Droplet-based microfluidics in pharmaceutical research and development: Current status and advances

Droplet microfluidics, known for its high throughput, precise control, and minimal reagent consumption, provides an innovative platform that merges highly biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) models with dynamic monitoring. This system offers a comprehensive research framework for drug screening and efficacy evaluation, closely mimicking physiological conditions. By addressing the limitations of conventional analytical methods, it holds substantial promise in pharmaceutical research and development. This review systematically explores the latest advancements in droplet microfluidics for pharmaceutical research, focusing on strategies for in vitro model development, including droplet generation, 3D tissue culture, morphological simulation, and microenvironment reconstruction. The integration of this technology with cutting-edge analytical tools, such as mass spectrometry (MS), biosensors, biological imaging, multi-omics approaches, and artificial intelligence (AI), is also discussed. Furthermore, its applications in drug discovery, screening, metabolism, and delivery are examined in detail. Finally, the article outlines potential future developments, challenges in clinical translation, and emerging trends at the intersection of droplet microfluidics and intelligent technologies.