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Zhu J, Pan S, Chai H, Zhao P, Feng Y, Cheng Z, Zhang S, Wang W. Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry Enabled One-Step Sample Preparation for Efficient Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310700. [PMID: 38483007 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell mass spectrometry (MS) is significant in biochemical analysis and holds great potential in biomedical applications. Efficient sample preparation like sorting (i.e., separating target cells from the mixed population) and desalting (i.e., moving the cells off non-volatile salt solution) is urgently required in single-cell MS. However, traditional sample preparation methods suffer from complicated operation with various apparatus, or insufficient performance. Herein, a one-step sample preparation strategy by leveraging label-free impedance flow cytometry (IFC) based microfluidics is proposed. Specifically, the IFC framework to characterize and sort single-cells is adopted. Simultaneously with sorting, the target cell is transferred from the local high-salinity buffer to the MS-compatible solution. In this way, one-step sorting and desalting are achieved and the collected cells can be directly fed for MS analysis. A high sorting efficiency (>99%), cancer cell purity (≈87%), and desalting efficiency (>99%), and the whole workflow of impedance-based separation and MS analysis of normal cells (MCF-10A) and cancer cells (MDA-MB-468) are verified. As a standalone sample preparation module, the microfluidic chip is compatible with a variety of MS analysis methods, and envisioned to provide a new paradigm in efficient MS sample preparation, and further in multi-modal (i.e., electrical and metabolic) characterization of single-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Siyuan Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Sichun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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2
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Chai H, Zhu J, Feng Y, Liang F, Wu Q, Ju Z, Huang L, Wang W. Capillarity Enabled Large-Array Liquid Metal Electrodes for Compact and High-Throughput Dielectrophoretic Microfluidics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310212. [PMID: 38236647 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) particle separation has label-free, well-controllable, and low-damage merits. Sidewall microelectrodes made of liquid metal alloy (LMA) inherits the additional advantage of thick electrodes to generate impactful DEP force. However, existing LMA electrode-based devices lack the ability to integrate large-array electrodes in a compact footprint, severely limiting flow rate and thus throughput. Herein, a facile and versatile method is proposed to integrate high-density thick LMA electrodes in microfluidic devices, taking advantage of the passive control ability of capillary burst valves (CBVs). CBVs with carefully designed burst pressures are co-designed in microfluidic channels, allowing self-assembly of LMA electrode array through simple hand-push injection. The arrayed electrode configuration brings the accumulative DEP deflection effect. Specifically, The fabricated 5000 pairs of sidewall electrodes in a compact chip are demonstrted to achieve ten times higher throughput in DEP deflection. The 5000-electrode-pair device is applied to successfully separate four mixed samples, including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and A549 cells with the flow rate of 70 µL min-1. It is envisioned that this work can greatly facilitate LMA electrode array fabrication and offer a robust and versatile platform for DEP separation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Fei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qiyan Wu
- The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjian Ju
- The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Liang Huang
- School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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Huang X, Chen X, Tan H, Wang M, Li Y, Wei Y, Zhang J, Chen D, Wang J, Li Y, Chen J. Advance of microfluidic flow cytometry enabling high-throughput characterization of single-cell electrical and structural properties. Cytometry A 2024; 105:139-145. [PMID: 37814588 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper reported a micro flow cytometer capable of high-throughput characterization of single-cell electrical and structural features based on constrictional microchannels and deep neural networks. When single cells traveled through microchannels with constricted cross-sectional areas, they effectively blocked concentrated electric field lines, producing large impedance variations. Meanwhile, the traveling cells were confined within the cross-sectional areas of the constrictional microchannels, enabling the capture of high-quality images without losing focuses. Then single-cell features from impedance profiles and optical images were extracted from customized recurrent and convolution networks (RNN and CNN), which were further fused for cell-type classification based on support vector machines (SVM). As a demonstration, two leukemia cell lines (e.g., HL60 vs. Jurkat) were analyzed, producing high-classification accuracies of 99.3% based on electrical features extracted from Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) of RNN, 96.7% based on structural features extracted from Resnet18 of CNN and 100.0% based on combined features enabled by SVM. The microfluidic flow cytometry developed in this study may provide a new perspective for the field of single-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xukun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiwen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Minruihong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanchen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Deyong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueying Li
