How Does Microfluidics Enhance Surveillance and Monitoring?

Surveillance and monitoring are critical aspects of epidemiology for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Microfluidic devices can be deployed for continuous environmental monitoring, detecting pathogens in water, air, and surfaces. These devices can also be integrated with wearable technology to monitor biomarkers in bodily fluids such as sweat, saliva, and blood, providing real-time health data. This continuous monitoring capability helps in early detection of disease outbreaks and enables prompt public health responses.