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Aryal P, Hefner C, Martinez B, Henry CS. Microfluidics in environmental analysis: advancements, challenges, and future prospects for rapid and efficient monitoring. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1175-1206. [PMID: 38165815 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00871a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have emerged as advantageous tools for detecting environmental contaminants due to their portability, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response capabilities. These devices have wide-ranging applications in environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil matrices, and have also been applied to agricultural monitoring. Although several previous reviews have explored microfluidic devices' utility, this paper presents an up-to-date account of the latest advancements in this field for environmental monitoring, looking back at the past five years. In this review, we discuss devices for prominent contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients, microorganisms, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc. We cover numerous detection methods (electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescent, etc.) and critically assess the current state of microfluidic devices for environmental monitoring, highlighting both their successes and limitations. Moreover, we propose potential strategies to mitigate these limitations and offer valuable insights into future research and development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Claire Hefner
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Brandaise Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2
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Amador-Hernandez JU, Guevara-Pantoja PE, Cedillo-Alcantar DF, Caballero-Robledo GA, Garcia-Cordero JL. Millifluidic valves and pumps made of tape and plastic. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4579-4591. [PMID: 37772361 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00559c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in producing micro- and milli-fluidic technologies made of thermoplastic with integrated fluidic control elements that are easy to assemble and suitable for mass production. Here, we developed millifluidic valves and pumps made of acrylic layers bonded with double-sided tape that are simple and fast to assemble. We demonstrate that a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is flexible enough to be deformed at relatively low pressures. A chemical treatment deposited on specific regions of the PSA prevents it from sticking to the thermoplastic, which enabled us to create three different types of valves in normally open or closed configurations. We characterized different aspects of their performance, their operating pressures, the cut-off pressure values to open or close the valves (for different configurations and sizes), and the flow rate and volume pumped by seven different micropumps. As an application, we implemented a glucose assay with integrated pumps and valves, automatically generating glucose dilutions and reagent mixing. The ability to create polymeric microfluidic control units made with tape paves the way for their mass manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue U Amador-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Microtechnologies Applied to Biomedicine (LMAB), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Pablo E Guevara-Pantoja
- Laboratory of Microtechnologies Applied to Biomedicine (LMAB), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Diana F Cedillo-Alcantar
- Laboratory of Microtechnologies Applied to Biomedicine (LMAB), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Gabriel A Caballero-Robledo
- Laboratory of Microtechnologies Applied to Biomedicine (LMAB), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Jose L Garcia-Cordero
- Laboratory of Microtechnologies Applied to Biomedicine (LMAB), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Institute of Human Biology, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Ahmadianyazdi A, Miller IJ, Folch A. Tunable resins with PDMS-like elastic modulus for stereolithographic 3D-printing of multimaterial microfluidic actuators. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4019-4032. [PMID: 37584639 PMCID: PMC10849085 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00529a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Stereolithographic 3D-printing (SLA) permits facile fabrication of high-precision microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices. SLA photopolymers often yield parts with low mechanical compliancy in sharp contrast to elastomers such as poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS). On the other hand, SLA-printable elastomers with soft mechanical properties do not fulfill the distinct requirements for a highly manufacturable resin in microfluidics (e.g., high-resolution printability, transparency, low-viscosity). These limitations restrict our ability to print microfluidic actuators containing dynamic, movable elements. Here we introduce low-viscous photopolymers based on a tunable blend of the monomers poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, Mw ∼ 258) and the monoacrylate poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether) methacrylate (PEGMEMA, Mw ∼ 300). In these blends, which we term PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA, tuning the PEGMEMA content from 0% to 40% (v/v) alters the elastic modulus of the printed plastics by ∼400-fold, reaching that of PDMS. Through the addition of PEGMEMA, moreover, PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA retains desirable properties of highly manufacturable PEGDA such as low viscosity, solvent compatibility, cytocompatibility and low drug absorptivity. With PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA, we SLA-printed drastically enhanced fluidic actuators including microvalves, micropumps, and microregulators with a hybrid structure containing a flexible PEGDA-co-PEGMEMA membrane within a rigid PEGDA housing. These components were built using a custom "Print-Pause-Print" protocol, referred to as "3P-printing", that allows for fabricating high-resolution multimaterial parts with a desktop SLA printer without the need for post-assembly. SLA-printing of multimaterial microfluidic actuators addresses the unmet need of high-performance on-chip controls in 3D-printed microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaac J Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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4
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Kumari S, Islam M, Gupta A. Paper-based multiplex biosensors for inexpensive healthcare diagnostics: a comprehensive review. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 25:17. [PMID: 37133791 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00656-0] [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] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Multiplex detection is a smart and an emerging approach in point-of-care testing as it reduces analysis time and testing cost by detecting multiple analytes or biomarkers simultaneously which are crucial for disease detection at an early stage. Application of inexpensive substrate such as paper has immense potential and matter of research interest in the area of point of care testing for multiplexed analysis as it possesses several unique advantages. This study presents the use of paper, strategies adopted to refine the design created on paper and lateral flow strips to enhance the signal, increase the sensitivity and specificity of multiplexed biosensors. An overview of different multiplexed detection studies performed using biological samples has also been reviewed along with the challenges and advantages offered by multiplexed analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrishti Kumari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur 342037, Rajasthan, India
| | - Monsur Islam
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur 342037, Rajasthan, India.
