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Moraes da Silva Junior S, Bento Ribeiro LE, Fruett F, Stiens J, Swart JW, Moshkalev S. A Novel Microfluidics Droplet-Based Interdigitated Ring-Shaped Electrode Sensor for Lab-on-a-Chip Applications. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:672. [PMID: 38930642 PMCID: PMC11205656 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study focusing on the detection and characterization of droplets with volumes in the nanoliter range. Leveraging the precise control of minute liquid volumes, we introduced a novel spectroscopic on-chip microsensor equipped with integrated microfluidic channels for droplet generation, characterization, and sensing simultaneously. The microsensor, designed with interdigitated ring-shaped electrodes (IRSE) and seamlessly integrated with microfluidic channels, offers enhanced capacitance and impedance signal amplitudes, reproducibility, and reliability in droplet analysis. We were able to make analyses of droplet length in the range of 1.0-6.0 mm, velocity of 0.66-2.51 mm/s, and volume of 1.07 nL-113.46 nL. Experimental results demonstrated that the microsensor's performance is great in terms of droplet size, velocity, and length, with a significant signal amplitude of capacitance and impedance and real-time detection capabilities, thereby highlighting its potential for facilitating microcapsule reactions and enabling on-site real-time detection for chemical and biosensor analyses on-chip. This droplet-based microfluidics platform has great potential to be directly employed to promote advances in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, food engineering, flow chemistry, and cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomão Moraes da Silva Junior
- Electronics & Informatics, Vrije Universiteit of Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnologies, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil;
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
- BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luiz Eduardo Bento Ribeiro
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Fabiano Fruett
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Johan Stiens
- Electronics & Informatics, Vrije Universiteit of Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacobus Willibrordus Swart
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil (J.W.S.)
| | - Stanislav Moshkalev
- Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnologies, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil;
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2
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Abedini-Nassab R, Taheri F, Emamgholizadeh A, Naderi-Manesh H. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Organ and Cell Transplantation. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:189. [PMID: 38667182 PMCID: PMC11048310 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing is a high-throughput novel method that provides transcriptional profiling of individual cells within biological samples. This method typically uses microfluidics systems to uncover the complex intercellular communication networks and biological pathways buried within highly heterogeneous cell populations in tissues. One important application of this technology sits in the fields of organ and stem cell transplantation, where complications such as graft rejection and other post-transplantation life-threatening issues may occur. In this review, we first focus on research in which single-cell RNA sequencing is used to study the transcriptional profile of transplanted tissues. This technology enables the analysis of the donor and recipient cells and identifies cell types and states associated with transplant complications and pathologies. We also review the use of single-cell RNA sequencing in stem cell implantation. This method enables studying the heterogeneity of normal and pathological stem cells and the heterogeneity in cell populations. With their remarkably rapid pace, the single-cell RNA sequencing methodologies will potentially result in breakthroughs in clinical transplantation in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Abedini-Nassab
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Taheri
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur P.O. Box 9319774446, Iran
| | - Ali Emamgholizadeh
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
| | - Hossein Naderi-Manesh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran;
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Bioscience, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
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3
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Jiang L, Guo K, Chen Y, Xiang N. Droplet Microfluidics for Current Cancer Research: From Single-Cell Analysis to 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1335-1354. [PMID: 38420753 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Differences in drug resistance and treatment response caused by the heterogeneity of cancer cells are the primary reasons for poor cancer therapy outcomes in patients. In addition, current in vitro anticancer drug-screening methods rely on two-dimensional monolayer-cultured cancer cells, which cannot accurately predict drug behavior in vivo. Therefore, a powerful tool to study the heterogeneity of cancer cells and produce effective in vitro tumor models is warranted to leverage cancer research. Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful platform for the single-cell analysis of cancer cells and three-dimensional cell culture of in vitro tumor spheroids. In this review, we discuss the use of droplet microfluidics in cancer research. Droplet microfluidic technologies, including single- or double-emulsion droplet generation and passive- or active-droplet manipulation, are concisely discussed. Recent advances in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis of cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and scaffold-free/based 3D cell culture of tumor spheroids have been systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges that must be overcome for the further application of droplet microfluidics in cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kefan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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4
