1
|
Payne EM, Taraji M, Murray BE, Holland-Moritz DA, Moore JC, Haddad PR, Kennedy RT. Evaluation of Analyte Transfer between Microfluidic Droplets by Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:4662-4670. [PMID: 36862378 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics enables high-throughput experimentation and screening by encapsulating chemical and biochemical samples in aqueous droplets segmented by an immiscible fluid. In such experiments, it is critical that each droplet remains chemically distinct. A common approach is to use fluorinated oils with surfactants to stabilize droplets. However, some small molecules have been observed to transport between droplets under these conditions. Attempts to study and mitigate this effect have relied on evaluating crosstalk using fluorescent molecules, which inherently limits the analyte scope and conclusions drawn about the mechanism of the effect. In this work, transport of low molecular weight compounds between droplets was investigated using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for measurement. The use of ESI-MS significantly expands the scope of analytes that can be tested. We tested 36 structurally diverse analytes that were found to exhibit crosstalk ranging from negligible to complete transfer using HFE 7500 as the carrier fluid and 008-fluorosurfactant as a surfactant. Using this data set, we developed a predictive tool showing that high log P and log D values correlate with high crosstalk, and high polar surface area and log S correlate with low crosstalk. We then investigated several carrier fluids, surfactants, and flow conditions. It was discovered that transport is strongly dependent on all of these factors and that experimental design and surfactant tailoring can reduce carryover. We present evidence for mixed crosstalk mechanisms including both micellar and oil partitioning transfer. By understanding the driving mechanisms, surfactant and oil compositions can be designed to better reduce chemical transport for screening workflows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emory M Payne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States
| | - Maryam Taraji
- The Australian Wine Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5064, Australia.,Metabolomics Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5064, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Bridget E Murray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States
| | - Daniel A Holland-Moritz
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jeffrey C Moore
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Paul R Haddad
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Robert T Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bashir S, Ali A, Bashir M, Aftab A, Ghani T, Javed A, Rafique S, Shah A, Casadevall i Solvas X, Inayat MH. Droplet-based microfluidic synthesis of silver nanoparticles stabilized by PVA and PVP: applications in anticancer and antimicrobial activities. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02403-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
3
|
Field RD, Jakus MA, Chen X, Human K, Zhao X, Chitnis PV, Sia SK. Ultrasound-Responsive Aqueous Two-Phase Microcapsules for On-Demand Drug Release. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202116515. [PMID: 35233907 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Traditional implanted drug delivery systems cannot easily change their release profile in real time to respond to physiological changes. Here we present a microfluidic aqueous two-phase system to generate microcapsules that can release drugs on demand as triggered by focused ultrasound (FUS). The biphasic microcapsules are made of hydrogels with an outer phase of mixed molecular weight (MW) poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate that mitigates premature payload release and an inner phase of high MW dextran with payload that breaks down in response to FUS. Compound release from microcapsules could be triggered as desired; 0.4 μg of payload was released across 16 on-demand steps over days. We detected broadband acoustic signals amidst low heating, suggesting inertial cavitation as a key mechanism for payload release. Overall, FUS-responsive microcapsules are a biocompatible and wirelessly triggerable structure for on-demand drug delivery over days to weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Field
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Margaret A Jakus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kelia Human
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Parag V Chitnis
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Samuel K Sia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Field RD, Jakus MA, Chen X, Human K, Zhao X, Chitnis PV, Sia SK. Ultrasound‐Responsive Aqueous Two‐Phase Microcapsules for On‐Demand Drug Release. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202116515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D. Field
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10027 USA
| | - Margaret A. Jakus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10027 USA
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Kelia Human
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10027 USA
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Parag V. Chitnis
- Department of Bioengineering George Mason University 4400 University Drive Fairfax VA 22030 USA
