1
|
Fatemi N, Taher A, Fondu J, Zhang L, De Moor T, Willems K, Henry O, Peumans P, Stakenborg T. SUPERCELLS: a novel microfluidic reactor architecture for ultra-fast sequential delivery of chemical reagents. LAB ON A CHIP 2024. [PMID: 39148372 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00534a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Applications such as nucleic acid synthesis or next-generation sequencing involve repeated fluidic cycles with the same set of reagents. The large dead volumes present in external valves and pumps with relatively long supply lines mandate the inclusion of extensive rinsing steps in current protocols, resulting in the consumption of significant quantities of reagents. To allow for fast rinsing, to reduce reagent consumption, and to ensure high reagent purity, we propose a fluidic concept based on a hierarchical branching structure. The working principle comprises a 3D fluidic network of supply lines - one line per reagent - that ensures reagents to be provided up to the entrance of every single reaction cavity, called supercells. Because all reagents are always present inside or at the inlet of a supercell, the principle allows for very rapid reagent switching, while a continuous flow avoids cross contamination. Selection of a specific reagent to enter the supercells is controlled by adjusting the pressure over different supply lines. As the pressure is regulated by a single, external controller per reagent, no integrated valves are needed. The very small distances to the reaction cavities also results in the use of minimal reagent volumes and, hence, largely reduces operational costs. We demonstrated the working principle of this concept and show an average switching time of 0.23 ± 0.09 s for the current design at a flow rate of 10 nL s-1. We used a 10 × 10 matrix of supercells to validate the fluidic concept to be scalable towards a large number of reaction sites. In summary, we believe the presented fluidic 3D hierarchical concept allows designing flow cells that enable highly parallel, more cost-efficient, and faster work flows for applications requiring many reagent cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Fatemi
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ahmed Taher
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jelle Fondu
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tinne De Moor
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kherim Willems
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Olivier Henry
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Peumans
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tim Stakenborg
- Imec, Life Sciences Technologies, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khoo H, Allen WS, Arroyo-Currás N, Hur SC. Rapid prototyping of thermoplastic microfluidic devices via SLA 3D printing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17646. [PMID: 39085631 PMCID: PMC11291766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have immense potential for widespread community use, but a current bottleneck is the transition from research prototyping into mass production because the gold standard prototyping strategy is too costly and labor intensive when scaling up fabrication throughput. For increased throughput, it is common to mold devices out of thermoplastics due to low per-unit costs at high volumes. However, conventional fabrication methods have high upfront development expenses with slow mold fabrication methods that limit the speed of design evolution for expedited marketability. To overcome this limitation, we propose a rapid prototyping protocol to fabricate thermoplastic devices from a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed template through intermediate steps akin to those employed in soft lithography. We apply this process towards the design of self-operating capillaric circuits, well suited for deployment as low-cost decentralized assays. Rapid development of these geometry- and material-dependent devices benefits from prototyping with thermoplastics. We validated the constructed capillaric circuits by performing an autonomous, pre-programmed, bead-based immunofluorescent assay for protein quantification. Overall, this prototyping method provides a valuable means for quickly iterating and refining microfluidic devices, paving the way for future scaling of production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Khoo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles ST., Latrobe 105, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | | | - Netzahualcóyotl Arroyo-Currás
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Institute of NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Soojung Claire Hur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles ST., Latrobe 105, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
- Institute of NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sønstevold L, Koza P, Czerkies M, Andreassen E, McMahon P, Vereshchagina E. Prototyping in Polymethylpentene to Enable Oxygen-Permeable On-a-Chip Cell Culture and Organ-on-a-Chip Devices Suitable for Microscopy. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:898. [PMID: 39064409 PMCID: PMC11278790 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid development and commercial interest in the organ-on-a-chip (OoC) field, there is a need for materials addressing key experimental demands and enabling both prototyping and large-scale production. Here, we utilized the gas-permeable, thermoplastic material polymethylpentene (PMP). Three methods were tested to prototype transparent PMP films suitable for transmission light microscopy: hot-press molding, extrusion, and polishing of a commercial, hazy extruded film. The transparent films (thickness 20, 125, 133, 356, and 653 µm) were assembled as the cell-adhering layer in sealed culture chamber devices, to assess resulting oxygen concentration after 4 days of A549 cell culture (cancerous lung epithelial cells). Oxygen concentrations stabilized between 15.6% and 11.6%, where the thicker the film, the lower the oxygen concentration. Cell adherence, proliferation, and viability were comparable to glass for all PMP films (coated with poly-L-lysine), and transparency was adequate for transmission light microscopy of adherent cells. Hot-press molding was concluded as the preferred film prototyping method, due to excellent and reproducible film transparency, the possibility to easily vary film thickness, and the equipment being commonly available. The molecular orientation in the PMP films was characterized by IR dichroism. As expected, the extruded films showed clear orientation, but a novel result was that hot-press molding may also induce some orientation. It has been reported that orientation affects the permeability, but with the films in this study, we conclude that the orientation is not a critical factor. With the obtained results, we find it likely that OoC models with relevant in vivo oxygen concentrations may be facilitated by PMP. Combined with established large-scale production methods for thermoplastics, we foresee a useful role for PMP within the OoC field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sønstevold
- Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Paulina Koza
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Czerkies
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Erik Andreassen
- Department of Materials and Nanotechnology, SINTEF Industry, Forskningsveien 1, 0373 Oslo, Norway; (E.A.)
