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Xu C, Wang K, Huang P, Liu D, Guan Y. Single-Cell Isolation Microfluidic Chip Based on Thermal Bubble Micropump Technology. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23073623. [PMID: 37050683 PMCID: PMC10099219 DOI: 10.3390/s23073623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of single cells is essential for the development of single cell analysis methods, such as single-cell sequencing, monoclonal antibodies, and drug development. Traditional single-cell isolation techniques include flow cytometry (FACS), laser capture microdissection (LCM), micromanipulation, etc., but their operations are complex and have low throughput. Here, we present a microfluidic chip that can isolate individual cells from cell suspension and release them onto a well plate. It uses thermal bubble micropump technology to drive the fluid flow, and single-cell isolation is achieved by matching the flow resistance of the flow channel. Therefore, injection pumps and peristaltic pumps are not required for cell loading. Because of its small size, we can integrate hundreds of single-cell functional modules, which makes high-throughput single-cell isolation possible. For polystyrene beads, the capture rate of the single bead is close to 100%. Finally, the method has been applied to cells, and the capture rate of the single cell is also about 75%. This is a promising method for single-cell isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xu
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Aure Technology Limited Company, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Shanghai Aure Technology Limited Company, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Demeng Liu
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Aure Technology Limited Company, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Yimin Guan
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Aure Technology Limited Company, Shanghai 201800, China
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2
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Mohammadi R, Afsaneh H, Rezaei B, Moghimi Zand M. On-chip dielectrophoretic device for cancer cell manipulation: A numerical and artificial neural network study. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:024102. [PMID: 36896355 PMCID: PMC9991445 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, as one of the most frequent types of cancer in women, imposes large financial and human losses annually. MCF-7, a well-known cell line isolated from the breast tissue of cancer patients, is usually used in breast cancer research. Microfluidics is a newly established technique that provides many benefits, such as sample volume reduction, high-resolution operations, and multiple parallel analyses for various cell studies. This numerical study presents a novel microfluidic chip for the separation of MCF-7 cells from other blood cells, considering the effect of dielectrophoretic force. An artificial neural network, a novel tool for pattern recognition and data prediction, is implemented in this research. To prevent hyperthermia in cells, the temperature should not exceed 35 °C. In the first part, the effect of flow rate and applied voltage on the separation time, focusing efficiency, and maximum temperature of the field is investigated. The results denote that the separation time is affected by both the input parameters inversely, whereas the two remaining parameters increase with the input voltage and decrease with the sheath flow rate. A maximum focusing efficiency of 81% is achieved with a purity of 100% for a flow rate of 0.2 μ L / min and a voltage of 3.1 V . In the second part, an artificial neural network model is established to predict the maximum temperature inside the separation microchannel with a relative error of less than 3% for a wide range of input parameters. Therefore, the suggested label-free lab-on-a-chip device separates the target cells with high-throughput and low voltages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasool Mohammadi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 11155-463, Iran
| | - Hadi Afsaneh
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Behnam Rezaei
- Small Medical Devices, BioMEMS, and LoC Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 11155-463, Iran
| | - Mahdi Moghimi Zand
- Small Medical Devices, BioMEMS, and LoC Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 11155-463, Iran
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3
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De Stefano P, Bianchi E, Dubini G. The impact of microfluidics in high-throughput drug-screening applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031501. [PMID: 35646223 PMCID: PMC9142169 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery is an expensive and lengthy process. Among the different phases, drug discovery and preclinical trials play an important role as only 5-10 of all drugs that begin preclinical tests proceed to clinical trials. Indeed, current high-throughput screening technologies are very expensive, as they are unable to dispense small liquid volumes in an accurate and quick way. Moreover, despite being simple and fast, drug screening assays are usually performed under static conditions, thus failing to recapitulate tissue-specific architecture and biomechanical cues present in vivo even in the case of 3D models. On the contrary, microfluidics might offer a more rapid and cost-effective alternative. Although considered incompatible with high-throughput systems for years, technological advancements have demonstrated how this gap is rapidly reducing. In this Review, we want to further outline the role of microfluidics in high-throughput drug screening applications by looking at the multiple strategies for cell seeding, compartmentalization, continuous flow, stimuli administration (e.g., drug gradients or shear stresses), and single-cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Stefano
