The development of microfluidic-based western blotting: Technical advances and future perspectives

Christopher T Desire; R Dario Arrua; Xanthe L Strudwick; Zlatko Kopecki; Allison J Cowin; Emily F Hilder

doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463813

The development of microfluidic-based western blotting: Technical advances and future perspectives

J Chromatogr A. 2023 Feb 22:1691:463813. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463813. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Authors

Christopher T Desire¹, R Dario Arrua¹, Xanthe L Strudwick¹, Zlatko Kopecki¹, Allison J Cowin¹, Emily F Hilder²

Affiliations

¹ Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
² Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. Electronic address: emily.hilder@unisa.edu.au.

PMID: 36709548
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463813

Abstract

Over the past two decades significant technical advancement in the field of western blotting has been made possible through the utilization of microfluidic technologies. In this review we provide a critical overview of these advancements, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Particular attention is paid to the development of now commercially available systems, including those for single cell analysis. This review also discusses more recent developments, including algorithms for automation and/or improved quantitation, the utilization of different materials/chemistries, use of projection electrophoresis, and the development of triBlots. Finally, the review includes commentary on future advances in the field based on current developments, and the potential of these systems for use as point-of-care devices in healthcare.

Keywords: Blotting; Immunoassays; Microfluidics; Protein analysis; Western blot.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Automation
Blotting, Western
Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
Microfluidics*
Point-of-Care Systems