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Cremaschini S, Torriero N, Maceri C, Poles M, Cleve S, Crestani B, Meggiolaro A, Pierno M, Mistura G, Brun P, Ferraro D. Magnetic Stirring Device for Limiting the Sedimentation of Cells inside Microfluidic Devices. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:5014. [PMID: 39124061 PMCID: PMC11314744 DOI: 10.3390/s24155014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
In experiments considering cell handling in microchannels, cell sedimentation in the storage container is a key problem because it affects the reproducibility of the experiments. Here, a simple and low-cost cell mixing device (CMD) is presented; the device is designed to prevent the sedimentation of cells in a syringe during their injection into a microfluidic channel. The CMD is based on a slider crank device made of 3D-printed parts that, combined with a permanent magnet, actuate a stir bar placed into the syringe containing the cells. By using A549 cell lines, the device is characterized in terms of cell viability (higher than 95%) in different mixing conditions, by varying the oscillation frequency and the overall mixing time. Then, a dedicated microfluidic experiment is designed to evaluate the injection frequency of the cells within a microfluidic chip. In the presence of the CMD, a higher number of cells are injected into the microfluidic chip with respect to the static conditions (2.5 times), proving that it contrasts cell sedimentation and allows accurate cell handling. For these reasons, the CMD can be useful in microfluidic experiments involving single-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noemi Torriero
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Maceri
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Poles
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy
| | - Sarah Cleve
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Beatrice Crestani
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessio Meggiolaro
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Pierno
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Mistura
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Ferraro
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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2
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Sun Y, Liu Y, Sun D, Liu K, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhang S. A facile single-cell patterning strategy based on harbor-like microwell microfluidics. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:045018. [PMID: 38772387 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad4e83] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is an effective method for conducting comprehensive heterogeneity studies ranging from cell phenotype to gene expression. The ability to arrange different cells in a predetermined pattern at single-cell resolution has a wide range of applications in cell-based analysis and plays an important role in facilitating interdisciplinary research by researchers in various fields. Most existing microfluidic microwell chips is a simple and straightforward method, which typically use small-sized microwells to accommodate single cells. However, this method imposes certain limitations on cells of various sizes, and the single-cell capture efficiency is relatively low without the assistance of external forces. Moreover, the microwells limit the spatiotemporal resolution of reagent replacement, as well as cell-to-cell communication. In this study, we propose a new strategy to prepare a single-cell array on a planar microchannel based on microfluidic flip microwells chip platform with large apertures (50 μm), shallow channels (50 μm), and deep microwells (50 μm). The combination of three configuration characteristics contributes to multi-cell trapping and a single-cell array within microwells, while the subsequent chip flipping accomplishes the transfer of the single-cell array to the opposite planar microchannel for cells adherence and growth. Further assisted by protein coating of bovine serum albumin and fibronectin on different layers, the single-cell capture efficiency in microwells is achieved at 92.1% ± 1%, while ultimately 85% ± 3.4% on planar microchannel. To verify the microfluidic flip microwells chip platform, the real-time and heterogeneous study of calcium release and apoptosis behaviours of single cells is carried out. To our knowledge, this is the first time that high-efficiency single-cell acquisition has been accomplished using a circular-well chip design that combines shallow channel, large aperture and deep microwell together. The chip is effective in avoiding the shearing force of high flow rates on cells, and the large apertures better allows cells to sedimentation. Therefore, this strategy owns the advantages of easy preparation and user-friendliness, which is especially valuable for researchers from different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Sun
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongshu Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Signal Detection and Processing, School of Computer Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyan Li
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, People's Republic of China
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3
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Verbist W, Breukers J, Sharma S, Rutten I, Gerstmans H, Coelmont L, Dal Dosso F, Dallmeier K, Lammertyn J. SeParate: multiway fluorescence-activated droplet sorting based on integration of serial and parallel triaging concepts. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2107-2121. [PMID: 38450543 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01075a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) has emerged as a versatile high-throughput sorting tool that is, unlike most fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) platforms, capable of sorting droplet-compartmentalized cells, cell secretions, entire enzymatic reactions and more. Recently, multiplex FADS platforms have been developed for the sorting of multi-fluorophore populations towards different outlets in addition to the standard, more commonly used, 2-way FADS platform. These multiplex FADS platforms consist of either multiple 2-way junctions one after the other (i.e. serial sorters) or of one junction sorting droplets in more than 2 outlets (i.e. parallel sorters). In this work, we present SeParate, a novel platform based on integrating s̲e̲rial and p̲a̲r̲allel sorting principles for accura̲t̲e̲ multiplex droplet sorting that is able to mitigate limitations of current multiplex sorters. We show the SeParate platform and its capability in highly accurate 4-way sorting of a multi-fluorophore population into four subpopulations with the potential to expand to more. More specifically, the SeParate platform was thoroughly validated using mixed populations of fluorescent beads and picoinjected droplets, yielding sorting accuracies up to 100% and 99.9%, respectively. Finally, transfected HEK-293T cells were sorted employing two different optical setups, resulting in an accuracy up to 99.5%. SeParate's high accuracy for a diverse set of samples, including highly variable biological specimens, together with its scalability beyond the demonstrated 4-way sorting, warrants a broad applicability for multi-fluorophore studies in life sciences, environmental sciences and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Verbist
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jolien Breukers
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sapna Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Molecular Vaccinology and Vaccine Discovery, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Iene Rutten
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Hans Gerstmans
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lotte Coelmont
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Molecular Vaccinology and Vaccine Discovery, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesco Dal Dosso
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kai Dallmeier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Molecular Vaccinology and Vaccine Discovery, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Jiang L, Guo K, Chen Y, Xiang N. Droplet Microfluidics for Current Cancer Research: From Single-Cell Analysis to 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1335-1354. [PMID: 38420753 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01866] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Differences in drug resistance and treatment response caused by the heterogeneity of cancer cells are the primary reasons for poor cancer therapy outcomes in patients. In addition, current in vitro anticancer drug-screening methods rely on two-dimensional monolayer-cultured cancer cells, which cannot accurately predict drug behavior in vivo. Therefore, a powerful tool to study the heterogeneity of cancer cells and produce effective in vitro tumor models is warranted to leverage cancer research. Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful platform for the single-cell analysis of cancer cells and three-dimensional cell culture of in vitro tumor spheroids. In this review, we discuss the use of droplet microfluidics in cancer research. Droplet microfluidic technologies, including single- or double-emulsion droplet generation and passive- or active-droplet manipulation, are concisely discussed. Recent advances in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis of cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and scaffold-free/based 3D cell culture of tumor spheroids have been systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges that must be overcome for the further application of droplet microfluidics in cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kefan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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5
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Nan L, Zhang H, Weitz DA, Shum HC. Development and future of droplet microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1135-1153. [PMID: 38165829 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00729d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, advances in droplet-based microfluidics have facilitated new approaches to process and analyze samples with unprecedented levels of precision and throughput. A wide variety of applications has been inspired across multiple disciplines ranging from materials science to biology. Understanding the dynamics of droplets enables optimization of microfluidic operations and design of new techniques tailored to emerging demands. In this review, we discuss the underlying physics behind high-throughput generation and manipulation of droplets. We also summarize the applications in droplet-derived materials and droplet-based lab-on-a-chip biotechnology. In addition, we offer perspectives on future directions to realize wider use of droplet microfluidics in industrial production and biomedical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Nan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huidan Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David A Weitz
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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6
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Nan L, Mao T, Shum HC. Self-synchronization of reinjected droplets for high-efficiency droplet pairing and merging. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 36910256 PMCID: PMC9995457 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00502-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Droplet merging serves as a powerful tool to add reagents to moving droplets for biological and chemical reactions. However, unsynchronized droplet pairing impedes high-efficiency merging. Here, we develop a microfluidic design for the self-synchronization of reinjected droplets. A periodic increase in the hydrodynamic resistance caused by droplet blocking a T-junction enables automatic pairing of droplets. After inducing spacing, the paired droplets merge downstream under an electric field. The blockage-based design can achieve a 100% synchronization efficiency even when the mismatch rate of droplet frequencies reaches 10%. Over 98% of the droplets can still be synchronized at nonuniform droplet sizes and fluctuating reinjection flow rates. Moreover, the droplet pairing ratio can be adjusted flexibly for on-demand sample addition. Using this system, we merge two groups of droplets encapsulating enzyme/substrate, demonstrating its capacity to conduct multi-step reactions. We also combine droplet sorting and merging to coencapsulate single cells and single beads, providing a basis for high-efficiency single-cell sequencing. We expect that this system can be integrated with other droplet manipulation systems for a broad range of chemical and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Nan
