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Mandal J, Sarkar S. Universal Correlation for Droplet Fragmentation in a Microfluidic T-Junction. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 39103238 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite extensive research on droplet dynamics at microfluidic T-junction, for different droplet lengths and Capillary numbers, there remains limited understanding of their dynamics at different viscosity ratio. In this study, we adopt a modeling framework in a three-dimensional (3D) configuration to numerically investigate the droplet dynamics as it passes through a symmetric T-junction with varying Capillary numbers, droplet lengths, and viscosity ratios. We present a 3D regime map for the first time to demarcate the droplet breakup and no breakup regimes. Herein, we propose a simple surface equation accounting for the critical Capillary number for breakup, in terms of viscosity ratio and dimensionless droplet length. The proposed universal relationship aligns well with experimental and computational findings from the existing literature. Furthermore, we reveal a new droplet breakup characteristic at high viscosity ratio and high Capillary number where the droplet spreads almost twice its initial value before splitting. Overall, this research provides comprehensive understanding of droplet dynamics at the T-junction and has significant implications for several related applications, including the large-scale synthesis of microdroplets using microchannel networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Mandal
- SERB Sponsored Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sandip Sarkar
- SERB Sponsored Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
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2
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Mastella P, Todaro B, Luin S. Nanogels: Recent Advances in Synthesis and Biomedical Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:1300. [PMID: 39120405 PMCID: PMC11314474 DOI: 10.3390/nano14151300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
In the context of advanced nanomaterials research, nanogels (NGs) have recently gained broad attention for their versatility and promising biomedical applications. To date, a significant number of NGs have been developed to meet the growing demands in various fields of biomedical research. Summarizing preparation methods, physicochemical and biological properties, and recent applications of NGs may be useful to help explore new directions for their development. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the latest NG synthesis methodologies, highlighting advances in formulation with different types of hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymers. It also underlines recent biomedical applications of NGs in drug delivery and imaging, with a short section dedicated to biosafety considerations of these innovative nanomaterials. In conclusion, this article summarizes recent innovations in NG synthesis and their numerous applications, highlighting their considerable potential in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Mastella
- NEST Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, PI, Italy
| | - Biagio Todaro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Stefano Luin
- NEST Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- NEST Laboratory, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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3
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Moraes da Silva Junior S, Bento Ribeiro LE, Fruett F, Stiens J, Swart JW, Moshkalev S. A Novel Microfluidics Droplet-Based Interdigitated Ring-Shaped Electrode Sensor for Lab-on-a-Chip Applications. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:672. [PMID: 38930642 PMCID: PMC11205656 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study focusing on the detection and characterization of droplets with volumes in the nanoliter range. Leveraging the precise control of minute liquid volumes, we introduced a novel spectroscopic on-chip microsensor equipped with integrated microfluidic channels for droplet generation, characterization, and sensing simultaneously. The microsensor, designed with interdigitated ring-shaped electrodes (IRSE) and seamlessly integrated with microfluidic channels, offers enhanced capacitance and impedance signal amplitudes, reproducibility, and reliability in droplet analysis. We were able to make analyses of droplet length in the range of 1.0-6.0 mm, velocity of 0.66-2.51 mm/s, and volume of 1.07 nL-113.46 nL. Experimental results demonstrated that the microsensor's performance is great in terms of droplet size, velocity, and length, with a significant signal amplitude of capacitance and impedance and real-time detection capabilities, thereby highlighting its potential for facilitating microcapsule reactions and enabling on-site real-time detection for chemical and biosensor analyses on-chip. This droplet-based microfluidics platform has great potential to be directly employed to promote advances in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, food engineering, flow chemistry, and cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomão Moraes da Silva Junior
- Electronics & Informatics, Vrije Universiteit of Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnologies, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil;
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
- BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luiz Eduardo Bento Ribeiro
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Fabiano Fruett
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Johan Stiens
- Electronics & Informatics, Vrije Universiteit of Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacobus Willibrordus Swart
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Stanislav Moshkalev
- Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnologies, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil;
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4
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Zhu Z, Chen T, Wu Y, Wu X, Lang Z, Huang F, Zhu P, Si T, Xu RX. Microfluidic strategies for engineering oxygen-releasing biomaterials. Acta Biomater 2024; 179:61-82. [PMID: 38579919 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In the field of tissue engineering, local hypoxia in large-cell structures (larger than 1 mm3) poses a significant challenge. Oxygen-releasing biomaterials supply an innovative solution through oxygen delivery in a sustained and controlled manner. Compared to traditional methods such as emulsion, sonication, and agitation, microfluidic technology offers distinct benefits for oxygen-releasing material production, including controllability, flexibility, and applicability. It holds enormous potential in the production of smart oxygen-releasing materials. This review comprehensively covers the fabrication and application of microfluidic-enabled oxygen-releasing biomaterials. To begin with, the physical mechanism of various microfluidic technologies and their differences in oxygen carrier preparation are explained. Then, the distinctions among diverse oxygen-releasing components in regards for oxygen-releasing mechanism, oxygen-carrying capacity, and duration of oxygen release are presented. Finally, the present obstacles and anticipated development trends are examined together with the application outcomes of oxygen-releasing biomaterials based on microfluidic technology in the biomedical area. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Oxygen is essential for sustaining life, and hypoxia (a condition of low oxygen) is a significant challenge in various diseases. Microfluidic-based oxygen-releasing biomaterials offer precise control and outstanding performance, providing unique advantages over traditional approaches for tissue engineering. However, comprehensive reviews on this topic are currently lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various microfluidic technologies and their applications for developing oxygen-releasing biomaterials. We compare the characteristics of organic and inorganic oxygen-releasing biomaterials and highlight the latest advancements in microfluidic-enabled oxygen-releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. This review may hold the potential to make a significant contribution to the field, with a profound impact on the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Tianao Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yongqi Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xizhi Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Zhongliang Lang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Fangsheng Huang
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ting Si
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
| | - Ronald X Xu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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5
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Jiang L, Guo K, Chen Y, Xiang N. Droplet Microfluidics for Current Cancer Research: From Single-Cell Analysis to 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1335-1354. [PMID: 38420753 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Differences in drug resistance and treatment response caused by the heterogeneity of cancer cells are the primary reasons for poor cancer therapy outcomes in patients. In addition, current in vitro anticancer drug-screening methods rely on two-dimensional monolayer-cultured cancer cells, which cannot accurately predict drug behavior in vivo. Therefore, a powerful tool to study the heterogeneity of cancer cells and produce effective in vitro tumor models is warranted to leverage cancer research. Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful platform for the single-cell analysis of cancer cells and three-dimensional cell culture of in vitro tumor spheroids. In this review, we discuss the use of droplet microfluidics in cancer research. Droplet microfluidic technologies, including single- or double-emulsion droplet generation and passive- or active-droplet manipulation, are concisely discussed. Recent advances in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis of cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and scaffold-free/based 3D cell culture of tumor spheroids have been systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges that must be overcome for the further application of droplet microfluidics in cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kefan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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6
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Qi W, Zhang R, Wang Z, Du H, Zhao Y, Shi B, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang P. Advances in the Application of Black Phosphorus-Based Composite Biomedical Materials in the Field of Tissue Engineering. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:242. [PMID: 38399457 PMCID: PMC10892510 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Black Phosphorus (BP) is a new semiconductor material with excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and optical and electrophysical properties. A growing number of studies show that BP has high potential applications in the biomedical field. This article aims to systematically review the research progress of BP composite medical materials in the field of tissue engineering, mining BP in bone regeneration, skin repair, nerve repair, inflammation, treatment methods, and the application mechanism. Furthermore, the paper discusses the shortcomings and future recommendations related to the development of BP. These shortcomings include stability, photothermal conversion capacity, preparation process, and other related issues. However, despite these challenges, the utilization of BP-based medical materials holds immense promise in revolutionizing the field of tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (W.Q.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ru Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (W.Q.); (R.Z.)
