Table 3.

Advantages and challenges of conventional and microfluidics methods of EVs isolation.

	Conventional methods	Microfluidics methods
Advantages	Capable in scaling up a single experiment Well-established protocols Available assays and standardization	Small device footprint Low contamination risk Low sample consumption Easy in integration of multi-step protocols Easily disposable Rapid and easy fluid manipulation Real time process monitoring Flexible in changing the protocols or experimental setup Low shear force on biological samples
Challenges	Low recovery rate Fixed device design and architecture High volume consumption Limited to end-point analysis Labor intensive and trained technicians for running experimental tests Less control over the process High maintenance cost	Complex operational control and manufacturing Requires multiple components such as pump, valve, tubing, and connectors for operation Standardization and industrialization Sensitive to operational conditions Difficult for mass production