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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4
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Tan H, Chen X, Huang X, Chen D, Qin X, Wang J, Chen J. Electrical micro flow cytometry with LSTM and its application in leukocyte differential. Cytometry A 2024; 105:54-61. [PMID: 37715355 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper developed an electrical micro flow cytometry to realize leukocyte differentials leveraging a constrictional microchannel and a deep neural network. Firstly, purified granulocytes, lymphocytes or monocytes traveled through the constrictional microchannel with a cross-sectional area marginally larger than individual cells and produced large impedance variations by blocking focused electric field lines. By optimizing key elements (e.g., normalization, learning rate, batch size and neuron number) of the recurrent neural network (RNN), electrical results of purified leukocytes were analyzed to establish a leukocyte differential system with a classification accuracy of 95.2%. Then the leukocyte mixtures were forced to travel through the same constrictional microchannel, producing mixed impedance profiles which were classified into granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes based on the aforementioned differential system. As to the classification results, two leukocyte mixtures from the same donor were processed, producing comparable classification results, which were 57% versus 59% of granulocytes, 37% versus 34% of lymphocytes and 6% versus 7% of monocytes. These results validated the established classification system based on the constrictional microchannel and the recurrent neural network, providing a new perspective of differentiating white blood cells by electrical flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xukun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Deyong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuzhen Qin
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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5
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Feng J, Sun Q, Chen P, Ren K, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Gao S, Song Z, Wang J, Liao F, Han D. Characterization of Cancer Cell Mechanics by Measuring Active Deformation Behavior. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300520. [PMID: 37775303 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300520] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Active deformation behavior reflects cell structural dynamics adapting to varying environmental constraints during malignancy progression. In most cases, cell mechanics is characterized by modeling using static equilibrium systems, which fails to comprehend cell deformation behavior leading to inaccuracies in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells. Here, a method is introduced to measure the active deformation behavior of cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the newly developed deformation behavior cytometry (DBC). During the measurement, cells are deformed and allows a long timescale relaxation (≈5 s). Two parameters are derived to represent deformation behavior: apparent Poisson's ratio for adherent cells, which is measured with AFM and refers to the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of the cell, and shape recovery for suspended cells, which is measured with DBC. Active deformation behavior defines cancer cell mechanics better than traditional mechanical parameters (e.g., stiffness, diffusion, and viscosity). Additionally, aquaporins are essential for promoting the deformation behavior, while the actin cytoskeleton acts as a downstream effector. Therefore, the potential application of the cancer cell active deformation behavior as a biomechanical marker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Peipei Chen
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Keli Ren
- The Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yahong Shi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Songkun Gao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zhiwei Song
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fulong Liao
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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6
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Li SS, Xue CD, Li YJ, Chen XM, Zhao Y, Qin KR. Microfluidic characterization of single-cell biophysical properties and the applications in cancer diagnosis. Electrophoresis 2023. [PMID: 37909658 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300177] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell biophysical properties play a crucial role in regulating cellular physiological states and functions, demonstrating significant potential in the fields of life sciences and clinical diagnostics. Therefore, over the last few decades, researchers have developed various detection tools to explore the relationship between the biophysical changes of biological cells and human diseases. With the rapid advancement of modern microfabrication technology, microfluidic devices have quickly emerged as a promising platform for single-cell analysis offering advantages including high-throughput, exceptional precision, and ease of manipulation. Consequently, this paper provides an overview of the recent advances in microfluidic analysis and detection systems for single-cell biophysical properties and their applications in the field of cancer. The working principles and latest research progress of single-cell biophysical property detection are first analyzed, highlighting the significance of electrical and mechanical properties. The development of data acquisition and processing methods for real-time, high-throughput, and practical applications are then discussed. Furthermore, the differences in biophysical properties between tumor and normal cells are outlined, illustrating the potential for utilizing single-cell biophysical properties for tumor cell identification, classification, and drug response assessment. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of existing microfluidic analysis and detection systems in single-cell biophysical properties, while also pointing out the prospects and future directions of their applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Stomach Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
