Abstract
The escalating prevalence of allergic diseases has intensified the need for rapid and precise allergen detection, prompting the exploration of microfluidic technology in this domain. This review delves into the utility of microfluidics in enhancing allergen detection, underscoring its high sensitivity, throughput, and miniaturization advantages. We survey the spectrum of microfluidic chip materials, from silicon wafers to paper-based substrates, and discuss various fabrication techniques. The integration of microfluidics with detection methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and biosensors has transformed allergen diagnostics, offering more efficient, sensitive, and user-friendly platforms. These advancements facilitate point-of-care testing and hold significant potential for personalized medicine. Our review highlights the novel applications of microfluidics in allergen detection, contributing valuable insights for the development of future diagnostic tools and clinical research in allergy treatment. The innovative convergence of microfluidics with existing diagnostic methods presents a paradigm shift in the field of allergen detection, promising enhanced prevention and management of allergic diseases.