1
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Tazin N, Lambert CJ, Samuel R, Stevenson TJ, Bonkowsky JL, Gale BK. Transgenic expression in zebrafish embryos with an intact chorion by electroporation and microinjection. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 40:e00814. [PMID: 37840570 PMCID: PMC10569972 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is regularly used to deliver agents into cells, including transgenic materials, but it is not used for mutating zebrafish embryos due to the lack of suitable systems, information on appropriate operating parameters, and the challenges posed by the protective chorion. Here, a novel method for gene delivery in zebrafish embryos was developed by combining microinjection into the space between the chorion and the embryo followed by electroporation. This method eliminates the need for chorion removal and injecting into the space between the chorion and embryo eliminates the need for finding and identifying key cell locations before performing an injection, making the process much simpler and more automatable. We also developed a microfluidic electroporation system and optimized electric pulse parameters for transgenesis of embryos. The study provided a novel method for gene delivery in zebrafish embryos that can be potentially implemented in a high throughput transgenesis or mutagenesis system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Tazin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Raheel Samuel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tamara J. Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Joshua L. Bonkowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Bruce K. Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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2
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Singh S, Raina D, Rishipathak D, Babu KR, Khurana R, Gupta Y, Garg K, Rehan F, Gupta SM. Quantum dots in the biomedical world: A smart advanced nanocarrier for multiple venues application. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200299. [PMID: 36058643 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanoparticles having different optical and electrical properties when compared to larger particles. They exhibit photoluminescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light, which is due to the transition of an excited electron from the valence band to the conductance band followed by the return of the exciting electron back into the valence band. The size and material of QDs can affect their optical and other properties too. The QDs possess special attributes like high brightness, protection from photobleaching, photostability, color tunability, low toxicity, low production cost, a multiplexing limit, and a high surface-to-volume proportion, which make them a promising tool for biomedical applications. Here, in this study, we summarize the utilization of QDs in different applications including bioimaging, diagnostics, immunostaining, single-cell analysis, drug delivery, and protein detection. Moreover, we discuss the advantages and challenges of using QDs in biomedical applications when compared with other conventional tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepika Raina
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic era hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Dinesh Rishipathak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MET's Institute of Pharmacy, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kamesh R Babu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Riya Khurana
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yogesh Gupta
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PDM University, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, India
| | - Kartik Garg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PDM University, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, India
| | - Farah Rehan
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shraddha M Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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3
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Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a commonly used strategy to increase cell permeability for intracellular cargo delivery or irreversible cell membrane disruption using electric fields. In recent years, EP performance has been improved by shrinking electrodes and device structures to the microscale. Integration with microfluidics has led to the design of devices performing static EP, where cells are fixed in a defined region, or continuous EP, where cells constantly pass through the device. Each device type performs superior to conventional, macroscale EP devices while providing additional advantages in precision manipulation (static EP) and increased throughput (continuous EP). Microscale EP is gentle on cells and has enabled more sensitive assaying of cells with novel applications. In this Review, we present the physical principles of microscale EP devices and examine design trends in recent years. In addition, we discuss the use of reversible and irreversible EP in the development of therapeutics and analysis of intracellular contents, among other noteworthy applications. This Review aims to inform and encourage scientists and engineers to expand the use of efficient and versatile microscale EP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Harrison Khoo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Soojung Claire Hur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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4
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Dual approach for the colorimetric determination of unamplified microRNAs by using citrate capped gold nanoparticles. Mikrochim Acta 2018; 185:236. [PMID: 29594755 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-018-2767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The authors describe a method for the colorimetric determination of unamplified microRNA. It is based on the use of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and, alternatively, a microRNA-probe hybrid or a magnetically extracted microRNA that serve as stabilizers against the salt-induced aggregation of AuNPs. The absorbance ratios A525/A625 of the reacted AuNP solutions were used to quantify the amount of microRNA. The assay works in the range of 5-25 pmol microRNA. The lower limit of detection (LOD) is 10 pmol. The performance of the method was tested by detection of microRNA-210-3p in totally extracted urinary microRNA from normal, benign, and bladder cancer subjects. The sensitivity and specificity for qualitative detection of urinary microRNA-210-3p using the assay are 74% and 88% respectively, which is consistent with real time PCR based assays. The assay was applied to the determination of specific microRNA by using its specific oligo targeter or following magnetic isolation of the desired microRNA. The method is simple, cost-efficient, has a short turn-around time and requires minimal equipment and personnel. Graphical abstract Schematic of the two detection schemes: In the first approach, matched microRNA hybridizes with its specific probe to stabilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against salt induced aggregation and to leave the red color of the AuNPs unchanged. In the second one, microRNA extracted via magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) stabilizes AuNPs against aggregation.