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7
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Feng Y, Zhu J, Chai H, He W, Huang L, Wang W. Impedance-Based Multimodal Electrical-Mechanical Intrinsic Flow Cytometry. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303416. [PMID: 37438542 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Reflecting various physiological states and phenotypes of single cells, intrinsic biophysical characteristics (e.g., mechanical and electrical properties) are reliable and important, label-free biomarkers for characterizing single cells. However, single-modal mechanical or electrical properties alone are not specific enough to characterize single cells accurately, and it has been long and challenging to couple the conventionally image-based mechanical characterization and impedance-based electrical characterization. In this work, the spatial-temporal characteristics of impedance sensing signal are leveraged, and an impedance-based multimodal electrical-mechanical flow cytometry framework for on-the-fly high-dimensional intrinsic measurement is proposed, that is, Young's modulus E, fluidity β, radius r, cytoplasm conductivity σi , and specific membrane capacitance Csm , of single cells. With multimodal high-dimensional characterization, the electrical-mechanical flow cytometry can better reveal the difference in cell types, demonstrated by the experimental results with three types of cancer cells (HepG2, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-468) with 93.4% classification accuracy and pharmacological perturbations of the cytoskeleton (fixed and Cytochalasin B treated cells) with 95.1% classification accuracy. It is envisioned that multimodal electrical-mechanical flow cytometry provides a new perspective for accurate label-free single-cell intrinsic characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Weihua He
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Liang Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230002, P. R. China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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8
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Julian T, Tang T, Hosokawa Y, Yalikun Y. Machine learning implementation strategy in imaging and impedance flow cytometry. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051506. [PMID: 37900052 PMCID: PMC10613093 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Imaging and impedance flow cytometry is a label-free technique that has shown promise as a potential replacement for standard flow cytometry. This is due to its ability to provide rich information and archive high-throughput analysis. Recently, significant efforts have been made to leverage machine learning for processing the abundant data generated by those techniques, enabling rapid and accurate analysis. Harnessing the power of machine learning, imaging and impedance flow cytometry has demonstrated its capability to address various complex phenotyping scenarios. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the detailed strategies for implementing machine learning in imaging and impedance flow cytometry. We initiate the discussion by outlining the commonly employed setup to acquire the data (i.e., image or signal) from the cell. Subsequently, we delve into the necessary processes for extracting features from the acquired image or signal data. Finally, we discuss how these features can be utilized for cell phenotyping through the application of machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, we discuss the existing challenges and provide insights for future perspectives of intelligent imaging and impedance flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisna Julian
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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9
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Zhu J, Feng Y, Chai H, Liang F, Cheng Z, Wang W. Performance-enhanced clogging-free viscous sheath constriction impedance flow cytometry. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2531-2539. [PMID: 37082895 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00178d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
As a label-free and high-throughput single cell analysis platform, impedance flow cytometry (IFC) suffers from clogging caused by a narrow microchannel as mechanical constriction (MC). Current sheath constriction (SC) solutions lack systematic evaluation of the performance and proper guidelines for the sheath fluid. Herein, we hypothesize that the viscosity of the non-conductive liquid is the key to the performance of SC, and propose to employ non-conductive viscous sheath flow in SC to unlock the tradeoff between sensitivity and throughput, while ensuring measurement accuracy. By placing MC and SC in series in the same microfluidic chip, we established an evaluation platform to prove the hypothesis. Through modeling analysis and experiments, we confirmed the accuracy (error < 1.60% ± 4.71%) of SC w.r.t. MC, and demonstrated that viscous non-conductive PEG solution achieved an improved sensitivity (7.92×) and signal-to-noise ratio (1.42×) in impedance measurement, with the accuracy maintained and free of clogging. Viscous SC IFC also shows satisfactory ability to distinguish different types of cancer cells and different subtypes of human breast cancer cells. It is envisioned that viscous SC IFC paves the way for IFC to be really usable in practice with clogging-free, accurate, and sensitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Fei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China.