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5
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Cai G, Xu F, Chen B, Li X, Huang J, Mi S. Variable-position centrifugal platform achieves droplet manipulation and logic circuitries on-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:349-361. [PMID: 36606538 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00761d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Taking information as material to realize non-electronic physical computing is a promising idea, which facilitates the integration of technologies in different fields such as chemistry, biology, and mechanical control into a new computing platform. Here, we propose a novel, efficient and robust manipulation platform that drives droplet computing by way of inertial force. Combining this with droplet flow path design, we demonstrated multiple basic functions of droplet manipulation, including storage, dosing, interrupts, controllable release and addressing. These basic functions without external control lay the foundation for the realization of droplet calculation. We developed AND, OR, and XOR logic gates of the "liquid circuit" and combined them into a binary adder, which successfully completed the addition of four-digit binary numbers through droplet movement. Moreover, we attempted to perform algorithmic design for biological information under the control of droplets based on synchronous logical operations, developing the possibility of biological applications. This programmable physical computing system exists independently of electronic computing, aiming to supplement and expand the computing methods outside the field of electronic technology and to open a new method for the algorithmic operation of materials after combining new physical computing technologies such as biological or chemical computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangpei Cai
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bailiang Chen
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiajun Huang
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengli Mi
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
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Oliveira SMD, Densmore D. Hardware, Software, and Wetware Codesign Environment for Synthetic Biology. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9794510. [PMID: 37850136 PMCID: PMC10521664 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9794510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology is the process of forward engineering living systems. These systems can be used to produce biobased materials, agriculture, medicine, and energy. One approach to designing these systems is to employ techniques from the design of embedded electronics. These techniques include abstraction, standards, modularity, automated design, and formal semantic models of computation. Together, these elements form the foundation of "biodesign automation," where software, robotics, and microfluidic devices combine to create exciting biological systems of the future. This paper describes a "hardware, software, wetware" codesign vision where software tools can be made to act as "genetic compilers" that transform high-level specifications into engineered "genetic circuits" (wetware). This is followed by a process where automation equipment, well-defined experimental workflows, and microfluidic devices are explicitly designed to house, execute, and test these circuits (hardware). These systems can be used as either massively parallel experimental platforms or distributed bioremediation and biosensing devices. Next, scheduling and control algorithms (software) manage these systems' actual execution and data analysis tasks. A distinguishing feature of this approach is how all three of these aspects (hardware, software, and wetware) may be derived from the same basic specification in parallel and generated to fulfill specific cost, performance, and structural requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. D. Oliveira
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
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Hassani-Gangaraj M, Shamloo A. Developing an Off-the-Shelf Microfluidic Droplet Generation Device for Cell Encapsulation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c01301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Hassani-Gangaraj
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11365-8639, Iran
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran 11365-8639, Iran
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11365-8639, Iran
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran 11365-8639, Iran
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8
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Sinha N, Yang H, Janse D, Hendriks L, Rand U, Hauser H, Köster M, van de Vosse FN, de Greef TFA, Tel J. Microfluidic chip for precise trapping of single cells and temporal analysis of signaling dynamics. COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING 2022; 1:18. [PMCID: PMC10955935 DOI: 10.1038/s44172-022-00019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic designs are versatile examples of technology miniaturisation that find their applications in various cell biology research, especially to investigate the influence of environmental signals on cellular response dynamics. Multicellular systems operate in intricate cellular microenvironments where environmental signals govern well-orchestrated and robust responses, the understanding of which can be realized with integrated microfluidic systems. In this study, we present a fully automated and integrated microfluidic chip that can deliver input signals to single and isolated suspension or adherent cells in a precisely controlled manner. In respective analyses of different single cell types, we observe, in real-time, the temporal dynamics of caspase 3 activation during DMSO-induced apoptosis in single cancer cells (K562) and the translocation of STAT-1 triggered by interferon γ (IFNγ) in single fibroblasts (NIH3T3). Our investigations establish the employment of our versatile microfluidic system in probing temporal single cell signaling networks where alternations in outputs uncover signal processing mechanisms. Nidhi Sinha, Haowen Yang and colleagues report a microfluidic large-scale integration chip to probe temporal single-cell signalling networks via the delivery of patterns of input signalling molecules. The researchers use their device to investigate drug-induced cancer cell apoptosis and single cell transcription (STAT-1) protein signalling dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sinha
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David Janse
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Luc Hendriks
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Ulfert Rand
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mario Köster
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frans N. van de Vosse
- Cardiovascular Biomechanics Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
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9
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Ma Q, Xu J. Green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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10
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Dogan E, Kisim A, Bati-Ayaz G, Kubicek GJ, Pesen-Okvur D, Miri AK. Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Modeling: Challenges and Future Directions. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021; 1:2100017. [PMID: 34927168 PMCID: PMC8680587 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic tumors-on-chips models have revolutionized anticancer therapeutic research by creating an ideal microenvironment for cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes various cell types and cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are postulated to regulate the growth, invasion, and migratory behavior of tumor cells. In this review, the biological niches of the TME and cancer cell behavior focusing on the behavior of CSCs are summarized. Conventional cancer models such as three-dimensional cultures and organoid models are reviewed. Opportunities for the incorporation of CSCs with tumors-on-chips are then discussed for creating tumor invasion models. Such models will represent a paradigm shift in the cancer community by allowing oncologists and clinicians to predict better which cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvan Dogan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028
| | - Asli Kisim
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Kampusu, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Gizem Bati-Ayaz
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gregory J. Kubicek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, 2 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103
| | - Devrim Pesen-Okvur
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Kampusu, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey; Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028; School of Medical Engineering, Science, and Health, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103
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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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12
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Vashist SK. Trends in Multiplex Immunoassays for In Vitro Diagnostics and Point-of-Care Testing. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091630. [PMID: 34573972 PMCID: PMC8471512 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar Vashist
- Sensing Self Pte. Ltd., 160 Robinson Road, #20-03, Singapore Business Federation Ctr., Singapore 068914, Singapore
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13
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Bouhedda F, Cubi R, Baudrey S, Ryckelynck M. μIVC-Seq: A Method for Ultrahigh-Throughput Development and Functional Characterization of Small RNAs. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2300:203-237. [PMID: 33792882 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1386-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, artificial RNAs have been developed by in vitro selection methodologies like Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Yet, even though this technology is extremely powerful to isolate specific and high-affinity binders, it is less suited for the isolation of RNAs optimized for more complex functions such as fluorescence emission or multiple-turnover catalysis. Whereas such RNAs should ideally be developed by screening approaches, conventional microtiter plate assays become rapidly cost-prohibitive. However, the advent of droplet-based microfluidics recently enabled us to devise microfluidic-assisted In Vitro Compartmentalization (μIVC), a strongly miniaturized and highly parallelized screening technology allowing to functionally screen millions of mutants in a single day while using a very low amount of reagent. Used in combination with high-throughput sequencing, the resulting μIVC-seq pipeline described in this chapter now allows rapid and semiautomated screening to be performed at low cost and in an ultrahigh-throughput regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Bouhedda
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Roger Cubi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Baudrey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael Ryckelynck
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France.
