Abstract
Recent advances in microfluidic technology have shown the importance of precise temperature control in a wide range of biological applications. This perspective review presents a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms that utilize thermal modulation for various applications, such as rapid nucleic acid amplification, targeted hyperthermia for cancer therapy, and efficient cellular lysis. We detail various heating mechanisms-including nanoparticle-driven induction, photothermal conversion, and electrothermal approaches (both external and on-chip)-and discuss how they are integrated within lab-on-a-chip systems. In parallel, advanced multi-modal sensing methods within microfluidics, ranging from conventional integrated sensors to cutting-edge quantum-based techniques using nanodiamond nitrogen-vacancy centers and suspended microchannel resonators, are highlighted. By integrating advanced multi-modal sensing capabilities into these microfluidic platforms, a broader range of applications are enabled, including single-cell analysis, metabolic profiling, and scalable diagnostics. Looking ahead, overcoming challenges in system integration, scalability, and cost-effectiveness will be essential to harnessing their full potential. Future developments in this field are expected to drive the evolution of lab-on-a-chip technologies, ultimately enabling breakthroughs in precision medicine and high-throughput biomedical applications.