Bile dynamics within the biliary tract and microfluidic-based bile component detection: A review

Abstract

Bilestones are solid masses found in the gallbladder or biliary tract, which block the normal bile flow and eventually result in severe life-threatening complications. Studies have shown that bilestone formation may be related to bile flow dynamics and the concentration level of bile components. The bile flow dynamics in the biliary tract play a critical role in disclosing the mechanism of bile stasis and transportation. The concentration of bile composition is closely associated with processes such as nucleation and crystallization. Recently, microfluidic-based biosensors have been favored for multiple advantages over traditional bench-top detection assays for their less sample consumption, portability, low cost, and high sensitivity for real-time detection. Here, we reviewed the developments in bile dynamics study and microfluidics-based bile component detection methods. These studies may provide valuable insights into the bilestone formation mechanisms and better treatment, alongside our opinions on the future development of in vitro lithotriptic drug screening of bilestones and bile characterization tests.