| | - Paul McMahon
- Department of Materials and Nanotechnology, SINTEF Industry, Forskningsveien 1, 0373 Oslo, Norway; (E.A.)
| | - Elizaveta Vereshchagina
- Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stoia D, De Sio L, Petronella F, Focsan M. Recent advances towards point-of-care devices for fungal detection: Emphasizing the role of plasmonic nanomaterials in current and future technologies. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 255:116243. [PMID: 38547645 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a significant global health problem, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. Moreover, as uncontrolled antibiotic and immunosuppressant use increases continuously, fungal infections have seen a dramatic increase, with some strains developing antibiotic resistance. Traditional approaches to identifying fungal strains often rely on morphological characteristics, thus owning limitations, such as struggles in identifying several strains or distinguishing between fungal strains with similar morphologies. This review explores the multifaceted impact of fungi infections on individuals, healthcare providers, and society, highlighting the often-underestimated economic burden and healthcare implications of these infections. In light of the serious constraints of traditional fungal identification methods, this review discusses the potential of plasmonic nanoparticle-based biosensors for fungal infection identification. These biosensors can enable rapid and precise fungal pathogen detection by exploiting several readout approaches, including various spectroscopic techniques, colorimetric and electrochemical assays, as well as lateral-flow immunoassay methods. Moreover, we report the remarkable impact of plasmonic Lab on a Chip technology and microfluidic devices, as they recently emerged as a class of advanced biosensors. Finally, we provide an overview of smartphone-based Point-of-Care devices and the associated technologies developed for detecting and identifying fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Stoia
- Biomolecular Physics Department, Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Street, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 Treboniu Laurian Street, 400271, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luciano De Sio
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Francesca Petronella
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Crystallography CNR-IC, Area della Ricerca Roma 1 Strada Provinciale 35d, n. 9, 00010, Montelibretti (RM), Italy.
| | - Monica Focsan
- Biomolecular Physics Department, Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Street, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 Treboniu Laurian Street, 400271, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma J, Xie Q, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Liu X, Qiao C, Tian Y. Advances in microfluidic technology for sperm screening and in vitro fertilization. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:3717-3735. [PMID: 38189916 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
About 18% of reproductive-age adults worldwide are affected by infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are widely used assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) aimed at improving clinical outcomes. Efficient and noninvasive selection and isolation of highly motile sperm with intact DNA are essential for the success of IVF and ICSI and can potentially impact the therapeutic efficacy and the health of the offspring. Compared to traditional methods, microfluidic technology offers significant advantages such as low sample consumption, high efficiency, minimal damage, high integration, similar microenvironment, and high automation, providing a new platform for ARTs. Here, we review the current situation of microfluidic technology in the field of sperm motility screening and evaluation and IVF research. First, we focus on the working principle, structural design, and screening results of sperm selection microfluidic platforms. We then highlight how the multiple steps of the IVF process can be facilitated and integrated into a microfluidic chip, including oocyte capture, sperm collection and isolation, sperm sorting, fertilization, and embryo culture. Ultimately, we summarize how microfluidics can complement and optimize current sperm sorting and IVF protocols, and challenges and possible solutions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingtong Ma
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Qianlin Xie
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Yusongjia Zhang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Qirui Xiao
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110003, China.
| | - Chong Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110022, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China.
