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van der Loh M, Schiffmann M, Polack M, Wink K, Belder D. Coupling of droplet-on-demand microfluidcs with ESI/MS to study single-cell catalysis. RSC Adv 2024; 14:25337-25346. [PMID: 39139235 PMCID: PMC11320962 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04835k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics provides an efficient method for analysing reactions within the range of nanoliters to picoliters. However, the sensitive, label-free and versatile detection with ESI/MS poses some difficulties. One challenge is the difficult association of droplets with the MS signal in high-throughput droplet analysis. Hence, a droplet-on-demand system for the generation of a few droplets can address this and other problems such as surfactant concentration or cross-contamination. Accordingly, the system has been further developed for online coupling with ESI/MS. To achieve this, we developed a setup enabling on-demand droplet generation by hydrodynamic gating, with downstream microscopic droplet detection and MS analysis. This facilitated the incorporation of 1-9 yeast cells into individual 1-5 nL droplets and the monitoring of yeast-catalysed transformation from ketoester to ethyl-3-hydroxybutyrate by MS. With our method a mean production rate of 0.035 ± 0.017 fmol per cell per h was observed with a detection limit of 0.30 μM. In conclusion, our droplet-on-demand method is a versatile and advantageous tool for cell encapsulation in droplets, droplet imaging and reaction detection using ESI/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie van der Loh
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Marie Schiffmann
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Matthias Polack
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Konstantin Wink
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Detlev Belder
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
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2
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Li B, Mao S, Zhang C, Xu T, Ma X, Lin H, Yin H, Qiu Y. Rapid anaerobic culture and reaction kinetic study of anammox bacteria on microfluidic chip. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 396:130422. [PMID: 38320714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Anammox bacteria are being increasingly investigated as part of an emerging nitrogen removal technology. However, due to the difficulty in culturing, current understanding of their behavior is limited. In this study, anaerobic microfluidic chips were used to study anammox bacteria, showing great advantages over reactors. On-chip fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed the relative abundance of free form anammox bacteria increased by 56.1 % after one week's culture, an increase that is three times higher than that of bioreactor (17.1 %). For granular form cultures, the nitrogen removal load reached 2.34 ∼ 2.51 kg-N/(m3·d), which was also substantially higher than the bioreactor (∼1.22 kg-N/(m3·d)). Furthermore, studying the kinetics of nitrite inhibition of granular sludge with different particle sizes (100-900 μm) showed that the maximum ammonia load and the nitrite semi-saturation coefficient noticeably decreased for smaller particle sizes. These results illustrate the usefulness of the microfluidic method for in-depth understanding anammox process and its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Siyuan Mao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tiansi Xu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xueyan Ma
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hai Lin
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Huabing Yin
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK.
| | - Yong Qiu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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3
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Vasios AG, Skonta A, Patila M, Stamatis H. Biocatalytic Performance of β-Glucosidase Immobilized on 3D-Printed Single- and Multi-Channel Polylactic Acid Microreactors. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:288. [PMID: 38399016 PMCID: PMC10893134 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have attracted much attention in the current day owing to the unique advantages they provide. However, their application for industrial use is limited due to manufacturing limitations and high cost. Moreover, the scaling-up process of the microreactor has proven to be difficult. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is a promising solution for the above obstacles due to its ability to fabricate complex structures quickly and at a relatively low cost. Hence, combining the advantages of the microscale with 3D printing technology could enhance the applicability of microfluidic devices in the industrial sector. In the present work, a 3D-printed single-channel immobilized enzyme microreactor with a volume capacity of 30 μL was designed and created in one step via the fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing technique, using polylactic acid (PLA) as the printing material. The microreactor underwent surface modification with chitosan, and β-glucosidase from Thermotoga maritima was covalently immobilized. The immobilized biocatalyst retained almost 100% of its initial activity after incubation at different temperatures, while it could be effectively reused for up to 10 successful reaction cycles. Moreover, a multi-channel parallel microreactor incorporating 36 channels was developed, resulting in a significant increase in enzymatic productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Haralambos Stamatis
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.-G.V.); (A.S.); (M.P.)
