Advances in Continuous Microfluidics-Based Technologies for the Study of HIV Infection

Viruses. 2020 Sep 4;12(9):982. doi: 10.3390/v12090982.

Abstract

HIV-1 is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It affects millions of people worldwide and the pandemic persists despite the implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy. A wide spectrum of techniques has been implemented in order to diagnose and monitor AIDS progression over the years. Besides the conventional approaches, microfluidics has provided useful methods for monitoring HIV-1 infection. In this review, we introduce continuous microfluidics as well as the fabrication and handling of microfluidic chips. We provide a review of the different applications of continuous microfluidics in AIDS diagnosis and progression and in the basic study of the HIV-1 life cycle.

Keywords: HIV; diagnosis; infection; life cycle; microfluidics; replication; retrovirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Disease Progression
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Microfluidics*
  • Virus Replication