Topology optimization of microfluidics — A review

•This work reports the progress on the recent development of the topology optimization of microfluidics, which can provide a useful guide for many researchers.•Different kinds of flow state, including Stokes flow, Darcy–Stokes flow, Navier–Stokes flows, unsteady Navier–Stokes flows, and non-Newtonian flows are narrated and analyzed. A variety of microfluidic devices designed with topology optimization method are expounded and analyzed.•Optimization design and system-level design for microfluidics are a trend to promote industrialization of microfluidic system. This work can provide an expedient and helpful reference to the ones who want to study in this field.

This review reports the progress on the recent development of topology optimization of microfluidics. Topology optimization of microfluidics in different flow state, including Stokes flow, Darcy–Stokes flow, Navier Stokes flows, unsteady Navier–Stokes flows, and non-Newtonian flows are narrated and discussed. A variety of microfluidic devices designed with topology optimization method are expounded and analyzed. This paper will provide an expedient and valuable reference to designers who research optimized design of microfluidic devices.