Emerging microfluidic platforms for crystallization process development.

The microfluidic platform offers an exclusive environment compatible with different analytical tools to investigate crystallization processes. Moreover, microfluidic devices allow precise and convenient control of crystallization conditions at nano or meso scales, making them suitable for pharmaceutical and energy applications. These miniaturized screening devices can be effective during drug discovery stages for screening active ingredients available on micro/milligram scales. In this review, we discuss the advancements and applications of microfluidics platforms in the development of crystallization processes, including measurement of crystal growth and nucleation rates, screening of co-crystals, polymorphs and morphology, synthesis of nanocrystals, and determination of metastable zones and solubility. In addition, the latest microfluidics setups for high-throughput screening and lab-on-chip enhancements with sensors and automation are presented in this review. Lastly, an outlook on how microfluidic platforms can be adapted to improve workflow in crystallization process development is presented. [Display omitted] • Droplet-based microfluidics and microtiters cannot maintain supersaturation. • Continuous microfluidics with cyclonic flow can maintain supersaturation. • State-of-the-art of microfluidic platforms for crystallization is presented. • Parallel processing can improve the throughput of integrated microfluidics. • Microfluidics can be automated by hybridization with instrumentation and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]