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10
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Fang Q, Feng Y, Zhu J, Huang L, Wang W. Floating-Electrode-Enabled Impedance Cytometry for Single-Cell 3D Localization. Anal Chem 2023; 95:6374-6382. [PMID: 36996369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
As a label-free, low-cost, and noninvasive tool, impedance measurement has been widely used in single-cell characterization analysis. However, due to the tiny volume of cells, the uncertainty of the spatial position in the microchannel will bring measurement errors in single-cell electrical parameters. To overcome the issue, we designed a novel microdevice configured with a coplanar differential electrode structure to accurately resolve the spatial position of single cells without constraining techniques such as additional sheath fluids or narrow microchannels. The device precisely localizes single cells by measuring the induced current generated by the combined action of the floating electrode and the differential electrodes when single cells flow through the electrode-sensing area. The device was experimentally validated by measuring 6 μm yeast cells and 10 μm particles, achieving spatial localization with a resolution down to 2.1 μm (about 5.3% of the channel width) in lateral direction and 1.2 μm (about 5.9% of the channel height) in the vertical direction at a flow rate of 1.2 μL/min. In addition, by comparing measurement of yeast cells and particles, it was demonstrated that the device not only localizes the single cells or particles but also simultaneously characterizes their status properties such as velocity and size. The device offers a competitive electrode configuration in impedance cytometry with the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and high throughput, promising cell localization and thus electrical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument and School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument and School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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11
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Yu L, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhu J, Wang F, Ma L, Yi K, Xiao H, Zhou F, Wang F, Bai L, Zhu Y, Xiao X, Yang Y. Magnetically Actuated Hydrogel Stamping-Assisted Cellular Mechanical Analyzer for Stored Blood Quality Detection. ACS Sens 2023; 8:1183-1191. [PMID: 36867892 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Cellular mechanical property analysis reflecting the physiological and pathological states of cells plays a crucial role in assessing the quality of stored blood. However, its complex equipment needs, operation difficulty, and clogging issues hinder automated and rapid biomechanical testing. Here, we propose a promising biosensor assisted by magnetically actuated hydrogel stamping to fulfill it. The flexible magnetic actuator triggers the collective deformation of multiple cells in the light-cured hydrogel, and it allows for on-demand bioforce stimulation with the advantages of portability, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity of operation. The magnetically manipulated cell deformation processes are captured by the integrated miniaturized optical imaging system, and the cellular mechanical property parameters are extracted from the captured images for real-time analysis and intelligent sensing. In this work, 30 clinical blood samples with different storage durations (<14 days and >14 days) were tested. A deviation of 3.3% in the differentiation of blood storage durations by this system compared to physician annotation demonstrated its feasibility. This system should broaden the application of cellular mechanical assays in diverse clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Longfei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yantong Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jiaomeng Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Linlu Ma
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kezhen Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Long Bai
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xuan Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics & Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
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12
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Liang F, Zhu J, Chai H, Feng Y, Zhao P, Liu S, Yang Y, Lin L, Cao L, Wang W. Non-Invasive and Minute-Frequency 3D Tomographic Imaging Enabling Long-Term Spatiotemporal Observation of Single Cell Fate. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2201492. [PMID: 36950762 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive and rapid imaging technique at subcellular resolution is significantly important for multiple biological applications such as cell fate study. Label-free refractive-index (RI)-based 3D tomographic imaging constitutes an excellent candidate for 3D imaging of cellular structures, but its full potential in long-term spatiotemporal cell fate observation is locked due to the lack of an efficient integrated system. Here, a long-term 3D RI imaging system incorporating a cutting-edge white light diffraction phase microscopy module with spatiotemporal stability, and an acoustofluidic device to roll and culture single cells in a customized live cell culture chamber is reported. Using this system, 3D RI imaging experiments are conducted for 250 cells and demonstrate efficient cell identification with high accuracy. Importantly, long-term and frequency-on-demand 3D RI imaging of K562 and MCF-7 cancer cells reveal different characteristics during normal cell growth, drug-induced cell apoptosis, and necrosis of drug-treated cells. Overall, it is believed that the proposed 3D tomographic imaging technique opens up a new avenue for visualizing intracellular structures and will find many applications such as disease diagnosis and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shaofeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuanmu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Linhan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Liangcai Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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13