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Wu Y, Lv B, Wang S, Liu Z, Chen XD, Cheng Y. Study of molecular interaction and texture characteristics of hydrocolloid-mixed alginate microspheres: As a shell to encapsulate multiphase oil cores. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 326:121603. [PMID: 38142092 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
This work investigates the molecular interaction of hydrocolloids (xanthan gum (XG), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), carbomer (CBM) and hymagic™-4D (HA)) with sodium alginate (SA) in microspheres in detail. The molecular interaction of hydrocolloids with SA are demonstrated by the rheological property analysis of the mixed solutions as well as the morphology structure and texture characteristics studies of the microspheres. It is found that the hydrocolloids (XG, HEC and CBM) with branches or capable to coil are able to form complex networks with SA through molecular interactions which hinders the free diffusion of calcium ions and changes the texture characteristics of microspheres. In addition, the mixed solutions (SA-XG and SA-HEC) with complex networks and do not have a chelating effect on calcium ions are used to form the shell of the microcapsules through droplet microfluidic technology, and stable with soft microcapsules encapsulating multiphase oil cores have been successfully prepared. At the same time, the textural properties of microcapsules are quantized, which are related to human sensory properties. The developed stable and soft microcapsules which have the properties of sensory comfort are expected to be applied in the personal care industry and a variety of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Boya Lv
- Life Quality Engineering Interest Group, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215152, Jiangsu Province, China; Xiao Dong Pro-health (Suzhou) Instrumentation Co Ltd, Suzhou 215152, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shiteng Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Bloomage Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Dong Chen
- Life Quality Engineering Interest Group, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215152, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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5
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Bianchi JRDO, de la Torre LG, Costa ALR. Droplet-Based Microfluidics as a Platform to Design Food-Grade Delivery Systems Based on the Entrapped Compound Type. Foods 2023; 12:3385. [PMID: 37761094 PMCID: PMC10527709 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has emerged as a powerful tool for several applications, including chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. Due to the laminar regime, droplet-based microfluidics enable the development of diverse delivery systems based on food-grade emulsions, such as multiple emulsions, microgels, microcapsules, solid lipid microparticles, and giant liposomes. Additionally, by precisely manipulating fluids on the low-energy-demand micrometer scale, it becomes possible to control the size, shape, and dispersity of generated droplets, which makes microfluidic emulsification an excellent approach for tailoring delivery system properties based on the nature of the entrapped compounds. Thus, this review points out the most current advances in droplet-based microfluidic processes, which successfully use food-grade emulsions to develop simple and complex delivery systems. In this context, we summarized the principles of droplet-based microfluidics, introducing the most common microdevice geometries, the materials used in the manufacture, and the forces involved in the different droplet-generation processes into the microchannels. Subsequently, the encapsulated compound type, classified as lipophilic or hydrophilic functional compounds, was used as a starting point to present current advances in delivery systems using food-grade emulsions and their assembly using microfluidic technologies. Finally, we discuss the limitations and perspectives of scale-up in droplet-based microfluidic approaches, including the challenges that have limited the transition of microfluidic processes from the lab-scale to the industrial-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatan Rafael de Oliveira Bianchi
- Department of Materials and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Av. Albert Einstein, 500, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (J.R.d.O.B.); (L.G.d.l.T.)
| | - Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
- Department of Materials and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Av. Albert Einstein, 500, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (J.R.d.O.B.); (L.G.d.l.T.)
| | - Ana Leticia Rodrigues Costa
- Department of Materials and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Av. Albert Einstein, 500, Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (J.R.d.O.B.); (L.G.d.l.T.)