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14
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Ferreira DA, Rothbauer M, Conde JP, Ertl P, Oliveira C, Granja PL. A Fast Alternative to Soft Lithography for the Fabrication of Organ-on-a-Chip Elastomeric-Based Devices and Microactuators. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003273. [PMID: 33898174 PMCID: PMC8061392 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology promises to revolutionize how pre-clinical human trials are conducted. Engineering an in vitro environment that mimics the functionality and architecture of human physiology is essential toward building better platforms for drug development and personalized medicine. However, the complex nature of these devices requires specialized, time consuming, and expensive fabrication methodologies. Alternatives that reduce design-to-prototype time are needed, in order to fulfill the potential of these devices. Here, a streamlined approach is proposed for the fabrication of organ-on-a-chip devices with incorporated microactuators, by using an adaptation of xurography. This method can generate multilayered, membrane-integrated biochips in a matter of hours, using low-cost benchtop equipment. These devices are capable of withstanding considerable pressure without delamination. Furthermore, this method is suitable for the integration of flexible membranes, required for organ-on-a-chip applications, such as mechanical actuation or the establishment of biological barrier function. The devices are compatible with cell culture applications and present no cytotoxic effects or observable alterations on cellular homeostasis. This fabrication method can rapidly generate organ-on-a-chip prototypes for a fraction of cost and time, in comparison to conventional soft lithography, constituting an interesting alternative to the current fabrication methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Ferreira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel SalazarUniversidade do PortoRua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 228Porto4050‐313Portugal
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma SurgeryKarl Chiari Lab for Orthopedic BiologyMedical University of ViennaWähringer Gürtel, 18‐20Vienna1090Austria
- Institute of Applied Synthetic ChemistryVienna University of Technology (TUW)Getreidmarkt, 9/163Vienna1060Austria
| | - João P. Conde
- Department of BioengineeringInstituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaAv. Rovisco Pais, 1Lisboa1049‐001Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores – Microsistemas e Nanotecnologia (INESC MN)Rua Alves Redol, 9Lisboa1000‐029Portugal
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical ChemistryVienna University of Technology (TUW)Getreidemarkt 9Vienna1060Austria
| | - Carla Oliveira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- Ipatimup – Institute of Molecular Pathology and ImmunologyUniversidade do PortoRua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45Porto4200‐135Portugal
- Department of PathologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of PortoAlameda Prof. Hernâni MonteiroPorto4200‐319Portugal
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
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15
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Microfluidic and Microscale Assays to Examine Regenerative Strategies in the Neuro Retina. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11121089. [PMID: 33316971 PMCID: PMC7763644 DOI: 10.3390/mi11121089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineering systems have transformed scientific knowledge of cellular behaviors in the nervous system (NS) and pioneered innovative, regenerative therapies to treat adult neural disorders. Microscale systems with characteristic lengths of single to hundreds of microns have examined the development and specialized behaviors of numerous neuromuscular and neurosensory components of the NS. The visual system is comprised of the eye sensory organ and its connecting pathways to the visual cortex. Significant vision loss arises from dysfunction in the retina, the photosensitive tissue at the eye posterior that achieves phototransduction of light to form images in the brain. Retinal regenerative medicine has embraced microfluidic technologies to manipulate stem-like cells for transplantation therapies, where de/differentiated cells are introduced within adult tissue to replace dysfunctional or damaged neurons. Microfluidic systems coupled with stem cell biology and biomaterials have produced exciting advances to restore vision. The current article reviews contemporary microfluidic technologies and microfluidics-enhanced bioassays, developed to interrogate cellular responses to adult retinal cues. The focus is on applications of microfluidics and microscale assays within mammalian sensory retina, or neuro retina, comprised of five types of retinal neurons (photoreceptors, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, retinal ganglion) and one neuroglia (Müller), but excludes the non-sensory, retinal pigmented epithelium.
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16
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Tong A, Pham QL, Shah V, Naik A, Abatemarco P, Voronov R. Automated Addressable Microfluidic Device for Minimally Disruptive Manipulation of Cells and Fluids within Living Cultures. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:1809-1820. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tong
- Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, 161 Warren Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Quang Long Pham
- Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, 161 Warren Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Vatsal Shah
- Department of Computer Science, Ying Wu College of Computing Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, Suite 3500, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Federated Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, Suite 204, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Akshay Naik
- Helen and John C. Hartmann Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, Suite 200, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Paul Abatemarco
- Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, 161 Warren Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Roman Voronov
- Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, 161 Warren Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, 323 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
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17
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Chen Y, Chen X. Numerical Investigations of a Passive Micromixer Based on Minkowski Fractal Principle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL REACTOR ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/ijcre-2019-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This paper is mainly to study the mixing efficiency and pressure drop of the Minkowski fractal obstacle micromixers. The mixing efficiency of primary Minkowski fractal obstacle (PMFO) micromixer and secondary Minkowski fractal obstacle (SMFO) micromixer are compared at five kinds of Reynolds numbers. With the increase of obstacle height and the decrease of distance, the chaotic convection in the microchannel is enhanced. Especially at obstacle height (h) = 0.2 mm, obstacle distance (D) = 0.15 mm, and Re = 100, the vortex caused by the Minkowski fractal obstacle structure is more obvious. In addition, vortex phenomenon increases the contact area of two fluids and enhances chaotic convection. It shows that the flow direction of the fluid in the microchannel varies significantly.
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18
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Guo S, Schlecht W, Li L, Dong WJ. Paper-based cascade cationic isotachophoresis: Multiplex detection of cardiac markers. Talanta 2019; 205:120112. [PMID: 31450472 PMCID: PMC6858795 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are widely used in point-of-care testing (POCT) as they are cost-effective, simple and straightforward. However, poor sensitivity hinders their use in detecting diseases with low abundance biomarkers. The poor detection limit of PADs is mainly attributed to the low concentration of analytes, and the complexity of biological fluid, leading to insufficient interactions between analytes and capture antibodies. This study aims to overcome these difficulties by developing a paper-based cationic isotachophoresis (ITP) approach for simultaneously detecting pico-molar levels of two essential cardiac protein markers: acidic troponin T (cTnT) and basic troponin I (cTnI) spiked into human serum samples. The approach utilizes 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) treated glass fiber papers with decreasing cross-sectional area assembled on a 3D printed cartridge device. Our results showed that in the presence of cTnT monoclonal antibody (mAb), fluorescently labeled cTnI and cTnT could be effectively enriched in cationic ITP. Each individual target was captured subsequently by a test line in the detection zone where the capture mAb was immobilized. Detailed analysis suggests that the technology is capable of simultaneous on-board depletion of abundant plasma proteins and enrichment of cTnI/cTnT by ~1300-fold with a sensitivity of 0.6 pmol/L for cTnT and a sensitivity of 1.5 pmol/L for cTnI in less than 6 min. The results demonstrate the potential of this technology for rapid, ultra-sensitive and cost-effective analysis of multiplex protein markers in clinical serum samples at point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Guo
- Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - William Schlecht
- Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lei Li
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Wen-Ji Dong
- Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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19
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CHANG YJ, YOU H. Progress of Microfluidics Based on Printed Circuit Board and its Applications. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(19)61169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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20
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Meyer S, Clarke C, dos Santos RO, Bishop D, Krieger MA, Blanes L. Developing self-generated calibration curves using a capillary-driven wax-polyester lab on a chip device and thermal gates. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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21
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Mahmoudifard M, Vossoughi M, Soleimani M. Different types of electrospun nanofibers and their effect on microfluidic-based immunoassay. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.4531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matin Mahmoudifard
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Manouchehr Vossoughi
- Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department; Sharif University of Technology; Tehran Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran Iran
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22
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Abstract
Microfluidics platforms can program small amounts of fluids to execute a bio-protocol, and thus, can automate the work of a technician and also integrate a large part of laboratory equipment. Although most microfluidic systems have considerably reduced the size of a laboratory, they are still benchtop units, of a size comparable to a desktop computer. In this paper, we argue that achieving true mobility in microfluidics would revolutionize the domain by making laboratory services accessible during traveling or even in daily situations, such as sport and outdoor activities. We review the existing efforts to achieve mobility in microfluidics, and we discuss the conditions mobile biochips need to satisfy. In particular, we show how we adapted an existing biochip for mobile use, and we present the results when using it during a train ride. Based on these results and our systematic discussion, we identify the challenges that need to be overcome at technical, usability and social levels. In analogy to the history of computing, we make some predictions on the future of mobile biochips. In our vision, mobile biochips will disrupt how people interact with a wide range of healthcare processes, including medical testing and synthesis of on-demand medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Alistar
- Atlas Institute and Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0320, USA.