| | - Zaishang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China;
| | - Haitao Du
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yiwu Zhao
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Bin Shi
- Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center, Jinan 250062, China;
| | - Yi Wang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
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7
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Kouhjani M, Jaafari MR, Kamali H, Abbasi A, Tafaghodi M, Mousavi Shaegh SA. Microfluidic-assisted preparation of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with insulin: a comparison with double emulsion solvent evaporation method. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2024; 35:306-329. [PMID: 38100556 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2023.2287247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is an ideal polymer for the delivery of small and macromolecule drugs. Conventional preparation methods of PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) result in poor control over NPs properties. In this research, a microfluidic mixer was designed to produce insulin-loaded PLGA NPs with tuned properties. Importantly; aggregation of the NPs through the mixer was diminished due to the coaxial mixing of the precursors. The micromixer allowed for the production of NPs with small size and narrow size distribution compared to the double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) method. Furthermore, encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity indicated a significant increase in optimized NPs produced through the microfluidic method in comparison to DESE method. NPs prepared by the microfluidic method were able to achieve a more reduction of trans-epithelial electrical resistance values in the Caco-2 cells compared to those developed by the DESE technique that leads to greater paracellular permeation. Compatibility and interaction between components were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and fourier transform infrared analysis. Also, the effect of NPs on cell toxicity was investigated using MTT test. Numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the effect of mixing patterns on the properties of the NPs. It was revealed that by decreasing flow rate ratio, i.e. flow rate of the organic phase to the flow rate of the aqueous phase, mixing of the two streams increases. As an alternative to the DESE method, high flexibility in modulating hydrodynamic conditions of the microfluidic mixer allowed for nanoassembly of NPs with superior insulin encapsulation at smaller particle sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kouhjani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Kamali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Abbasi
- Laboratory of Microfluidics and Medical Microsystems, BuAli Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Orthopedic Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Tafaghodi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Nanotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi Shaegh
- Laboratory of Microfluidics and Medical Microsystems, BuAli Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Orthopedic Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Clinical Research Unit, Ghaem Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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8
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Yang X, Zhang X, Ming P, Li Y, Wang W, Zhang Y, Li Z, Li L, Xiao Y, Guo X, Yang Z. Fabricating Ultra-Narrow Precision Slit Structures with Periodically Reducing Current Over-Growth Electroforming. MICROMACHINES 2023; 15:76. [PMID: 38258195 PMCID: PMC10821455 DOI: 10.3390/mi15010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
An ultra-narrow precision slit with a width of less than ten micrometers is the key structure of some optical components, but the fabrication of these structures is still very difficult to accomplish. To fabricate these slits, this paper proposed a periodically reducing current over-growth electroforming process. In the periodically reducing current over-growth electroforming, the electric current applied to the electrodeposition process is periodically stepped down rather than being constant. Simulations and experimentation studies were carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed process, and further optimization of process parameters was implemented experimentally to achieve the desired ultra-narrow precision slits. The current values were: I1=Iinitial, I2=0.75Iinitial at Qc=0.5Qt, I3=0.5Iinitial at Qc=0.75Qt,respectively. It was shown that, compared with conventional constant current over-growth electroforming, the proposed process can significantly improve the surface quality and geometrical accuracy of the fabricated slits and can markedly enhance the achievement of the formed ultra-narrow slits. With the proposed process, slits with a width of down to 5 ± 0.1 μm and a surface roughness of less than 62.8 nm can be easily achieved. This can improve the determination sensitivity and linear range of the calibration curves of spectral imagers and food and chemical analysis instruments. Periodically reducing current over-growth electroforming is effective and advantageous in fabricating ultra-narrow precision slits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
- School of Engineering and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Hebi 458030, China
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Hebi Polytechnic, Hebi 458030, China
| | - Xinmin Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Pingmei Ming
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Yuntao Li
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Yunyan Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zongbin Li
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Lunxu Li
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Youping Xiao
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Xiaoyi Guo
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zheng Yang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; (X.Y.); (Y.L.); (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (L.L.); (Y.X.); (X.G.); (Z.Y.)