- Foshan Graduate School of Innovation, Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iyer RR, Applegate CC, Arogundade OH, Bangru S, Berg IC, Emon B, Porras-Gomez M, Hsieh PH, Jeong Y, Kim Y, Knox HJ, Moghaddam AO, Renteria CA, Richard C, Santaliz-Casiano A, Sengupta S, Wang J, Zambuto SG, Zeballos MA, Pool M, Bhargava R, Gaskins HR. Inspiring a convergent engineering approach to measure and model the tissue microenvironment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32546. [PMID: 38975228 PMCID: PMC11226808 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular and physical complexity of the tissue microenvironment (TiME) in the context of its spatiotemporal organization has remained an enduring challenge. Recent advances in engineering and data science are now promising the ability to study the structure, functions, and dynamics of the TiME in unprecedented detail; however, many advances still occur in silos that rarely integrate information to study the TiME in its full detail. This review provides an integrative overview of the engineering principles underlying chemical, optical, electrical, mechanical, and computational science to probe, sense, model, and fabricate the TiME. In individual sections, we first summarize the underlying principles, capabilities, and scope of emerging technologies, the breakthrough discoveries enabled by each technology and recent, promising innovations. We provide perspectives on the potential of these advances in answering critical questions about the TiME and its role in various disease and developmental processes. Finally, we present an integrative view that appreciates the major scientific and educational aspects in the study of the TiME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishyashring R. Iyer
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Catherine C. Applegate
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Opeyemi H. Arogundade
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sushant Bangru
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ian C. Berg
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Marilyn Porras-Gomez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Hsieh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yoon Jeong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yongdeok Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hailey J. Knox
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Amir Ostadi Moghaddam
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Carlos A. Renteria
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Craig Richard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ashlie Santaliz-Casiano
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sourya Sengupta
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jason Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Samantha G. Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Maria A. Zeballos
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Marcia Pool
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rohit Bhargava
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- NIH/NIBIB P41 Center for Label-free Imaging and Multiscale Biophotonics (CLIMB), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - H. Rex Gaskins
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bakhtiaridoost S, Musuroi C, Volmer M, Florescu M. Optoelectronic microfluidic device for point-of-care blood plasma viscosity measurement. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3305-3314. [PMID: 38869225 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00211c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Physical properties of blood plasma, such as viscosity, serve as crucial indicators of disease. The inherent capillary effect of paper microchannels, coupled with minimal sample requirement, stimulated the advancement of paper-based viscometers. This study presents a precise, non-contact optoelectronic system using a microfluidic platform for the measurement of blood plasma viscosity. Microchannels were defined onto the filter paper using an available and inexpensive wax crayon, without the need for conventional wax printing equipment. The time required for the 5 μL sample to pass a specific distance was measured using two pairs of infrared sensors. Subsequently, this data was sent to the microcontroller, which automatically calculated the viscosity. Throughout the measurements, sample temperature was maintained at a constant 37 °C through an integrated heater with automated control. The microfluidic platform successfully processed real samples, yielding viscosity measurements in under three minutes. Evaluation with fetal bovine serum, spiked with varying protein concentrations in both native and denatured states, demonstrated a precision exceeding 96% compared to conventional Ostwald viscometer readings. For human subjects exhibiting pathologies affecting serum and plasma viscosity compared to physiological norms, strong correlations were observed between resultant values and clinical diagnoses. The proposed device aims to replace expensive and complex optical equipment, offering a safer alternative for measuring plasma viscosity. Unlike similar devices, it eliminates the risk of component deformation due to chemical contact or unsafe irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Bakhtiaridoost
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.
| | - Cristian Musuroi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.
| | - Marius Volmer
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.
| | - Monica Florescu
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baruah A, Newar R, Das S, Kalita N, Nath M, Ghosh P, Chinnam S, Sarma H, Narayan M. Biomedical applications of graphene-based nanomaterials: recent progress, challenges, and prospects in highly sensitive biosensors. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:103. [PMID: 38884869 PMCID: PMC11183028 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, graphene-based nanocomposites, etc.) are emerging as an extremely important class of nanomaterials primarily because of their unique and advantageous physical, chemical, biological, and optoelectronic aspects. These features have resulted in uses across diverse areas of scientific research. Among all other applications, they are found to be particularly useful in designing highly sensitive biosensors. Numerous studies have established their efficacy in sensing pathogens and other biomolecules allowing for the rapid diagnosis of various diseases. Considering the growing importance and popularity of graphene-based materials for biosensing applications, this review aims to provide the readers with a summary of the recent progress in the concerned domain and highlights the challenges associated with the synthesis and application of these multifunctional materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Baruah
- Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Rachita Newar
- Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Saikat Das
- Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Nitul Kalita
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Masood Nath
- University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Priya Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Sampath Chinnam
- Department of Chemistry, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum), Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India
| | - Hemen Sarma
- Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Rangalikhata, Deborgaon, Kokrajhar (BTR), Assam, 783370, India.