- Institute of Exact and Technological Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Campus Florestal, Florestal 35690-000, Brazil
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6
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Yin P, Su W, Li T, Wang L, Pan J, Wu X, Shao Y, Chen H, Lin L, Yang Y, Cheng X, Li Y, Wu Y, Zeng C, Huang W. A modular hydrogel bioink containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D-printed multiscale composite scaffolds for cartilage repair. iScience 2023; 26:107349. [PMID: 37539040 PMCID: PMC10393809 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage tissue engineering is being considered an alternative treatment strategy for promoting cartilage damage repair. Herein, we proposed a modular hydrogel-based bioink containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds integrating the micro and macro environment of the native articular cartilage. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/alginate microsphere was prepared by a microfluidic approach, and the chondrocytes embedded in the microspheres remained viable after being frozen and resuscitated. The modular hydrogel bioink could be printed via the gel-in-gel 3D bioprinting strategy for fabricating the multiscale hydrogel-based scaffolds. Meanwhile, the cells cultured in the scaffolds showed good proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, we also found that the composite hydrogel was biocompatible in vivo. These results indicated that the modular hydrogel-based bioinks containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds could provide a 3D multiscale environment for enhancing cartilage repairing, which would be encouraging considering the numerous alternative applications in articular cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panjing Yin
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weiwei Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianying Pan
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
| | - Xiaoqi Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Shao
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
| | - Huabin Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
| | - Yang Yang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiulin Cheng
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chun Zeng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R.China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing Application, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
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7
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Luo Z, Zhang H, Chen R, Li H, Cheng F, Zhang L, Liu J, Kong T, Zhang Y, Wang H. Digital light processing 3D printing for microfluidic chips with enhanced resolution via dosing- and zoning-controlled vat photopolymerization. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:103. [PMID: 37593440 PMCID: PMC10427687 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00542-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional manufacturing techniques to fabricate microfluidic chips, such as soft lithography and hot embossing process, have limitations that include difficulty in preparing multiple-layered structures, cost- and labor-consuming fabrication process, and low productivity. Digital light processing (DLP) technology has recently emerged as a cost-efficient microfabrication approach for the 3D printing of microfluidic chips; however, the fabrication resolution for microchannels is still limited to sub-100 microns at best. Here, we developed an innovative DLP printing strategy for high resolution and scalable microchannel fabrication by dosing- and zoning-controlled vat photopolymerization (DZC-VPP). Specifically, we proposed a modified mathematical model to precisely predict the accumulated UV irradiance for resin photopolymerization, thereby providing guidance for the fabrication of microchannels with enhanced resolution. By fine-tuning the printing parameters, including optical irradiance, exposure time, projection region, and step distance, we can precisely tailor the penetration irradiance stemming from the photopolymerization of the neighboring resin layers, thereby preventing channel blockage due to UV overexposure or compromised bonding stability owing to insufficient resin curing. Remarkably, this strategy can allow the preparation of microchannels with cross-sectional dimensions of 20 μm × 20 μm using a commercial printer with a pixel size of 10 μm × 10 μm; this is significantly higher resolution than previous reports. In addition, this method can enable the scalable and biocompatible fabrication of microfluidic drop-maker units that can be used for cell encapsulation. In general, the current DZC-VPP method can enable major advances in precise and scalable microchannel fabrication and represents a significant step forward for widespread applications of microfluidics-based techniques in biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000 P. R. China
| | - Haoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
| | - Runze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
| | - Hanting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
| | - Fang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Third People’s Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Eye Hospital, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of The, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172 P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000 P. R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000 P. R. China
| | - Huanan Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 P. R. China
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8
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Su R, Wang F, McAlpine MC. 3D printed microfluidics: advances in strategies, integration, and applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1279-1299. [PMID: 36779387 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01177h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ability to construct multiplexed micro-systems for fluid regulation could substantially impact multiple fields, including chemistry, biology, biomedicine, tissue engineering, and soft robotics, among others. 3D printing is gaining traction as a compelling approach to fabricating microfluidic devices by providing unique capabilities, such as 1) rapid design iteration and prototyping, 2) the potential for automated manufacturing and alignment, 3) the incorporation of numerous classes of materials within a single platform, and 4) the integration of 3D microstructures with prefabricated devices, sensing arrays, and nonplanar substrates. However, to widely deploy 3D printed microfluidics at research and commercial scales, critical issues related to printing factors, device integration strategies, and incorporation of multiple functionalities require further development and optimization. In this review, we summarize important figures of merit of 3D printed microfluidics and inspect recent progress in the field, including ink properties, structural resolutions, and hierarchical levels of integration with functional platforms. Particularly, we highlight advances in microfluidic devices printed with thermosetting elastomers, printing methodologies with enhanced degrees of automation and resolution, and the direct printing of microfluidics on various 3D surfaces. The substantial progress in the performance and multifunctionality of 3D printed microfluidics suggests a rapidly approaching era in which these versatile devices could be untethered from microfabrication facilities and created on demand by users in arbitrary settings with minimal prior training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruitao Su