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9
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Cai S, Jin Y, Lin Y, He Y, Zhang P, Ge Z, Yang W. Micromixing within microfluidic devices: Fundamentals, design, and fabrication. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:061503. [PMID: 38098692 PMCID: PMC10718651 DOI: 10.1063/5.0178396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
As one of the hot spots in the field of microfluidic chip research, micromixers have been widely used in chemistry, biology, and medicine due to their small size, fast response time, and low reagent consumption. However, at low Reynolds numbers, the fluid motion relies mainly on the diffusive motion of molecules under laminar flow conditions. The detrimental effect of laminar flow leads to difficulties in achieving rapid and efficient mixing of fluids in microchannels. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance fluid mixing by employing some external means. In this paper, the classification and mixing principles of passive (T-type, Y-type, obstructed, serpentine, three-dimensional) and active (acoustic, electric, pressure, thermal, magnetic field) micromixers are reviewed based on the presence or absence of external forces in the micromixers, and some experiments and applications of each type of micromixer are briefly discussed. Finally, the future development trends of micromixers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yawen Jin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yun Lin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yingzheng He
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Naval Aviation University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Peifan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Naval Aviation University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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10
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Sun B, Wu W, Narasipura EA, Ma Y, Yu C, Fenton OS, Song H. Engineering nanoparticle toolkits for mRNA delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115042. [PMID: 37536506 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The concept of using mRNA to produce its own medicine in situ in the body makes it an ideal drug candidate, holding great potential to revolutionize the way we approach medicine. The unique characteristics of mRNA, as well as its customizable biomedical functions, call for the rational design of delivery systems to protect and transport mRNA molecules. In this review, a nanoparticle toolkit is presented for the development of mRNA-based therapeutics from a drug delivery perspective. Nano-delivery systems derived from either natural systems or chemical synthesis, in the nature of organic or inorganic materials, are summarised. Delivery strategies in controlling the tissue targeting and mRNA release, as well as the role of nanoparticles in building and boosting the activity of mRNA drugs, have also been introduced. In the end, our insights into the clinical and translational development of mRNA nano-drugs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Weixi Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eshan A Narasipura
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yutian Ma
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Hao Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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11
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Sauter D, Schröter M, Frey C, Weber C, Mersdorf U, Janiesch JW, Platzman I, Spatz JP. Artificial Cytoskeleton Assembly for Synthetic Cell Motility. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200437. [PMID: 36459417 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Imitation of cellular processes in cell-like compartments is a current research focus in synthetic biology. Here, a method is introduced for assembling an artificial cytoskeleton in a synthetic cell model system based on a poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) composite material. Toward this end, a PNIPAM-based composite material inside water-in-oil droplets that are stabilized with PNIPAM-functionalized and commercial fluorosurfactants is introduced. The temperature-mediated contraction/release behavior of the PNIPAM-based cytoskeleton is investigated. The reversibility of the PNIPAM transition is further examined in bulk and in droplets and it could be shown that hydrogel induced deformation could be used to controllably manipulate droplet-based synthetic cell motility upon temperature changes. It is envisioned that a combination of the presented artificial cytoskeleton with naturally occurring components might expand the bandwidth of the bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Sauter
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schröter
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Frey
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Weber
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Mersdorf
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Willi Janiesch
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
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12
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Fabozzi A, Della Sala F, di Gennaro M, Barretta M, Longobardo G, Solimando N, Pagliuca M, Borzacchiello A. Design of functional nanoparticles by microfluidic platforms as advanced drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1389-1409. [PMID: 36647782 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00933a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle systems are functional carriers that can be used in the cancer therapy field for the delivery of a variety of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic drugs. Recently, the advent of microfluidic platforms represents an advanced approach to the development of new nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Particularly, microfluidics can simplify the design of new nanoparticle-based systems with tunable physicochemical properties such as size, size distribution and morphology, ensuring high batch-to-batch reproducibility and consequently, an enhanced therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo. In this perspective, we present accurate state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms focusing on the fabrication of polymer-based, lipid-based, lipid/polymer-based, inorganic-based and metal-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fabozzi
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI - 83040 Morra De Sanctis (AV), Italy
| | - Francesca Della Sala
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario di Gennaro
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Barretta
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Longobardo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P. le Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Solimando
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI - 83040 Morra De Sanctis (AV), Italy
| | - Maurizio Pagliuca
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI - 83040 Morra De Sanctis (AV), Italy
| | - Assunta Borzacchiello
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Li B, Ma X, Cheng J, Tian T, Guo J, Wang Y, Pang L. Droplets microfluidics platform-A tool for single cell research. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1121870. [PMID: 37152651 PMCID: PMC10154550 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1121870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are the most basic structural and functional units of living organisms. Studies of cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell-cell interactions can help scientists understand the mysteries of living systems. However, there is considerable heterogeneity among cells. Great differences between individuals can be found even within the same cell cluster. Cell heterogeneity can only be clearly expressed and distinguished at the level of single cells. The development of droplet microfluidics technology opens up a new chapter for single-cell analysis. Microfluidic chips can produce many nanoscale monodisperse droplets, which can be used as small isolated micro-laboratories for various high-throughput, precise single-cell analyses. Moreover, gel droplets with good biocompatibility can be used in single-cell cultures and coupled with biomolecules for various downstream analyses of cellular metabolites. The droplets are also maneuverable; through physical and chemical forces, droplets can be divided, fused, and sorted to realize single-cell screening and other related studies. This review describes the channel design, droplet generation, and control technology of droplet microfluidics and gives a detailed overview of the application of droplet microfluidics in single-cell culture, single-cell screening, single-cell detection, and other aspects. Moreover, we provide a recent review of the application of droplet microfluidics in tumor single-cell immunoassays, describe in detail the advantages of microfluidics in tumor research, and predict the development of droplet microfluidics at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixuan Li
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xi Ma
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Wang,
| | - Long Pang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
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14
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Deng CF, Su YY, Yang SH, Jiang QR, Xie R, Ju XJ, Liu Z, Pan DW, Wang W, Chu LY. Designable microfluidic ladder networks from backstepping microflow analysis for mass production of monodisperse microdroplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4962-4973. [PMID: 36420612 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00771a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Controllable mass production of monodisperse droplets plays a key role in numerous fields ranging from scientific research to industrial application. Microfluidic ladder networks show great potential in mass production of monodisperse droplets, but their design with uniform microflow distribution remains challenging due to the lack of a rational design strategy. Here an effective design strategy based on backstepping microflow analysis (BMA) is proposed for the rational development of microfluidic ladder networks for mass production of controllable monodisperse microdroplets. The performance of our BMA rule for rational microfluidic ladder network design is demonstrated by using an existing analogism-derived rule that is widely used for the design of microfluidic ladder networks as the control group. The microfluidic ladder network designed by the BMA rule shows a more uniform flow distribution in each branch microchannel than that designed by the existing rule, as confirmed by single-phase flow simulation. Meanwhile, the microfluidic ladder network designed by the BMA rule allows mass production of droplets with higher size monodispersity in a wider window of flow rates and mass production of polymeric microspheres from such highly monodisperse droplet templates. The proposed BMA rule provides new insights into the microflow distribution behaviors in microfluidic ladder networks based on backstepping microflow analysis and provides a rational guideline for the efficient development of microfluidic ladder networks with uniform flow distribution for mass production of highly monodisperse droplets. Moreover, the BMA method provides a general analysis strategy for microfluidic networks with parallel multiple microchannels for rational scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Fu Deng
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
| | - Yao-Yao Su
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
| | - Shi-Hao Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
| | - Qing-Rong Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
| | - Rui Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Ju
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Da-Wei Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Liang-Yin Chu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
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15
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Design of shear-based microfluidic channels for production and stability assessment of food emulsions. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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16
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Van Tran V, Wi E, Shin SY, Lee D, Kim YA, Ma BC, Chang M. Microgels based on 0D-3D carbon materials: Synthetic techniques, properties, applications, and challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135981. [PMID: 35964721 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microgels are three-dimensional (3D) colloidal hydrogel particles with outstanding features such as biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, tunable sizes from submicrometer to tens of nanometers, and large surface areas. Because of these unique qualities, microgels have been widely used in various applications. Carbon-based materials (CMs) with various dimensions (0-3D) have recently been investigated as promising candidates for the design and fabrication of microgels because of their large surface area, excellent conductivity, unique chemical stability, and low cost. Here, we provide a critical review of the specific characteristics of CMs that are being incorporated into microgels, as well as the state-of-the art applications of CM-microgels in pollutant adsorption and photodegradation, H2 evoluation, CO2 capture, soil conditioners, water retention, drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and tissue engineering. Advanced preparation techniques for CM-microgel systems are also summarized and discussed. Finally, challenges related to the low colloidal stability of CM-microgels and development strategies are examined. This review shows that CM-microgels have the potential to be widely used in various practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh Van Tran
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Eunsol Wi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Seo Young Shin
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Daeho Lee
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Yoong Ahm Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Byung Chol Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
| | - Mincheol Chang
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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17
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Etxeberria L, Messelmani T, Badiola JH, Llobera A, Fernandez L, Vilas-Vilela JL, Leclerc E, Legallais C, Jellali R, Zaldua AM. Validation of HepG2/C3A Cell Cultures in Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Based Microfluidic Bioreactors. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214478. [PMID: 36365472 PMCID: PMC9655789 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology is one of the most promising in vitro tools to replace the traditional animal experiment-based paradigms of risk assessment. However, the use of OoC in drug discovery and toxicity studies remain still limited by the low capacity for high-throughput production and the incompatibility with standard laboratory equipment. Moreover, polydimethylsiloxanes, the material of choice for OoC, has several drawbacks, particularly the high absorption of drugs and chemicals. In this work, we report the development of a microfluidic device, using a process adapted for mass production, to culture liver cell line in dynamic conditions. The device, made of cyclic olefin copolymers, was manufactured by injection moulding and integrates Luer lock connectors compatible with standard medical and laboratory instruments. Then, the COC device was used for culturing HepG2/C3a cells. The functionality and behaviour of cultures were assessed by albumin secretion, cell proliferation, viability and actin cytoskeleton development. The cells in COC device proliferated well and remained functional for 9 days of culture. Furthermore, HepG2/C3a cells in the COC biochips showed similar behaviour to cells in PDMS biochips. The present study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of COC biochip in liver cells culture and illustrate their potential to develop OoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Etxeberria
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
- Macromolecular Chemistry Research Group (labquimac), Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.E.); (R.J.)