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, UTEP, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Begum SR, Chandrasekhar A. Biomimicking hydrophobic leaf structure using soft lithography for fog harvesting, triboelectric nanogenerators as a self-powered rain sensor. iScience 2024; 27:108878. [PMID: 38318356 PMCID: PMC10839692 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study focused on the soft lithography technique of transferring the shape of a leaf's surface using a polymer film made by replicating the different patterns on the surfaces of four leaves. These films were used to collect fog water and to create TENGs for self-powered rain sensors. This research mainly focuses on analyzing the potential surface patterns of leaf films to improve fog water collection, enhancing the efficiency of TENGs, and looking at freshwater shortages in arid areas. The evaluations included surface morphology, contact angles, and structural analysis with goniometric drop morphology and 3D optical profilometry. Leaf-based TENGs showed promising power density, stability, and charging for energy gathering. Furthermore, the TENG devices showed their ability to detect raindrop patterns, highlighting their potential uses in promoting environmental sustainability. Hence, the result revealed that biomimicry can produce eco-friendly energy harvesting and sensor systems to reduce water scarcity and advance renewable energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaik Ruksana Begum
- Nanosensor and Nanoenergy Lab, Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Arunkumar Chandrasekhar
- Nanosensor and Nanoenergy Lab, Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ren K, Xie Y, Wang C, Yan J, Shi Y, Guo J, Guo J. Application of the fuzzy proportional integral differential (PID) temperature control algorithm in a liver function test system based on a centrifugal microfluidic device. Talanta 2024; 268:125330. [PMID: 37879203 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Clinical laboratory examinations frequently include biochemical analysis of the liver. The presence of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum can be used to identify liver damage. In this study, a centrifugal microfluidic-based clinical biochemical detection system was developed for the detection of liver function markers. Using the centrifugal microfluidic chip and centrifugal force on the chip, separation of blood cells and serum was performed. The extraction and mixing of quantitative serum and diluent were completed under the chip design of microchannels and microchambers. The lyophilized reagent beads in the chip interacted with the combined solution. The Fuzzy PID algorithm regulates the power of the heating film to deliver the ideal reaction temperature. In accordance with Beer-Lambert, the rate of change in the absorbance of the reaction solution at 340 nm of the light source was measured and a standard curve for the relationship between concentration and rate of change in absorbance was constructed. The system is portable, quick, and simple to use because it uses a centrifugal microfluidic chip instead of the conventional detection and analysis approach. In the future, it is anticipated that the system will have several applications in the detection of highly integrated on-chip point-of-care devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Ren
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Yiweng Xie
- School of Computer Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Jiasheng Yan
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yuxing Shi
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Leal F, Zeiringer S, Jeitler R, Costa PF, Roblegg E. A comprehensive overview of advanced dynamic in vitro intestinal and hepatic cell culture models. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2163820. [PMID: 36680530 PMCID: PMC10832944 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2163820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Orally administered drugs pass through the gastrointestinal tract before being absorbed in the small intestine and metabolised in the liver. To test the efficacy and toxicity of drugs, animal models are often employed; however, they are not suitable for investigating drug-tissue interactions and making reliable predictions, since the human organism differs drastically from animals in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of substances. Likewise, simple static in vitro cell culture systems currently used in preclinical drug screening often do not resemble the native characteristics of biological barriers. Dynamic models, on the other hand, provide in vivo-like cell phenotypes and functionalities that offer great potential for safety and efficacy prediction. Herein, current microfluidic in vitro intestinal and hepatic models are reviewed, namely single- and multi-tissue micro-bioreactors, which are associated with different methods of cell cultivation, i.e., scaffold-based versus scaffold-free.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Leal
- BIOFABICS, Rua Alfredo Allen 455, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Scarlett Zeiringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitaetsplatz 1, Graz, Austria
| | - Ramona Jeitler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitaetsplatz 1, Graz, Austria
| | - Pedro F. Costa
