Polymeric Microfluidic Chips for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
By

Vasant Deokar,

V.C. Patil,

Anil Bhattad,

  1. Professor, Department of Medicine, Krishna Institute of medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Medicine, Krishna Institute of medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India
  3. Professor, Department of Medicine, Krishna Institute of medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Satara, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Polymeric microfluidic chips have emerged as promising platforms for rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing by integrating sample preparation, fluid manipulation, biochemical reactions, and signal detection within compact and potentially low-cost devices. Their compatibility with materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polymer–paper composites provide considerable flexibility in device design and manufacturing. Advances in soft lithography, injection moulding, hot embossing, laser micromachining, three-dimensional printing, and roll-to-roll processing have further expanded opportunities for rapid prototyping and scalable production. Experimental studies have demonstrated polymeric microfluidic integration of optical, electrochemical, immunological, nucleic-acid amplification, and CRISPR-based detection strategies, with reported platforms achieving rapid analysis using small sample volumes. Importantly, evaluation with clinical and complex biological samples has highlighted practical challenges that are less apparent in laboratory-based proof-of-concept studies, including sample-matrix effects, reagent stability, nonspecific interactions, fluidic variability, device bonding, manufacturing consistency, and dependence on external equipment. Real-world implementation also requires reliable operation under variable environmental conditions, simple user handling, adequate shelf life, reproducible batch performance, and clinical validation against established diagnostic methods. This review critically examines recent advances in polymeric microfluidic chips for rapid POC diagnostics, with particular emphasis on materials, fabrication, fluid control, biosensing, experimental performance, sample preparation, clinical translation, manufacturing challenges, and emerging opportunities. By connecting technological development with experimental and practical considerations, the review identifies key requirements for translating polymeric microfluidic platforms from laboratory prototypes into reliable, scalable, and clinically useful POC diagnostic systems.

Keywords: Polymeric microfluidics; Point-of-care diagnostics; PDMS; Thermoplastics; Microfluidic biosensors; Rapid testing; Clinical validation; Experimental performance; Lab-on-a-chip; Nucleic acid detection; CRISPR diagnostics; Real-world implementation.

How to cite this article: Vasant Deokar, V.C. Patil, Anil Bhattad. Polymeric Microfluidic Chips for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL: Vasant Deokar, V.C. Patil, Anil Bhattad. Polymeric Microfluidic Chips for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=253383

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
04
Received 20/07/2026
Accepted 13/08/2026
Published 26/08/2026
Publication Time 37 Days

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