1
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Vehusheia SLK, Roman C, Braissant O, Arnoldini M, Hierold C. Enabling direct microcalorimetric measurement of metabolic activity and exothermic reactions onto microfluidic platforms via heat flux sensor integration. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37180454 PMCID: PMC10169645 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
All biological processes use or produce heat. Traditional microcalorimeters have been utilized to study the metabolic heat output of living organisms and heat production of exothermic chemical processes. Current advances in microfabrication have made possible the miniaturization of commercial microcalorimeters, resulting in a few studies on the metabolic activity of cells at the microscale in microfluidic chips. Here we present a new, versatile, and robust microcalorimetric differential design based on the integration of heat flux sensors on top of microfluidic channels. We show the design, modeling, calibration, and experimental verification of this system by utilizing Escherichia coli growth and the exothermic base catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl paraben as use cases. The system consists of a Polydimethylsiloxane based flow-through microfluidic chip with two 46 µl chambers and two integrated heat flux sensors. The differential compensation of thermal power measurements allows for the measurement of bacterial growth with a limit of detection of 1707 W/m3, corresponding to 0.021OD (2 ∙ 107 bacteria). We also extracted the thermal power of a single Escherichia coli of between 1.3 and 4.5 pW, comparable to values measured by industrial microcalorimeters. Our system opens the possibility for expanding already existing microfluidic systems, such as drug testing lab-on-chip platforms, with measurements of metabolic changes of cell populations in form of heat output, without modifying the analyte and minimal interference with the microfluidic channel itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe L. K. Vehusheia
- Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cosmin Roman
- Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Center of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Hegenheimermattweg 167C, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Markus Arnoldini
- Laboratory for Food Immunology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christofer Hierold
- Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Bae J, Zheng J, Zhang H, Foster PJ, Needleman DJ, Vlassak JJ. A Micromachined Picocalorimeter Sensor for Liquid Samples with Application to Chemical Reactions and Biochemistry. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003415. [PMID: 33717854 PMCID: PMC7927623 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Calorimetry has long been used to probe the physical state of a system by measuring the heat exchanged with the environment as a result of chemical reactions or phase transitions. Application of calorimetry to microscale biological samples, however, is hampered by insufficient sensitivity and the difficulty of handling liquid samples at this scale. Here, a micromachined calorimeter sensor that is capable of resolving picowatt levels of power is described. The sensor consists of low-noise thermopiles on a thin silicon nitride membrane that allow direct differential temperature measurements between a sample and four coplanar references, which significantly reduces thermal drift. The partial pressure of water in the ambient around the sample is maintained at saturation level using a small hydrogel-lined enclosure. The materials used in the sensor and its geometry are optimized to minimize the noise equivalent power generated by the sensor in response to the temperature field that develops around a typical sample. The experimental response of the sensor is characterized as a function of thermopile dimensions and sample volume, and its capability is demonstrated by measuring the heat dissipated during an enzymatically catalyzed biochemical reaction in a microliter-sized liquid droplet. The sensor offers particular promise for quantitative measurements on biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhye Bae
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCA92093USA
| | - Juanjuan Zheng
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
| | - Haitao Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
| | - Peter J. Foster
- Physics of Living SystemsDepartment of PhysicsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Daniel J. Needleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
- Center for Computational BiologyFlatiron InstituteNew YorkNY10010USA
| | - Joost J. Vlassak
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
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3
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Hong S, Dechaumphai E, Green CR, Lal R, Murphy AN, Metallo CM, Chen R. Sub-nanowatt microfluidic single-cell calorimetry. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2982. [PMID: 32532969 PMCID: PMC7292832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive and label-free calorimetry could become a disruptive technique to study single cell metabolic heat production without altering the cell behavior, but it is currently limited by insufficient sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate microfluidic single-cell calorimetry with 0.2-nW sensitivity, representing more than ten-fold enhancement over previous record, which is enabled by (i) a low-noise thermometry platform with ultralow long-term (10-h) temperature noise (80 μK) and (ii) a microfluidic channel-in-vacuum design allowing cell flow and nutrient delivery while maintaining a low thermal conductance of 2.5 μW K−1. Using Tetrahymena thermophila as an example, we demonstrate on-chip single-cell calorimetry measurement with metabolic heat rates ranging from 1 to 4 nW, which are found to correlate well with the cell size. Finally, we perform real-time monitoring of metabolic rate stimulation by introducing a mitochondrial uncoupling agent to the microchannel, enabling determination of the spare respiratory capacity of the cells. Calorimetrically measuring the heat of single cells is currently not possible due to the sensitivity of existing calorimeters. Here the authors present on-chip single cell calorimetry, with a sensitivity over ten-fold greater than the current gold-standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahngki Hong
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Edward Dechaumphai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Courtney R Green
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ratneshwar Lal
