The power of microsystem technology in the food industry – Going small makes it better

Microfluidic devices show significant potential of application in food industry. Microfludic devices ensure reduced costs of the analysis, reduced amount of waste, enhanced mass and heat transfer, increased and improved analytical performances, allowed processes parallelization and on-site analysis. However, there is still a gap in standardisation of materials, channel geometries and process conditions to achieve maximum process efficiency. In this work micro and nano- particle formation for protection of bioactive compounds, monitoring of microorganisms and contaminants, extraction of bioactive compounds and analysis of antimicrobial substances for application in food industry will be discussed including the specific properties of used microfluidic devices. •A perspective of microfluidics in food industry was discussed•Microfluidics for pathogens, toxins, pesticides and antibiotics detection were shown•Microfluidics for extraction and analysis of bioactive compounds were presented•Microfluidics for microencapsulation processes were reviewed