| | - Samuel K. Sia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10027 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oliveira AF, Bastos RG, de la Torre LG. Double T-junction microfluidic and conventional dripping systems for Bacillus subtilis immobilization in calcium alginate microparticles for lipase production. Enzyme Microb Technol 2022; 154:109976. [PMID: 34974340 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2021.109976] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis immobilization in calcium alginate microparticles was investigated using two techniques: droplet microfluidics-based in T-junction geometry composed with a double droplet generation system and conventional dripping system. Alginate microparticles produced by microfluidic technology presented an average size of 68.35 µm with low polydispersity and immobilization efficiency around 86%. The cell response was evaluated in batch cultivation for 24 h, viewing lipase production compared to free cells. In this study, the batch cultivation with immobilized cells in alginate microparticles presented lipase production about 2.4 and 1.7 times higher than cultivation with cells immobilized cells by conventional technique and free cells cultivations. According to the results, this main novelty of the double T junction technique is an innovative contribution as a tool for cell immobilization on a laboratory scale, since the cultivation of immobilized cells in microparticles of small size and low polydispersity favors cell growth and increases the productivity of important metabolites of industrial biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline F Oliveira
- University of Campinas, School of Chemical Engineering, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Institute for Technological Research of State of São Paulo - IPT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo G Bastos
- Federal University of São Carlos, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Araras, SP, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu P, Wang L. Microfluidics-Enabled Soft Manufacture of Materials with Tailorable Wettability. Chem Rev 2021; 122:7010-7060. [PMID: 34918913 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and wettability are interrelated and mutually reinforcing fields, experiencing synergistic growth. Surface wettability is paramount in regulating microfluidic flows for processing and manipulating fluids at the microscale. Microfluidics, in turn, has emerged as a versatile platform for tailoring the wettability of materials. We present a critical review on the microfluidics-enabled soft manufacture (MESM) of materials with well-controlled wettability and their multidisciplinary applications. Microfluidics provides a variety of liquid templates for engineering materials with exquisite composition and morphology, laying the foundation for precisely controlling the wettability. Depending on the degree of ordering, liquid templates are divided into individual droplets, one-dimensional (1D) arrays, and two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) assemblies for the modular fabrication of microparticles, microfibers, and monolithic porous materials, respectively. Future exploration of MESM will enrich the diversity of chemical composition and physical structure for wettability control and thus markedly broaden the application horizons across engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This review aims to systematize this emerging yet robust technology, with the hope of aiding the realization of its full potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liqiu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Logesh D, Vallikkadan MS, Leena MM, Moses J, Anandharamakrishnan C. Advances in microfluidic systems for the delivery of nutraceutical ingredients. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
8
|
Simulation studies on picolitre volume droplets generation and trapping in T-junction microchannels. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
9
|
Du J, Ibaseta N, Guichardon P. Generation of an O/W emulsion in a flow-focusing microchip: Importance of wetting conditions and of dynamic interfacial tension. Chem Eng Res Des 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
10
|
Geng Y, Ling S, Huang J, Xu J. Multiphase Microfluidics: Fundamentals, Fabrication, and Functions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906357. [PMID: 31913575 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiphase microfluidics enables an alternative approach with many possibilities in studying, analyzing, and manufacturing functional materials due to its numerous benefits over macroscale methods, such as its ultimate controllability, stability, heat and mass transfer capacity, etc. In addition to its immense potential in biomedical applications, multiphase microfluidics also offers new opportunities in various industrial practices including extraction, catalysis loading, and fabrication of ultralight materials. Herein, aiming to give preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds, a comprehensive overview of the formation mechanism, fabrication methods, and emerging applications of multiphase microfluidics using different systems is provided. Finally, major challenges facing the field are illustrated while discussing potential prospects for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - SiDa Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jinpei Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Teo AJT, Tan SH, Nguyen NT. On-Demand Droplet Merging with an AC Electric Field for Multiple-Volume Droplet Generation. Anal Chem 2020; 92:1147-1153. [PMID: 31763821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a unique system to achieve on-demand droplet merging and splitting using a perpendicular AC electric field. The working mechanism involves a micropillar to split droplets, followed by electrocoalescence using an AC electric field. Adjusting the parameters of the AC signal and conductivity of the fluid result in different merging regimes. We observed a minimum threshold voltage and a strong influence of the surfactant. We hypothesize that the merging process is caused by dipole-dipole coalescence between the daughter droplets. At the same time, adjustment of the conductivity reveals a shift in the merging regimes and can be explained with an electric circuit diagram. Size-based sorting using this merging phenomenon is subsequently demonstrated, where alternate, single, double, and triple droplets sorting were achieved. The concept presented in this paper is potentially useful for drug dispensing or multivolume digital polymerase chain reaction, as droplets of multiple sizes can be generated simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J T Teo
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre , Griffith University , 170 Kessels Road Queensland 4111 , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Say Hwa Tan
