Biosensor-Based Microfluidic Platforms for Rapid Clinical Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria are commonly found in food, water, and soil, posing significant public health challenges globally. Therefore, early, rapid, and highly sensitive strategies for monitoring the bacterial proliferation are crucial for ensuring public health, medical diagnosis, and food safety. Compared to traditional techniques, microfluidic platforms provide powerful detective tools characterized by high integration, high throughput, ease of operation, low reagent consumption, and high sensitivity. Driven by substantial commercial demand, research and development in microfluidic-based rapid detection methods and technologies has progressed significantly derived by the interdisciplinary integration of multiple disciplines. In this review, progress in clinical detection of pathogenic bacteria with microfluidic biosensors, including microfluidic devices for point-of-care (POC) testing, is summarized. Strategies for pathogenic bacteria detection, containing their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail. Advanced platforms for capturing and detecting pathogenic bacteria, such as microchannels, microarrays, digital microfluidics (DMF) and paper-based platforms, are highlighted. The accomplishments and shortcomings of these microfluidic devices are also summarized. Additionally, case studies of biosensor‑based microfluidic devices used for detecting diseases caused by bacterial imbalances are listed. Finally, possible research perspectives for further development in highly effective biosensor‑based microfluidics for clinical detection of pathogenic bacteria are proposed.