Miniaturization of Sensor Systems for Marine Environmental Measurement Based on Optofluidic Technology

Marine ecosystems, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface, are vital for sustaining life, regulating climate, and supporting global biodiversity. However, these environments are increasingly threatened by pollution, climate change, and unsustainable human activities. However, these environments are increasingly threatened by pollution, climate change, and unsustainable human activities. To effectively address these challenges, the development and application of advanced environmental monitoring technologies are critical. Optofluidic technology, which integrates optical and microfluidic systems, has emerged as a promising solution for real-time, in situ, and miniaturized marine sensing applications. This review explores the fundamental principles of optofluidic systems and highlights recent advancements in their integration with Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These integrated systems enable the monitoring of key ocean parameters, including nutrients, microplastics, and phytoplankton. Additionally, it examines limitations related to energy efficiency, long-term durability, and system scalability, and discusses future perspectives on developing bioinspired, multifunctional optofluidic sensors for comprehensive marine monitoring. Overall, optofluidics offers a transformative approach that supports marine sustainability and environmental conservation initiatives.