The Role of Microfluidics in Advancing Industrial Biotechnology: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions

Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of science and industry, industrial biotechnology emerges as the catalytic fusion of living organisms and precision tools, orchestrating a grand symphony of innovation across pharmaceuticals, energy, agriculture, and beyond [1]. In this intricate tapestry, the tools of the trade act as both artisans and enablers, sculpting the intricate pathways of bioprocessing, genetic engineering, and molecular manipulation [2]. Embarking on this journey through the vast landscape of Industrial Biotechnology, it unravels the secrets to unlocking nature’s potential, while also acknowledging the intricate challenges that lie in the confluence of biology and engineering [3]. From petri dish to production line, this exploration unveils the symphonic potential of Industrial Biotechnology, weaving together the threads of scientific progress and industrial evolution, ultimately leading us to a harmonious crescendo of innovation and sustainability. As humans peer into the captivating world of industrial biotechnology, the spotlight falls upon microfluidics, an enchanting miniature realm where fluidic alchemy occurs. At the heart of this mesmerizing field lies the precise manipulation of infinitesimal volumes of liquids within intricate channels, leveraging its remarkable properties of precision, high throughput, and versatility [4]. Microfluidics’ toolbox of ingenious approaches, from droplet-based systems to lab-on-a-chip devices, reshapes the landscape of bioprocessing, diagnostics, and bio-manufacturing [5]. Its materials, ranging from silicon and glass to polymers and hydrogels, form the canvas upon which intricate biomolecular artistry unfolds [6]. A thorough exploration will reveal the mesmerizing potentials and obstacles that microfluidics reveals, leads toward a symphony of innovation [7], where the merging of biology and engineering creates a harmonious portrayal of possibilities and advancements in industrial biotechnology.

Entering into the intricate tapestry of industrial biotechnology, the gaze is drawn to the extraordinary adaptability of microfluidics, a mesmerizing tool that orchestrates a symphony of precision and innovation. Within the infinitesimal confines of micro-channels, this technology unveils a world of remarkable properties, from its unparalleled precision and high-throughput capabilities to its inherent versatility [8]. From the artistry of droplet-based systems to the ingenuity of lab-on-a-chip approaches, microfluidics resculpts the landscapes of bioprocessing, diagnostics, and bio-manufacturing [9]. Materials, ranging from silicon to glass, polymers, and hydrogels, serve as the versatile palette upon which the intricate biomolecular canvas is painted [10]. Embarking on this exploration, it unearths not only the fascinating capabilities but also the intricate challenges that microfluidics offers, leads to a crescendo of insight [11], where the synergy of biology and engineering renders a vivid portrait of potential and progress in the realm of industrial biotechnology. The increasing demand for industrial biotechnology, driven by its potential to offer innovative and sustainable solutions to urgent global issues, necessitates a range of tools. However, conventional tools often fall short in pinpointing the gaps within biotechnology [12]. Microfluidics has emerged as a pivotal instrument in the biotechnology landscape, adept at identifying and bridging these gaps [13]. It is increasingly perceived that the future of biotechnology heavily relies on the integration of microfluidics to drive progress [14]. This review analyzes reputable journal articles from the past decade. It first assesses the industrial biotechnology and its tools. Then, it explores microfluidics the most demanded and powerful tool in industrial biotechnology [15]. Finally, it discusses the adaptation of microfluidics in industrial biotechnology domain [16]. Extensive research and analysis reveal that microfluidics holds significant promise within the realm of industrial biotechnology, heralding a transformative shift in both bioprocessing and diagnostics