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4
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Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. A spectIR-fluidic reactor for monitoring fast chemical reaction kinetics with on-chip attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5129-5138. [PMID: 37609867 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00842h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technology with diverse applications in microbiology, medicine, chemistry, and physics. While its potential for controlling and studying chemical reactions is well recognized, the extraction and analysis of useful chemical information generated within microfluidic devices remain challenging. This is mainly due to the limited tools available for in situ measurements of chemical reactions. In this study, we present a proof-of-concept spectIR-fluidic reactor design that combines microfluidics with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for in situ kinetic studies of fast reactions. By integrating a multi-ridge silicon attenuated total reflection (ATR) wafer into the microfluidic device, we enable multi-point measurements for precise reaction time monitoring. As such, this work establishes a validated foundation for studying fast chemical reactions using on-chip ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in a microfluidic reactor environment, which enables simultaneous monitoring of reagents, intermediates, and products using a phosphate proton transfer reaction. The spectIR-fluidic reactor platform offers customizable designs, allowing for the investigation of reactions with various time scales, and has the potential to significantly advance studies exploring reaction mechanisms and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jia
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - André Bégin-Drolet
- Département de Génie Mécanique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, G1L 3L5, Canada
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5
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Coelho BJ, Neto JP, Sieira B, Moura AT, Fortunato E, Martins R, Baptista PV, Igreja R, Águas H. Hybrid Digital-Droplet Microfluidic Chip for Applications in Droplet Digital Nucleic Acid Amplification: Design, Fabrication and Characterization. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4927. [PMID: 37430841 DOI: 10.3390/s23104927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based platforms have become a hallmark for chemical and biological assays, empowering micro- and nano-reaction vessels. The fusion of microfluidic technologies (digital microfluidics, continuous-flow microfluidics, and droplet microfluidics, just to name a few) presents great potential for overcoming the inherent limitations of each approach, while also elevating their respective strengths. This work exploits the combination of digital microfluidics (DMF) and droplet microfluidics (DrMF) on a single substrate, where DMF enables droplet mixing and further acts as a controlled liquid supplier for a high-throughput nano-liter droplet generator. Droplet generation is performed at a flow-focusing region, operating on dual pressure: negative pressure applied to the aqueous phase and positive pressure applied to the oil phase. We evaluate the droplets produced with our hybrid DMF-DrMF devices in terms of droplet volume, speed, and production frequency and further compare them with standalone DrMF devices. Both types of devices enable customizable droplet production (various volumes and circulation speeds), yet hybrid DMF-DrMF devices yield more controlled droplet production while achieving throughputs that are similar to standalone DrMF devices. These hybrid devices enable the production of up to four droplets per second, which reach a maximum circulation speed close to 1540 µm/s and volumes as low as 0.5 nL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz J Coelho
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO, I4HB, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Joana P Neto
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Sieira
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - André T Moura
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Elvira Fortunato
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Martins
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro V Baptista
- UCIBIO, I4HB, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Rui Igreja
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Hugo Águas
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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6
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Valle NME, Nucci MP, Alves AH, Rodrigues LD, Mamani JB, Oliveira FA, Lopes CS, Lopes AT, Carreño MNP, Gamarra LF. Advances in Concentration Gradient Generation Approaches in a Microfluidic Device for Toxicity Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193101. [PMID: 36231063 PMCID: PMC9563958 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to analyze the development and functionality of microfluidic concentration gradient generators (CGGs) for toxicological evaluation of different biological organisms. We searched articles using the keywords: concentration gradient generator, toxicity, and microfluidic device. Only 33 of the 352 articles found were included and examined regarding the fabrication of the microdevices, the characteristics of the CGG, the biological model, and the desired results. The main fabrication method was soft lithography, using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material (91%) and SU-8 as the mold (58.3%). New technologies were applied to minimize shear and bubble problems, reduce costs, and accelerate prototyping. The Christmas tree CGG design and