- BIOFABICS, Rua Alfredo Allen 455, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Roblegg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universitaetsplatz 1, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Venkatesalu S, Dilliyappan S, Satish Kumar A, Palaniyandi T, Baskar G, Ravi M, Sivaji A. Prospectives and retrospectives of microfluidics devices and lab-on-A-chip emphasis on cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 552:117646. [PMID: 38000458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a science and technology that deals with the concept of "less sample-to-more precision" enabling portable device development via fabrication for in vitro analysis. On evolution, microfluidic system lead to the development of Organ-on-chip where recapitulation of organ's functionality and pathophysiological response can be performed under controlled environment. Further microfluidic-based "Lab-on-chip" device, a versatile innovation credited for its number of parameters that has capability to leverage next-generation companion of medicines. This emulsion science has enormous practise in the field of regenerative medicine, drug screening, medical diagnosis and therapy for accuracy in results. In this era of personalized medicine, getting precise tools for applying these theranostics is crucial. Oncological theranostics create a new gateway to develop precision in personalized medicine for cancer, where microfluidic chips are involved in diagnosis and therapy of various cancers using biomarkers for thyroid, lung cancers, and assay based for breast, circulating tumor cells and colorectal cancers and nanoparticles for ovarian cancer. This review shows more comprehensive approach to the state of art with respect to microfluidic devices in cancer theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Venkatesalu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | | | - Avanthika Satish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Thirunavukkarasu Palaniyandi
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India; Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
| | - Gomathy Baskar
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Maddaly Ravi
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Asha Sivaji
- Department of Biochemistry, DKM College for Women, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aljabali AAA, Obeid MA, Mishra V, El-Tanani M, Tambuwala MM. Customizable Microfluidic Devices: Progress, Constraints, and Future Advances. Curr Drug Deliv 2024; 21:1285-1299. [PMID: 39034714 DOI: 10.2174/0115672018264064231017113813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The field of microfluidics encompasses the study of fluid behavior within micro-channels and the development of miniature systems featuring internal compartments or passageways tailored for fluid control and manipulation. Microfluidic devices capitalize on the unique chemical and physical properties exhibited by fluids at the microscopic scale. In contrast to their larger counterparts, microfluidic systems offer a multitude of advantages. Their implementation facilitates the investigation and utilization of reduced sample, solvent, and reagent volumes, thus yielding decreased operational expenses. Owing to their compact dimensions, these devices allow for the concurrent execution of multiple procedures, leading to expedited experimental timelines. Over the past two decades, microfluidics has undergone remarkable advancements, evolving into a multifaceted discipline. Subfields such as organ-on-a-chip and paper-based microfluidics have matured into distinct fields of study. Nonetheless, while scientific progress within the microfluidics realm has been notable, its translation into autonomous end-user applications remains a frontier to be fully explored. This paper sets forth the central objective of scrutinizing the present research paradigm, prevailing limitations, and potential prospects of customizable microfluidic devices. Our inquiry revolves around the latest strides achieved, prevailing constraints, and conceivable trajectories for adaptable microfluidic technologies. We meticulously delineate existing iterations of microfluidic systems, elucidate their operational principles, deliberate upon encountered limitations, and provide a visionary outlook toward the future trajectory of microfluidic advancements. In summation, this work endeavors to shed light on the current state of microfluidic systems, underscore their operative intricacies, address incumbent challenges, and unveil promising pathways that chart the course toward the next frontier of microfluidic innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, England, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Patil PD, Salokhe S, Karvekar A, Suryavanshi P, Phirke AN, Tiwari MS, Nadar SS. Microfluidic based continuous enzyme immobilization: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127358. [PMID: 37827414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Conventional techniques for enzyme immobilization suffer from suboptimal activity recovery due to insufficient enzyme loading and inadequate stability. Furthermore, these techniques are time-consuming and involve multiple steps which limit the applicability of immobilized enzymes. In contrast, the use of microfluidic devices for enzyme immobilization has garnered significant attention due to its ability to precisely control immobilization parameters, resulting in highly active immobilized enzymes. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced time and energy consumption, enhanced mass-heat transfer, and improved control over the mixing process. It maintains the superior structural configuration in immobilized form which ultimately affects the overall efficiency. The present review article comprehensively explains the design, construction, and various methods employed for enzyme immobilization using microfluidic devices. The immobilized enzymes prepared using these techniques demonstrated excellent catalytic activity, remarkable stability, and outstanding recyclability. Moreover, they have found applications in diverse areas such as biosensors, biotransformation, and bioremediation. The review article also discusses potential future developments and foresees significant challenges associated with enzyme immobilization using microfluidics, along with potential remedies. The development of this advanced technology not only paves the way for novel and innovative approaches to enzyme immobilization but also allows for the straightforward scalability of microfluidic-based techniques from an industrial standpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pravin D Patil
- Department of Basic Science & Humanities, SVKM'S NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056, India
| | - Sakshi Salokhe
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416 234, India
| | - Aparna Karvekar
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416 234, India
| | - Prabhavati Suryavanshi