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong China
| | - Tianjiao Mao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
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7
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Jiang L, Yang H, Cheng W, Ni Z, Xiang N. Droplet microfluidics for CTC-based liquid biopsy: a review. Analyst 2023; 148:203-221. [PMID: 36508171 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01747d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers of liquid biopsy. The number and heterogeneity of CTCs play an important role in cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine. However, owing to the low-abundance biomarkers of CTCs, conventional assays are only able to detect CTCs at the population level. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a highly sensitive method to analyze CTCs at the single-cell level. As an important branch of microfluidics, droplet microfluidics is a high-throughput and sensitive single-cell analysis platform for the quantitative detection and heterogeneity analysis of CTCs. In this review, we focus on the quantitative detection and heterogeneity analysis of CTCs using droplet microfluidics. Technologies that enable droplet microfluidics, particularly high-throughput droplet generation and high-efficiency droplet manipulation, are first discussed. Then, recent advances in detecting and analyzing CTCs using droplet microfluidics from the different aspects of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites are introduced. The purpose of this review is to provide guidance for the continued study of droplet microfluidics for CTC-based liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Hang Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Weiqi Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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8
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Wink K, van der Loh M, Hartner N, Polack M, Dusny C, Schmid A, Belder D. Quantification of Biocatalytic Transformations by Single Microbial Cells Enabled by Tailored Integration of Droplet Microfluidics and Mass Spectrometry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202204098. [PMID: 35511505 PMCID: PMC9401594 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202204098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Improving the performance of chemical transformations catalysed by microbial biocatalysts requires a deep understanding of cellular processes. While the cellular heterogeneity of cellular characteristics, such as the concentration of high abundant cellular content, is well studied, little is known about the reactivity of individual cells and its impact on the chemical identity, quantity, and purity of excreted products. Biocatalytic transformations were monitored chemically specific and quantifiable at the single-cell level by integrating droplet microfluidics, cell imaging, and mass spectrometry. Product formation rates for individual Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were obtained by i) incubating nanolitre-sized droplets for product accumulation in microfluidic devices, ii) an imaging setup to determine the number of cells in the droplets, and iii) electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry for reading the chemical contents of individual droplets. These findings now enable the study of whole-cell biocatalysis at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Wink
- University of LeipzigInstitute of Analytical Chemistry04107LeipzigGermany
| | - Marie van der Loh
- University of LeipzigInstitute of Analytical Chemistry04107LeipzigGermany
| | - Nora Hartner
- University of LeipzigInstitute of Analytical Chemistry04107LeipzigGermany
| | - Matthias Polack
- University of LeipzigInstitute of Analytical Chemistry04107LeipzigGermany
| | - Christian Dusny
- Department Solar MaterialsHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)04318LeipzigGermany
| | - Andreas Schmid
- Department Solar MaterialsHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)04318LeipzigGermany
| | - Detlev Belder
- University of LeipzigInstitute of Analytical Chemistry04107LeipzigGermany
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9
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Wink K, Loh M, Hartner N, Polack M, Dusny C, Schmid A, Belder D. Quantifizierung biokatalytischer Umwandlungen durch einzelne mikrobielle Zellen mittels maßgeschneiderter Integration von Tröpfchenmikrofluidik und Massenspektrometrie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202204098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Wink
- Universität Leipzig Institut für Analytische Chemie 04107 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Marie Loh
- Universität Leipzig Institut für Analytische Chemie 04107 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Nora Hartner
- Universität Leipzig Institut für Analytische Chemie 04107 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Matthias Polack
- Universität Leipzig Institut für Analytische Chemie 04107 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Christian Dusny
- Department Solare Materialien Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung (UFZ) 04318 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Andreas Schmid
- Department Solare Materialien Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung (UFZ) 04318 Leipzig Deutschland
| | - Detlev Belder
- Universität Leipzig Institut für Analytische Chemie 04107 Leipzig Deutschland
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10
