Nucleic acid-based detection for foodborne virus utilizing microfluidic systems

Public health events caused by foodborne virus cause huge economic and social burden to the affected countries. Foodborne virus detection in food is a very arduous task due to its trace amounts and interference by complex food matrix components. Conventional techniques face a number of drawbacks, such as time-consuming, laborious and often require skilled technicians. This represents an interesting challenge for microfluidic technologies, from on-chip sample separation as well as for integrity perspective. The focus of this review is to highlight the integrated microfluidic system for nucleic acid-based foodborne virus analysis, including sample preparation, on-chip nucleic acid amplification, on-chip detection, system integration and automation. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of practical application of this technology were further discussed. Microfluidic technology has provided a new platform for rapid and effective detection of foodborne virus. The low sample/reagent volume consumption and the integration of detection make microfluidic technology an ideal choice for on-site use and more convenience to food safety supervision department. •Microfluidic strategies for rapid separation of foodborne virus are elucidated.•Fully integrating virus detection on the microfluidic platforms are illustrated.•Current challenges to practical concern for on-site virus detection are discussed.