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anne N Murphy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Christian M Metallo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Renkun Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA. .,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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4
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Wang S, Sha X, Yu S, Zhao Y. Nanocalorimeters for biomolecular analysis and cell metabolism monitoring. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:011503. [PMID: 32038739 PMCID: PMC6994269 DOI: 10.1063/1.5134870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanocalorimeters, or microfabricated calorimeters, provide a promising way to characterize the thermal process of biological processes, such as biomolecule interactions and cellular metabolic activities. They enabled miniaturized heat measurement onto a chip device with potential benefits including low sample consumption, low cost, portability, and high throughput. Over the past few decades, researchers have tried to improve nanocalorimeters' performance, in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and detection resolution, by exploring different sensing methods, thermal insulation techniques, and liquid handling methods. The enhanced devices resulted in new applications in recent years, and here we have summarized the performance parameters and applications based on categories. Finally, we have listed the current technical difficulties in nanocalorimeter research and hope for future solutions to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Wang
- Department of Control Engineering, Northeastern University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Sha
- Department of Control Engineering, Northeastern University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- Department of Control Engineering, Northeastern University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066001, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Abstract
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) can benefit from operating in miniaturized devices as they enable quantitative, low-cost measurements with reduced analysis time and reagents consumption. However, most of the existing devices that offer ITC capabilities either do not yet allow proper control of reaction conditions or are limited by issues such as evaporation or surface adsorption caused inaccurate solution concentration information and unintended changes in biomolecular properties because of aggregation. In this paper, we present a microdevice that combines 3D-printed microfluidic structures with a polymer-based MEMS thermoelectric sensor to enable quantitative ITC measurements of biomolecular interactions. Benefitting from the geometric flexibility of 3D-printing, the microfluidic design features calorimetric chambers in a differential cantilever configuration that improves the thermal insulation and reduces the thermal mass of the implementing device. Also, 3D-printing microfluidic structures use non-permeable materials to avoid potential adsorption. Finally, the robustness of the polymeric MEMS sensor chip allows the device to be assembled reversibly and leak-free, and hence reusable. We demonstrate the utility of the device by quantitative ITC characterization of a biomolecular binding system, ribonuclease A (RNase A) bind with cytidine 2'-monophosphate (2'CMP) down to a practically useful sample concentration of 0.2 mM. The thermodynamic parameters of the binding system, including the stoichiometry, equilibrium binding constant, and enthalpy change are obtained and found to agree with values previously reported in the literature.
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6
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Stelson AC, Liu M, Little CAE, Long CJ, Orloff ND, Stephanopoulos N, Booth JC. Label-free detection of conformational changes in switchable DNA nanostructures with microwave microfluidics. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1174. [PMID: 30862776 PMCID: PMC6414672 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection of conformational changes in biomolecular assemblies provides critical information into biological and self-assembly processes. State-of-the-art in situ biomolecular conformation detection techniques rely on fluorescent labels or protein-specific binding agents to signal conformational changes. Here, we present an on-chip, label-free technique to detect conformational changes in a DNA nanomechanical tweezer structure with microwave microfluidics. We measure the electromagnetic properties of suspended DNA tweezer solutions from 50 kHz to 110 GHz and directly detect two distinct conformations of the structures. We develop a physical model to describe the electrical properties of the tweezers, and correlate model parameters to conformational changes. The strongest indicator for conformational changes in DNA tweezers are the ionic conductivity, while shifts in the magnitude of the cooperative water relaxation indicate the addition of fuel strands used to open the tweezer. Microwave microfluidic detection of conformational changes is a generalizable, non-destructive technique, making it attractive for high-throughput measurements. Methods to study conformational changes in biomolecules are limited in resolution and require labelling or other modifications of target analytes. Here the authors present a label-free, microwave microfluidic approach to detect conformational changes of DNA nanostructures based on ionic conductivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela C Stelson
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Radio Frequency Electronics Group, Boulder CO 325 Broadway St, Boulder, CO, 80305, USA
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, 551 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.,Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E. Tyler St., Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Charles A E Little
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Radio Frequency Electronics Group, Boulder CO 325 Broadway St, Boulder, CO, 80305, USA
| | - Christian J Long
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Radio Frequency Electronics Group, Boulder CO 325 Broadway St, Boulder, CO, 80305, USA
| | - Nathan D Orloff
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Radio Frequency Electronics Group, Boulder CO 325 Broadway St, Boulder, CO, 80305, USA
| | - Nicholas Stephanopoulos
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, 551 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA. .,Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E. Tyler St., Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.