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Shawky SM, Awad AM, Allam W, Alkordi MH, El-Khamisy SF. Gold aggregating gold: A novel nanoparticle biosensor approach for the direct quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA in clinical samples. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 92:349-356. [PMID: 27836599 PMCID: PMC5345390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The affordable and reliable detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA is a cornerstone in the management and control of infection, affecting approximately 3% of the global population. However, the existing technologies are expensive, labor intensive and time consuming, posing significant limitations to their wide-scale exploitation, particularly in economically deprived populations. Here, we utilized the unique optical and physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to develop a novel assay platform shown to be rapid and robust in sensing and quantifying unamplified HCV RNA in clinical samples. The assay is based on inducing aggregation of citrate AuNPs decorated with a specific nucleic acid probe. Two types of cationic AuNPs, cysteamine and CTAB capped, were compared to achieve maximum assay performance. The technology is simple, rapid, cost effective and quantitative with 93.3% sensitivity, high specificity and detection limit of 4.57IU/µl. Finally, our data suggest that RNA folding impact the aggregation behavior of the functionalized AuNPs, with broader applications in other nucleic acid detection technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif M Shawky
- Center of Genomics, Helmy institute, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Sheikh Zayed Dist., 12588 Giza, Egypt; Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Misr University for Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Department, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Awad
- Center of Genomics, Helmy institute, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Sheikh Zayed Dist., 12588 Giza, Egypt
| | - Walaa Allam
- Center of Genomics, Helmy institute, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Sheikh Zayed Dist., 12588 Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Alkordi
- Center for Materials Science, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Sheikh Zayed Dist., 12588 Giza, Egypt
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Center of Genomics, Helmy institute, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Sheikh Zayed Dist., 12588 Giza, Egypt; Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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Abstract
Here, we present a review of recent advances in electroporation for the delivery of nanomedicine as intracellular carriers by electroporation (NICE) in a drug format with functional nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin 17104
- Republic of Korea
| | - Won Gu Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin 17104
- Republic of Korea
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Mazari E, Zhao X, Migeotte I, Collignon J, Gosse C, Perea-Gomez A. A microdevice to locally electroporate embryos with high efficiency and reduced cell damage. Development 2014; 141:2349-59. [PMID: 24821988 DOI: 10.1242/dev.106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to follow and modify cell behaviour with accurate spatiotemporal resolution is a prerequisite to study morphogenesis in developing organisms. Electroporation, the delivery of exogenous molecules into targeted cell populations through electric permeation of the plasma membrane, has been used with this aim in different model systems. However, current localised electroporation strategies suffer from insufficient reproducibility and mediocre survival when applied to small and delicate organisms such as early post-implantation mouse embryos. We introduce here a microdevice to achieve localised electroporation with high efficiency and reduced cell damage. In silico simulations using a simple electrical model of mouse embryos indicated that a dielectric guide-based design would improve on existing alternatives. Such a device was microfabricated and its capacities tested by targeting the distal visceral endoderm (DVE), a migrating cell population essential for anterior-posterior axis establishment. Transfection was efficiently and reproducibly restricted to fewer than four visceral endoderm cells without compromising cell behaviour and embryo survival. Combining targeted mosaic expression of fluorescent markers with live imaging in transgenic embryos revealed that, like leading DVE cells, non-leading ones send long basal projections and intercalate during their migration. Finally, we show that the use of our microsystem can be extended to a variety of embryological contexts, from preimplantation stages to organ explants. Hence, we have experimentally validated an approach delivering a tailor-made tool for the study of morphogenesis in the mouse embryo. Furthermore, we have delineated a comprehensive strategy for the development of ad hoc electroporation devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Mazari
- Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, LPN-CNRS, route de Nozay, 91460 Marcoussis, France
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, LPN-CNRS, route de Nozay, 91460 Marcoussis, France
| | - Isabelle Migeotte
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels 1070, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Collignon
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR7592, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Charlie Gosse
- Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, LPN-CNRS, route de Nozay, 91460 Marcoussis, France
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR7592, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
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8