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Bazazi P, Hejazi SH. Wetting Dynamics of Nanoparticle Dispersions: From Fully Spreading to Non-sticking and the Deposition of Nanoparticle-Laden Surface Droplets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:20280-20290. [PMID: 35446544 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Controlled transport of liquid droplets on solid surfaces is critical in many practical applications, such as self-cleaning surfaces, coating, drug delivery, and agriculture. Non-adhesive liquid drops levitate on solid surfaces; therefore, they are highly mobile and directed toward desired locations by external stimuli. Although research on liquid-repellent surfaces has proliferated, the existing methods are still limited to creating surface roughness or coating the liquid droplets. Here, we create non-contact aqueous drops on hydrophilic surfaces in an oleic environment and use them to deposit submicrometer droplets encapsulating nanoparticles on solid surfaces. A glass surface is buried under an oil phase that contains a high concentration of Span 80 surfactants, and a drop of silica nanoparticle dispersion is released on the solid surface. We study the effect of surfactant concentration in oil and nanoparticle concentration in water on wetting dynamics and report a plethora of droplet spreading regimes from fully wetting to non-wetting. We find a threshold Span 80 concentration above which surfactant assemblies are formed on the solid and prevent the direct contact of the drop with the surface. At the same time, water-in-oil emulsions are generated at the drop-oil interface. The drop moves and leaves a trace of emulsions with encapsulated nanoparticles on the solid. We demonstrate the possibility of local surface coating with hydrophilic nanoparticles in a hydrophobic medium. The developed methodology in this study is a generic approach facilitating the droplet patterning in numerous applications, from pharmaceutical polymetric carriers to the formulation of cosmetics, insecticides, and biomedical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Bazazi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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11
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Advances in droplet microfluidics for SERS and Raman analysis. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 198:113822. [PMID: 34836710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy can realize qualitative and quantitative characterization, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can further enhance its detection sensitivity. In combination with droplet microfluidics, some significant but insurmountable limitations of SERS and Raman spectroscopy can be overcome to some extent, thus improving their detection capability and extending their application. During the past decade, these systems have constantly developed and demonstrated a great potential in more applications, but there is no new review systematically summarizing the droplet microfluidics-based Raman and SERS analysis system since the first related review was published in 2011. Thus, there is a great need for a new review to summarize the advances. In this review, we focus on droplet microfluidics-based Raman and SERS analysis, and summarize two mainstream research directions on this topic up to now. The one is SERS or Raman detection in the moving droplet microreactors, including analysis of molecules, single cells and chemical reaction processes. The other one is SERS active microparticle fabrication via microfluidic droplet templates covering polymer matrix and photonic crystal microparticles. We also comment on the advantages, disadvantage and correlation resolution of droplet microfluidics for SERS or Raman. Finally, we summarize these systems and illustrate our perspectives for future research directions in this field.
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12
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Liu D, Sun M, Zhang J, Hu R, Fu W, Xuanyuan T, Liu W. Single-cell droplet microfluidics for biomedical applications. Analyst 2022; 147:2294-2316. [DOI: 10.1039/d1an02321g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the recent advances in the fundamentals of single-cell droplet microfluidics and its applications in biomedicine, providing insights into design and establishment of single-cell microsystems and their further performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Meilin Sun
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenzhu Fu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Tingting Xuanyuan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenming Liu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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13
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Yang L, Sun L, Zhang H, Bian F, Zhao Y. Ice-Inspired Lubricated Drug Delivery Particles from Microfluidic Electrospray for Osteoarthritis Treatment. ACS NANO 2021; 15:20600-20606. [PMID: 34870960 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c09325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Particle-based drug delivery systems have a demonstrated value in osteoarthritis treatment. Research in this area trends to developing functional particles to improve the therapeutic effects. Herein, inspired by the super lubricated surface of ice that consists of a contiguous and ultrathin layer of bound water, we developed a 2-methylacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) decorated methacrylate anhydride- hyaluronic acid (HAMA) drug delivery particle with satisfying strength and enhanced lubrication from microfluidic electrospray for osteoarthritis treatment. Benefiting from the precise control of microfluidic electrospray flows, the generated drug delivery particles are imparted with well-tailored sizes and good dispersion. As the generated HAMA particles were modified by MPC with the positively (N+(CH3)3) and negatively (PO4-) charged chemical groups, they were imparted with enhanced lubrication effect and reduced friction on the joint interface by forming a hydrated lubricating layer. We have demonstrated that the MPC-modified HAMA particles could be employed as microcarriers for loading diclofenac sodium (DS) to inhibit the inflammatory response, thus further enhancing the osteoarthritis therapeutic effect in vivo and in vitro. Thus, the proposed drug delivery particles with satisfactory biocompatibility and therapeutic effect are great potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Feika Bian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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14