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23
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Sinha N, Subedi N, Tel J. Integrating Immunology and Microfluidics for Single Immune Cell Analysis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2373. [PMID: 30459757 PMCID: PMC6232771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of immunoengineering aims to develop novel therapies and modern vaccines to manipulate and modulate the immune system and applies innovative technologies toward improved understanding of the immune system in health and disease. Microfluidics has proven to be an excellent technology for analytics in biology and chemistry. From simple microsystem chips to complex microfluidic designs, these platforms have witnessed an immense growth over the last decades with frequent emergence of new designs. Microfluidics provides a highly robust and precise tool which led to its widespread application in single-cell analysis of immune cells. Single-cell analysis allows scientists to account for the heterogeneous behavior of immune cells which often gets overshadowed when conventional bulk study methods are used. Application of single-cell analysis using microfluidics has facilitated the identification of several novel functional immune cell subsets, quantification of signaling molecules, and understanding of cellular communication and signaling pathways. Single-cell analysis research in combination with microfluidics has paved the way for the development of novel therapies, point-of-care diagnostics, and even more complex microfluidic platforms that aid in creating in vitro cellular microenvironments for applications in drug and toxicity screening. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the integration of microsystems and microfluidics with immunology and focus on different designs developed to decode single immune cell behavior and cellular communication. We have categorized the microfluidic designs in three specific categories: microfluidic chips with cell traps, valve-based microfluidics, and droplet microfluidics that have facilitated the ongoing research in the field of immunology at single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sinha
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Nikita Subedi
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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24
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Abstract
A micro-level technique so-called “microfluidic technology or simply microfluidic” has gained a special place as a powerful tool in bioengineering and biomedical engineering research due to its core advantages in modern science and engineering. Microfluidic technology has played a substantial role in numerous applications with special reference to bioscience, biomedical and biotechnological research. It has facilitated noteworthy development in various sectors of bio-research and upsurges the efficacy of research at the molecular level, in recent years. Microfluidic technology can manipulate sample volumes with precise control outside cellular microenvironment, at micro-level. Thus, enable the reduction of discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro environments and reduce the overall reaction time and cost. In this review, we discuss various integrations of microfluidic technologies into biotechnology and its paradigmatic significance in bio-research, supporting mechanical and chemical in vitro cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, specific innovations related to the application of microfluidics to advance microbial life, solitary and co-cultures along with a multiple-type cell culturing, cellular communications, cellular interactions, and population dynamics are also discussed.
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25
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Mannino RG, Qiu Y, Lam WA. Endothelial cell culture in microfluidic devices for investigating microvascular processes. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:042203. [PMID: 29861814 PMCID: PMC5953751 DOI: 10.1063/1.5024901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Numerous conditions and disease states such as sickle cell disease, malaria, thrombotic microangiopathy, and stroke significantly impact the microvasculature function and its role in disease progression. Understanding the role of cellular interactions and microvascular hemodynamic forces in the context of disease is crucial to understanding disease pathophysiology. In vivo models of microvascular disease using animal models often coupled with intravital microscopy have long been utilized to investigate microvascular phenomena. However, these methods suffer from some major drawbacks, including the inability to tightly and quantitatively control experimental conditions, the difficulty of imaging multiple microvascular beds within a living organism, and the inability to isolate specific microvascular geometries such as bifurcations. Thus, there exists a need for in vitro microvascular models that can mitigate the drawbacks associated with in vivo systems. To that end, microfluidics has been widely used to develop such models, as it allows for tight control of system inputs, facile imaging, and the ability to develop robust and repeatable systems with well-defined geometries. Incorporating endothelial cells to branching microfluidic models allows for the development of "endothelialized" systems that accurately recapitulate physiological microvessels. In this review, we summarize the field of endothelialized microfluidics, specifically focusing on fabrication methods, limitations, and applications of these systems. We then speculate on future directions and applications of these cutting edge technologies. We believe that this review of the field is of importance to vascular biologists and bioengineers who aim to utilize microfluidic technologies to solve vascular problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wilbur A. Lam
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: 404-727-7473. Present address: 448 Emory Children's Center, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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26
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Futai N, Fujita K, Ikuta W. Reconfigurable Microfluidic Channel with Pin-discretized Sidewalls. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29708554 PMCID: PMC5933500 DOI: 10.3791/57230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic components need to have various shapes to realize different key microfluidic functions such as mixing, separation, particle trapping, or reactions. A microfluidic channel that deforms even after fabrication while retaining the channel shape enables high spatiotemporal reconfigurability. This reconfigurability is required in such key microfluidic functions that are difficult to achieve in existing "reconfigurable" or "integrated" microfluidic systems. We describe a method for the fabrication of a microfluidic channel with a deformable sidewall consisting of a laterally aligned array of the ends of rectangular pins. Actuating the pins in their longitudinal directions changes the pins' end positions, and thus, the shape of discretized channel sidewalls.Pin gaps can cause unwanted leakage or adhesion to adjacent pins caused by meniscus forces. To close the pin gaps, we have introduced hydrocarbon-fluoropolymer suspension-based gap filler accompanied by an elastomeric barrier. This reconfigurable microfluidic device can generate strong temporal in-channel displacement flow, or can stop the flow in any region of the channel. This feature will facilitate, on demand, the handling of cells, viscous liquids, gas bubbles, and non-fluids, even if their existence or behavior is unknown at the time of fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Futai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology;
| | - Kenji Fujita