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Morshed BI, Shams M, Mussivand T. Investigation of Low-Voltage Pulse Parameters on Electroporation and Electrical Lysis Using a Microfluidic Device With Interdigitated Electrodes. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2014; 61:871-82. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2013.2291794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Electroporation is a simple yet powerful technique for breaching the cell membrane barrier. The applications of electroporation can be generally divided into two categories: the release of intracellular proteins, nucleic acids and other metabolites for analysis and the delivery of exogenous reagents such as genes, drugs and nanoparticles with therapeutic purposes or for cellular manipulation. In this review, we go over the basic physics associated with cell electroporation and highlight recent technological advances on microfluidic platforms for conducting electroporation. Within the context of its working mechanism, we summarize the accumulated knowledge on how the parameters of electroporation affect its performance for various tasks. We discuss various strategies and designs for conducting electroporation at the microscale and then focus on analysis of intracellular contents and delivery of exogenous agents as two major applications of the technique. Finally, an outlook for future applications of microfluidic electroporation in increasingly diverse utilities is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Geng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. Fax: +1-540-231-5022; Tel: +1-540-231-8681
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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10
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Longsine-Parker W, Wang H, Koo C, Kim J, Kim B, Jayaraman A, Han A. Microfluidic electro-sonoporation: a multi-modal cell poration methodology through simultaneous application of electric field and ultrasonic wave. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:2144-52. [PMID: 23615834 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc40877a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A microfluidic device that simultaneously applies the conditions required for microelectroporation and microsonoporation in a flow-through scheme toward high-efficiency and high-throughput molecular delivery into mammalian cells is presented. This multi-modal poration microdevice using simultaneous application of electric field and ultrasonic wave was realized by a three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode scheme where the electrodes function as both electroporation electrodes and cell flow channel so that acoustic wave can be applied perpendicular to the electric field simultaneously to cells flowing through the microfluidic channel. This 3D microelectrode configuration also allows a uniform electric field to be applied while making the device compatible with fluorescent microscopy. It is hypothesized that the simultaneous application of two different fields (electric field and acoustic wave) in perpendicular directions allows formation of transient pores along two axes of the cell membrane at reduced poration intensities, hence maximizing the delivery efficiency while minimizing cell death. The microfluidic electro-sonoporation system was characterized by delivering small molecules into mammalian cells, and showed average poration efficiency of 95.6% and cell viability of 97.3%. This proof of concept result shows that by combining electroporation and sonoporation together, significant improvement in molecule delivery efficiency could be achieved while maintaining high cell viability compared to electroporation or sonoporation alone. The microfluidic electro-sonoporation device presented here is, to the best of our knowledge, the first multi-modal cell poration device using simultaneous application of electric field and ultrasonic wave. This new multi-modal cell poration strategy and system is expected to have broad applications in delivery of small molecule therapeutics and ultimately in large molecule delivery such as gene transfection applications where high delivery efficiency and high viability are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Longsine-Parker
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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11
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Hwang H, Lu H. Microfluidic tools for developmental studies of small model organisms--nematodes, fruit flies, and zebrafish. Biotechnol J 2013; 8:192-205. [PMID: 23161817 PMCID: PMC3918482 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studying the genetics of development with small model organisms such as the zebrafish (Danio Rerio), the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and the soil-dwelling nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), provide unique opportunities for understanding related processes and diseases in humans. These model organisms also have potential for use in drug discovery and toxicity-screening applications. There have been sweeping developments in microfabrication and microfluidic technologies for manipulating and imaging small objects, including small model organisms, which allow high-throughput quantitative biological studies. Here, we review recent progress in microfluidic tools able to manipulate small organisms and project future directions and applications of these techniques and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyundoo Hwang
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA, USA, Tel: +1-404-894-8473
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA, USA, Tel: +1-404-894-8473
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12
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Meseguer M, Kruhne U, Laursen S. Full in vitro fertilization laboratory mechanization: toward robotic assisted reproduction? Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1277-86. [PMID: 22480821 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the current efforts made to standardize different steps of assisted reproductive technology processes by the introduction of new technologies for the nonsubjective sperm selection process, oocyte denudation by mechanical removal of cumulus cells, oocyte positioning, sperm motility screening, fertilization, embryo culture, media replacement by microfluidics, and monitoring of embryo development by time-lapse photography, embryo secretions, and/or O(2) consumption. These technologies could be integrated in a unique and fully automated device. DESIGN Pubmed database and research and development data from authors. SETTING University-affiliated private center. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT(S) None. RESULT(S) Several technologies would be useful for: 1) selection of sperm based on viability; 2) manipulation and removal of the cumulus cells' narrow channel regions combined with microfluidics; 3) advances in oocyte positioning precision through the use of joystick-controlled micromanipulators; 4) microfluidics allowing the gradual change of a culture medium, which might result in better embryo development as well as reduce the amount of embryo manipulation; 5) time-lapse, proteomic, and metabolic scoring of the developing embryo, allowing multiple and optimized selection of the embryos. The technologies described in this review have not yet reported reliable clinical proofs. CONCLUSION(S) We already have available some of the technologies described, but we envisage an integrated device, i.e., an IVF lab-on-a-chip, by which oocyte and sperm would be processed to achieve a perfect embryo ready to be delivered into the uterus. With such a device, sample preparation, chemical or biologic reactions, and data collection would be integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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13