| | - James C Booth
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Radio Frequency Electronics Group, Boulder CO 325 Broadway St, Boulder, CO, 80305, USA.
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7
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Feng J, Svatoš V, Liu X, Chang H, Neužil P. High-performance microcalorimeters: Design, applications and future development. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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8
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Khaw MK, Mohd-Yasin F, Nguyen NT. Magnetically-Actuated Mixing and Merging of Acid-Base Micro-Droplets on Open Surfaces: Preliminary Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:s18061767. [PMID: 29857584 PMCID: PMC6021819 DOI: 10.3390/s18061767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We present the mixing and merging of two reactive droplets on top of an open surface. A mobile droplet (1.0 M HCl solution + iron oxide particles) is magnetically-actuated to merge with a sessile droplet (1.0 M NaOH + phenolphthalein). The heat from the exothermic reaction is detected by a thermocouple. We vary the droplet volume (1, 5 and 10 μL), the magnet speed (1.86, 2.79, 3.72 and 4.65 mm/s) and the iron oxide concentration (0.010, 0.020 and 0.040 g/mL) to study their influences on the mixing time, peak temperature and cooling time. The sampled recording of these processes are provided as supplementary files. We observe the following trends. First, the lower volume of droplet and higher speed of magnet lead to shorter mixing time. Second, the peak temperature increases and cooling time decreases at the increasing speed of magnet. Third, the peak temperature is similar for bigger droplets, and they take longer to cool down. Finally, we also discuss the limitations of this preliminary study and propose improvements. These observations could be used to improve the sensitivity of the open chamber system in measuring the exothermic reaction of biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Kum Khaw
- Queensland Micro-and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia.
- Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Faisal Mohd-Yasin
- Queensland Micro-and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro-and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia.
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9
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Chamoun J, Pattekar A, Afshinmanesh F, Martini J, Recht MI. Optical calorimetry in microfluidic droplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1581-1592. [PMID: 29745386 PMCID: PMC5999407 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc01266g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A novel microfluidic calorimeter that measures the enthalpy change of reactions occurring in 100 μm diameter aqueous droplets in fluoropolymer oil has been developed. The aqueous reactants flow into a microfluidic droplet generation chip in separate fluidic channels, limiting contact between the streams until immediately before they form the droplet. The diffusion-driven mixing of reactants is predominantly restricted to within the droplet. The temperature change in droplets due to the heat of reaction is measured optically by recording the reflectance spectra of encapsulated thermochromic liquid crystals (TLC) that are added to one of the reactant streams. As the droplets travel through the channel, the spectral characteristics of the TLC represent the internal temperature, allowing optical measurement with a precision of ≈6 mK. The microfluidic chip and all fluids are temperature controlled, and the reaction heat within droplets raises their temperature until thermal diffusion dissipates the heat into the surrounding oil and chip walls. Position resolved optical temperature measurement of the droplets allows calculation of the heat of reaction by analyzing the droplet temperature profile over time. Channel dimensions, droplet generation rate, droplet size, reactant stream flows and oil flow rate are carefully balanced to provide rapid diffusional mixing of reactants compared to thermal diffusion, while avoiding thermal "quenching" due to contact between the droplets and the chip walls. Compared to conventional microcalorimetry, which has been used in this work to provide reference measurements, this new continuous flow droplet calorimeter has the potential to perform titrations ≈1000-fold faster while using ≈400-fold less reactants per titration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Chamoun
- Palo Alto Research Center, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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10
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Glotz G, Knoechel DJ, Podmore P, Gruber-Woelfler H, Kappe CO. Reaction Calorimetry in Microreactor Environments—Measuring Heat of Reaction by Isothermal Heat Flux Calorimetry. Org Process Res Dev 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.7b00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Glotz
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), Inffeldgasse 13, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Donald J. Knoechel