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology
| | - Wataru Ikuta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology
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27
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Abbasian F, Ghafar-Zadeh E, Magierowski S. Microbiological Sensing Technologies: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2018; 5:E20. [PMID: 29498670 PMCID: PMC5874886 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering5010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms have a significant influence on human activities and health, and consequently, there is high demand to develop automated, sensitive, and rapid methods for their detection. These methods might be applicable for clinical, industrial, and environmental applications. Although different techniques have been suggested and employed for the detection of microorganisms, and the majority of these methods are not cost effective and suffer from low sensitivity and low specificity, especially in mixed samples. This paper presents a comprehensive review of microbiological techniques and associated challenges for bioengineering researchers with an engineering background. Also, this paper reports on recent technological advances and their future prospects for a variety of microbiological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firouz Abbasian
- Biologically Inspired Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, Department of EECS, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Ebrahim Ghafar-Zadeh
- Biologically Inspired Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, Department of EECS, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Sebastian Magierowski
- Biologically Inspired Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, Department of EECS, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
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28
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Kang J, Lee D, Heo YJ, Chung WK. Fully chip-embedded automation of a multi-step lab-on-a-chip process using a modularized timer circuit. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:3891-3897. [PMID: 29051929 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00704c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
For highly-integrated microfluidic systems, an actuation system is necessary to control the flow; however, the bulk of actuation devices including pumps or valves has impeded the broad application of integrated microfluidic systems. Here, we suggest a microfluidic process control method based on built-in microfluidic circuits. The circuit is composed of a fluidic timer circuit and a pneumatic logic circuit. The fluidic timer circuit is a serial connection of modularized timer units, which sequentially pass high pressure to the pneumatic logic circuit. The pneumatic logic circuit is a NOR gate array designed to control the liquid-controlling process. By using the timer circuit as a built-in signal generator, multi-step processes could be done totally inside the microchip without any external controller. The timer circuit uses only two valves per unit, and the number of process steps can be extended without limitation by adding timer units. As a demonstration, an automation chip has been designed for a six-step droplet treatment, which entails 1) loading, 2) separation, 3) reagent injection, 4) incubation, 5) clearing and 6) unloading. Each process was successfully performed for a pre-defined step-time without any external control device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsu Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Caen O, Lu H, Nizard P, Taly V. Microfluidics as a Strategic Player to Decipher Single-Cell Omics? Trends Biotechnol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Okochi M, Koike S, Tanaka M, Honda H. Detection of Her2-overexpressing cancer cells using keyhole shaped chamber array employing a magnetic droplet-handling system. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 93:32-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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31
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Sonker M, Knob R, Sahore V, Woolley AT. Integrated electrokinetically driven microfluidic devices with pH-mediated solid-phase extraction coupled to microchip electrophoresis for preterm birth biomarkers. Electrophoresis 2017; 38:1743-1754. [PMID: 28272749 PMCID: PMC5541996 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Integration in microfluidics is important for achieving automation. Sample preconcentration integrated with separation in a microfluidic setup can have a substantial impact on rapid analysis of low-abundance disease biomarkers. Here, we have developed a microfluidic device that uses pH-mediated solid-phase extraction (SPE) for the enrichment and elution of preterm birth (PTB) biomarkers. Furthermore, this SPE module was integrated with microchip electrophoresis for combined enrichment and separation of multiple analytes, including a PTB peptide biomarker (P1). A reversed-phase octyl methacrylate monolith was polymerized as the SPE medium in polyethylene glycol diacrylate modified cyclic olefin copolymer microfluidic channels. Eluent for pH-mediated SPE of PTB biomarkers on the monolith was optimized using different pH values and ionic concentrations. Nearly 50-fold enrichment was observed in single channel SPE devices for a low nanomolar solution of P1, with great elution time reproducibility (<7% RSD). The monolith binding capacity was determined to be 400 pg (0.2 pmol). A mixture of a model peptide (FA) and a PTB biomarker (P1) was extracted, eluted, injected, and then separated by microchip electrophoresis in our integrated device with ∼15-fold enrichment. This device shows important progress towards an integrated electrokinetically operated platform for preconcentration and separation of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Sonker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Radim Knob
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Vishal Sahore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Adam T Woolley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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32
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Alistar M, Gaudenz U. OpenDrop: An Integrated Do-It-Yourself Platform for Personal Use of Biochips. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E45. [PMID: 28952524 PMCID: PMC5590459 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biochips, or digital labs-on-chip, are developed with the purpose of being used by laboratory technicians or biologists in laboratories or clinics. In this article, we expand this vision with the goal of enabling everyone, regardless of their expertise, to use biochips for their own personal purposes. We developed OpenDrop, an integrated electromicrofluidic platform that allows users to develop and program their own bio-applications. We address the main challenges that users may encounter: accessibility, bio-protocol design and interaction with microfluidics. OpenDrop consists of a do-it-yourself biochip, an automated software tool with visual interface and a detailed technique for at-home operations of microfluidics. We report on two years of use of OpenDrop, released as an open-source platform. Our platform attracted a highly diverse user base with participants originating from maker communities, academia and industry. Our findings show that 47% of attempts to replicate OpenDrop were successful, the main challenge remaining the assembly of the device. In terms of usability, the users managed to operate their platforms at home and are working on designing their own bio-applications. Our work provides a step towards a future in which everyone will be able to create microfluidic devices for their personal applications, thereby democratizing parts of health care.