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Bianchi
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dubini
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
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4
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Gupta P, Shinde A, Illath K, Kar S, Nagai M, Tseng FG, Santra TS. Microfluidic platforms for single neuron analysis. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100222. [PMID: 35243297 PMCID: PMC8866890 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Single-neuron actions are the basis of brain function, as clinical sequelae, neuronal dysfunction or failure for most of the central nervous system (CNS) diseases and injuries can be identified via tracing single-neurons. The bulk analysis methods tend to miscue critical information by assessing the population-averaged outcomes. However, its primary requisite in neuroscience to analyze single-neurons and to understand dynamic interplay of neurons and their environment. Microfluidic systems enable precise control over nano-to femto-liter volumes via adjusting device geometry, surface characteristics, and flow-dynamics, thus facilitating a well-defined micro-environment with spatio-temporal control for single-neuron analysis. The microfluidic platform not only offers a comprehensive landscape to study brain cell diversity at the level of transcriptome, genome, and/or epigenome of individual cells but also has a substantial role in deciphering complex dynamics of brain development and brain-related disorders. In this review, we highlight recent advances of microfluidic devices for single-neuron analysis, i.e., single-neuron trapping, single-neuron dynamics, single-neuron proteomics, single-neuron transcriptomics, drug delivery at the single-neuron level, single axon guidance, and single-neuron differentiation. Moreover, we also emphasize limitations and future challenges of single-neuron analysis by focusing on key performances of throughput and multiparametric activity analysis on microfluidic platforms.
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Yu Z, Jin J, Shui L, Chen H, Zhu Y. Recent advances in microdroplet techniques for single-cell protein analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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6
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Chen P, Yan S, Wang J, Guo Y, Dong Y, Feng X, Zeng X, Li Y, Du W, Liu BF. Dynamic Microfluidic Cytometry for Single-Cell Cellomics: High-Throughput Probing Single-Cell-Resolution Signaling. Anal Chem 2018; 91:1619-1626. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shuangqian Yan
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yue Dong
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaojun Feng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wei Du
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics−Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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Roh C, Lee J, Kinger M, Kang C. In Vitro Studies on a Microfluidic Sensor with Embedded Obstacles Using New Antibacterial Synthetic Compounds (1-TDPPO) Mixed Prop-2-en-1-one with Difluoro Phenyl. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17040803. [PMID: 28397751 PMCID: PMC5422164 DOI: 10.3390/s17040803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the use of an analytical microfluidic sensor for accelerating chemo-repellent response and strong anti-bacterial 1-(Thien-2-yl)-3-(2, 6-difluoro phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (1-TDPPO). The chemically-synthesized antimicrobial agent, which included prop-2-en-1-one and difluoro phenyl groups, was moving through an optically transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic sensor with circular obstacles arranged evenly. The response, growth and distribution of fluorescent labeling Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 against the antimicrobial agent were monitored by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The microfluidic sensor along with 1-TDPPOin this study exhibits the following advantages: (i) Real-time chemo-repellent responses of cell dynamics; (ii) Rapid eradication of biofilm by embedded obstacles and powerful antibacterial agents, which significantly reduce the response time compared to classical methods; (iii) Minimal consumption of cells and antimicrobial agents; and (iv) Simplifying the process of the normalization of the fluorescence intensity and monitoring of biofilm by captured images and datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhyun Roh
- Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute (ARTI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 1266, Sinjeong-Dong, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk 580-185, Korea.
| | - Jaewoong Lee
- Department of Textile Engineering and Technology, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea.
| | - Mayank Kinger
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, (Ambala) Haryana 133207, India.
| | - Chankyu Kang
- Ministry of Employment and Labor, Major Industrial Accident Prevention Center, 34 Yeosusandallo, Yeosu-Si, Jeonnam 59631, Korea.