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre , Griffith University , 170 Kessels Road Queensland 4111 , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre , Griffith University , 170 Kessels Road Queensland 4111 , Brisbane , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Klein AK, Dietzel A. A Primer on Microfluidics: From Basic Principles to Microfabrication. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 179:17-35. [PMID: 33404675 DOI: 10.1007/10_2020_156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems enable manipulating fluids in different functional units which are integrated on a microchip. This chapter describes the basics of microfluidics, where physical effects have a different impact compared to macroscopic systems. Furthermore, an overwiew is given on the microfabrication of these systems. The focus lies on clean-room fabrication methods based on photolithography and soft lithography. Finally, an outlook on advanced maskless micro- and nanofabrication methods is given. Special attention is paid to laser structuring processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Klein
- Institute of Microtechnology Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Dietzel
- Institute of Microtechnology Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chiu FWY, Stavrakis S. High-throughput droplet-based microfluidics for directed evolution of enzymes. Electrophoresis 2019; 40:2860-2872. [PMID: 31433062 PMCID: PMC6899980 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural enzymes have evolved over millions of years to allow for their effective operation within specific environments. However, it is significant to note that despite their wide structural and chemical diversity, relatively few natural enzymes have been successfully applied to industrial processes. To address this limitation, directed evolution (DE) (a method that mimics the process of natural selection to evolve proteins toward a user‐defined goal) coupled with droplet‐based microfluidics allows the detailed analysis of millions of enzyme variants on ultra‐short timescales, and thus the design of novel enzymes with bespoke properties. In this review, we aim at presenting the development of DE over the last years and highlighting the most important advancements in droplet‐based microfluidics, made in this context towards the high‐throughput demands of enzyme optimization. Specifically, an overview of the range of microfluidic unit operations available for the construction of DE platforms is provided, focusing on their suitability and benefits for cell‐based assays, as in the case of directed evolution experimentations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora W Y Chiu
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Trantidou T, Friddin MS, Salehi-Reyhani A, Ces O, Elani Y. Droplet microfluidics for the construction of compartmentalised model membranes. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2488-2509. [PMID: 30066008 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00028j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The design of membrane-based constructs with multiple compartments is of increasing importance given their potential applications as microreactors, as artificial cells in synthetic-biology, as simplified cell models, and as drug delivery vehicles. The emergence of droplet microfluidics as a tool for their construction has allowed rapid scale-up in generation throughput, scale-down of size, and control over gross membrane architecture. This is true on several levels: size, level of compartmentalisation and connectivity of compartments can all be programmed to various degrees. This tutorial review explains and explores the reasons behind this. We discuss microfluidic strategies for the generation of a family of compartmentalised systems that have lipid membranes as the basic structural motifs, where droplets are either the fundamental building blocks, or are precursors to the membrane-bound compartments. We examine the key properties associated with these systems (including stability, yield, encapsulation efficiency), discuss relevant device fabrication technologies, and outline the technical challenges. In doing so, we critically review the state-of-play in this rapidly advancing field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Trantidou
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ding Y, Choo J, deMello AJ. From single-molecule detection to next-generation sequencing: microfluidic droplets for high-throughput nucleic acid analysis. MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS 2017; 21:58. [PMID: 32214953 PMCID: PMC7087872 DOI: 10.1007/s10404-017-1889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidic technologies have proved themselves to be of significant utility in the performance of high-throughput chemical and biological experiments. By encapsulating and isolating reagents within femtoliter-nanoliter droplet, millions of (bio) chemical reactions can be processed in a parallel fashion and on ultra-short timescales. Recent applications of such technologies to genetic analysis have suggested significant utility in low-cost, efficient and rapid workflows for DNA amplification, rare mutation detection, antibody screening and next-generation sequencing. To this end, we describe and highlight some of the most interesting recent developments and applications of droplet-based microfluidics in the broad area of nucleic acid analysis. In addition, we also present a cursory description of some of the most essential functional components, which allow the creation of integrated and complex workflows based on flowing streams of droplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ding
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jaebum Choo
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588 Republic of Korea
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hydrophilic Surface Modification of PDMS Microchannel for O/W and W/O/W Emulsions. MICROMACHINES 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/mi6101429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|