Droplet microfluidics for single-molecule and single-cell analysis in research, diagnosis, and therapy

During the last decade, molecular diagnostics has become increasingly important, especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Advances in droplet-based microfluidics, which divides samples into thousands of microdroplets, are responsible for high-throughput data provision, increased analysis sensitivity, and improved performance to overcome challenges in controlling diseases and early diagnosis. Different targets, such as nucleic acids, proteins, or single cells, can be detected and analyzed in terms of their characteristics in a much more extensive and precise manner with the integration of droplet microfluidics into various molecular diagnostic techniques. In this review, we explore recent advances in the development of droplet microfluidics-based molecular diagnostic techniques and future perspectives in the field.