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8
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Hoffman MD, Zucker LI, Brown PJB, Kysela DT, Brun YV, Jacobson SC. Timescales and Frequencies of Reversible and Irreversible Adhesion Events of Single Bacterial Cells. Anal Chem 2015; 87:12032-9. [PMID: 26496389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In the environment, most bacteria form surface-attached cell communities called biofilms. The attachment of single cells to surfaces involves an initial reversible stage typically mediated by surface structures such as flagella and pili, followed by a permanent adhesion stage usually mediated by polysaccharide adhesives. Here, we determine the absolute and relative timescales and frequencies of reversible and irreversible adhesion of single cells of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus to a glass surface in a microfluidic device. We used fluorescence microscopy of C. crescentus expressing green fluorescent protein to track the swimming behavior of individual cells prior to adhesion, monitor the cell at the surface, and determine whether the cell reversibly or irreversibly adhered to the surface. A fluorescently labeled lectin that binds specifically to polar polysaccharides, termed holdfast, discriminated irreversible adhesion events from reversible adhesion events where no holdfast formed. In wild-type cells, the holdfast production time for irreversible adhesion events initiated by surface contact (23 s) was 30-times faster than the holdfast production time that occurs through developmental regulation (13 min). Irreversible adhesion events in wild-type cells (3.3 events/min) are 15-times more frequent than in pilus-minus mutant cells (0.2 events/min), indicating the pili are critical structures in the transition from reversible to irreversible surface-stimulated adhesion. In reversible adhesion events, the dwell time of cells at the surface before departing was the same for wild-type cells (12 s) and pilus-minus mutant cells (13 s), suggesting the pili do not play a significant role in reversible adhesion. Moreover, reversible adhesion events in wild-type cells (6.8 events/min) occur twice as frequently as irreversible adhesion events (3.3 events/min), demonstrating that most cells contact the surface multiple times before transitioning from reversible to irreversible adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle D Hoffman
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Lauren I Zucker
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Pamela J B Brown
- Department of Biology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - David T Kysela
- Department of Biology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Yves V Brun
- Department of Biology, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Stephen C Jacobson
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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9
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Adelaide; Adelaide Australia
| | - Xiaolin Cui
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Adelaide; Adelaide Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Adelaide; Adelaide Australia
| | - Sheng Dai
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Adelaide; Adelaide Australia
| | - Haitao Ye
- School of Engineering and Applied Science; Aston University; Birmingham United Kingdom
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11
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Galler K, Bräutigam K, Große C, Popp J, Neugebauer U. Making a big thing of a small cell--recent advances in single cell analysis. Analyst 2015; 139:1237-73. [PMID: 24495980 DOI: 10.1039/c3an01939j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Single cell analysis is an emerging field requiring a high level interdisciplinary collaboration to provide detailed insights into the complex organisation, function and heterogeneity of life. This review is addressed to life science researchers as well as researchers developing novel technologies. It covers all aspects of the characterisation of single cells (with a special focus on mammalian cells) from morphology to genetics and different omics-techniques to physiological, mechanical and electrical methods. In recent years, tremendous advances have been achieved in all fields of single cell analysis: (1) improved spatial and temporal resolution of imaging techniques to enable the tracking of single molecule dynamics within single cells; (2) increased throughput to reveal unexpected heterogeneity between different individual cells raising the question what characterizes a cell type and what is just natural biological variation; and (3) emerging multimodal approaches trying to bring together information from complementary techniques paving the way for a deeper understanding of the complexity of biological processes. This review also covers the first successful translations of single cell analysis methods to diagnostic applications in the field of tumour research (especially circulating tumour cells), regenerative medicine, drug discovery and immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Galler
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center "Center for Sepsis Control and Care", Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747 Jena, Germany
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12
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Jin D, Deng B, Li JX, Cai W, Tu L, Chen J, Wu Q, Wang WH. A microfluidic device enabling high-efficiency single cell trapping. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:014101. [PMID: 25610513 PMCID: PMC4288539 DOI: 10.1063/1.4905428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Single cell trapping increasingly serves as a key manipulation technique in single cell analysis for many cutting-edge cell studies. Due to their inherent advantages, microfluidic devices have been widely used to enable single cell immobilization. To further improve the single cell trapping efficiency, this paper reports on a passive hydrodynamic microfluidic device based on the "least flow resistance path" principle with geometry optimized in line with corresponding cell types. Different from serpentine structure, the core trapping structure of the micro-device consists of a series of concatenated T and inverse T junction pairs which function as bypassing channels and trapping constrictions. This new device enhances the single cell trapping efficiency from three aspects: (1) there is no need to deploy very long or complicated channels to adjust flow resistance, thus saving space for each trapping unit; (2) the trapping works in a "deterministic" manner, thus saving a great deal of cell samples; and (3) the compact configuration allows shorter flowing path of cells in multiple channels, thus increasing the speed and throughput of cell trapping. The mathematical model of the design was proposed and optimization of associated key geometric parameters was conducted based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. As a proof demonstration, two types of PDMS microfluidic devices were fabricated to trap HeLa and HEK-293T cells with relatively significant differences in cell sizes. Experimental results showed 100% cell trapping and 90% single cell trapping over 4 × 100 trap sites for these two cell types, respectively. The space saving is estimated to be 2-fold and the cell trapping speed enhancement to be 3-fold compared to previously reported devices. This device can be used for trapping various types of cells and expanded to trap cells in the order of tens of thousands on 1-cm(2) scale area, as a promising tool to pattern large-scale single cells on specific substrates and facilitate on-chip cellular assay at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Jin
- Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing, China
| | - B Deng
- Institute of Electronics , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J X Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing, China
| | - W Cai
- North Navigation Control Technology Co., Ltd. , Beijing, China
| | - L Tu
- Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing, China
| | - J Chen
- Institute of Electronics , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Q Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing, China
| | - W H Wang
- Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University , Beijing, China
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Moolman MC, Huang Z, Krishnan ST, Kerssemakers JWJ, Dekker NH. Electron beam fabrication of a microfluidic device for studying submicron-scale bacteria. J Nanobiotechnology 2013; 11:12. [PMID: 23575419 PMCID: PMC3658940 DOI: 10.1186/1477-3155-11-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled restriction of cellular movement using microfluidics allows one to study individual cells to gain insight into aspects of their physiology and behaviour. For example, the use of micron-sized growth channels that confine individual Escherichia coli has yielded novel insights into cell growth and death. To extend this approach to other species of bacteria, many of whom have dimensions in the sub-micron range, or to a larger range of growth conditions, a readily-fabricated device containing sub-micron features is required. RESULTS Here we detail the fabrication of a versatile device with growth channels whose widths range from 0.3 μm to 0.8 μm. The device is fabricated using electron beam lithography, which provides excellent control over the shape and size of different growth channels and facilitates the rapid-prototyping of new designs. Features are successfully transferred first into silicon, and subsequently into the polydimethylsiloxane that forms the basis of the working microfluidic device. We demonstrate that the growth of sub-micron scale bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis or Escherichia coli cultured in minimal medium can be followed in such a device over several generations. CONCLUSIONS We have presented a detailed protocol based on electron beam fabrication together with specific dry etching procedures for the fabrication of a microfluidic device suited to study submicron-sized bacteria. We have demonstrated that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be successfully loaded and imaged over a number of generations in this device. Similar devices could potentially be used to study other submicron-sized organisms under conditions in which the height and shape of the growth channels are crucial to the experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Charl Moolman
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Zhuangxiong Huang
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sriram Tiruvadi Krishnan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob WJ Kerssemakers
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke H Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
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Lawrenz A, Nason F, Cooper-White JJ. Geometrical effects in microfluidic-based microarrays for rapid, efficient single-cell capture of mammalian stem cells and plant cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2012; 6:24112-2411217. [PMID: 22655021 PMCID: PMC3360725 DOI: 10.1063/1.4704521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a detailed numerical and experimental investigation into the optimisation of hydrodynamic micro-trapping arrays for high-throughput capture of single polystyrene (PS) microparticles and three different types of live cells at trapping times of 30 min or less is described. Four different trap geometries (triangular, square, conical, and elliptical) were investigated within three different device generations, in which device architecture, channel geometry, inter-trap spacing, trap size, and trap density were varied. Numerical simulation confirmed that (1) the calculated device dimensions permitted partitioned flow between the main channel and the trap channel, and further, preferential flow through the trap channel in the absence of any obstruction; (2) different trap shapes, all having the same dimensional parameters in terms of depth, trapping channel lengths and widths, main channel lengths and widths, produce contrasting streamline plots and that the interaction of the fluid with the different geometries can produce areas of stagnated flow or distorted field lines; and (3) that once trapped, any motion of the trapped particle or cell or a shift in its configuration within the trap can result in significant increases in pressures on the cell surface and variations in the shear stress distribution across the cell's surface. Numerical outcomes were then validated experimentally in terms of the impact of these variations in device design elements on the percent occupancy of the trapping array (with one or more particles or cells) within these targeted short timeframes. Limitations on obtaining high trap occupancies in the devices were shown to be primarily a result of particle aggregation, channel clogging and the trap aperture size. These limitations could be overcome somewhat by optimisation of these device design elements and other operational variables, such as the average carrier fluid velocity. For example, for the 20 μm polystyrene microparticles, the number of filled traps increased