| | - Taha Messelmani
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
| | - Jon Haitz Badiola
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
| | - Andreu Llobera
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
| | - Luis Fernandez
- microLIQUID S.L, Goiru 9, 20500 Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain
| | - José Luis Vilas-Vilela
- Macromolecular Chemistry Research Group (labquimac), Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- BC Materials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Eric Leclerc
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
- CNRS IRL 2820, Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Cécile Legallais
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
| | - Rachid Jellali
- CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu-CS 60319, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne, France
- Correspondence: (L.E.); (R.J.)
| | - Ane Miren Zaldua
- Leartiker S. Coop., Xemein Etorbidea 12, 48270 Markina-Xemein, Spain
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18
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Ge XH, Huang XL, Huang SZ, Zhang HF, Wang XD, Ye CS, Qiu T, Xu K. Enhanced solvent extraction in a serial converging-diverging microchannel at high injection ratio. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.117845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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19
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Ramachandran B, Liao YC. Microfluidic wearable electrochemical sweat sensors for health monitoring. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:051501. [PMID: 36186757 PMCID: PMC9520469 DOI: 10.1063/5.0116648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research on remote health monitoring through wearable sensors has attained popularity in recent decades mainly due to aging population and expensive health care services. Microfluidic wearable sweat sensors provide economical, non-invasive mode of sample collection, important physiological information, and continuous tracking of human health. Recent advances in wearable sensors focus on electrochemical monitoring of biomarkers in sweat and can be applicable in various fields like fitness monitoring, nutrition, and medical diagnosis. This review focuses on the evolution of wearable devices from benchtop electrochemical systems to microfluidic-based wearable sensors. Major classification of wearable sensors like skin contact-based and biofluidic-based sensors are discussed. Furthermore, sweat chemistry and related biomarkers are explained in addition to integration of microfluidic systems in wearable sweat sensors. At last, recent advances in wearable electrochemical sweat sensors are discussed, which includes tattoo-based, paper microfluidics, patches, wrist band, and belt-based wearable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramachandran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Liao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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20
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Csapai A, Toc DA, Popa F, Tosa N, Pascalau V, Costache C, Botan A, Popa CO. 3D Printed Microfluidic Bioreactors Used for the Preferential Growth of Bacterial Biofilms through Dielectrophoresis. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1377. [PMID: 36144000 PMCID: PMC9504626 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A realistic modelling of the way biofilms form and evolve in time requests a dynamic approach. In this study, the proposed route uses continuous-flow bioreactors under controlled flow rates and temperature in the culture medium containing bacteria or fungi. 3D printed, Polylactic acid (PLA), flow-based bioreactors with integrated copper electrodes were used to investigate the effect of dielectrophoresis on the formation and growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 biofilms. Bacterial suspensions of 1McF turbidity have been prepared and circulated through the bioreactors. At the same time, a 30 V potential difference was applied on the system. The effect of the non-uniform electric field induced upon the bacterial cells was determined using quantitative methods, such as an adjusted microtiter plate technique, as well as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. The morphology and the surface quality of the biofilms were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The results show that the different bacterial cells present a positive dielectrophoretic behaviour, with the preferential formation of biofilms in the high field gradient region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Csapai
- Materials Engineering Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Ave., 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan A. Toc
- Department of Microbiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Popa
- Materials Engineering Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Ave., 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Tosa
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, 67-103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Violeta Pascalau
- Materials Engineering Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Ave., 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen Costache
- Department of Microbiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandru Botan
- Department of Microbiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Catalin O. Popa
- Materials Engineering Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Ave., 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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21
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Ko J, Park D, Lee S, Gumuscu B, Jeon NL. Engineering Organ-on-a-Chip to Accelerate Translational Research. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13081200. [PMID: 36014122 PMCID: PMC9412404 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We guide the use of organ-on-chip technology in tissue engineering applications. Organ-on-chip technology is a form of microengineered cell culture platform that elaborates the in-vivo like organ or tissue microenvironments. The organ-on-chip platform consists of microfluidic channels, cell culture chambers, and stimulus sources that emulate the in-vivo microenvironment. These platforms are typically engraved into an oxygen-permeable transparent material. Fabrication of these materials requires the use of microfabrication strategies, including soft lithography, 3D printing, and injection molding. Here we provide an overview of what is an organ-on-chip platform, where it can be used, what it is composed of, how it can be fabricated, and how it can be operated. In connection with this topic, we also introduce an overview of the recent applications, where different organs are modeled on the microscale using this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Dohyun Park
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Burcu Gumuscu
- Biosensors and Devices Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-7111
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22
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Maged A, Abdelbaset R, Mahmoud AA, Elkasabgy NA. Merits and advances of microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field: design technologies and future prospects. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1549-1570. [PMID: 35612293 PMCID: PMC9154770 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2069878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is used to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels to fabricate drug delivery vesicles in a uniform tunable size. Thanks to their designs, microfluidic technology provides an alternative and versatile platform over traditional formulation methods of nanoparticles. Understanding the factors that affect the formulation of nanoparticles can guide the proper selection of microfluidic design and the operating parameters aiming at producing nanoparticles with reproducible properties. This review introduces the microfluidic systems' continuous flow (single-phase) and segmented flow (multiphase) and their different mixing parameters and mechanisms. Furthermore, microfluidic approaches for efficient production of nanoparticles as surface modification, anti-fouling, and post-microfluidic treatment are summarized. The review sheds light on the used microfluidic systems and operation parameters applied to prepare and fine-tune nanoparticles like lipid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles as well as cross-linked nanoparticles. The approaches for scale-up production using microfluidics for clinical or industrial use are also highlighted. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics in preparing novel micro/nanofluidic drug delivery systems is presented. In conclusion, the characteristic vital features of microfluidics offer the ability to develop precise and efficient drug delivery nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Maged
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.,Pharmaceutical Factory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda Abdelbaset
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza A Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen A Elkasabgy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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23
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Deydier T, Bolognesi G, Vladisavljević GT. Scaled-up droplet generation in parallelised 3D flow focusing junctions. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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Abstract
The gas–liquid slug flow characteristics in a novel honeycomb microchannel reactor were investigated numerically and experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was carried out with Comsol finite element software using the phase-field method, and the simulation results were verified by micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) analysis. The breakups of liquid slugs at the bifurcations of current honeycomb microchannel followed a complex behavior, leading to non-uniformity in each branch. The pressure distribution inside the microreactor was closely related to the phase distribution. The increasing inlet gas velocity increased the gas phase volume fraction, as well as the gas slug length. Higher gas velocity resulted in stronger turbulence of the liquid phase flow field and a deviation of residence time distribution from normal distribution, but it was favorable to even more residence time during the liquid phase. There also exists a secondary flow in the gas–liquid interface. This work reveals the intrinsic intensified effect of honeycomb microchannel, and it provides guidance on future microreactor design for chemical energy conversion.