Industrial Biotechnology, often termed the third wave of biotechnology, embodies a captivating fusion of biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and process technology. It leverages the innate potential of microorganisms, cells, organelles, and enzymes to drive valuable processes [17]. Microorganisms, like bacteria, yeast, and fungi, are the maestros of fermentation within this symphony of biotechnology. Despite their ubiquity, microorganisms often grapple with suboptimal growth conditions in nature [18]. Yet, Industrial Biotechnology offers a remedy [19]. Within controlled in vitro environments, biotechnologists sculpt microcosmic ecosystems, steering genetic makeup and choreographing precise cell metabolism during fermentations [20]. Proficiently adaptable and resourceful, microorganisms propel this field forward, as Industrial Biotechnology thrives in healthcare, food, and fine chemistry [21]. Today, it extends its influence into bulk chemistry and sustainable energy, aligning with global sustainability goals, heralding a future marked by environmental consciousness and economic efficiency. In the realm of industrial biotechnology, a symphony of ingenious tools and methodologies orchestrates the alchemy of innovation (Table 1). Central to this creative fusion are the remarkable microorganisms, nature’s bioengineers, including bacteria, yeast, and fungi [22]. Here, in the ethereal realm of fermentation, they become the artisans of transformation, ushering in a world where genetic engineering, a sculptor’s chisel, carves their potential into new frontiers [23]. Genetic material is subtly manipulated, reshaping these microorganisms into tailored workhorses, amplifying their capacity to produce a diverse array of bio-products [24].

Table 1:Tools of industrial biotechnology.

These bioengineered marvels walk in harmony with bioreactors, the sculptors’ studios, where controlled environments breathe life into their metabolic choreography [25]. This domain of metabolic engineering bears testament to humanity’s insatiable quest to unlock the secrets of microbial life, all to amplify productivity and unveil the boundless potential concealed within these microorganisms [26]. In the grand finale, the artistry of fermentation meets the precision of downstream processing, as purification techniques like chromatography and filtration don their capes, bestowing the world with pure, invaluable bio-products. Beyond the microbiological stage, an ensemble of analytical tools emerges, as precision and clarity find their voice. Mass spectrometry, chromatography, and spectroscopy weave the narrative of bioprocesses, unraveling their enigmatic threads for quality control and scientific scrutiny [27]. The canvas extends further, where the maestros of synthetic biology take the spotlight, sketching intricate designs and constructing novel biological systems, each a unique stroke in the masterpiece of industrial biotechnology [28]. As biotechnologists journey through this tapestry, their aim is clear: to unlock the doors of optimization, wielding their expertise to enhance the efficiency and yield of bioprocesses [29]. This quest knows no bounds, with each scale-up endeavor, the whispers of the laboratory transforming into the crescendo of industrial-scale production, unveiling an ever-widening horizon [30]. Amid this vibrant landscape, the importance of environmental monitoring resonates, (Figure 1) where industrial biotechnology seeks to harmonize with the planet’s rhythms, embodying the spirit of sustainability [31]. Here, the tools of industrial biotechnology collectively tell the tale of human ingenuity, where microbial marvels dance in orchestrated elegance, and scientific alchemy forges a future where innovation knows no bounds [32-46].

Figure 1:Microfluidics: Chip in a box [39].

The world of microfluidics is a dynamic and versatile technological field, igniting a fervent interest across various biotechnology segments. It’s a revolutionary approach that promises to unlock new possibilities in the realm of industrial biotechnology [47]. Microfluidics, at its core, is a transformative field that deals with the manipulation and control of minute amounts of fluids, typically at the microliter or nanoliter scale [48]. It involves the precise handling of liquids in small channels or chambers, enabling researchers to conduct experiments and assays with a level of precision and control that was previously unattainable [49]. Microfluidic systems often consist of complex networks of channels and chambers etched or molded onto a microscale chip, where these tiny volumes of fluid can be mixed, separated, or analyzed for various purposes [50]. The use of microfluidic tools for monitoring biocatalysts in controlled microenvironments presents an enticing opportunity for expanding the horizons of research in this area [44]. Yet, it’s crucial to note that the primary focus of research and interest has predominantly swayed towards the medical biotechnology domain. This unraveled the promise that microfluidics holds for industrial biotechnology, despite its predominantly medical applications [51-57].

