Microfluidic Paper-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Chemiluminescence Sensing for Healthcare and Environmental Applications: A Review

Microfluidic paper-based lab-on-a-chip (μPLOC) systems have gained significant attention as affordable and portable miniaturized platforms for rapid chemical and biological analysis. The intrinsic characteristics of paper, including passive fluid transport, porosity, and biocompatibility, enable the development of miniaturized sensors for decentralized testing in diverse environments. To unlock the full analytical potential of μPLOCs, highly sensitive detection techniques are essential. Chemiluminescence (CL) sensing has emerged as a promising technique, offering high sensitivity, low background noise, and compatibility with compact, low-power detection systems. When integrated with paper-based microfluidics, CL enables visual signal generation without external excitation sources, making it ideal for resource-limited settings. This review presents recent progress in μPLOC-CL sensing platforms, including device configurations, fabrication approaches, and emerging CL systems for healthcare and environmental monitoring. Developments such as nanomaterial-based signal amplification, novel CL probes, improved spatiotemporal resolution control for multiplexing, and smartphone-based readouts are elucidated. Additionally, recent advances in information and communication technology-enabled diagnostic devices are highlighted. Key challenges include reagent stability, matrix interferences, and the need for standardization. Future prospects lie in advanced material integration and digitalization for improved performance. μPLOC-CL sensing systems are poised to play a vital role in point-of-care diagnostics and point-of-need monitoring in sustainable real-world applications.