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Zhu L, Shao C, Chen H, Chen Z, Zhao Y. Hierarchical Hydrogels with Ordered Micro-Nano Structures for Cancer-on-a-Chip Construction. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2021; 2021:9845679. [PMID: 35028584 PMCID: PMC8724685 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9845679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In the drug therapy of tumor, efficient and stable drug screening platforms are required since the drug efficacy varies individually. Here, inspired by the microstructures of hepatic lobules, in which hepatocytes obtain nutrients from both capillary vessel and the central vein, we present a novel hierarchical hydrogel system with ordered micro-nano structure for liver cancer-on-a-chip construction and drug screening. The hierarchical hydrogel system was fabricated by using pregel to fill and replicate self-assembled colloidal crystal arrays and microcolumn array template. Due to the synergistic effect of its interconnected micro-nano structures, the resultant system could not only precisely control the size of cell spheroids but also realize adequate nutrient supply of cell spheroids. We have demonstrated that by integrating the hierarchical hydrogel system into a multichannel concentration gradients microfluidic chip, a functional liver cancer-on-a-chip could be constructed for high-throughput drug screening with good repeatability and high accuracy. These results indicated that the hierarchical hydrogel system and its derived liver cancer-on-a-chip are ideal platforms for drug screening and have great application potential in the field of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Changmin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Hanxu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zhuoyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 210008 Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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15
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Su Y, Fan X, Zhu S, Li Z, Bian Y, Li C, Zhang Y, Liu L, Hu Y, Li J, Wu D. Magnetism-Actuated Superhydrophobic Flexible Microclaw: From Spatial Microdroplet Maneuvering to Cross-Species Control. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:35165-35172. [PMID: 34254510 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The flexible maneuvering of microliter liquid droplets is significant in both fundamental science and practical applications. However, most current strategies are limited to the rigid locomotion on confined geographies platforms, which greatly hinder their practical uses. Here, we propose a magnetism-actuated superhydrophobic flexible microclaw (MSFM) with hierarchical structures for water droplet manipulation. By virtue of precise femtosecond laser patterning on magnetism-responsive poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) films doped with carbonyl iron powder, this MSFM without chemical contamination exhibits powerful spatial droplet maneuvering advantages with fast response (<100 ms) and lossless water transport (∼50 cycles) in air. We further performed quantitative analysis of diverse experimental parameters including petal number, length, width, and iron element proportion in MSFM impacting the applicable maneuvering volumes. By coupling the advantages of spatial maneuverability and fast response into this versatile platform, typical unique applications are demonstrated such as programmable coalescence of droplets, collecting debris via droplets, tiny solid manipulation in aqueous severe environments, and harmless living creature control. We envision that this versatile MSFM should provide great potential for applications in microfluidics and cross-species robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Su
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Xinran Fan
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Suwan Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zhicheng Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Yucheng Bian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Chuanzong Li
- School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dong Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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16
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Yu Z, Geisler K, Leontidou T, Young RE, Vonlanthen SE, Purton S, Abell C, Smith AG. Droplet-based microfluidic screening and sorting of microalgal populations for strain engineering applications. ALGAL RES 2021; 56:None. [PMID: 34084707 PMCID: PMC8139872 DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The application of microfluidic technologies to microalgal research is particularly appealing since these approaches allow the precise control of the extracellular environment and offer a high-throughput approach to studying dynamic cellular processes. To expand the portfolio of applications, here we present a droplet-based microfluidic method for analysis and screening of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Nannochloropsis gaditana, which can be integrated into a genetic transformation workflow. Following encapsulation of single cells in picolitre-sized droplets, fluorescence signals arising from each cell can be used to assess its phenotypic state. In this work, the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity of each cell was quantified and used to identify populations of P. tricornutum cells grown in different light conditions. Further, individual P. tricornutum or N. gaditana cells engineered to express green fluorescent protein were distinguished and sorted from wild-type cells. This has been exploited as a rapid screen for transformed cells within a population, bypassing a major bottleneck in algal transformation workflows and offering an alternative strategy for the identification of genetically modified strains. Droplet-based microfluidic systems are promising tools for algal single cell analysis. Improved intracellular fluorescence detection allows effective sorting of algae cells. The physiological status of single encapsulated algae cells can be determined. Sorting in microdroplets enables faster identification of transformed cells.