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Lu N, Tay HM, Petchakup C, He L, Gong L, Maw KK, Leong SY, Lok WW, Ong HB, Guo R, Li KHH, Hou HW. Label-free microfluidic cell sorting and detection for rapid blood analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1226-1257. [PMID: 36655549 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00904h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blood tests are considered as standard clinical procedures to screen for markers of diseases and health conditions. However, the complex cellular background (>99.9% RBCs) and biomolecular composition often pose significant technical challenges for accurate blood analysis. An emerging approach for point-of-care blood diagnostics is utilizing "label-free" microfluidic technologies that rely on intrinsic cell properties for blood fractionation and disease detection without any antibody binding. A growing body of clinical evidence has also reported that cellular dysfunction and their biophysical phenotypes are complementary to standard hematoanalyzer analysis (complete blood count) and can provide a more comprehensive health profiling. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in microfluidic label-free separation of different blood cell components including circulating tumor cells, leukocytes, platelets and nanoscale extracellular vesicles. Label-free single cell analysis of intrinsic cell morphology, spectrochemical properties, dielectric parameters and biophysical characteristics as novel blood-based biomarkers will also be presented. Next, we will highlight research efforts that combine label-free microfluidics with machine learning approaches to enhance detection sensitivity and specificity in clinical studies, as well as innovative microfluidic solutions which are capable of fully integrated and label-free blood cell sorting and analysis. Lastly, we will envisage the current challenges and future outlook of label-free microfluidics platforms for high throughput multi-dimensional blood cell analysis to identify non-traditional circulating biomarkers for clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
| | - Hui Min Tay
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Chayakorn Petchakup
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Linwei He
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Lingyan Gong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Kay Khine Maw
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Sheng Yuan Leong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Wan Wei Lok
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Hong Boon Ong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Ruya Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - King Ho Holden Li
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
| | - Han Wei Hou
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore
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Kim H, Zhbanov A, Yang S. Microfluidic Systems for Blood and Blood Cell Characterization. BIOSENSORS 2022; 13:13. [PMID: 36671848 PMCID: PMC9856090 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A laboratory blood test is vital for assessing a patient's health and disease status. Advances in microfluidic technology have opened the door for on-chip blood analysis. Currently, microfluidic devices can reproduce myriad routine laboratory blood tests. Considerable progress has been made in microfluidic cytometry, blood cell separation, and characterization. Along with the usual clinical parameters, microfluidics makes it possible to determine the physical properties of blood and blood cells. We review recent advances in microfluidic systems for measuring the physical properties and biophysical characteristics of blood and blood cells. Added emphasis is placed on multifunctional platforms that combine several microfluidic technologies for effective cell characterization. The combination of hydrodynamic, optical, electromagnetic, and/or acoustic methods in a microfluidic device facilitates the precise determination of various physical properties of blood and blood cells. We analyzed the physical quantities that are measured by microfluidic devices and the parameters that are determined through these measurements. We discuss unexplored problems and present our perspectives on the long-term challenges and trends associated with the application of microfluidics in clinical laboratories. We expect the characterization of the physical properties of blood and blood cells in a microfluidic environment to be considered a standard blood test in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojin Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Dongseo University, Busan 47011, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander Zhbanov
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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