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416 234, India
| | - Ajay N Phirke
- Department of Basic Science & Humanities, SVKM'S NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056, India
| | - Manishkumar S Tiwari
- Department of Data Science, SVKM'S NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056, India
| | - Shamraja S Nadar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga (E), Mumbai 400019, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deliorman M, Ali DS, Qasaimeh MA. Next-Generation Microfluidics for Biomedical Research and Healthcare Applications. Biomed Eng Comput Biol 2023; 14:11795972231214387. [PMID: 38033395 PMCID: PMC10683381 DOI: 10.1177/11795972231214387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic systems offer versatile biomedical tools and methods to enhance human convenience and health. Advances in these systems enables next-generation microfluidics that integrates automation, manipulation, and smart readout systems, as well as design and three-dimensional (3D) printing for precise production of microchannels and other microstructures rapidly and with great flexibility. These 3D-printed microfluidic platforms not only control the complex fluid behavior for various biomedical applications, but also serve as microconduits for building 3D tissue constructs-an integral component of advanced drug development, toxicity assessment, and accurate disease modeling. Furthermore, the integration of other emerging technologies, such as advanced microscopy and robotics, enables the spatiotemporal manipulation and high-throughput screening of cell physiology within precisely controlled microenvironments. Notably, the portability and high precision automation capabilities in these integrated systems facilitate rapid experimentation and data acquisition to help deepen our understanding of complex biological systems and their behaviors. While certain challenges, including material compatibility, scaling, and standardization still exist, the integration with artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart materials, and miniaturization holds tremendous promise in reshaping traditional microfluidic approaches. This transformative potential, when integrated with advanced technologies, has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare applications, ultimately benefiting human health. This review highlights the advances in the field and emphasizes the critical role of the next generation microfluidic systems in advancing biomedical research, point-of-care diagnostics, and healthcare systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dima Samer Ali
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad A Qasaimeh
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stephenson A, Lastra L, Nguyen B, Chen YJ, Nivala J, Ceze L, Strauss K. Physical Laboratory Automation in Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3156-3169. [PMID: 37935025 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00345] [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: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic Biology has overcome many of the early challenges facing the field and is entering a systems era characterized by adoption of Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) approaches. The need for automation and standardization to enable reproducible, scalable, and translatable research has become increasingly accepted in recent years, and many of the hardware and software tools needed to address these challenges are now in place or under development. However, the lack of connectivity between DBTL modules and barriers to access and adoption remain significant challenges to realizing the full potential of lab automation. In this review, we characterize and classify the state of automation in synthetic biology with a focus on the physical automation of experimental workflows. Though fully autonomous scientific discovery is likely a long way off, impressive progress has been made toward automating critical elements of experimentation by combining intelligent hardware and software tools. It is worth questioning whether total automation that removes humans entirely from the loop should be the ultimate goal, and considerations for appropriate automation versus total automation are discussed in this light while emphasizing areas where further development is needed in both contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Stephenson
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Lauren Lastra
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Bichlien Nguyen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Yuan-Jyue Chen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Jeff Nivala
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Luis Ceze
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Karin Strauss
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sciorio R, Rinaudo P. Culture conditions in the IVF laboratory: state of the ART and possible new directions. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2591-2607. [PMID: 37725178 PMCID: PMC10643723 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02934-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last four decades, the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field has witnessed advances, resulting in improving pregnancy rates and diminishing complications, in particular reduced incidence of multiple births. These improvements are secondary to advanced knowledge on embryonic physiology and metabolism, resulting in the ability to design new and improved culture conditions. Indeed, the incubator represents only a surrogate of the oviduct and uterus, and the culture conditions are only imitating the physiological environment of the female reproductive tract. In vivo, the embryo travels through a dynamic and changing environment from the oviduct to the uterus, while in vitro, the embryo is cultured in a static fashion. Importantly, while culture media play a critical role in optimising embryo development, a large host of additional factors are equally important. Additional potential variables, including but not limited to pH, temperature, osmolality, gas concentrations and light