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17
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Kasai Y, Leipe C, Saito M, Kitagawa H, Lauterbach S, Brauer A, Tarasov PE, Goslar T, Arai F, Sakuma S. Breakthrough in purification of fossil pollen for dating of sediments by a new large-particle on-chip sorter. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/16/eabe7327. [PMID: 33853775 PMCID: PMC8046374 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe7327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particle sorting is a fundamental method in various fields of medical and biological research. However, existing sorting applications are not capable for high-throughput sorting of large-size (>100 micrometers) particles. Here, we present a novel on-chip sorting method using traveling vortices generated by on-demand microjet flows, which locally exceed laminar flow condition, allowing for high-throughput sorting (5 kilohertz) with a record-wide sorting area of 520 micrometers. Using an activation system based on fluorescence detection, the method successfully sorted 160-micrometer microbeads and purified fossil pollen (maximum dimension around 170 micrometers) from lake sediments. Radiocarbon dates of sorting-derived fossil pollen concentrates proved accurate, demonstrating the method's ability to enhance building chronologies for paleoenvironmental records from sedimentary archives. The method is capable to cover urgent needs for high-throughput large-particle sorting in genomics, metabolomics, and regenerative medicine and opens up new opportunities for the use of pollen and other microfossils in geochronology, paleoecology, and paleoclimatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Kasai
- Department of Micro-Nano Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | - C Leipe
- Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan.
| | - M Saito
- Department of Micro-Nano Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | - H Kitagawa
- Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | - S Lauterbach
- Leibniz Laboratory for Radiometric Dating and Stable Isotope Research, Kiel University, Max-Eyth-Str. 11-13, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - A Brauer
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section 4.3-Climate Dynamics and Landscape Evolution, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - P E Tarasov
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Section Paleontology, Freie Universität Berlin, Malteserstr. 74-100, Building D, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Goslar
- Poznan Radiocarbon Laboratory, Foundation of the Adam Mickiewicz University, Rubiez 46, Poznan, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2, Poznan, Poland
| | - F Arai
- Department of Micro-Nano Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku 113-8656, Japan
| | - S Sakuma
- Department of Micro-Nano Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8603, Japan.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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18
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Wang M, Nai MH, Huang RYJ, Leo HL, Lim CT, Chen CH. High-throughput functional profiling of single adherent cells via hydrogel drop-screen. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:764-774. [PMID: 33506832 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01294g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Single-adherent-cell phenotyping on an extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to determine cellular biological functions, such as morphological adaptations and biomolecule secretions, correlated to medical treatments and metastasis, yet there is no available platform for such high-throughput screening. Here, a novel hydrogel drop-screen device was developed to rapidly measure large-scale single-cell morphologies and multiple secretions on substrates for phenotype profiling. Single cells were first anchored to microfluidically fabricated gelatin particles providing mechanical stimulations similar to those from ECM in vivo. The cellular morphologies were then examined by quantifying the amount of cytoskeleton expressed on the particles. With droplet encapsulation, adherent single-cell multiplexed secretion analysis of a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was conducted at a throughput of ∼102 cells per second, revealing distinct functional heterogeneities associated with extracellular mechanical stimulations. The level of cell heterogeneity increased with increasing substrate stuffiness. Moreover, because of the promising screening capability, a database related to both nontumorigenic and tumorigenic breast cells (MCF10A, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231) was constructed. The respective cell distributions and heterogeneities based on the morphologies and secreted bioindicators, such as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and ADAM-8, were measured and found to correspond to the progress of tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119077 Singapore and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore and Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), MD6, 14 Medical Drive 14-01, 117599 Singapore
| | - Mui Hoon Nai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan and Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec.1, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Hwa Liang Leo
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119077 Singapore and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119077 Singapore and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore and Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), MD6, 14 Medical Drive 14-01, 117599 Singapore and Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Y6700, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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19
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Berlanda SF, Breitfeld M, Dietsche CL, Dittrich PS. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Technology for Bioanalysis and Diagnostics. Anal Chem 2020; 93:311-331. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon F. Berlanda
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Breitfeld
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudius L. Dietsche