its variations were the most reported in the studies, as well as the convective method of generation (61%). Biological models included bacteria and nematodes for antibiotic screening, microalgae for pollutant toxicity, tumor and normal cells for, primarily, chemotherapy screening, and Zebrafish embryos for drug and metal developmental toxicity. The toxic effects of each concentration generated were evaluated mostly with imaging and microscopy techniques. This study showed an advantage of CGGs over other techniques and their applicability for several biological models. Even with soft lithography, PDMS, and Christmas tree being more popular in their respective categories, current studies aim to apply new technologies and intricate architectures to improve testing effectiveness and reduce common microfluidics problems, allowing for high applicability of toxicity tests in different medical and environmental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. E. Valle
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
| | - Mariana P. Nucci
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- LIM44—Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Caique S. Lopes
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T. Lopes
- Departamento de Engenharia de Sistema Eletrônicos, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N. P. Carreño
- Departamento de Engenharia de Sistema Eletrônicos, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Lionel F. Gamarra
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2151-0243
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7
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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8
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Kerk YJ, Jameel A, Xing X, Zhang C. Recent advances of integrated microfluidic suspension cell culture system. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2021; 5:103-119. [PMID: 36970555 PMCID: PMC9996741 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12015] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic devices with superior microscale fluid manipulation ability and large integration flexibility offer great advantages of high throughput, parallelisation and multifunctional automation. Such features have been extensively utilised to facilitate cell culture processes such as cell capturing and culturing under controllable and monitored conditions for cell-based assays. Incorporating functional components and microfabricated configurations offered different levels of fluid control and cell manipulation strategies to meet diverse culture demands. This review will discuss the advances of single-phase flow and droplet-based integrated microfluidic suspension cell culture systems and their applications for accelerated bioprocess development, high-throughput cell selection, drug screening and scientific research to insight cell biology. Challenges and future prospects for this dynamically developing field are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jing Kerk
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Aysha Jameel
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory of Industrial BiocatalysisDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xin‐Hui Xing
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory of Industrial BiocatalysisDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chong Zhang
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory of Industrial BiocatalysisDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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9
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Lopes MGM, Santana HS, Silva AGP, Taranto OP. Three‐dimensional‐printed millireactor with yeast immobilized in calcium‐alginate film for application in fermentation processes. AIChE J 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harrson S. Santana
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Campinas Campinas SP Brazil
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10
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A Low-Cost 3-in-1 3D Printer as a Tool for the Fabrication of Flow-Through Channels of Microfluidic Systems. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12080947. [PMID: 34442569 PMCID: PMC8398763 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently published studies have shown that microfluidic devices fabricated by in-house three-dimensional (3D) printing, computer numerical control (CNC) milling and laser engraving have a good quality of performance. The 3-in-1 3D printers, desktop machines that integrate the three primary functions in a single user-friendly set-up are now available for computer-controlled adaptable surface processing, for less than USD 1000. Here, we demonstrate that 3-in-1 3D printer-based micromachining is an effective strategy for creating microfluidic devices and an easier and more economical alternative to, for instance, conventional photolithography. Our aim was to produce plastic microfluidic chips with engraved microchannel structures or micro-structured plastic molds for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips with microchannel imprints. The reproducability and accuracy of fabrication of microfluidic chips with straight, crossed line and Y-shaped microchannel designs were assessed and their microfluidic performance checked by liquid stream tests. All three fabrication methods of the 3-in-1 3D printer produced functional microchannel devices with adequate solution flow. Accordingly, 3-in-1 3D printers are recommended as cheap, accessible and user-friendly tools that can be operated with minimal training and little starting knowledge to successfully fabricate basic microfluidic devices that are suitable for educational work or rapid prototyping.