- Fauske and Associates LLC, 16W070 83rd Street, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527, United States
| | - Philip Podmore
- Syrris Ltd., 27 Jarman Way, Royston, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Heidrun Gruber-Woelfler
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), Inffeldgasse 13, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Institute
of Process and Particle Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 13/III, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - C. Oliver Kappe
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), Inffeldgasse 13, 8010 Graz, Austria
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11
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A Multichannel Calorimetric Simultaneous Assay Platform Using a Microampere Constant-Current Looped Enthalpy Sensor Array. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17020292. [PMID: 28165412 PMCID: PMC5335969 DOI: 10.3390/s17020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Calorimetric biochemical measurements offer various advantages such as low waste, low cost, low sample consumption, short operating time, and labor-savings. Multichannel calorimeters can enhance the possibility of performing higher-throughput biochemical measurements. An enthalpy sensor (ES) array is a key device in multichannel calorimeters. Most ES arrays use Wheatstone bridge amplifiers to condition the sensor signals, but such an approach is only suitable for null detection and low resistance sensors. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a multichannel calorimetric simultaneous assay (MCSA) platform. An adjustable microampere constant-current (AMCC) source was designed for exciting the ES array using a microampere current loop measurement circuit topology. The MCSA platform comprises a measurement unit, which contains a multichannel calorimeter and an automatic simultaneous injector, and a signal processing unit, which contains multiple ES signal conditioners and a data processor. This study focused on the construction of the MCSA platform; in particular, construction of the measurement circuit and calorimeter array in a single block. The performance of the platform, including current stability, temperature sensitivity and heat sensitivity, was evaluated. The sensor response time and calorimeter constants were given. The capability of the platform to detect relative enzyme activity was also demonstrated. The experimental results show that the proposed MCSA is a flexible and powerful biochemical measurement device with higher throughput than existing alternatives.
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12
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Wang S, Yu S, Siedler MS, Ihnat PM, Filoti DI, Lu M, Zuo L. Micro-differential scanning calorimeter for liquid biological samples. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:105005. [PMID: 27802741 DOI: 10.1063/1.4965443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We developed an ultrasensitive micro-DSC (differential scanning calorimeter) for liquid protein sample characterization. This design integrated vanadium oxide thermistors and flexible polymer substrates with microfluidics chambers to achieve a high sensitivity (6 V/W), low thermal conductivity (0.7 mW/K), high power resolutions (40 nW), and well-defined liquid volume (1 μl) calorimeter sensor in a compact and cost-effective way. We further demonstrated the performance of the sensor with lysozyme unfolding. The measured transition temperature and enthalpy change were in accordance with the previous literature data. This micro-DSC could potentially raise the prospect of high-throughput biochemical measurement by parallel operation with miniaturized sample consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Shifeng Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | | | - Peter M Ihnat
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Dana I Filoti
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Ming Lu
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA
| | - Lei Zuo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
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13
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Wang B, Jia Y, Lin Q. A microfabrication-based approach to quantitative isothermal titration calorimetry. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 78:438-446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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15
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Padovani R, Lehnert T, Trouillon R, Gijs MAM. Nanocalorimetric platform for accurate thermochemical studies in microliter volumes. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra22248f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a nanocalorimetric platform for accurate thermochemical studies of (bio-)chemical reactions in a miniaturized format, characterized by fast thermalization time, excellent base temperature stability and fast sensing response time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Padovani