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33
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Gaiteri JC, Henley WH, Siegfried NA, Linz TH, Ramsey JM. Use of Ice-Nucleating Proteins To Improve the Performance of Freeze–Thaw Valves in Microfluidic Devices. Anal Chem 2017; 89:5998-6005. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Gaiteri
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - W. Hampton Henley
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nathan A. Siegfried
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Thomas H. Linz
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - J. Michael Ramsey
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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34
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Dincer C, Bruch R, Kling A, Dittrich PS, Urban GA. Multiplexed Point-of-Care Testing - xPOCT. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:728-742. [PMID: 28456344 PMCID: PMC5538621 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiplexed point-of-care testing (xPOCT), which is simultaneous on-site detection of different analytes from a single specimen, has recently gained increasing importance for clinical diagnostics, with emerging applications in resource-limited settings (such as in the developing world, in doctors’ offices, or directly at home). Nevertheless, only single-analyte approaches are typically considered as the major paradigm in many reviews of point-of-care testing. Here, we comprehensively review the present diagnostic systems and techniques for xPOCT applications. Different multiplexing technologies (e.g., bead- or array-based systems) are considered along with their detection methods (e.g., electrochemical or optical). We also address the unmet needs and challenges of xPOCT. Finally, we critically summarize the in-field applicability and the future perspectives of the presented approaches. Simultaneous on-site measurement of different substances from a single sample, called multiplexed point-of-care testing, has recently become more and more important for in vitro diagnostics. The major aim for the development of xPOCT systems is the smart combination of a high-performing device with a low system complexity. Thus, the on-site tests are realized in a short time by non-experts and ensure comparable results with clinical and central laboratory findings. A multiplexing capability of up to 10 analytes has been sufficient for many recent xPOCT applications. The future of xPOCT devices will be driven by novel biotechnologies (e.g., aptamers) or targets (e.g., circulating RNAs or tumor cells, exosomes, and miRNAs), as well as applications like personalized medicine, homecare monitoring, and wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Dincer
- University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), Laboratory for Sensors, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Richard Bruch
- University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), Laboratory for Sensors, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - André Kling
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bioanalytics Group, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Petra S Dittrich
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bioanalytics Group, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerald A Urban
- University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), Laboratory for Sensors, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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ter Schiphorst J, Melpignano GG, Amirabadi HE, Houben MHJM, Bakker S, den Toonder JMJ, Schenning APHJ. Photoresponsive Passive Micromixers Based on Spiropyran Size‐Tunable Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201700086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen ter Schiphorst
- Functional Organic Materials and DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe G. Melpignano
- MicrosystemsDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Hossein Eslami Amirabadi
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- MicrosystemsDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Menno H. J. M. Houben
- Functional Organic Materials and DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Sterre Bakker
- Functional Organic Materials and DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. den Toonder
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- MicrosystemsDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Albertus P. H. J. Schenning
- Functional Organic Materials and DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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Whole-exome sequencing in individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and normal coronary arteries. Coron Artery Dis 2017; 27:257-66. [PMID: 26905423 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most studies on the genes involved in coronary artery disease (CAD) targeted individuals with angiographically or clinically proven CAD. Focusing on high-risk individuals with normal coronary arteries (NCA) may offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of CAD. We aimed to identify genes putatively protective for development of CAD. METHODS Pooled whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 17 patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and NCA and on 17 controls with multivessel CAD. Rare NCA-unique sequence variants were subsequently individually validated using the Fluidigm platform in 100 additional CAD controls and 100 general population controls. RESULTS In total, 555 100 variants were detected in at least one WES pool in the study group and in none of the control WES pools. For second phase validation, we focused on rare, nonsynonymous variants, resulting in a total of 144 variants in 40 genes, of which 96 were selected for subsequent genotyping. Validation phase genotyping resulted in 19 variants in 16 genes that were found in the NCA group and in none of the CAD controls. The SPTBN5, NID2, and ADAMTSL4 genes harbored sequence variants in more than one CAD-protected patient and none of the 117 CAD controls. CONCLUSION Applying WES technology and focusing on individuals seemingly protected from developing CAD successfully identified 19 variants that may offer protection from CAD by undetermined mechanisms. Studying the genetics of high-risk individuals apparently protected from CAD may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of CAD.
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Sonker M, Yang R, Sahore V, Kumar S, Woolley AT. On-Chip Fluorescent Labeling using Reversed-phase Monoliths and Microchip Electrophoretic Separations of Selected Preterm Birth Biomarkers. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2016; 8:7739-7746. [PMID: 28496521 PMCID: PMC5421993 DOI: 10.1039/c6ay01803c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
On-chip preconcentration, purification, and fluorescent labeling are desirable sample preparation steps to achieve complete automation in integrated microfluidic systems. In this work, we developed electrokinetically operated microfluidic devices for solid-phase extraction and fluorescent labeling of preterm birth (PTB) biomarkers. Reversed-phase monoliths based on different acrylate monomers were photopolymerized in cyclic olefin copolymer microdevices and studied for the selective retention and elution of a fluorescent dye and PTB biomarkers. Octyl methacrylate-based monoliths with desirable retention and elution characteristics were chosen and used for on-chip fluorescent labeling of three PTB biomarkers. Purification of on-chip labeled samples was done by selective elution of unreacted dye prior to sample. Automated and rapid on-chip fluorescent labeling was achieved with similar efficiency to that obtained for samples labeled off chip. Additionally, protocols for microchip electrophoresis of several off-chip-labeled PTB biomarkers were demonstrated in poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic devices. This study is an important step toward the development of integrated on-chip labeling and separation microfluidic devices for PTB biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Sonker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo 84602, UT, USA
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo 84602, UT, USA
| | - Vishal Sahore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo 84602, UT, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo 84602, UT, USA
| | - Adam T Woolley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo 84602, UT, USA
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Berger CN, Dirschka M, Vijayaraghavan A. Ultra-thin graphene-polymer heterostructure membranes. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:17928-17939. [PMID: 27725974 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr06316k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of arrays of ultra-thin conductive membranes remains a major challenge in realising large-scale micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), since processing-stress and stiction issues limit the precision and yield in assembling suspended structures. We present the fabrication and mechanical characterisation of a suspended graphene-polymer heterostructure membrane that aims to tackle the prevailing challenge of constructing high yield membranes with minimal compromise to the mechanical properties of graphene. The fabrication method enables suspended membrane structures that can be multiplexed over wafer-scales with 100% yield. We apply a micro-blister inflation technique to measure the in-plane elastic modulus of pure graphene and of heterostructure membranes with a thickness of 18 nm to 235 nm, which ranges from the 2-dimensional (2d) modulus of bare graphene at 173 ± 55 N m-1 to the bulk elastic modulus of the polymer (Parylene-C) as 3.6 ± 0.5 GPa as a function of film thickness. Different ratios of graphene to polymer thickness yield different deflection mechanisms and adhesion and delamination effects which are consistent with the transition from a membrane to a plate model. This system reveals the ability to precisely tune the mechanical properties of ultra-thin conductive membranes according to their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Berger
- School of Materials and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - M Dirschka
- Micro-structure technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76344, Germany
| | - A Vijayaraghavan