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11
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Scott SM, Ali Z. Fabrication Methods for Microfluidic Devices: An Overview. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:319. [PMID: 33803689 PMCID: PMC8002879 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices offer the potential to automate a wide variety of chemical and biological operations that are applicable for diagnostic and therapeutic operations with higher efficiency as well as higher repeatability and reproducibility. Polymer based microfluidic devices offer particular advantages including those of cost and biocompatibility. Here, we describe direct and replication approaches for manufacturing of polymer microfluidic devices. Replications approaches require fabrication of mould or master and we describe different methods of mould manufacture, including mechanical (micro-cutting; ultrasonic machining), energy-assisted methods (electrodischarge machining, micro-electrochemical machining, laser ablation, electron beam machining, focused ion beam (FIB) machining), traditional micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) processes, as well as mould fabrication approaches for curved surfaces. The approaches for microfluidic device fabrications are described in terms of low volume production (casting, lamination, laser ablation, 3D printing) and high-volume production (hot embossing, injection moulding, and film or sheet operations).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zulfiqur Ali
- Healthcare Innovation Centre, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, UK
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12
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Boutiette AL, Toothaker C, Corless B, Boukaftane C, Howell C. 3D printing direct to industrial roll-to-roll casting for fast prototyping of scalable microfluidic systems. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244324. [PMID: 33370381 PMCID: PMC7769481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have enormous potential to offer breakthrough solutions across a wide range of applications. However, the rate of scale-up and commercialization of these technologies has lagged significantly behind promising breakthrough developments in the lab, due at least in part to the problems presented by transitioning from benchtop fabrication methods to mass-manufacturing. In this work, we develop and validate a method to create functional microfluidic prototype devices using 3D printed masters in an industrial-scale roll-to-roll continuous casting process. There were no significant difference in mixing performance between the roll-to-roll cast devices and the PDMS controls in fluidic mixing tests. Furthermore, the casting process provided information on the suitability of the prototype microfluidic patterns for scale-up. This work represents an important step in the realization of high-volume prototyping and manufacturing of microfluidic patterns for use across a broad range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Boutiette
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Cristoffer Toothaker
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Bailey Corless
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | | | - Caitlin Howell
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
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13
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Ortseifen V, Viefhues M, Wobbe L, Grünberger A. Microfluidics for Biotechnology: Bridging Gaps to Foster Microfluidic Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:589074. [PMID: 33282849 PMCID: PMC7691494 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics and novel lab-on-a-chip applications have the potential to boost biotechnological research in ways that are not possible using traditional methods. Although microfluidic tools were increasingly used for different applications within biotechnology in recent years, a systematic and routine use in academic and industrial labs is still not established. For many years, absent innovative, ground-breaking and “out-of-the-box” applications have been made responsible for the missing drive to integrate microfluidic technologies into fundamental and applied biotechnological research. In this review, we highlight microfluidics’ offers and compare them to the most important demands of the biotechnologists. Furthermore, a detailed analysis in the state-of-the-art use of microfluidics within biotechnology was conducted exemplarily for four emerging biotechnological fields that can substantially benefit from the application of microfluidic systems, namely the phenotypic screening of cells, the analysis of microbial population heterogeneity, organ-on-a-chip approaches and the characterisation of synthetic co-cultures. The analysis resulted in a discussion of potential “gaps” that can be responsible for the rare integration of microfluidics into biotechnological studies. Our analysis revealed six major gaps, concerning the lack of interdisciplinary communication, mutual knowledge and motivation, methodological compatibility, technological readiness and missing commercialisation, which need to be bridged in the future. We conclude that connecting microfluidics and biotechnology is not an impossible challenge and made seven suggestions to bridge the gaps between those disciplines. This lays the foundation for routine integration of microfluidic systems into biotechnology research procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Ortseifen
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology/CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martina Viefhues
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanosciences, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lutz Wobbe
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy Group, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology/CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Grünberger
- Multiscale Bioengineering, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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14
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Zhuang J, Huo Q, Yang F, Xie N. Perspectives on the Role of Histone Modification in Breast Cancer Progression and the Advanced Technological Tools to Study Epigenetic Determinants of Metastasis. Front Genet 2020; 11:603552. [PMID: 33193750 PMCID: PMC7658393 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.603552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process that involved in various genetic and epigenetic alterations during the progression of breast cancer. Recent evidences have indicated that the mutation in the genome sequence may not be the key factor for increasing metastatic potential. Epigenetic changes were revealed to be important for metastatic phenotypes transition with the development in understanding the epigenetic basis of breast cancer. Herein, we aim to present the potential epigenetic drivers that induce dysregulation of genes related to breast tumor growth and metastasis, with a particular focus on histone modification including histone acetylation and methylation. The pervasive role of major histone modification enzymes in cancer metastasis such as histone acetyltransferases (HAT), histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and so on are demonstrated and further discussed. In addition, we summarize the recent advances of next-generation sequencing technologies and microfluidic-based devices for enhancing the study of epigenomic landscapes of breast cancer. This feature also introduces several important biotechnologists for identifying robust epigenetic biomarkers and enabling the translation of epigenetic analyses to the clinic. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of epigenetic determinants in metastasis will offer new insights of breast cancer progression and can be achieved in the near future with the development of innovative epigenomic mapping tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialang Zhuang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Huo