- Laboratory of Microsystems
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- CH-1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lehnert
- Laboratory of Microsystems
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- CH-1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Raphaël Trouillon
- Laboratory of Microsystems
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- CH-1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Martin A. M. Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- CH-1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
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16
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Taylor SJ, Abeywardane A, Liang S, Muegge I, Padyana AK, Xiong Z, Hill-Drzewi M, Farmer B, Li X, Collins B, Li JX, Heim-Riether A, Proudfoot J, Zhang Q, Goldberg D, Zuvela-Jelaska L, Zaher H, Li J, Farrow NA. Fragment-based discovery of indole inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-13. J Med Chem 2011; 54:8174-87. [PMID: 22017539 DOI: 10.1021/jm201129m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play an important role in cartilage homeostasis under both normal and inflamed disease states and, thus, have become attractive targets for the treatment of arthritic diseases. Herein, we describe the identification of a potent, selective MMP-13 inhibitor, developed using fragment-based structure-guided lead identification and optimization techniques. Virtual screening methods identified a novel, indole-based MMP-13 inhibitor that bound into the S1' pocket of the protein exhibiting a novel interaction pattern hitherto not observed in MMP-13 inhibitors. X-ray crystallographic structures were used to guide the elaboration of the fragment, ultimately leading to a potent inhibitor that was >100-fold selective over nine other MMP isoforms tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Taylor
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877-0368, United States.
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17
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De Bruyker D, Recht MI, Bhagat AAS, Torres FE, Bell AG, Bruce RH. Rapid mixing of sub-microlitre drops by magnetic micro-stirring. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:3313-9. [PMID: 21842085 PMCID: PMC3278472 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate rapid mixing of sub-microlitre droplets (250 nl) using miniaturized magnetic stir bars (400 μm × 200 μm × 15 μm). The stir bars are fabricated using laser micromachining and placed on the substrate on which the drops are manipulated. They are activated by an externally applied magnetic field and used in combination with on-demand drop merging in enthalpy arrays. This technique results in a 10-fold increase in mixing rate, and a mixing time constant of about 2 s. Drop mixing times are measured by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and verified by thermodynamic measurements of binding and enzymatic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk De Bruyker
- Palo Alto Research Center, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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18
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Potentials and limitations of miniaturized calorimeters for bioprocess monitoring. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 92:55-66. [PMID: 21808971 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In theory, heat production rates are very well suited for analysing and controlling bioprocesses on different scales from a few nanolitres up to many cubic metres. Any bioconversion is accompanied by a production (exothermic) or consumption (endothermic) of heat. The heat is tightly connected with the stoichiometry of the bioprocess via the law of Hess, and its rate is connected to the kinetics of the process. Heat signals provide real-time information of bioprocesses. The combination of heat measurements with respirometry is theoretically suited for the quantification of the coupling between catabolic and anabolic reactions. Heat measurements have also practical advantages. Unlike most other biochemical sensors, thermal transducers can be mounted in a protected way that prevents fouling, thereby minimizing response drifts. Finally, calorimetry works in optically opaque solutions and does not require labelling or reactants. It is surprising to see that despite all these advantages, calorimetry has rarely been applied to monitor and control bioprocesses with intact cells in the laboratory, industrial bioreactors or ecosystems. This review article analyses the reasons for this omission, discusses the additional information calorimetry can provide in comparison with respirometry and presents miniaturization as a potential way to overcome some inherent weaknesses of conventional calorimetry. It will be discussed for which sample types and scientific question miniaturized calorimeter can be advantageously applied. A few examples from different fields of microbiological and biotechnological research will illustrate the potentials and limitations of chip calorimetry. Finally, the future of chip calorimetry is addressed in an outlook.