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25
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Recent Development of Drug Delivery Systems through Microfluidics: From Synthesis to Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020434. [PMID: 35214166 PMCID: PMC8880124 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional drug administration usually faces the problems of degradation and rapid excretion when crossing many biological barriers, leading to only a small amount of drugs arriving at pathological sites. Therapeutic drugs delivered by drug delivery systems to the target sites in a controlled manner greatly enhance drug efficacy, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics with minimal side effects. Due to the distinct advantages of microfluidic techniques, microfluidic setups provide a powerful tool for controlled synthesis of drug delivery systems, precisely controlled drug release, and real-time observation of drug delivery to the desired location at the desired rate. In this review, we present an overview of recent advances in the preparation of nano drug delivery systems and carrier-free drug delivery microfluidic systems, as well as the construction of in vitro models on-a-chip for drug efficiency evaluation of drug delivery systems. We firstly introduce the synthesis of nano drug delivery systems, including liposomes, polymers, and inorganic compounds, followed by detailed descriptions of the carrier-free drug delivery system, including micro-reservoir and microneedle drug delivery systems. Finally, we discuss in vitro models developed on microfluidic devices for the evaluation of drug delivery systems, such as the blood–brain barrier model, vascular model, small intestine model, and so on. The opportunities and challenges of the applications of microfluidic platforms in drug delivery systems, as well as their clinical applications, are also discussed.
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26
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Maurya R, Gohil N, Bhattacharjee G, Alzahrani KJ, Ramakrishna S, Singh V. Microfluidics device for drug discovery, screening and delivery. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 187:335-346. [PMID: 35094780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and lab-on-chip are two progressive technologies widely used for drug discovery, screening and delivery. It has been designed in a way to act as a platform for sample preparations, culturing, incubation and screening through multi-channels. These devices require a small amount of reagent in about micro- to nanolitre volume. Microfluidics has the capacity to perform operations in a programmable manner and is easy to fine tune the size, shape and composition of drugs by changing flow rate and precise manipulations. Microfluidics platform comes with the advantage of mixing fluid in droplet reactors. Microfluidics is used in the field of chemistry, biomedical, biology and nanotechnology due to its high-throughput performance in various assays. It is potent enough to be used in microreactors for synthesis of particles and encapsulation of many biological entities for biological and drug delivery applications. Microfluidics therefore has the scope to be uplifted from basic to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Maurya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
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27
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Jiang H, Wang G, Zhu C, Fu T, Ma Y. Dynamics of droplet formation and mechanisms of satellite droplet formation in T-junction microchannel. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Microfluidic Applications in Drug Development: Fabrication of Drug Carriers and Drug Toxicity Screening. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020200. [PMID: 35208324 PMCID: PMC8877367 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has been highly useful in nanovolume sample preparation, separation, synthesis, purification, detection and assay, which are advantageous in drug development. This review highlights the recent developments and trends in microfluidic applications in two areas of drug development. First, we focus on how microfluidics has been developed as a facile tool for the fabrication of drug carriers including microparticles and nanoparticles. Second, we discuss how microfluidic chips could be used as an independent platform or integrated with other technologies in drug toxicity screening. Challenges and future perspectives of microfluidic applications in drug development have also been provided considering the present technological limitations.
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Verma N, Prajapati P, Singh V, Pandya A. An introduction to microfluidics and their applications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 186:1-14. [PMID: 35033280 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, microfluidics and lab-on-chip are rapidly growing area. It has been used for number of biology to biotechnology and medicine applications. It has the potential to reduce cost of reagent and time of experiment. It has been used integrated with automation for extraction and detection of protein, nucleic acids, enzymes, metabolites and delivery of drug to target location. It has been used for drug discovery, high throughput screening of potent drug and used for delivery. Paper based microfluidics was used for point-of-care diagnosis for accurate treatment of diseases. In this chapter, we highlight advances of microfluidics devices for number of biological and translational science applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Verma
- Department of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Parth Prajapati
- Department of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Alok Pandya
- Department of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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Shinde AB, Patil RB. Multi-objective optimization of split and recombine micromixer using grey relational analysis method. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITY & RELIABILITY MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-06-2021-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The effective, efficient and optimal design of micromixer is the need in the field of biochemical and biomedical diagnostic systems.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, multi-objective optimization of split and recombine micromixer (SRM) with different geometrical configurations is carried out. The finite element method-based three-dimensional models are prepared and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0 Software. Taguchi’s design of experiment (DoE), main effect plot analysis, ANOVA and grey relational analysis (GRA) method are used to find out optimum condition. The five geometrical parameters with three levels, namely, angle between inlets, pillar size, pillar shape, aspect ratio and constriction height of SRM are considered as design variables. The mixing index (MXI) and pressure drop (∆P) are considered objective functions.
Findings
The MXI is significantly influenced by pillar shape and aspect ratio, whereas the pressure drop (∆P) by constriction height. Maximum MXI (0.97) with minimum pressure drop (64,587 Pa) is the optimal conditions and obtained at 180 deg angle between inlets, 50 µm of pillar size, 1.5 of aspect ratio, 100 µm of constriction height and ellipse shape pillar cross-section, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
This optimized SRM can be combined with lab-on-a-chip for biochemical and biomedical analysis.
