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Huang J, Fussenegger M. Programming mammalian cell behaviors by physical cues. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00208-7. [PMID: 39179464 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the field of synthetic biology has witnessed remarkable progress, driving advances in both research and practical applications. One pivotal area of development involves the design of transgene switches capable of precisely regulating specified outputs and controlling cell behaviors in response to physical cues, which encompass light, magnetic fields, temperature, mechanical forces, ultrasound, and electricity. In this review, we delve into the cutting-edge progress made in the field of physically controlled protein expression in engineered mammalian cells, exploring the diverse genetic tools and synthetic strategies available for engineering targeting cells to sense these physical cues and generate the desired outputs accordingly. We discuss the precision and efficiency limitations inherent in these tools, while also highlighting their immense potential for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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2
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Han J, Choi YJ, Kang SK. Synergistic Strategies of Biomolecular Transport Technologies in Transdermal Healthcare Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401753. [PMID: 39087395 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Transdermal healthcare systems have gained significant attention for their painless and convenient drug administration, as well as their ability to detect biomarkers promptly. However, the skin barrier limits the candidates of biomolecules that can be transported, and reliance on simple diffusion poses a bottleneck for personalized diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, recent advancements in transdermal transport technologies have evolved toward active methods based on external energy sources. Multiple combinations of these technologies have also shown promise for increasing therapeutic effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy as delivery efficiency is maximized. Furthermore, wearable healthcare platforms are being developed in diverse aspects for patient convenience, safety, and on-demand treatment. Herein, a comprehensive overview of active transdermal delivery technologies is provided, highlighting the combination-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and theragnostics, along with the latest trends in platform advancements. This offers insights into the potential applications of next-generation wearable transdermal medical devices for personalized autonomous healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Jeong Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Kyun Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
- Nano Systems Institute SOFT Foundry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
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3
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Kelly AR, Glover DJ. Information Transmission through Biotic-Abiotic Interfaces to Restore or Enhance Human Function. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3605-3628. [PMID: 38729914 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in reliable information transfer across biotic-abiotic interfaces have enabled the restoration of lost human function. For example, communication between neuronal cells and electrical devices restores the ability to walk to a tetraplegic patient and vision to patients blinded by retinal disease. These impactful medical achievements are aided by tailored biotic-abiotic interfaces that maximize information transfer fidelity by considering the physical properties of the underlying biological and synthetic components. This Review develops a modular framework to define and describe the engineering of biotic and abiotic components as well as the design of interfaces to facilitate biotic-abiotic information transfer using light or electricity. Delineating the properties of the biotic, interface, and abiotic components that enable communication can serve as a guide for future research in this highly interdisciplinary field. Application of synthetic biology to engineer light-sensitive proteins has facilitated the control of neural signaling and the restoration of rudimentary vision after retinal blindness. Electrophysiological methodologies that use brain-computer interfaces and stimulating implants to bypass spinal column injuries have led to the rehabilitation of limb movement and walking ability. Cellular interfacing methodologies and on-chip learning capability have been made possible by organic transistors that mimic the information processing capacity of neurons. The collaboration of molecular biologists, material scientists, and electrical engineers in the emerging field of biotic-abiotic interfacing will lead to the development of prosthetics capable of responding to thought and experiencing touch sensation via direct integration into the human nervous system. Further interdisciplinary research will improve electrical and optical interfacing technologies for the restoration of vision, offering greater visual acuity and potentially color vision in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Kelly
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dominic J Glover
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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4
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Galvan S, Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Enhancing cell-based therapies with synthetic gene circuits responsive to molecular stimuli. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38867466 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to contribute to the development of next-generation patient-specific cell-based therapies for chronic diseases especially through the construction of sophisticated synthetic gene switches to enhance the safety and spatiotemporal controllability of engineered cells. Indeed, switches that sense and process specific cues, which may be either externally administered triggers or endogenous disease-associated molecules, have emerged as powerful tools for programming and fine-tuning therapeutic outputs. Living engineered cells, often referred to as designer cells, incorporating such switches are delivered to patients either as encapsulated cell implants or by infusion, as in the case of the clinically approved CAR-T cell therapies. Here, we review recent developments in synthetic gene switches responsive to molecular stimuli, spanning regulatory mechanisms acting at the transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. We also discuss current challenges facing clinical translation of cell-based therapies employing these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galvan