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Bohnsack JP, Assemi S, Miller JD, Furgeson DY. The primacy of physicochemical characterization of nanomaterials for reliable toxicity assessment: a review of the zebrafish nanotoxicology model. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 926:261-316. [PMID: 22975971 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-002-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have become increasingly prevalent in the past two decades in academic, medical, commercial, and industrial settings. The unique properties imbued with nanoparticles, as the physiochemical properties change from the bulk material to the surface atoms, present unique and often challenging characteristics that larger macromolecules do not possess. While nanoparticle characteristics are indeed exciting for unique chemistries, surface properties, and diverse applications, reports of toxicity and environmental impacts have tempered this enthusiasm and given cause for an exponential increase for concomitant nanotoxicology assessment. Currently, nanotoxicology is a steadily growing with new literature and studies being published more frequently than ever before; however, the literature reveals clear, inconsistent trends in nanotoxicological assessment. At the heart of this issue are several key problems including the lack of validated testing protocols and models, further compounded by inadequate physicochemical characterization of the nanomaterials in question and the seminal feedback loop of chemistry to biology back to chemistry. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are emerging as a strong nanotoxicity model of choice for ease of use, optical transparency, cost, and high degree of genomic homology to humans. This review attempts to amass all contemporary nanotoxicology studies done with the zebrafish and present as much relevant information on physicochemical characteristics as possible. While this report is primarily a physicochemical summary of nanotoxicity studies, we wish to strongly emphasize that for the proper evolution of nanotoxicology, there must be a strong marriage between the physical and biological sciences. More often than not, nanotoxicology studies are reported by groups dominated by one discipline or the other. Regardless of the starting point, nanotoxicology must be seen as an iterative process between chemistry and biology. It is our sincere hope that the future will introduce a paradigm shift in the approach to nanotoxicology with multidisciplinary groups for data analysis to produce predictive and correlative models for the end goal of rapid preclinical development of new therapeutics into the clinic or insertion into environmental protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Bohnsack
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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14
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Lin YS, Yang CH, Lu K, Huang KS, Zheng YZ. Synthesis of agar microparticles using temperature-controlled microfluidic devices for Cordyceps militaris cultivation. Electrophoresis 2011; 32:3157-63. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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15
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Selmeczi D, Hansen TS, Met O, Svane IM, Larsen NB. Efficient large volume electroporation of dendritic cells through micrometer scale manipulation of flow in a disposable polymer chip. Biomed Microdevices 2011; 13:383-92. [PMID: 21207149 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-010-9507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We present a hybrid chip of polymer and stainless steel designed for high-throughput continuous electroporation of cells in suspension. The chip is constructed with two parallel stainless steel mesh electrodes oriented perpendicular to the liquid flow. The relatively high hydrodynamic resistance of the micrometer sized holes in the meshes compared to the main channel enforces an almost homogeneous flow velocity between the meshes. Thereby, very uniform electroporation of the cells can be accomplished. Successful electroporation of 20 million human dendritic cells with mRNA is demonstrated. The performance of the chip is similar to that of the traditional electroporation cuvette, but without an upper limit on the number of cells to be electroporated. The device is constructed with two female Luer parts and can easily be integrated with other microfluidic components. Furthermore it is fabricated from injection molded polymer parts and commercially available stainless steel mesh, making it suitable for inexpensive mass production.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Selmeczi
- Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Nanotech, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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16