Originality/value
This work is useful to obtain optimal geometry of SRM for getting efficient performance of micromixer.
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31
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Novel glass capillary microfluidic devices for the flexible and simple production of multi-cored double emulsions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 611:451-461. [PMID: 34968964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.12.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Double emulsions with many monodispersed internal droplets are required for the fabrication of multicompartment microcapsules and tissue-like synthetic materials. These double emulsions can also help to optically resolve different coalescence mechanisms contributing to double emulsion destabilization. Up to date microfluidic double emulsions are limited to either core-shell droplets or droplets with eight or less inner droplets. By applying a two-step jet break-up within one setup, double emulsion droplets filled with up to several hundred monodispersed inner droplets can be achieved. EXPERIMENTS Modular interconnected CNC-milled Lego®-inspired blocks were used to create two separated droplet break-up points within coaxial glass capillaries. Inner droplets were formed by countercurrent flow focusing within a small inner capillary, while outer droplets were formed by co-flow in an outer capillary. The size of inner and outer droplets was independently controlled since the two droplet break-up processes were decoupled. FINDINGS With the developed setup W/O/W and O/W/O double emulsions were produced with different surfactants, oils, and viscosity modifiers to encapsulate 25-400 inner droplets in each outer drop with a volume percentage of inner phase between 7% and 50%. From these emulsions monodispersed multicompartment microcapsules were obtained. The report offers insights on the relationship between the coalescence of internal droplets and their release.
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32
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Le TNQ, Tran NN, Escribà-Gelonch M, Serra CA, Fisk I, McClements DJ, Hessel V. Microfluidic encapsulation for controlled release and its potential for nanofertilisers. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:11979-12012. [PMID: 34515721 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00465d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology is increasingly being utilized to create advanced materials with improved or new functional attributes. Converting fertilizers into a nanoparticle-form has been shown to improve their efficacy but the current procedures used to fabricate nanofertilisers often have poor reproducibility and flexibility. Microfluidic systems, on the other hand, have advantages over traditional nanoparticle fabrication methods in terms of energy and materials consumption, versatility, and controllability. The increased controllability can result in the formation of nanoparticles with precise and complex morphologies (e.g., tuneable sizes, low polydispersity, and multi-core structures). As a result, their functional performance can be tailored to specific applications. This paper reviews the principles, formation, and applications of nano-enabled delivery systems fabricated using microfluidic approaches for the encapsulation, protection, and release of fertilizers. Controlled release can be achieved using two main routes: (i) nutrients adsorbed on nanosupports and (ii) nutrients encapsulated inside nanostructures. We aim to highlight the opportunities for preparing a new generation of highly versatile nanofertilisers using microfluidic systems. We will explore several main characteristics of microfluidically prepared nanofertilisers, including droplet formation, shell fine-tuning, adsorbate fine-tuning, and sustained/triggered release behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Nguyen Quang Le
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,School of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
| | - Marc Escribà-Gelonch
- Higher Polytechnic Engineering School, University of Lleida, Igualada (Barcelona), 08700, Spain
| | - Christophe A Serra
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ian Fisk
- Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.,The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Volker Hessel
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. .,School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd, Coventry, UK
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33
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Zhou WM, Yan YY, Guo QR, Ji H, Wang H, Xu TT, Makabel B, Pilarsky C, He G, Yu XY, Zhang JY. Microfluidics applications for high-throughput single cell sequencing. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:312. [PMID: 34635104 PMCID: PMC8507141 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherent heterogeneity of individual cells in cell populations plays significant roles in disease development and progression, which is critical for disease diagnosis and treatment. Substantial evidences show that the majority of traditional gene profiling methods mask the difference of individual cells. Single cell sequencing can provide data to characterize the inherent heterogeneity of individual cells, and reveal complex and rare cell populations. Different microfluidic technologies have emerged for single cell researches and become the frontiers and hot topics over the past decade. In this review article, we introduce the processes of single cell sequencing, and review the principles of microfluidics for single cell analysis. Also, we discuss the common high-throughput single cell sequencing technologies along with their advantages and disadvantages. Lastly, microfluidics applications in single cell sequencing technology for the diagnosis of cancers and immune system diseases are briefly illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Yan Yan
- School of Medicine, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Ru Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics/Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Tian Xu
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics/Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Bolat Makabel
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Urumqi, 830004, People's Republic of China
| | - Christian Pilarsky
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gen He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi-Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian-Ye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology , The State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
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34
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Practical quality attributes of polymeric microparticles with current understanding and future perspectives. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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35
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Thakur S, Dasmahapatra AK, Bandyopadhyay D. Functional liquid droplets for analyte sensing and energy harvesting. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 294:102453. [PMID: 34120038 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, rapid miniaturization of technologies has helped in the development of efficient, flexible, portable, robust, and compact applications with minimal wastage of materials. In this direction, of late, the usage of mesoscale liquid droplets has emerged as an alternative platform because of the following advantages: (i) a droplet is incompressible and at the same time deformable, (ii) interfacial area of a spherical droplet is minimum for a given amount of mass; and (iii) a droplet interface allows facile mass, momentum, and energy transfer. Subsequently, such attributes have aided towards the design of diverse droplet-based microfluidic technologies. For example, the microdroplets have been utilized as micro-reactors, colorimetric or electrochemical (EC) sensors, drug-delivery vehicles, and energy harvesters. Further, a number of recently reported lab-on-a-chip technologies exploit the motility, storage, and mixing capacities of the microdroplets. In view of this background, the review initiates discussion by highlighting the different attributes of the microdroplets such as size, shape, surface to volume ratio, wettability, and contact line. Thereafter, the effects of the surface or body forces on the properties of the droplets have been elaborated. Finally, the different aspects of such liquid droplet systems towards technological adaptations in health care, sensing, and energy harvesting have been presented. The review concludes with a tight summary on the potential avenues for further developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Thakur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Dasmahapatra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Dipankar Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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36
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Schroen K, Berton-Carabin C, Renard D, Marquis M, Boire A, Cochereau R, Amine C, Marze S. Droplet Microfluidics for Food and Nutrition Applications. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:863. [PMID: 34442486 PMCID: PMC8400250 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics revolutionizes the way experiments and analyses are conducted in many fields of science, based on decades of basic research. Applied sciences are also impacted, opening new perspectives on how we look at complex matter. In particular, food and nutritional sciences still have many research questions unsolved, and conventional laboratory methods are not always suitable to answer them. In this review, we present how microfluidics have been used in these fields to produce and investigate various droplet-based systems, namely simple and double emulsions, microgels, microparticles, and microcapsules with food-grade compositions. We show that droplet microfluidic devices enable unprecedented control over their production and properties, and can be integrated in lab-on-chip platforms for in situ and time-resolved analyses. This approach is illustrated for on-chip measurements of droplet interfacial properties, droplet-droplet coalescence, phase behavior of biopolymer mixtures, and reaction kinetics related to food digestion and nutrient absorption. As a perspective, we present promising developments in the adjacent fields of biochemistry and microbiology, as well as advanced microfluidics-analytical instrument coupling, all of which could be applied to solve research questions at the interface of food and nutritional sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Schroen
- Food Process and Engineering Group, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (K.S.); (C.B.-C.)
| | - Claire Berton-Carabin
- Food Process and Engineering Group, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (K.S.); (C.B.-C.)