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra S. Dittrich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Lin P, Chen H, Li A, Zhuang H, Chen Z, Xie Y, Zhou H, Mo S, Chen Y, Lu X, Cheng Z. Bioinspired Multiple Stimuli-Responsive Optical Microcapsules Enabled by Microfluidics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:46788-46796. [PMID: 32935962 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c14698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Optical microcapsules encapsulating optical materials inside a symmetric spherical confinement are significant elements for the construction of optical units and the integration of optical arrays. However, the multiple stimuli-responsive characteristic of optical microcapsules still remains a challenge due to the insuperable physical barrier between the optical material core and the outside shell and the lack of effective mechanisms to trigger the dynamic switch of the encapsulated optical materials. Inspired by the dual-mode optical modulation of chameleon skins, a novel biomimetic binary optical microcapsule that combines the visible light reflection of chiral nematic liquid crystals and photoluminescence emission of rare-earth complexes is assembled by microfluidic emulsification and interfacial polymerization. The reflected color, fluorescent intensity, and size of the optical microcapsules are facilely controlled in the microfluidic chip by adjusting the composition and flow rate of the injected fluids. Most importantly, the biomimetic binary optical microcapsules demonstrate three reversible responsive behaviors, thermotropic reflection evolution, temperature-dependent fluorescence emission, and Fredericks electro-optical response. The bioinspired multiple stimuli-responsive optical microcapsules enabled by microfluidics provide a templated strategy to manufacture the next generation of intelligent optical units and to achieve the dynamic response of hybrid photonic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongbin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haoquan Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zeting Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongji Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hanguo Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Songping Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zhengdong Cheng
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3122, United States
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21
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Nan L, Cao Y, Yuan S, Shum HC. Oil-mediated high-throughput generation and sorting of water-in-water droplets. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:70. [PMID: 34567680 PMCID: PMC8433215 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets have demonstrated superior compatibility over conventional water-in-oil droplets for various biological assays. However, the ultralow interfacial tension hampers efficient and stable droplet generation, limiting further development and more extensive use of such approaches. Here, we present a simple strategy to employ oil as a transient medium for ATPS droplet generation. Two methods based on passive flow focusing and active pico-injection are demonstrated to generate water-water-oil double emulsions, achieving a high generation frequency of ~2.4 kHz. Through evaporation of the oil to break the double emulsions, the aqueous core can be released to form uniform-sized water-in-water droplets. Moreover, this technique can be used to fabricate aqueous microgels, and the introduction of the oil medium enables integration of droplet sorting to produce single-cell-laden hydrogels with a harvest rate of over 90%. We believe that the demonstrated high-throughput generation and sorting of ATPS droplets represent an important tool to advance droplet-based tissue engineering and single-cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Nan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
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22
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Nagai M, Kato K, Soga S, Santra TS, Shibata T. Scalable Parallel Manipulation of Single Cells Using Micronozzle Array Integrated with Bidirectional Electrokinetic Pumps. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040442. [PMID: 32331468 PMCID: PMC7231381 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
High throughput reconstruction of in vivo cellular environments allows for efficient investigation of cellular functions. If one-side-open multi-channel microdevices are integrated with micropumps, the devices will achieve higher throughput in the manipulation of single cells while maintaining flexibility and open accessibility. This paper reports on the integration of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micronozzle array and bidirectional electrokinetic pumps driven by DC-biased AC voltages. Pt/Ti and indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes were used to study the effect of DC bias and peak-to-peak voltage and electrodes in a low conductivity isotonic solution. The flow was bidirectionally controlled by changing the DC bias. A pump integrated with a micronozzle array was used to transport single HeLa cells into nozzle holes. The application of DC-biased AC voltage (100 kHz, 10 Vpp, and VDC: -4 V) provided a sufficient electroosmotic flow outside the nozzle array. This integration method of nozzle and pumps is anticipated to be a standard integration method. The operating conditions of DC-biased AC electrokinetic pumps in a biological buffer was clarified and found useful for cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan; (K.K.); (S.S.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-532-44-6701
| | - Keita Kato
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan; (K.K.); (S.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Satoshi Soga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan; (K.K.); (S.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India;
| | - Takayuki Shibata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan; (K.K.); (S.S.); (T.S.)
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23
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Chao Y, Shum HC. Emerging aqueous two-phase systems: from fundamentals of interfaces to biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:114-142. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00466a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent advances of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs), particularly their interfaces, with a focus on biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchuang Chao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Hong Kong
- China
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ding
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philip D. Howes
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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