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Yang F, Chen Z, Pan J, Li X, Feng J, Yang H. An integrated microfluidic array system for evaluating toxicity and teratogenicity of drugs on embryonic zebrafish developmental dynamics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2011; 5:24115. [PMID: 21799721 PMCID: PMC3145240 DOI: 10.1063/1.3605509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Seeking potential toxic and side effects for clinically available drugs is considerably beneficial in pharmaceutical safety evaluation. In this article, the authors developed an integrated microfluidic array system for phenotype-based evaluation of toxic and teratogenic potentials of clinical drugs by using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos as organism models. The microfluidic chip consists of a concentration gradient generator from upstream and an array of open embryonic culture structures by offering continuous stimulation in gradients and providing guiding, cultivation and exposure to the embryos, respectively. The open culture reservoirs are amenable to long-term embryonic culturing. Gradient test substances were delivered in a continuous or a developmental stage-specific manner, to induce embryos to generate dynamic developmental toxicity and teratogenicity. Developmental toxicity of doxorubicin on zebrafish eggs were quantitatively assessed via heart rate, and teratological effects were characterized by pericardial impairment, tail fin, notochord, and SV-BA distance ∕body length. By scoring the teratogenic severity, we precisely evaluated the time- and dose-dependent damage on the chemical-exposed embryos. The simple and easily operated method presented herein demonstrates that zebrafish embryo-based pharmaceutic assessment could be performed using microfluidic systems and holds a great potential in high-throughput screening for new compounds at single animal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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17
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Electroporation based on hydrodynamic focusing of microfluidics with low dc voltage. Biomed Microdevices 2010; 12:35-40. [PMID: 19757070 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-009-9355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics-based cell electroporation has many advantages in delivering small molecules into cells. In this study, hydrodynamic focusing of fluids with different conductivities has been used for high through-put cell electroporation at low voltage (<3 V) of continuous direct current (dc) power. Simulation results showed that an input voltage of only 1.5 V could generate an electric field intensity of about 1.17 kV cm(-1) across the cell suspension flow in the squeezed area. The electropermeation of yeast cell was observed, showing a permeabilization percentage up to 70%.
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18
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Noori A, Selvaganapathy PR, Wilson J. Microinjection in a microfluidic format using flexible and compliant channels and electroosmotic dosage control. LAB ON A CHIP 2009; 9:3202-11. [PMID: 19865726 DOI: 10.1039/b909961a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel PDMS-based microinjection system in a microfluidic format with precise electroosmotic dosage control. The device architecture is fully scalable and enables high-throughput microinjections with integrated pre- and post-processing operations. The injection mechanism greatly simplifies current methods as only a single degree of freedom is required for injections. The injections are performed inside a fully enclosed channel by an integrated microneedle. Actuation of the needle is achieved by the compliant deformation of the channel structure by an external actuator. Reagent transport is achieved using electroosmotic flow (EOF) which provides non-pulsating flow and precise electrical dosage control. The potentials used for injections were between 5 V-25 V. The electrical properties and flow rates for the device were characterized for Zebrafish embryos and Rhodamine B and Methylene blue in pH 10 buffer solution. We also propose a method to enable precise individual dosing of embryos using direct electrical feedback. Additionally, we show that electrical feedback can be used to verify the location of the needle inside the injection target. A preliminary viability study of our device was conducted using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The study involved the injection of ultrapure water into the embryos in an E3 buffer, and resulted in embryos that showed normal development at 48 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Noori
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Lee WG, Demirci U, Khademhosseini A. Microscale electroporation: challenges and perspectives for clinical applications. Integr Biol (Camb) 2009; 1:242-51. [PMID: 20023735 DOI: 10.1039/b819201d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microscale engineering plays a significant role in developing tools for biological applications by miniaturizing devices and providing controllable microenvironments for in vitro cell research. Miniaturized devices offer numerous benefits in comparison to their macroscale counterparts, such as lower use of expensive reagents, biomimetic environments, and the ability to manipulate single cells. Microscale electroporation is one of the main beneficiaries of microscale engineering as it provides spatial and temporal control of various electrical parameters. Microscale electroporation devices can be used to reduce limitations associated with the conventional electroporation approaches such as variations in the local pH, electric field distortion, sample contamination, and the difficulties in transfecting and maintaining the viability of desired cell types. Here, we present an overview of recent advances of the microscale electroporation methods and their applications in biology, as well as current challenges for its use for clinical applications. We categorize microscale electroporation into microchannel and microcapillary electroporation. Microchannel-based electroporation can be used for transfecting cells within microchannels under dynamic flow conditions in a controlled and high-throughput fashion. In contrast, microcapillary-based electroporation can be used for transfecting cells within controlled reaction chambers under static flow conditions. Using these categories we examine the use of microscale electroporation for clinical applications related to HIV-1, stem cells, cancer and other diseases and discuss the challenges in further advancing this technology for use in clinical medicine and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Gu Lee
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Patterned delivery and expression of gene constructs into zebrafish embryos using microfabricated interfaces. Biomed Microdevices 2009; 11:633-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-008-9273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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