Contrary to conventional techniques, microfluidics unfurls a unique canvas for in-depth exploration, offering high-resolution, localized experimental applications in dynamic conditions [13]. The carefully designed microenvironments in the microfluidic approach are windows into understanding the intricate biological mechanisms (Table 2), from cellular motility to biochemical responses and cell interactions [27]. This glimpse into the world of microfluidics concludes with an alluring prospect-it holds the key to advancing biomedical, pharmaceutical, and medical biotechnology, heralding a new era with its fast, precise, and costeffective diagnostic capabilities [53]. Microfluidics technology has far-reaching implications beyond academia, especially in the healthcare sector [44]. This review unraveled the potential of microfluidics, both in the industrial and medical biotechnology fields [19]. This versatile technology can be harnessed for monitoring biocatalysts, understanding biological mechanisms, and advancing healthcare applications [21]. Further exploration and commercialization of microfluidic systems in industrial biotechnology needs an emphasis, which will open new horizons for the development of the biotechnological field. The discrepancy between biotechnologists’ expectations and the state-of-the-art in microfluidics. One suggestion for bridging the gap and the missing connection between both fields could be a “chip in a box” solution (Figure 1), combining microfluidic chip and all necessary periphery in one setup for conducting the experiment [58].

Table 2:Properties and applications of microfluidics approaches.

Microfluidics tools have emerged as remarkable assets in the realm of industrial biotechnology, offering unique adaptability compared to traditional tools and methodologies. Their prowess lies in the precision and miniaturization of fluid handling, allowing for intricate control over biological processes [50]. One of the significant advantages of microfluidics is its ability to perform high-throughput screening, where a multitude of samples can be simultaneously processed, saving time and resources [51]. Moreover, the fine-tuned manipulation of micro-volumes of fluids facilitates experiments at the single-cell level, shedding light on the intricacies of cellular behavior and heterogeneity [52]. Microfluidic bioreactors, tailored to maintain ideal growth conditions for microorganisms and cells, have revolutionized fermentation processes in bio-manufacturing [53]. Furthermore, the compact nature of microfluidic devices makes them well-suited for portable, point-of-care diagnostics, heralding a new era in rapid disease detection [54]. However, these miniature marvels are not without their challenges, including complex fabrication requirements and the need for specialized expertise in microfluidics [52]. Delving deeper into the nuanced landscape of microfluidics, it becomes evident that their potential in industrial biotechnology is immense.

On the flip side, while microfluidics has transformed biotechnological processes, its adoption is not without its limitations (Table 3). The miniaturization that lends it an advantage also poses challenges in terms of clogging and fouling, requiring careful design and maintenance [55]. Additionally, the investment in microfluidic technology can be substantial due to the cost of equipment and expertise required, making it less accessible to smaller enterprises [56]. Moreover, scaling up microfluidic processes to industrial levels remains a complex task, and the transition from bench to pilot and commercial scales can be fraught with difficulties [57]. Despite these obstacles, the flexibility and precision of microfluidics tools offer unprecedented opportunities in industrial biotechnology [58]. This review paper reveals a promising technology that, when harnessed with thoughtful consideration, has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of bioprocessing and diagnostics, ultimately benefiting both researchers and the industry at large.

Table 3:Pros and cons of microfluidics [50-58].

This review paper investigates the immense potential of microfluidics tool in industrial biotechnology, with a specific focus on articles published in reputable journals over the past decade. The primary objective is to compile all available information regarding the use of microfluidics and its approaches for various applications. Conclusions derived from the conducted study are:
a. The instruments of industrial biotechnology collectively narrate the story of human creativity, where microbial wonders perform in a synchronized harmony, and scientific craftsmanship forges a future where the possibilities of innovation are limitless.
b. Microfluidics, a versatile technology, stirs keen interest across biotechnology sectors, offering applications in biocatalyst monitoring, understanding biological mechanisms, and healthcare enhancement. Fostering the use of microfluidic systems in industrial biotechnology holds the key to unlocking new avenues for biotechnological progress.
c. Microfluidics, with careful harnessing, holds the potential to bring about a revolution in the fields of bioprocessing and diagnostics, ultimately delivering benefits to researchers and the broader industry.

The positive result mentioned above suggests the need for a comprehensive examination of its behavior on a larger scale. Extensive research, thorough experimentation, and increased awareness are essential to ensure the successful application of microfluidics at large scale in industrial and other domains of biotechnology.

The authors would like to thanks every person and department who helped throughout this research.

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