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Fujun Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Michael C McAlpine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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9
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Jiang L, Yang H, Cheng W, Ni Z, Xiang N. Droplet microfluidics for CTC-based liquid biopsy: a review. Analyst 2023; 148:203-221. [PMID: 36508171 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01747d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers of liquid biopsy. The number and heterogeneity of CTCs play an important role in cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine. However, owing to the low-abundance biomarkers of CTCs, conventional assays are only able to detect CTCs at the population level. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a highly sensitive method to analyze CTCs at the single-cell level. As an important branch of microfluidics, droplet microfluidics is a high-throughput and sensitive single-cell analysis platform for the quantitative detection and heterogeneity analysis of CTCs. In this review, we focus on the quantitative detection and heterogeneity analysis of CTCs using droplet microfluidics. Technologies that enable droplet microfluidics, particularly high-throughput droplet generation and high-efficiency droplet manipulation, are first discussed. Then, recent advances in detecting and analyzing CTCs using droplet microfluidics from the different aspects of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites are introduced. The purpose of this review is to provide guidance for the continued study of droplet microfluidics for CTC-based liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Hang Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Weiqi Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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10
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Huang X, Saadat M, Ali Bijarchi M, Behshad Shafii M. Ferrofluid double emulsion generation and manipulation under magnetic fields. Chem Eng Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.118519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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11
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Design of shear-based microfluidic channels for production and stability assessment of food emulsions. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Numerical Simulation Study of Double-Emulsion Droplet Formation in a Co-flow Microchannel Capillary Device. Transp Porous Media 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-022-01853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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13
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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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14
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Baki A, Wiekhorst F, Bleul R. Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticles Engineering for Biomedical Applications-A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:134. [PMID: 34677207 PMCID: PMC8533261 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been developed and applied for a broad range of biomedical applications, such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue repair. As one key element, reproducible synthesis routes of MNPs are capable of controlling and adjusting structure, size, shape and magnetic properties are mandatory. In this review, we discuss advanced methods for engineering and utilizing MNPs, such as continuous synthesis approaches using microtechnologies and the biosynthesis of magnetosomes, biotechnological synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from bacteria. We compare the technologies and resulting MNPs with conventional synthetic routes. Prominent biomedical applications of the MNPs such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery and magnetic actuation in micro/nanorobots will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkader Baki
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Straße 18-20, 55129 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Frank Wiekhorst
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Abbestraße 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Regina Bleul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Straße 18-20, 55129 Mainz, Germany;
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15
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Chen Z, Yang X, Wang B, Dai J, Bai Z. Adhesion behavior of oil droplets on solid surface with different wettability and inclined angle in water. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01932691.2021.1950547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Chen
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jian Dai
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhishan Bai
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
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16
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Aladese AD, Jeong HH. Recent Developments in 3D Printing of Droplet-Based Microfluidics. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-021-00032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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17