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ni Xie
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Varlet AA, Helfer E, Badens C. Molecular and Mechanobiological Pathways Related to the Physiopathology of FPLD2. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091947. [PMID: 32842478 PMCID: PMC7565540 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminopathies are rare and heterogeneous diseases affecting one to almost all tissues, as in Progeria, and sharing certain features such as metabolic disorders and a predisposition to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. These two features are the main characteristics of the adipose tissue-specific laminopathy called familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2). The only gene that is involved in FPLD2 physiopathology is the LMNA gene, with at least 20 mutations that are considered pathogenic. LMNA encodes the type V intermediate filament lamin A/C, which is incorporated into the lamina meshwork lining the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. Lamin A/C is involved in the regulation of cellular mechanical properties through the control of nuclear rigidity and deformability, gene modulation and chromatin organization. While recent studies have described new potential signaling pathways dependent on lamin A/C and associated with FPLD2 physiopathology, the whole picture of how the syndrome develops remains unknown. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways involving lamin A/C that are associated with the progression of FPLD2. We also explore the links between alterations of the cellular mechanical properties and FPLD2 physiopathology. Finally, we introduce potential tools based on the exploration of cellular mechanical properties that could be redirected for FPLD2 diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice-Anaïs Varlet
- Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), INSERM, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Emmanuèle Helfer
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINAM), CNRS, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.B.); Tel.: +33-6-60-30-28-91 (E.H.); +33-4-91-78-68-94 (C.B.)
| | - Catherine Badens
- Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), INSERM, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France;
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.B.); Tel.: +33-6-60-30-28-91 (E.H.); +33-4-91-78-68-94 (C.B.)
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16
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Viefhues M. Analytics in Microfluidic Systems. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 179:191-209. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2020_131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Wang Z. Detection and Automation Technologies for the Mass Production of Droplet Biomicrofluidics. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2018; 11:260-274. [PMID: 29993645 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2018.2826984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics utilizes two immiscible flows to generate small droplets with the diameter of a few to a few hundred micrometers. These droplets are promising tools for biomedical engineering because of the high throughput and the ease to finely tune the microenvironments. In addition to the great success of droplet biomicrofluidics in the proof-of-concept biosensing, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery, few droplet biomicrofluidic devices have a transformative impact on the industrial and clinical applications. The main issues are the low volume throughput and the lack of proper methods for quality control and automation. This review covers the methodologies for the mass production, detection, and automation of droplet generators. Recent advances in droplet mass production using parallelized devices and modified junction structures are discussed. Detection techniques, including optical and electrical detection methods, are comprehensively reviewed in detail. Newly emerged droplet closed-loop control systems are surveyed to highlight the progress in system integration and automation. Overall, with the advances in parallel droplet generation, highly sensitive detection, and robust closed-loop regulation, it is anticipated that the productivity and reliability of droplet biomicrofluidics will be significantly improved to meet the industrial and clinical needs.
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18
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Prado RC, Borges ER. MICROBIOREACTORS AS ENGINEERING TOOLS FOR BIOPROCESS DEVELOPMENT. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-6632.20180354s20170433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. C. Prado
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Haringa C, Mudde RF, Noorman HJ. From industrial fermentor to CFD-guided downscaling: what have we learned? Biochem Eng J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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20
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Lladó Maldonado S, Rasch D, Kasjanow A, Bouwes D, Krühne U, Krull R. Multiphase microreactors with intensification of oxygen mass transfer rate and mixing performance for bioprocess development. Biochem Eng J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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21
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Perfusion mammalian cell culture for recombinant protein manufacturing – A critical review. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1328-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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22
