimental studies were conducted. In the first study, nanopores were fabricated in 5 nm-thick SiN membranes using MPVI, followed by detection of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) translocation. Arrays of nanopores with diameters ranging from 1 to 2 nm were formed, and the pore-diameter dependence of dwell time and current blockade amplitude during ssDNA translocation could be evaluated at sub-nanometer resolution. In the second study, nanopores were fabricated in 14 nm-thick SiN membranes using CBD, and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) translocation was detected. Analysis of current traces during CBD suggested that pore enlargement remained limited for a period after dielectric breakdown, followed by accelerated pore growth accompanied by a rapid increase in current. The resulting pore diameters were distributed within 8-10 nm for 13 of the 16 channels and within 8-9 nm for 12 channels, demonstrating tight size control across most channels. Using these fabricated nanopores, dsDNA translocation events were observed in all channels.

This study presents a hybrid platform that integrates continuous and digital microfluidics (DMF) to generate preconcentrated discrete droplets from ionic concentration-polarization (ICP) based preconcentration occurring within a continuous medium. This study expands previous work on droplet generation using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD)-based DMF, transitioning from continuous flow in a microchannel to incorporating electrokinetic molecule preconcentration, followed by the extraction of the molecules into droplets in air, without the need for an oil phase, while effectively maintaining their molecular preconcentrated state. Experiments were complemented with numerical simulations and an analytical model, showing qualitative agreement.

Rapid and reliable identification of stem cells is a critical prerequisite for regenerative medicine and quality control during cell-based therapies. We report herein a lateral flow assay capable of detecting MSCs by dual-marker recognition using CD105 and CD29 surface antibodies. The biosensing platform relies on gold nanoparticle-conjugated CD29 antibodies as signal probes and immobilized CD105 antibodies as capture agents on the test line, allowing selective MSC recognition through sandwich-type immunocomplex formation with direct colorimetric readout. A distinct red band indicated the successful detection of MSCs, while a control line ensured assay validity and reliability. The developed LFA showed a naked eye detection limit as low as 600 cells within 15 min, which agreed with the qualitative data obtained via a smartphone-based Color Grab application. Notably, the device exhibited excellent stability with no cross-reactivity with non-target cells and successfully distinguished MSCs from their differentiated lineages. Besides this, the device retained stability for up to 28 days under room temperature. Further, MSC stemness was independently validated for CD105 and CD29 by flow cytometry (FACS), which requires a minimum of ≥10 000 cells per analysis. In comparison, the developed LFA provided reliable detection at substantially lower cell numbers, highlighting its significance as a low-input, rapid, and point-of-care alternative. This user-friendly platform represents a promising tool for rapid stemness assessment of MSCs towards their quality control and clinical translation in stem cell research and regenerative medicine applications.

The demand for efficient detection of tumor biomarkers in clinical settings is growing. Traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC) is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making rapid IHC technologies essential for improving efficiency in pathological diagnosis. Microfluidic technology, characterized by miniaturization, high throughput, and automation, has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for advancing rapid tissue diagnostics. This study designed a fluid distribution channel with excellent uniformity and developed a microfluidic chip featuring an upper V-groove structure, based on a passive mixing strategy in microfluidic systems. This chip effectively enhances the mixing efficiency of antigens and antibodies without relying on external field-driven mechanisms. Furthermore, a novel, automated, and integrated microfluidic platform was constructed to achieve rapid, reliable, and automated immunohistochemical staining. Experimental results demonstrated that the immunohistochemical staining performance obtained with this chip is comparable to that of conventional methods, exhibiting excellent uniformity and reproducibility. The staining time for markers such as CK and Ki-67 in tissue samples can be reduced to 11 minutes, representing a 90% time saving compared to traditional methods.

Correction for 'A gut-brain axis on-a-chip platform for drug testing challenged with donepezil' by Francesca Fanizza et al., Lab Chip, 2025, 25, 1854-1874, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00273C.

The global portable spectroscopy market is rapidly expanding, with optical technologies composing the greatest market share. One prominent light-based technology is Raman spectroscopy, which confers benefits in terms of high selectivity and thus untargeted detection and multiplexing capabilities. Alongside this, plasmon-enhanced Raman technologies can provide ultra-low, even single molecule, detection. In this article, we analyse the current trends in the miniaturisation of Raman systems, including constituent components, evaluating current market needs, and providing a prospective on likely developments within Raman spectroscopy systems in the coming years. In particular, the progress from handheld Raman systems, which have surged in popularity since 2010 in a plethora of application spaces, to fully integrated on-chip Raman devices, is surveyed. Such palm-sized devices offer potentially easy integration into, for example, consumer white goods at home, and lightweight drone systems, and thus could transform the portable sensing landscape.

Monitoring metabolism in living tissues with high temporal resolution and broad metabolite coverage remains a major challenge. We introduce the TISuMR platform, a microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip platform that enables continuous, non-invasive operando NMR spectroscopy of live tissue slices. The TISuMR platform replaces the conventional NMR sample tube with a fully integrated microfluidic culture system that maintains tissue viability through dynamic nutrient perifusion, gas exchange via a diffusion membrane, and precise temperature control. Coupled with a custom-designed micro-NMR probe, the platform allows detection of nearly two dozens of metabolites from just 2.5 μL of sample. In a proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate the platform's ability to resolve dynamic metabolic fluxes and to monitor, in real time, the onset of chlorpromazine-induced cholestasis in murine liver tissue, with a time resolution of just over three minutes. This approach provides a powerful, minimally disruptive tool for studying tissue metabolism in real time.

Skeletal muscles, through their coordinated interaction with bones and joints, enable diverse human movements and are essential for maintaining normal physiological functions and overall health. However, the physiological state of skeletal muscles and the mechanisms underlying muscle growth during exercise remain incompletely understood. To address this, we propose a multifunctional microfluidic chip system capable of simulating two distinct modes of movement. By modulating device parameters, this system enables in situ induction of muscle injury and subsequent mechanical repair. Our findings reveal that high-intensity exercise induces myoblast damage and cell detachment. Low-intensity exercise, over time, promotes activation of mechanosensitive ion channels (Piezo1) in myoblasts, upregulation of adhesion proteins (Talin1), cytoskeletal reorganization, and longitudinal myotube fusion along the mechanical stimulation axis. The regenerated myotubes exhibit distinct striations of actin and myosin filaments, accompanied by elevated expression of myogenic genes, indicating maturational development. Furthermore, a simplified numerical simulation model validates the platform's efficacy in studying muscle injury and repair processes. This work provides a novel strategy for future research on skeletal muscle disease modeling and therapeutic development.

Correction for 'Reversible and reusable compartmentalized thermoplastic chip for coculture of dorsal root ganglion neurons' by Solène Moreau et al., Lab Chip, 2025, 25, 6741-6755, https://doi.org/10.1039/d5lc00666j.