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana P Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Giraudot C, Alazard-Dany N, Lambert V. [Closed-loop synthetic gene circuits for cell-based therapies]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:437-444. [PMID: 38819279 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology have paved the way for new cellular therapies, using cells capable of autonomously treating chronic diseases. These cells integrate a set of genes functioning in a closed-loop synthetic circuit, delivering a therapeutic effector in response to a specific pathological signal. While promising in mice, these therapies face clinical challenges related to safety and feasibility of in vivo implementation. The latest generations of synthetic circuits aim to address these issues through advanced bioengineering strategies outlined in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clélia Giraudot
- École normale supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France - Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | - Nathalie Alazard-Dany
- École normale supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Sha B, Du Z. Neural repair and regeneration interfaces: a comprehensive review. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:022002. [PMID: 38232383 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad1f78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Neural interfaces play a pivotal role in neuromodulation, as they enable precise intervention into aberrant neural activity and facilitate recovery from neural injuries and resultant functional impairments by modulating local immune responses and neural circuits. This review outlines the development and applications of these interfaces and highlights the advantages of employing neural interfaces for neural stimulation and repair, including accurate targeting of specific neural populations, real-time monitoring and control of neural activity, reduced invasiveness, and personalized treatment strategies. Ongoing research aims to enhance the biocompatibility, stability, and functionality of these interfaces, ultimately augmenting their therapeutic potential for various neurological disorders. The review focuses on electrophysiological and optophysiology neural interfaces, discussing functionalization and power supply approaches. By summarizing the techniques, materials, and methods employed in this field, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential applications and future directions for neural repair and regeneration devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoning Sha
- Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Zhanhong Du
- Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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Zhang J, Li F, Liu D, Liu Q, Song H. Engineering extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms by synthetic biology for energy and chemicals production. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1375-1446. [PMID: 38117181 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00537b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The excessive consumption of fossil fuels causes massive emission of CO2, leading to climate deterioration and environmental pollution. The development of substitutes and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels has become a worldwide priority. Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), employing redox reactions of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) on electrodes to achieve a meritorious combination of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, provide a green and sustainable alternative approach for bioremediation, CO2 fixation, and energy and chemicals production. EAMs, including exoelectrogens and electrotrophs, perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) (i.e., outward and inward EET), respectively, to exchange energy with the environment, whose rate determines the efficiency and performance of BESs. Therefore, we review the synthetic biology strategies developed in the last decade for engineering EAMs to enhance the EET rate in cell-electrode interfaces for facilitating the production of electricity energy and value-added chemicals, which include (1) progress in genetic manipulation and editing tools to achieve the efficient regulation of gene expression, knockout, and knockdown of EAMs; (2) synthetic biological engineering strategies to enhance the outward EET of exoelectrogens to anodes for electricity power production and anodic electro-fermentation (AEF) for chemicals production, including (i) broadening and strengthening substrate utilization, (ii) increasing the intracellular releasable reducing equivalents, (iii) optimizing c-type cytochrome (c-Cyts) expression and maturation, (iv) enhancing conductive nanowire biosynthesis and modification, (v) promoting electron shuttle biosynthesis, secretion, and immobilization, (vi) engineering global regulators to promote EET rate, (vii) facilitating biofilm formation, and (viii) constructing cell-material hybrids; (3) the mechanisms of inward EET, CO2 fixation pathway, and engineering strategies for improving the inward EET of electrotrophic cells for CO2 reduction and chemical production, including (i) programming metabolic pathways of electrotrophs, (ii) rewiring bioelectrical circuits for enhancing inward EET, and (iii) constructing microbial (photo)electrosynthesis by cell-material hybridization; (4) perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for engineering EET to develop highly efficient BESs for sustainable energy and chemical production. We expect that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the future development of BESs in energy harvesting, CO2 fixation, and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Dingyuan Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Lohse S, Weber W. An engineered surrogate poly(A) tail to wag translation initiation. Cell Res 2024; 34:95-96. [PMID: 38172532 PMCID: PMC10837413 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Lohse