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Jewkes R, Burton HE, Espino DM. Towards Additive Manufacture of Functional, Spline-Based Morphometric Models of Healthy and Diseased Coronary Arteries: In Vitro Proof-of-Concept Using a Porcine Template. J Funct Biomater 2018; 9:E15. [PMID: 29393899 PMCID: PMC5872101 DOI: 10.3390/jfb9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the additive manufacture of morphometric models of healthy and diseased coronary arteries. Using a dissected porcine coronary artery, a model was developed with the use of computer aided engineering, with splines used to design arteries in health and disease. The model was altered to demonstrate four cases of stenosis displaying varying severity, based on published morphometric data available. Both an Objet Eden 250 printer and a Solidscape 3Z Pro printer were used in this analysis. A wax printed model was set into a flexible thermoplastic and was valuable for experimental testing with helical flow patterns observed in healthy models, dominating the distal LAD (left anterior descending) and left circumflex arteries. Recirculation zones were detected in all models, but were visibly larger in the stenosed cases. Resin models provide useful analytical tools for understanding the spatial relationships of blood vessels, and could be applied to preoperative planning techniques, but were not suitable for physical testing. In conclusion, it is feasible to develop blood vessel models enabling experimental work; further, through additive manufacture of bio-compatible materials, there is the possibility of manufacturing customized replacement arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jewkes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Hanna E Burton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Daniel M Espino
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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23
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Kang M, Tuteja M, Centrone A, Topgaard D, Leal C. Nanostructured Lipid-based Films for Substrate Mediated Applications in Biotechnology. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:10.1002/adfm.201704356. [PMID: 31080383 PMCID: PMC6508631 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201704356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Amphiphilic in nature, lipids spontaneously self-assemble into a range of nanostructures in the presence of water. Among lipid self-assembled structures, liposomes and supported lipid bilayers have long held scientific interest for their main applications in drug delivery and plasma membrane models, respectively. In contrast, lipid-based multi-layered membranes on solid supports only recently begun drawing scientists' attention. New studies on lipid films show that the stacking of multiple bilayers on a solid support yields interestingly complex features to these systems. Namely, multiple layers exhibit cooperative structural and dynamic behavior. In addition, the materials enable compartmentalization, templating, and enhanced release of several molecules of interest. Importantly, supported lipid phases exhibit long-range periodic nano-scale order and orientation that is tunable in response to a changing environment. Herein, we summarize current and pertinent understanding of lipid-based film research focusing on how unique structural characteristics enable the emergence of new applications in biotechnology including label-free biosensors, macroscale drug delivery, and substrate-mediated gene delivery. Our very recent contributions to lipid-based films, focusing on the structural characterization at the meso, nano, and molecular-scale, using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering, Atomic Force Microscopy, Photothermal Induced Resonance, and Solid-State NMR will be also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Mohit Tuteja
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
- Maryland Nanocenter, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Andrea Centrone
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
| | - Daniel Topgaard
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Leal
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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24
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González-Cabaleiro R, Mitchell AM, Smith W, Wipat A, Ofiţeru ID. Heterogeneity in Pure Microbial Systems: Experimental Measurements and Modeling. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1813. [PMID: 28970826 PMCID: PMC5609101 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity influences bioprocess performance in ways that until date are not completely elucidated. In order to account for this phenomenon in the design and operation of bioprocesses, reliable analytical and mathematical descriptions are required. We present an overview of the single cell analysis, and the mathematical modeling frameworks that have potential to be used in bioprocess control and optimization, in particular for microbial processes. In order to be suitable for bioprocess monitoring, experimental methods need to be high throughput and to require relatively short processing time. One such method used successfully under dynamic conditions is flow cytometry. Population balance and individual based models are suitable modeling options, the latter one having in particular a good potential to integrate the various data collected through experimentation. This will be highly beneficial for appropriate process design and scale up as a more rigorous approach may prevent a priori unwanted performance losses. It will also help progressing synthetic biology applications to industrial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca González-Cabaleiro
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Anca M Mitchell
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Smith
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS), School of ComputingNewcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Anil Wipat
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS), School of ComputingNewcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Irina D Ofiţeru
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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25
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Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) tissue model has significant advantages over the conventional two-dimensional (2D) model. A 3D model mimics the relevant in-vivo physiological conditions, allowing a cell culture to serve as an effective tool for drug discovery, tissue engineering, and the investigation of disease pathology. The present reviews highlight the recent advances and the development of microfluidics based methods for the generation of cell spheroids. The paper emphasizes on the application of microfluidic technology for tissue engineering including the formation of multicellular spheroids (MCS). Further, the paper discusses the recent technical advances in the integration of microfluidic devices for MCS-based high-throughput drug screening. The review compares the various microfluidic techniques and finally provides a perspective for the future opportunities in this research area.
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26
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High-throughput strategies for the discovery and engineering of enzymes for biocatalysis. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2016; 40:161-180. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-016-1690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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