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Yi F, La Van DA. Nanoscale thermal analysis for nanomedicine by nanocalorimetry. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 4:31-41. [PMID: 21766469 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microfabricated nanocalorimeters sensitively measure the thermal properties of nanomaterials and can be used for biomedical and in vitro measurements. This review examines the capabilities of nanocalorimeters including specific applications to nanomedicine such as measurements of nanomaterial stability, protein crystallization, ligand-protein binding, phase transitions, phase separations, interfacial reactions, and sorption-desorption phenomena. Widespread adoption of nanotechnology into clinical medicine will require a more complete understanding of the basic properties of nanomaterials, the relationship between nanomaterial processing, and physical properties and a deeper understanding of how nanomaterial physical properties control biological interactions. Nanocalorimetry is suitable where high sensitivity and high-rate thermal and thermodynamic measurements are needed. Because of their small size and rapid measurement speed, nanocalorimeters can be used for single measurements or with high throughput automation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yi
- Ceramics Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Braissant O, Daniels AUD. Closed ampoule isothermal microcalorimetry for continuous real-time detection and evaluation of cultured mammalian cell activity and responses. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 740:191-208. [PMID: 21468980 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-108-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Closed ampoule isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) is a simple, powerful, nondestructive, and convenient technique that allows continuous, real-time detection and evaluation of cultured cell activity and responses. At a selected set temperature, IMC measures the heat flow between a sample and a heat sink and compares it to the heat-flow between a thermally inactive reference and the heat sink. Since heat flow rates are proportional to the rates of chemical reactions and changes of state, IMC provides a means for dynamically following these processes in any type of specimen - including ones containing cultured cells. The ability of IMC instruments to provide measurements in the microwatt (μJ/s) range allows one to detect and follow the activity (including replication) of low numbers of cells in culture (ca. 10(3)-10(5), depending on cell type). Closed ampoule IMC is increasingly being used in medical and environmental sciences. While a closed ampoule imposes limitations, it conversely provides simplicity and excellent control. Also, it is still usually possible with closed ampoules to follow mammalian cell activity and replication for several days. This chapter provides an overview of IMC measurement principles and provides examples of the use of IMC for evaluating cultured human and other mammalian cell activity and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Braissant
- Laboratory of Biomechanics & Biocalorimetry, Coalition for Clinical Morphology & Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Biomedical use of isothermal microcalorimeters. SENSORS 2010; 10:9369-83. [PMID: 22163413 PMCID: PMC3230962 DOI: 10.3390/s101009369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Isothermal microcalorimetry is becoming widely used for monitoring biological activities in vitro. Microcalorimeters are now able to measure heat production rates of less than a microwatt. As a result, metabolism and growth of relatively small numbers of cultured bacteria, protozoans, human cells and even small animals can be monitored continuously and extremely accurately at any chosen temperature. Dynamic effects on these organisms of changes in the culture environment—or of additions to it—are easily assessed over periods from hours to days. In addition microcalorimetry is a non-destructive method that does not require much sample preparation. It is also completely passive and thus allows subsequent evaluations of any kind on the undisturbed sample. In this review, we present a basic description of current microcalorimetry instruments and an overview of their use for various biomedical applications. These include detecting infections, evaluating effects of pharmaceutical or antimicrobial agents on cells, monitoring growth of cells harvested for tissue eingineering, and assessing medical and surgical device material physico-chemical stability and cellular biocompatibility.
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Torres FE, Recht MI, Coyle JE, Bruce RH, Williams G. Higher throughput calorimetry: opportunities, approaches and challenges. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2010; 20:598-605. [PMID: 20888754 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Higher throughput thermodynamic measurements can provide value in structure-based drug discovery during fragment screening, hit validation, and lead optimization. Enthalpy can be used to detect and characterize ligand binding, and changes that affect the interaction of protein and ligand can sometimes be detected more readily from changes in the enthalpy of binding than from the corresponding free-energy changes or from protein-ligand structures. Newer, higher throughput calorimeters are being incorporated into the drug discovery process. Improvements in titration calorimeters come from extensions of a mature technology and face limitations in scaling. Conversely, array calorimetry, an emerging technology, shows promise for substantial improvements in throughput and material utilization, but improved sensitivity is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E Torres