from 32% to 42% during 5-10 min experiments in devices with smaller apertures. Similarly, a 40%-60% reduction in trapping channel size resulted in an increase in the amount of filled traps, from 0% to almost 90% in 10 min, for the human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, and 15%-85% in 15 min for the human embryonic stem cells. Last, a reduction of the average carrier fluid velocity by 50% resulted in an increase from 80% to 92% occupancy of single algae cells in traps. Interestingly, changes in the physical properties of the species being trapped also had a substantial impact, as regardless of the trap shape, higher percent occupancies were observed with cells compared to single PS microparticles in the same device, even though they are of approximately the same size. This investigation showed that in microfluidic single cell capture arrays, the trap shape that maximizes cell viability is not necessarily the most efficient for high-speed single cell capture. However, high-speed trapping configurations for delicate mammalian cells are possible but must be optimised for each cell type and designed principally in accordance with the trap size to cell size ratio.
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Abstract
Traditional ‘macroscopic’ pharmacokinetics (PK) investigates the fate of drugs or toxicants administered externally to living organisms, described by the extent and rate of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. However, how a single cell affects a specific pharmaceutical after administration still remains a largely untouched area, primarily due to the technical restrictions imposed by minute amounts of chemicals involved. With the fast development of high-temporal and spatial-resolution detection techniques and single-cell handling techniques, it becomes possible to pursue single-cell PK. This review summarizes useful methodological and experimental techniques to investigate PK at the level of the single cell, including the microfluidics-based single-cell manipulation and the MS and electrochemical methods for single-cell analysis.
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16
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Wu RG, Yang CS, Cheing CC, Tseng FG. Nanocapillary electrophoretic electrochemical chip: towards analysis of biochemicals released by single cells. Interface Focus 2011; 1:744-53. [PMID: 23050079 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2011.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel nanocapillary electrophoretic electrochemical (Nano-CEEC) chip has been developed to demonstrate the possibility of zeptomole-level detection of neurotransmitters released from single living cells. The chip integrates three subunits to collect and concentrate scarce neurotransmitters released from single PC-12 cells, including a pair of targeting electrodes for single cells captured by controlling the surface charge density; a dual-asymmetry electrokinetic flow device for sample collection, pre-concentration and separation in a nanochannel; and an online electrochemical detector for zeptomole-level sample detection. This Nano-CEEC chip integrates a polydimethylsiloxane microchannel for cell sampling and biomolecule separation and a silicon dioxide nanochannel for sample pre-concentration and amperometric detection. The cell-capture voltage ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 V with a frequency of 1-10 kHz for PC-12 cells, and the single cell-capture efficiency is optimized by varying the duration of the applied field. All of the processes, from cell sampling to neurotransmitter detection, can be completed within 15 min. Catecholamines, including dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) released from coupled single cells, have been successfully detected using the Nano-CEEC chip. A detection limit of 30-75 zeptomoles was achieved, which is close to the levels released by a single neuron in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Guei Wu
- Department of Engineering and Systems Science , National Tsing Hua University , 101 Section 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan , Republic of China ; National Health Research Institutes , 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan , Republic of China
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gothenburg, S-41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
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18
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Vinuselvi P, Park S, Kim M, Park JM, Kim T, Lee SK. Microfluidic technologies for synthetic biology. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:3576-93. [PMID: 21747695 PMCID: PMC3131579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12063576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have shown powerful abilities for reducing cost, time, and labor, and at the same time, for increasing accuracy, throughput, and performance in the analysis of biological and biochemical samples compared with the conventional, macroscale instruments. Synthetic biology is an emerging field of biology and has drawn much attraction due to its potential to create novel, functional biological parts and systems for special purposes. Since it is believed that the development of synthetic biology can be accelerated through the use of microfluidic technology, in this review work we focus our discussion on the latest microfluidic technologies that can provide unprecedented means in synthetic biology for dynamic profiling of gene expression/regulation with high resolution, highly sensitive on-chip and off-chip detection of metabolites, and whole-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisutham Vinuselvi
- School of Nano-Bioscience and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (P.V.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Seongyong Park
- School of Mechanical and Advanced Materials Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (S.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Minseok Kim
- School of Mechanical and Advanced Materials Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (S.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Jung Min Park
- School of Nano-Bioscience and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (P.V.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Taesung Kim
- School of Mechanical and Advanced Materials Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (S.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Sung Kuk Lee
- School of Nano-Bioscience and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 100 Banyeon-ri, Ulsan 689–798, Korea; E-Mails: (P.V.); (J.M.P.)