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Denis Renard
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
| | | | - Adeline Boire
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Rémy Cochereau
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Chloé Amine
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Sébastien Marze
- INRAE, BIA Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, F-44316 Nantes, France; (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.C.); (C.A.)
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37
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Liu Y, Sun L, Zhang H, Shang L, Zhao Y. Microfluidics for Drug Development: From Synthesis to Evaluation. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7468-7529. [PMID: 34024093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug development is a long process whose main content includes drug synthesis, drug delivery, and drug evaluation. Compared with conventional drug development procedures, microfluidics has emerged as a revolutionary technology in that it offers a miniaturized and highly controllable environment for bio(chemical) reactions to take place. It is also compatible with analytical strategies to implement integrated and high-throughput screening and evaluations. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the entire microfluidics-based drug development system, from drug synthesis to drug evaluation. The challenges in the current status and the prospects for future development are also discussed. We believe that this review will promote communications throughout diversified scientific and engineering communities that will continue contributing to this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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38
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Zhang Y, Zhang J, Tang Z, Wu Q. Gas–Liquid Taylor Flow Characteristics in a Fractal Microchannel Network during Numbering-up and Sizing-up. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaheng Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- School of Chemistry and Material Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, PR China
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Science and Technology Development, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Beijing 100010, PR China
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39
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Shukla K, Agarwalla S, Duraiswamy S, Gupta RK. Recent advances in heterogeneous micro-photoreactors for wastewater treatment application. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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40
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Daley SK, Cordell GA. Natural Products, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Quintuple Helix. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x211003029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The profound interconnectedness of the sciences and technologies embodied in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is discussed in terms of the global role of natural products, and how that interplays with the development of sustainable and climate-conscious practices of cyberecoethnopharmacolomics within the Quintuple Helix for the promotion of a healthier planet and society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey A. Cordell
- Natural Products Inc., Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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41
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Liang X, Wang X, Lu S, Wang K, Luo G. Pressure drop analysis for the droplet break-up flow in a locally constrictive microchannel. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.116190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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42
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Przystupski D, Górska A, Michel O, Podwin A, Śniadek P, Łapczyński R, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Testing Lab-on-a-Chip Technology for Culturing Human Melanoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:402. [PMID: 33499085 PMCID: PMC7866167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic development of the space industry makes space flights more accessible and opens up new opportunities for biological research to better understand cell physiology under real microgravity. Whereas specialized studies in space remain out of our reach, preliminary experiments can be performed on Earth under simulated microgravity (sµg). Based on this concept, we used a 3D-clinostat (3D-C) to analyze the effect of short exposure to sµg on human keratinocytes HaCaT and melanoma cells A375 cultured on all-glass Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC). Our preliminary studies included viability evaluation, mitochondrial and caspase activity, and proliferation assay, enabling us to determine the effect of sµg on human cells. By comparing the results concerning cells cultured on LOCs and standard culture dishes, we were able to confirm the biocompatibility of all-glass LOCs and their potential application in microgravity research on selected human cell lines. Our studies revealed that HaCaT and A375 cells are susceptible to simulated microgravity; however, we observed an increased caspase activity and a decrease of proliferation in cancer cells cultured on LOCs in comparison to standard cell cultures. These results are an excellent basis to conduct further research on the possible application of LOCs systems in cancer research in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Przystupski
- Department of Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation, Oncology and Haematology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Agata Górska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Michel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Podwin
- Faculty of Microsystem Electronics and Photonics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; (A.P.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Patrycja Śniadek
- Faculty of Microsystem Electronics and Photonics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; (A.P.); (P.Ś.)
| | | | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
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43
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Fukuba T, Fujii T. Lab-on-a-chip technology for in situ combined observations in oceanography. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:55-74. [PMID: 33300537 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00871k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The oceans sustain the global environment and diverse ecosystems through a variety of biogeochemical processes and their complex interactions. In order to understand the dynamism of the local or global marine environments, multimodal combined observations must be carried out in situ. On the other hand, instrumentation of in situ measurement techniques enabling biological and/or biochemical combined observations is challenging in aquatic environments, including the ocean, because biochemical flow analyses require a more complex configuration than physicochemical electrode sensors. Despite this technical hurdle, in situ analyzers have been developed to measure the concentrations of seawater contents such as nutrients, trace metals, and biological components. These technologies have been used for cutting-edge ocean observations to elucidate the biogeochemical properties of water mass with a high spatiotemporal resolution. In this context, the contribution of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technology toward the miniaturization and functional integration of in situ analyzers has been gaining momentum. Due to their mountability, in situ LoC technologies provide ideal instrumentation for underwater analyzers, especially for miniaturized underwater observation platforms. Consequently, the appropriate combination of reliable LoC and underwater technologies is essential to realize practical in situ LoC analyzers suitable for underwater environments, including the deep sea. Moreover, the development of fundamental LoC technologies for underwater analyzers, which operate stably in extreme environments, should also contribute to in situ measurements for public or industrial purposes in harsh environments as well as the exploration of the extraterrestrial frontier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiro Fukuba
- Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Natsushima-cho 2-15, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.
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44
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Zhang R, Gao C, Tian L, Wang R, Hong J, Gao M, Gui L. Dynamic pneumatic rails enabled microdroplet manipulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:105-112. [PMID: 33295911 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00805b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study presented a convenient method of gathering, splitting, merging, and sorting microdroplets by dynamic pneumatic rails in double-layered microfluidic devices. In these devices, the pneumatic rails were placed below the droplet channel, with a thin elastic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film between them. The PDMS film would sag down to the rail channel, forming a groove pattern at the bottom of the droplet channel, when the fluid pressure in the droplet channel was higher than the air pressure in the rail channel. The groove could capture the flattened droplets and guide the flow path of them due to the lowered surface energy when they extended into the groove. We have designed different components consisting of pneumatic rails to split, merge and sort droplets, and demonstrated that the components maintained good performance in manipulating droplets only by controlling the air pressure. Furthermore, a pneumatic rail-based sorter has been successfully used to sort out single-cell droplets. The pneumatic rail can be integrated into pneumatic valve-based microfluidic devices to be a flexible tool for droplet-based biological and chemical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidu District, Beijing 10019, China.