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Saarland University, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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Abubakar IN, Essabbar M, Saikouk H. Analysis of the performances of various controllers adopted in the biomedical field for blood glucose regulation: a case study of the type-1 diabetes. J Med Eng Technol 2023; 47:376-388. [PMID: 38757394 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2024.2353036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes remains a critical global health concern that necessitates urgent attention. The contemporary clinical approach to closed-loop care, specifically tailored for insulin-dependent patients, aims to precisely monitor blood glucose levels while mitigating the risks of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia due to erroneous insulin dosing. This study seeks to address this life-threatening issue by assessing and comparing the performance of different controllers to achieve quicker settling and convergence rates with reduced steady-state errors, particularly in scenarios involving meal interruptions. The methodology involves the detection of plasma blood glucose levels, delivery of precise insulin doses to the actuator through a control architecture, and subsequent administration of the calculated insulin dosage to patients based on the control signal. Glucose-insulin dynamics were modelled using kinetics and mass balance equations from the Bergman minimal model. The simulation results revealed that the PID controller exhibited superior performance, maintaining blood glucose concentration around the preferred threshold ∼98.8% of the time, with a standard deviation of 2.50. This was followed by RST with a success rate of 98.5% and standard deviation of 5.00, SPC with a success rate of 58% and standard deviation of 2.99, SFC with a success rate of 55% and standard deviation of 10.08, and finally LCFB with a rate of 10% and significantly higher standard deviation of 64.55.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moad Essabbar
- Euromed Research Center, Euromed University of Fes, Fez, Morocco
| | - Hajar Saikouk
- Euromed Research Center, Euromed University of Fes, Fez, Morocco
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Lara Í, Freijanes Y, Muñoz S, Ruiz G, Barragán VM. Examining the Effect of Ionizing Radiations in Ion-Exchange Membranes of Interest in Biomedical Applications. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:592. [PMID: 37367796 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The possible effects of ionizing radiation on four commercial membranes, which are typically used as electrolytes in fuel cells supplying energy to a huge variety of medical implantable devices, were studied. These devices could obtain energy from the biological environment through a glucose fuel cell, which could be a good candidate to replace conventional batteries as a power source. In these applications, materials with high radiation stability for the fuel cell elements would be disabled. The polymeric membrane is one of the key elements in fuel cells. Membrane swelling properties are very important because they affect the fuel cell's performance. For this reason, the swelling behaviors of various samples of each membrane irradiated with different doses were analyzed. Each sample was irradiated with a typical dose of a conventional radiotherapy treatment, and the regular conditions of the biological working environment were simulated. The target was to examine the possible effect of the received radiation on the membranes. The results show that the ionizing radiation influenced their swelling properties, as well as that dimensional changes were dependent on the existence of reinforcement, be it internal or external, in the membrane structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íñigo Lara
- Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Physics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yago Freijanes
- Radiotherapy Service at the General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sagrario Muñoz
- Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Physics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Ruiz
- Radiotherapy Service at the General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - V María Barragán
- Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Physics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Guha Ray P, Maity D, Huang J, Zulewski H, Fussenegger M. A versatile bioelectronic interface programmed for hormone sensing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3151. [PMID: 37258547 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39015-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine requires smart, ultrasensitive, real-time profiling of bio-analytes using interconnected miniaturized devices to achieve individually optimized healthcare. Here, we report a versatile bioelectronic interface (VIBE) that senses signaling-cascade-guided receptor-ligand interactions via an electronic interface. We show that VIBE offers a low detection limit down to sub-nanomolar range characterised by an output current that decreases significantly, leading to precise profiling of these peptide hormones throughout the physiologically relevant concentration ranges. In a proof-of-concept application, we demonstrate that the VIBE platform differentiates insulin and GLP-1 levels in serum samples of wild-type mice from type-1 and type-2 diabetic mice. Evaluation of human serum samples shows that the bioelectronic device can differentiate between samples from different individuals and report differences in their metabolic states. As the target analyte can be changed simply by introducing engineered cells overexpressing the appropriate receptor, the VIBE interface has many potential applications for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine via the internet of things.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetam Guha Ray
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Debasis Maity
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jinbo Huang
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henryk Zulewski
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, CH-8063, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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