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Arakawa T, Noguchi M, Sumitomo K, Yamaguchi Y, Shoji S. High-throughput single-cell manipulation system for a large number of target cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2011; 5:14114. [PMID: 21523252 PMCID: PMC3082354 DOI: 10.1063/1.3567101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
A sequential and high-throughput single-cell manipulation system for a large volume of cells was developed and the successive manipulation for single cell involving single-cell isolation, individual labeling, and individual rupture was realized in a microhydrodynamic flow channel fabricated by using two-dimensional simple flow channels. This microfluidic system consisted of the successive single-cell handlings of single-cell isolation from a large number of cells in cell suspension, labeling each isolated single cell and the lysate extraction from each labeled single cell. This microfluidic system was composed of main channels, cell-trapping pockets, drain channels, and single-cell content collection channels which were fabricated by polydimethylsiloxane. We demonstrated two kinds of prototypes for sequential single-cell manipulations, one was equipped with 16 single-cell isolation pockets in microchannel and the other was constructed of 512 single-cell isolation pockets. In this study, we demonstrated high-throughput and high-volume single-cell isolation with 512 pocket type device. The total number of isolated single cells in each isolation pocket from the cell suspension at a time was 426 for the cell line of African green monkey kidney, COS-1, and 360 for the rat primary brown preadipocytes, BAT. All isolated cells were stained with fluorescence dye injected into the same microchannel successfully. In addition, the extraction and collection of the cell contents was demonstrated using isolated stained COS-1 cells. The cell contents extracted from each captured cell were individually collected within each collection channel by local hydrodynamic flow. The sequential trapping, labeling, and content extraction with 512 pocket type devices realized high-throughput single-cell manipulations for innovative single-cell handling, feasible staining, and accurate cell rupture.
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Anwar K, Han T, Yu S, Kim SM. Integrated micro/nano-fluidic system for mixing and preconcentration of dissolved proteins. Mikrochim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-011-0567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Takeuchi M, Nakajima M, Kojima M, Fukuda T. Nanoliters Discharge/Suction by Thermoresponsive Polymer Actuated Probe and Applied for Single Cell Manipulation. JOURNAL OF ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS 2010. [DOI: 10.20965/jrm.2010.p0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We propose the Thermoresponsive Polymer Actuated (TPA) probe which uses thermoresponsive polymer poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) volume change as an actuator. The proposed probe is applicable to single cell analysis, especially single cell manipulation. The TPA probe can discharge and suck solution in several nanoliters (nl) using the volume change. Normally, it is difficult to realize solution discharge and suction less than several dozen nl by the conventional air- or oil-pressure-actuated probe. We designed the TPA probe for low-cost fabrication and disposable use. The probe also takes in and ejects on a nl order by simply switching a heater on and off. PNIPAAm solution volume change was evaluated in this paper. The manipulation of single microbead and the suction of target cell were also demonstrated by the TPA probe in the semi-closed microchip. It is considered that the TPA probe can contribute to the manipulation of single cell.
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Alves-Segundo R, Ibañez-Garcia N, Baeza M, Puyol M, Alonso-Chamarro J. Towards a monolithically integrated microsystem based on the green tape ceramics technology for spectrophotometric measurements. Determination of chromium (VI) in water. Mikrochim Acta 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-010-0459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Halpin ST, Spence DM. Direct Plate-Reader Measurement of Nitric Oxide Released from Hypoxic Erythrocytes Flowing through a Microfluidic Device. Anal Chem 2010; 82:7492-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ac101130s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T. Halpin
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Dana M. Spence
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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