- School of Materials and National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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Sachs CC, Grünberger A, Helfrich S, Probst C, Wiechert W, Kohlheyer D, Nöh K. Image-Based Single Cell Profiling: High-Throughput Processing of Mother Machine Experiments. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163453. [PMID: 27661996 PMCID: PMC5035088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microfluidic lab-on-chip technology combined with live-cell imaging has enabled the observation of single cells in their spatio-temporal context. The mother machine (MM) cultivation system is particularly attractive for the long-term investigation of rod-shaped bacteria since it facilitates continuous cultivation and observation of individual cells over many generations in a highly parallelized manner. To date, the lack of fully automated image analysis software limits the practical applicability of the MM as a phenotypic screening tool. Results We present an image analysis pipeline for the automated processing of MM time lapse image stacks. The pipeline supports all analysis steps, i.e., image registration, orientation correction, channel/cell detection, cell tracking, and result visualization. Tailored algorithms account for the specialized MM layout to enable a robust automated analysis. Image data generated in a two-day growth study (≈ 90 GB) is analyzed in ≈ 30 min with negligible differences in growth rate between automated and manual evaluation quality. The proposed methods are implemented in the software molyso (MOther machine AnaLYsis SOftware) that provides a new profiling tool to analyze unbiasedly hitherto inaccessible large-scale MM image stacks. Conclusion Presented is the software molyso, a ready-to-use open source software (BSD-licensed) for the unsupervised analysis of MM time-lapse image stacks. molyso source code and user manual are available at https://github.com/modsim/molyso.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Carsten Sachs
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Alexander Grünberger
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stefan Helfrich
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christopher Probst
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wiechert
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Kohlheyer
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katharina Nöh
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
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Evolvable Smartphone-Based Platforms for Point-of-Care In-Vitro Diagnostics Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2016; 6:diagnostics6030033. [PMID: 27598208 PMCID: PMC5039567 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics6030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of smart mobile devices and lab-on-chip technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for the emergence of direct-to-consumer in vitro medical diagnostics applications. Despite their clear transformative potential, obstacles remain to the large-scale disruption and long-lasting success of these systems in the consumer market. For instance, the increasing level of complexity of instrumented lab-on-chip devices, coupled to the sporadic nature of point-of-care testing, threatens the viability of a business model mainly relying on disposable/consumable lab-on-chips. We argued recently that system evolvability, defined as the design characteristic that facilitates more manageable transitions between system generations via the modification of an inherited design, can help remedy these limitations. In this paper, we discuss how platform-based design can constitute a formal entry point to the design and implementation of evolvable smart device/lab-on-chip systems. We present both a hardware/software design framework and the implementation details of a platform prototype enabling at this stage the interfacing of several lab-on-chip variants relying on current- or impedance-based biosensors. Our findings suggest that several change-enabling mechanisms implemented in the higher abstraction software layers of the system can promote evolvability, together with the design of change-absorbing hardware/software interfaces. Our platform architecture is based on a mobile software application programming interface coupled to a modular hardware accessory. It allows the specification of lab-on-chip operation and post-analytic functions at the mobile software layer. We demonstrate its potential by operating a simple lab-on-chip to carry out the detection of dopamine using various electroanalytical methods.
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Silva R, Bhatia S, Densmore D. A reconfigurable continuous-flow fluidic routing fabric using a modular, scalable primitive. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:2730-2741. [PMID: 27345339 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00477f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices, by definition, are required to move liquids from one physical location to another. Given a finite and frequently fixed set of physical channels to route fluids, a primitive design element that allows reconfigurable routing of that fluid from any of n input ports to any n output ports will dramatically change the paradigms by which these chips are designed and applied. Furthermore, if these elements are "regular" regarding their design, the programming and fabrication of these elements becomes scalable. This paper presents such a design element called a transposer. We illustrate the design, fabrication and operation of a single transposer. We then scale this design to create a programmable fabric towards a general-purpose, reconfigurable microfluidic platform analogous to the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) found in digital electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Silva
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
| | - Swapnil Bhatia
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
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Shembekar N, Chaipan C, Utharala R, Merten CA. Droplet-based microfluidics in drug discovery, transcriptomics and high-throughput molecular genetics. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:1314-31. [PMID: 27025767 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00249h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics enables assays to be carried out at very high throughput (up to thousands of samples per second) and enables researchers to work with very limited material, such as primary cells, patient's biopsies or expensive reagents. An additional strength of the technology is the possibility to perform large-scale genotypic or phenotypic screens at the single-cell level. Here we critically review the latest developments in antibody screening, drug discovery and highly multiplexed genomic applications such as targeted genetic workflows, single-cell RNAseq and single-cell ChIPseq. Starting with a comprehensive introduction for non-experts, we pinpoint current limitations, analyze how they might be overcome and give an outlook on exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nachiket Shembekar
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Chawaree Chaipan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ramesh Utharala
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Christoph A Merten
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Min KI, Kim JO, Kim H, Im DJ, Kim DP. Multilayered film microreactors fabricated by a one-step thermal bonding technique with high reproducibility and their applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:977-983. [PMID: 26886679 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01585e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the versatile uses of multilayered polyimide (PI) film microreactors with various functions including pressure tolerance, three-dimensional mixing and multistep membrane emulsification. Such PI film microreactors were fabricated by a simple one-step thermal bonding technique with high reproducibility. Upon bonding at 300 °C for 1 hour, the thin and flexible film microdevices could withstand pressure up to 8.6 MPa and 16.3 MPa with PI adhesive film or fluoropolymer adhesive, respectively, due to differences in wettability. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic microchannel devices were used to generate monodisperse oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) droplets, and polymer micro/nanoparticles at a high generation frequency. A monolithic and chemical resistant film microreactor with a three-dimensional serpentine microchannel was used for the selective reduction of ester to aldehyde by efficient mixing and quenching in a flash chemistry manner, within a several 10(1) millisecond time scale. Furthermore, a novel multilayered film microreactor for organic-aqueous biphasic interfacial reactions was devised by embedding a membrane layer to induce chaotic mixing in both the interface and emulsified phase by flowing through multiple numbers of meshed structures along the hydrophobic channel. This simple and economic fabrication technique significantly facilitates mass production of multilayered film devices that could be useful as a platform for various microfluidic applications in chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ik Min
- National Center of Applied Microfluidic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Environ. Eng. Bldg., San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, Korea.
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The μSCAPE System: 3-Dimensional Profiling of Microfluidic Architectural Features Using a Flatbed Scanner. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22246. [PMID: 26924294 PMCID: PMC4770298 DOI: 10.1038/srep22246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a microfluidic scanner-based profile exploration system, μSCAPE, capable of generating high resolution 3D profiles of microstructure architecture in a variety of transparent substrates. The profile is obtained by scanning the dye-filled microstructure followed by absorbance calculation and the reconstruction of the optical length at each point. The power of the method was demonstrated in (1) the inspection of the variation of the cross-section of laser-ablated PDMS channel; (2) the volume of PeT chamber; and (3) the population distribution of the volumes of the micro wells in HF-etched glass and laser-ablated PDMS. The reported methods features low equipment-cost, convenient operation and large field of view (FOV), and has revealed unreported quality parameters of the tested microstructures.