- Palo Alto Research Center, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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Ray S, Mehta G, Srivastava S. Label-free detection techniques for protein microarrays: prospects, merits and challenges. Proteomics 2010; 10:731-48. [PMID: 19953541 PMCID: PMC7167936 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200900458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein microarrays, on which thousands of discrete proteins are printed, provide a valuable platform for functional analysis of the proteome. They have been widely used for biomarker discovery and to study protein–protein interactions. The accomplishments of DNA microarray technology, which had enabled massive parallel studies of gene expression, sparked great interest for the development of protein microarrays to achieve similar success at the protein level. Protein microarray detection techniques are often classified as being label‐based and label‐free. Most of the microarray applications have employed labelled detection such as fluorescent, chemiluminescent and radioactive labelling. These labelling strategies have synthetic challenges, multiple label issues and may exhibit interference with the binding site. Therefore, development of sensitive, reliable, high‐throughput, label‐free detection techniques are now attracting significant attention. Label‐free detection techniques monitor biomolecular interactions and simplify the bioassays by eliminating the need for secondary reactants. Moreover, they provide quantitative information for the binding kinetics. In this article, we will review several label‐free techniques, which offer promising applications for the protein microarrays, and discuss their prospects, merits and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandipan Ray
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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Holdgate GA, Anderson M, Edfeldt F, Geschwindner S. Affinity-based, biophysical methods to detect and analyze ligand binding to recombinant proteins: matching high information content with high throughput. J Struct Biol 2010; 172:142-57. [PMID: 20609391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2010.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Affinity-based technologies have become impactful tools to detect, monitor and characterize molecular interactions using recombinant target proteins. This can aid the understanding of biological function by revealing mechanistic details, and even more importantly, enables the identification of new improved ligands that can modulate the biological activity of those targets in a desired fashion. The selection of the appropriate technology is a key step in that process, as each one of the currently available technologies offers a characteristic type of biophysical information about the ligand-binding event. Alongside the indisputable advantages of each of those technologies they naturally display diverse restrictions that are quite frequently related to the target system to be studied but also to the affinity, solubility and molecular size of the ligands. This paper discusses some of the theoretical and experimental aspects of the most common affinity-based methods, what type of information can be gained from each one of those approaches, and what requirements as well as limitations are expected from working with recombinant proteins on those platforms and how those can be optimally addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff A Holdgate
- Lead Generation Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D Alderley Park, Mereside, Alderley Park, United Kingdom
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Braissant O, Wirz D, Göpfert B, Daniels AU. Use of isothermal microcalorimetry to monitor microbial activities. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2010; 303:1-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2009.01819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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High-sensitivity microfluidic calorimeters for biological and chemical applications. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:15225-30. [PMID: 19706406 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0901447106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
High-sensitivity microfluidic calorimeters raise the prospect of achieving high-throughput biochemical measurements with minimal sample consumption. However, it has been challenging to realize microchip-based calorimeters possessing both high sensitivity and precise sample-manipulation capabilities. Here, we report chip-based microfluidic calorimeters capable of characterizing the heat of reaction of 3.5-nL samples with 4.2-nW resolution. Our approach, based on a combination of hard- and soft-polymer microfluidics, provides both exceptional thermal response and the physical strength necessary to construct high-sensitivity calorimeters that can be scaled to automated, highly multiplexed array architectures. Polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic valves and pumps are interfaced to parylene channels and reaction chambers to automate the injection of analyte at 1 nL and below. We attained excellent thermal resolution via on-chip vacuum encapsulation, which provides unprecedented thermal isolation of the minute microfluidic reaction chambers. We demonstrate performance of these calorimeters by resolving measurements of the heat of reaction of urea hydrolysis and the enthalpy of mixing of water with methanol. The device structure can be adapted easily to enable a wide variety of other standard calorimeter operations; one example, a flow calorimeter, is described.
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Recht MI, Torres FE, De Bruyker D, Bell AG, Klumpp M, Bruce RH. Measurement of enzyme kinetics and inhibitor constants using enthalpy arrays. Anal Biochem 2009; 388:204-12. [PMID: 19250916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Enthalpy arrays enable label-free, solution-based calorimetric detection of molecular interactions in a 96-detector array format. Compared with conventional calorimetry, enthalpy arrays achieve a significant reduction of sample volume and measurement time through the combination of the small size of the detectors and ability to perform measurements in parallel. The current capabilities of the technology for studying enzyme-catalyzed reactions are demonstrated by determining the kinetic parameters for reactions with three model enzymes. In addition, the technology has been used with two classes of enzymes to determine accurate inhibitor constants for competitive inhibitors from measurements at a single inhibitor concentration.
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