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Abedini-Nassab R, Pouryosef Miandoab M, Şaşmaz M. Microfluidic Synthesis, Control, and Sensing of Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:768. [PMID: 34210058 PMCID: PMC8306075 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in various disciplines, including engineering and medicine. Microfluidic chips and lab-on-a-chip devices, with precise control over small volumes of fluids and tiny particles, are appropriate tools for the synthesis, manipulation, and evaluation of nanoparticles. Moreover, the controllability and automation offered by the microfluidic chips in combination with the unique capabilities of the magnetic nanoparticles and their ability to be remotely controlled and detected, have recently provided tremendous advances in biotechnology. In particular, microfluidic chips with magnetic nanoparticles serve as sensitive, high throughput, and portable devices for contactless detecting and manipulating DNAs, RNAs, living cells, and viruses. In this work, we review recent fundamental advances in the field with a focus on biomedical applications. First, we study novel microfluidic-based methods in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles as well as microparticles encapsulating them. We review both continues-flow and droplet-based microreactors, including the ones based on the cross-flow, co-flow, and flow-focusing methods. Then, we investigate the microfluidic-based methods for manipulating tiny magnetic particles. These manipulation techniques include the ones based on external magnets, embedded micro-coils, and magnetic thin films. Finally, we review techniques invented for the detection and magnetic measurement of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetically labeled bioparticles. We include the advances in anisotropic magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive, tunneling magnetoresistive, and magnetorelaxometry sensors. Overall, this review covers a wide range of the field uniquely and provides essential information for designing "lab-on-a-chip" systems for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles, labeling bioparticles with them, and sorting and detecting them on a single chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Abedini-Nassab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur 9319774446, Iran
| | | | - Merivan Şaşmaz
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman 02040, Turkey;
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18
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Bacha TW, Manuguerra DC, Marano RA, Stanzione JF. Hydrophilic modification of SLA 3D printed droplet generators by photochemical grafting. RSC Adv 2021; 11:21745-21753. [PMID: 35478820 PMCID: PMC9034120 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03057d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Few droplet generators manufactured using desktop stereolithography 3D printers have been reported in the literature. Moreover, 3D printed microfluidic chips are typically hydrophobic, limiting their application to water in oil droplets. Herein, we present designs for concentric and planar 3D printed microfluidic devices suitable for making polymeric microparticles using an off-the-shelf commercial stereolithography printer and resin. The devices consist of a microscope slide, binder clips, and printed components. Channels were modified by an ultraviolet grafting of methacrylic acid to the surface of chips, yielding a hydrophilic coating without modification to the bulk polymer. The water contact angle decreased from 97.0° to 25.4° after grafting. The presence of the coating was confirmed by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Polystyrene microparticles in the <100 μm size range were generated with varying molecular weights using the described microfluidic chips. Our work provides a facile method to construct droplet generators from commercial stereolithography printers and resins, and a rapid surface modification technique that has been under-utilized in 3D printed microfluidics. A wide range of microfluidic devices for other applications can be engineered using the methods described. A versatile method of manufacturing and directly modifying the surfaces of 3D printed microfluidic devices was developed. The device functionality was demonstrated by producing o/w emulsions that yielded polystyrene microspheres.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan W Bacha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Dylan C Manuguerra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Robert A Marano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Joseph F Stanzione
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
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19
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Can 3D Printing Bring Droplet Microfluidics to Every Lab?-A Systematic Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12030339. [PMID: 33810056 PMCID: PMC8004812 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, additive manufacturing has steadily gained attention in both research and industry. Applications range from prototyping to small-scale production, with 3D printing offering reduced logistics overheads, better design flexibility and ease of use compared with traditional fabrication methods. In addition, printer and material costs have also decreased rapidly. These advantages make 3D printing attractive for application in microfluidic chip fabrication. However, 3D printing microfluidics is still a new area. Is the technology mature enough to print complex microchannel geometries, such as droplet microfluidics? Can 3D-printed droplet microfluidic chips be used in biological or chemical applications? Is 3D printing mature enough to be used in every research lab? These are the questions we will seek answers to in our systematic review. We will analyze (1) the key performance metrics of 3D-printed droplet microfluidics and (2) existing biological or chemical application areas. In addition, we evaluate (3) the potential of large-scale application of 3D printing microfluidics. Finally, (4) we discuss how 3D printing and digital design automation could trivialize microfluidic chip fabrication in the long term. Based on our analysis, we can conclude that today, 3D printers could already be used in every research lab. Printing droplet microfluidics is also a possibility, albeit with some challenges discussed in this review.
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Balakrishnan HK, Badar F, Doeven EH, Novak JI, Merenda A, Dumée LF, Loy J, Guijt RM. 3D Printing: An Alternative Microfabrication Approach with Unprecedented Opportunities in Design. Anal Chem 2020; 93:350-366. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hari Kalathil Balakrishnan
- Centre for Rural and Regional Futures, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Faizan Badar
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Egan H. Doeven
- Centre for Rural and Regional Futures, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - James I. Novak
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Andrea Merenda
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Ludovic F. Dumée
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 0000, United Arab Emirates
- Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and Hydrogen, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 0000, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 0000, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jennifer Loy
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rosanne M. Guijt
- Centre for Rural and Regional Futures, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
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