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Ezra E, Maor I, Bavli D, Shalom I, Levy G, Prill S, Jaeger MS, Nahmias Y. Microprocessor-based integration of microfluidic control for the implementation of automated sensor monitoring and multithreaded optimization algorithms. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 17:82. [PMID: 26227212 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-015-9989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic applications range from combinatorial synthesis to high throughput screening, with platforms integrating analog perfusion components, digitally controlled micro-valves and a range of sensors that demand a variety of communication protocols. Currently, discrete control units are used to regulate and monitor each component, resulting in scattered control interfaces that limit data integration and synchronization. Here, we present a microprocessor-based control unit, utilizing the MS Gadgeteer open framework that integrates all aspects of microfluidics through a high-current electronic circuit that supports and synchronizes digital and analog signals for perfusion components, pressure elements, and arbitrary sensor communication protocols using a plug-and-play interface. The control unit supports an integrated touch screen and TCP/IP interface that provides local and remote control of flow and data acquisition. To establish the ability of our control unit to integrate and synchronize complex microfluidic circuits we developed an equi-pressure combinatorial mixer. We demonstrate the generation of complex perfusion sequences, allowing the automated sampling, washing, and calibrating of an electrochemical lactate sensor continuously monitoring hepatocyte viability following exposure to the pesticide rotenone. Importantly, integration of an optical sensor allowed us to implement automated optimization protocols that require different computational challenges including: prioritized data structures in a genetic algorithm, distributed computational efforts in multiple-hill climbing searches and real-time realization of probabilistic models in simulated annealing. Our system offers a comprehensive solution for establishing optimization protocols and perfusion sequences in complex microfluidic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elishai Ezra
- Grass Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel
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Szydzik C, Niego B, Dalzell G, Knoerzer M, Ball F, Nesbitt WS, Medcalf RL, Khoshmanesh K, Mitchell A. Fabrication of complex PDMS microfluidic structures and embedded functional substrates by one-step injection moulding. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra20688c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a novel injection moulding technique for fabrication of complex multi-layer microfluidic structures, allowing one-step robust integration of functional components with microfluidic channels and fabrication of elastomeric valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Szydzik
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
| | - B. Niego
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases
- Monash University
- Melbourne
- Australia
| | - G. Dalzell
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
| | - M. Knoerzer
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
| | - F. Ball
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Institute for Optofluidics and Nanophotonics (IONAS)
| | - W. S. Nesbitt
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases
| | - R. L. Medcalf
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases
- Monash University
- Melbourne
- Australia
| | | | - A. Mitchell
- School of Engineering
- RMIT University
- Melbourne
- Australia
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Gao Y, Tian J, Wu J, Cao W, Zhou B, Shen R, Wen W. Digital microfluidic programmable stencil (dMPS) for protein and cell patterning. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra17633j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterning biomolecules and cells on substrates is usually a prerequisite for biological analysis and cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Gao
- Environmental Science Programs
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
- Department of Physics
| | - Jingxuan Tian
- Department of Physics
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
| | - Jinbo Wu
- Materials Genome Institute
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai 200444
- PR China
| | - Wenbin Cao
- Department of Physics
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
| | - Bingpu Zhou
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- University of Macau
- Taipa
- PR China
| | - Rong Shen
- Institute of Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing
- PR China
| | - Weijia Wen
- Environmental Science Programs
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
- Department of Physics
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48
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Desai NS, Siegel JJ, Taylor W, Chitwood RA, Johnston D. MATLAB-based automated patch-clamp system for awake behaving mice. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:1331-45. [PMID: 26084901 PMCID: PMC4725114 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00025.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Automation has been an important part of biomedical research for decades, and the use of automated and robotic systems is now standard for such tasks as DNA sequencing, microfluidics, and high-throughput screening. Recently, Kodandaramaiah and colleagues (Nat Methods 9: 585-587, 2012) demonstrated, using anesthetized animals, the feasibility of automating blind patch-clamp recordings in vivo. Blind patch is a good target for automation because it is a complex yet highly stereotyped process that revolves around analysis of a single signal (electrode impedance) and movement along a single axis. Here, we introduce an automated system for blind patch-clamp recordings from awake, head-fixed mice running on a wheel. In its design, we were guided by 3 requirements: easy-to-use and easy-to-modify software; seamless integration of behavioral equipment; and efficient use of time. The resulting system employs equipment that is standard for patch recording rigs, moderately priced, or simple to make. It is written entirely in MATLAB, a programming environment that has an enormous user base in the neuroscience community and many available resources for analysis and instrument control. Using this system, we obtained 19 whole cell patch recordings from neurons in the prefrontal cortex of awake mice, aged 8-9 wk. Successful recordings had series resistances that averaged 52 ± 4 MΩ and required 5.7 ± 0.6 attempts to obtain. These numbers are comparable with those of experienced electrophysiologists working manually, and this system, written in a simple and familiar language, will be useful to many cellular electrophysiologists who wish to study awake behaving mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj S Desai
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jennifer J Siegel
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - William Taylor
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Raymond A Chitwood
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Daniel Johnston
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Nunes PS, Kjaerulff S, Dufva M, Mogensen KB. Real-time direct cell concentration and viability determination using a fully automated microfluidic platform for standalone process monitoring. Analyst 2015; 140:4007-20. [PMID: 25923294 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00478k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The industrial production of cells has a large unmet need for greater process monitoring, in addition to the standard temperature, pH and oxygen concentration determination. Monitoring the cell health by a vast range of fluorescence cell-based assays can greatly improve the feedback control and thereby ensure optimal cell production, by prolonging the fermentation cycle and increasing the bioreactor output. In this work, we report on the development of a fully automated microfluidic system capable of extracting samples directly from a bioreactor, diluting the sample, staining the cells, and determining the total cell and dead cells concentrations, within a time frame of 10.3 min. The platform consists of custom made stepper motor actuated peristaltic pumps and valves, fluidic interconnections, sample to waste liquid management and image cytometry-based detection. The total concentration of cells is determined by brightfield microscopy, while fluorescence detection is used to detect propidium iodide stained non-viable cells. This method can be incorporated into facilities with bioreactors to monitor the cell concentration and viability during the cultivation process. Here, we demonstrate the microfluidic system performance by monitoring in real time the cell concentration and viability of yeast extracted directly from an in-house made bioreactor. This is the first demonstration of using the Dean drag force, generated due to the implementation of a curved microchannel geometry in conjunction with high flow rates, to promote passive mixing of cell samples and thus homogenization of the diluted cell plug. The autonomous operation of the fluidics furthermore allows implementation of intelligent protocols for administering air bubbles from the bioreactor in the microfluidic system, so that these will be guided away from the imaging region, thereby significantly improving both the robustness of the system and the quality of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Nunes
- Technical University of Denmark, Department for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Denmark.
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50
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Grünberger A, Wiechert W, Kohlheyer D. Single-cell microfluidics: opportunity for bioprocess development. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 29:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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