Transforming Diagnostic Precision in Periodontology Through Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Conventional periodontal diagnostics measures the damage that has already occurred rather than disease that is currently active. This gap has driven interest in point-of-care tools that read the mouth in real time. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and microfluidic platforms are leading candidates for such chairside periodontal and peri-implant testing, yet the supporting evidence has not been mapped in a structured way. METHODS: A literature review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic databases inclusive of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies published from January 2015 to March 2026. Relevant studies investigating the predefined inclusion criteria related to LOC systems, microfluidic platforms, or biosensor technologies for periodontal or peri-implant tissues were considered. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data from each article on technology type, target biomarkers, sample analyte, reported diagnostic performance, and technology readiness levels (TRLs) by EURAXESS. RESULTS: Of 1764 records identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Saliva was the most common sample matrix, followed by gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) or subgingival bacterial templates. The platforms ranged from paper-based microfluidics and electrochemical or optical biosensors to continuous-flow PCR chips and most targeted red-complex periodontal pathogens or host inflammatory markers such as MMP-8 and IL-1β. Clinical diagnostic accuracy was rarely reported, validation was usually conducted under controlled laboratory conditions rather than in clinical settings, and most devices remained at the prototype stage. CONCLUSION: LOC technologies show clear analytical promise for periodontal diagnostics, but laboratory prototypes still dominate the evidence base. Multicentric clinical validation, standardized fabrication protocols, and clearer regulatory pathways are the main steps required before routine clinical use.

Abstract as supplied by the indexing source. © the authors / publisher.