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Naiserová M, Vysloužil J, Kubová K, Holická M, Vetchý D, Mašek J, Mašková E. Use of droplet-based microfluidic techniques in the preparation of microparticles. CESKA A SLOVENSKA FARMACIE : CASOPIS CESKE FARMACEUTICKE SPOLECNOSTI A SLOVENSKE FARMACEUTICKE SPOLECNOSTI 2021; 70:155–163. [PMID: 34875837 DOI: 10.5817/csf2021-5-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microparticles are widely used in myriad fields such as pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics, and other industrial fields. Compared with traditional methods for synthesizing microparticles, microfluidic techniques provide very powerful platforms for creating highly controllable emulsion droplets as templates for fabricating uniform microparticles with advanced structures and functions. Microfluidic techniques can generate emulsion droplets with precisely controlled size, shape, and composition. A more precise preparation process brings an effective tool to control the release profile of the drug and introduces an easily accessible reproducibility. The paper gives information about basic droplet-based set-ups and examples of attainable microparticle types preparable by this method.
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46
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Fabozzi A, Della Sala F, di Gennaro M, Solimando N, Pagliuca M, Borzacchiello A. Polymer based nanoparticles for biomedical applications by microfluidic techniques: from design to biological evaluation. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py01077h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The development of microfluidic technologies represents a new strategy to produce and test drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fabozzi
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI, 83040 Morra De Sanctis, AV, Italy
| | - Francesca Della Sala
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario di Gennaro
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Solimando
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI, 83040 Morra De Sanctis, AV, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pagliuca
- ALTERGON ITALIA S.r.l., Zona Industriale ASI, 83040 Morra De Sanctis, AV, Italy
| | - Assunta Borzacchiello
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy
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47
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Ndyabawe K, Cipriano M, Zhao W, Haidekker M, Yao K, Mao L, Kisaalita WS. Brain-on-a-Chip Device for Modeling Multiregional Networks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:350-359. [PMID: 33320530 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are frequently used in drug discovery because they represent a mammalian in vivo model system, they are the closest approximation to the human brain, and experimentation in humans is not ethical. Working with postmortem human brain samples is challenging and developing human in vitro systems, which mimic the in vivo human brain, has been challenging. However, the use of animal models in drug discovery for human neurological diseases is currently under scrutiny because data from animal models has come with variations due to genetic differences. Evidence from the literature suggests that techniques to reconstruct multiple neurotransmission projections, which characterize neurological disease circuits in humans, in vitro, have not been demonstrated. This paper presents a multicompartment microdevice for patterning neurospheres and specification of neural stem cell fate toward networks of multiple neuronal phenotypes. We validated our design by specification of human neural stem cells to dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons in different compartments of the device, simultaneously. The neurospheres formed unrestricted robust neuronal circuits between arrays of neurospheres in all compartments of the device. Such a device design may provide a basis for formation of multineurotransmission circuits to model functional connectivity between specific human brain regions, in vitro, using human-derived neural stem cells. This work finds relevance in neurological disease modeling and drug screening using human cell-based assays and may provide the impetus for shifting from animal-based models.
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48
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Shen C, Liu F, Wu L, Yu C, Yu W. Dripping, Jetting and Regime Transition of Droplet Formation in a Buoyancy-Assisted Microfluidic Device. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11110962. [PMID: 33121113 PMCID: PMC7693404 DOI: 10.3390/mi11110962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Buoyancy-assisted droplet formation in a quiescent continuous phase is an effective technique to produce highly monodispersed droplets, especially millimetric droplets. A comprehensive study combining visualization experiment and numerical simulation was carried out to explore the underlying physics of single droplet generation in a buoyancy-assisted microfluidic device. Typical regimes, including dripping and jetting, were examined to gain a deep insight into the hydrodynamic difference between the regimes. Particularly, the transition from dripping regime to jetting regime was investigated to give an in-depth understanding of the transitional behaviors. The effects of interfacial tension coefficient on the droplet size and formation regimes are discussed, and a regime diagram is summarized. The results show that oscillation of the interface in dripping regimes after detachment is caused by the locally accelerated fluid during the neck pinching process. Droplet formation patterns with the characteristics of both dripping regime and jetting regime are observed and recognized as the transitional regime, and the interface oscillation lasts longer than that in dripping regime, implying intensive competition between interfacial tension and inertial force. Reducing interfacial tension coefficient results in the dripping-to-jetting transition occurring at a lower flow rate of the dispersed phase. The regime diagram indicates that only the inertial force is the indispensable condition of triggering the transition from dripping to jetting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Yu
- Correspondence: (C.Y.); (W.Y.)
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49
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Juang YJ, Wang Y, Hsu SK. One-Step Hot Microembossing for Fabrication of Paper-Based Microfluidic Chips in 10 Seconds. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2493. [PMID: 33120953 PMCID: PMC7692775 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have been developed because they are simple, inexpensive and power-free for low-cost chemical, biological and environmental detection. Moreover, paper is lightweight; easy to stack, store and transport; biodegradable; biocompatible; good for colorimetric tests; flammable for easy disposal of used paper-based diagnostic devices by incineration; and can be chemically modified. Different methods have been demonstrated to fabricate µPADs such as solid wax printing, craft cutting, photolithography, etc. In this study, one-step hot microembossing was proposed and demonstrated to fabricate µPADs. The processing parameters like embossing temperature, pressure and time were systematically investigated. It was found that, at 55 °C embossing temperature, the embossing pressure ranging from 10 to 14 MPa could be applied and the embossing time was only 5 s. This led to the overall processing time for fabrication of µPADs within 10 s. Glucose detection was conducted using the µPADs as fabricated, and a linear relationship was obtained between 5 and 50 mM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Je Juang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.W.); (S.-K.H.)
- Center for Micro/nano Science and Technology, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.W.); (S.-K.H.)
| | - Shu-Kai Hsu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (Y.W.); (S.-K.H.)
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50
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Analysis of streaming potential flow and electroviscous effect in a shear-driven charged slit microchannel. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18317. [PMID: 33110227 PMCID: PMC7591916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the flow behavior in microfluidic systems has become of interest due to the need for precise control of the mass and momentum transport in microfluidic devices. In multilayered-flows, precise control of the flow behavior requires a more thorough understanding as it depends on multiple parameters. The following paper proposes a microfluidic system consisting of an aqueous solution between a moving plate and a stationary wall, where the moving plate mimics a charged oil-water interface. Analytical expressions are derived by solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation along with the simplified Navier-Stokes equation to describe the electrokinetic effects on the shear-driven flow of the aqueous electrolyte solution. The Debye-Huckel approximation is not employed in the derivation extending its compatibility to high interfacial zeta potential. Additionally, a numerical model is developed to predict the streaming potential flow created due to the shear-driven motion of the charged upper wall along with its associated electric double layer effect. The model utilizes the extended Nernst-Planck equations instead of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation to accurately predict the axial variation in ion concentration along the microchannel. Results show that the interfacial zeta potential of the moving interface greatly impacts the velocity profile of the flow and can reverse its overall direction. The numerical results are validated by the analytical expressions, where both models predicted that flow could reverse its overall direction when the interfacial zeta potential of the oil-water is above a certain threshold value. Finally, this paper describes the electroviscous effect as well as the transient development of electrokinetic effects within the microchannel.
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