exposure need to be carefully controlled to prevent stress and permit optimal implantation potential. This manuscript will provide an overview of how different current culture conditions may affect oocyte and embryo viability with particular focus on human literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, CHUV-Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nosrati H, Nosrati M. Artificial Intelligence in Regenerative Medicine: Applications and Implications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:442. [PMID: 37754193 PMCID: PMC10526210 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8050442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of regenerative medicine is constantly advancing and aims to repair, regenerate, or substitute impaired or unhealthy tissues and organs using cutting-edge approaches such as stem cell-based therapies, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. Nevertheless, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has opened new doors for research in this field. AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence in ways such as learning the patterns in the data and applying that to the new data without being explicitly programmed. AI has the potential to improve and accelerate various aspects of regenerative medicine research and development, particularly, although not exclusively, when complex patterns are involved. This review paper provides an overview of AI in the context of regenerative medicine, discusses its potential applications with a focus on personalized medicine, and highlights the challenges and opportunities in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Masoud Nosrati
- Department of Computer Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Suarez GD, Bayer S, Tang YYK, Suarez DA, Cheung PPH, Nagl S. Rapid microfluidics prototyping through variotherm desktop injection molding for multiplex diagnostics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3850-3861. [PMID: 37534874 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00391d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate an inexpensive method of prototyping microfluidics using a desktop injection molding machine. A centrifugal microfluidic device with a novel central filling mechanism was developed to demonstrate the technique. We overcame the limitations of desktop machines in replicating microfluidic features by variotherm heating and cooling the mold between 50 °C and 110 °C within two minutes. Variotherm heating enabled good replication of microfeatures, with a coefficient of variation averaging only 3.6% attained for the measured widths of 100 μm wide molded channels. Using this methodology, we produced functional polystyrene centrifugal microfluidic chips, capable of aliquoting fluids into 5.0 μL reaction chambers with 97.5% accuracy. We performed allele-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (AS-LAMP) reactions for genotyping CYP2C19 alleles on these chips. Readouts were generated using optical pH sensors integrated onto chips, by drop-casting sensor precursor solutions into reaction chambers before final chip assembly. Positive reactions could be discerned by decreases in pH sensor fluorescence, thresholded against negative control reactions lacking the primers for nucleic acid amplification and with time-to-results averaging 38 minutes. Variotherm desktop injection molding can enable researchers to prototype microfluidic devices more cost-effectively, in an iterative fashion, due to reduced costs of smaller, in-house molds. Designs prototyped this way can be directly translated to mass production, enhancing their commercialization potential and positive impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco D Suarez
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Steevanson Bayer
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Yuki Yu Kiu Tang
- Quommni Technologies Limited, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | | | - Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Stefan Nagl
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yuan L, Straub H, Shishaeva L, Ren Q. Microfluidics for Biofilm Studies. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2023; 16:139-159. [PMID: 37314876 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-091522-103827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are multicellular communities held together by a self-produced extracellular matrix and exhibit a set of properties that distinguish them from free-living bacteria. Biofilms are exposed to a variety of mechanical and chemical cues resulting from fluid motion and mass transport. Microfluidics provides the precise control of hydrodynamic and physicochemical microenvironments to study biofilms in general. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made in microfluidics-based biofilm research, including understanding the mechanism of bacterial adhesion and biofilm development, assessment of antifouling and antimicrobial properties, development of advanced in vitro infection models, and advancement in methods to characterize biofilms. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future direction of microfluidics-assisted biofilm research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yuan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China;
| | - Hervé Straub
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Liubov Shishaeva
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Qun Ren
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ran J, Wang X, Liu Y, Yin S, Li S, Zhang L. Microreactor-based micro/nanomaterials: fabrication, advances, and outlook. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023. [PMID: 37139613 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00329a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomaterials are widely used in optoelectronics, environmental materials, bioimaging, agricultural industries, and drug delivery owing to their marvelous features, such as quantum tunneling, size, surface and boundary, and Coulomb blockade effects. Recently, microreactor technology has opened up broad prospects for green and sustainable chemical synthesis as a powerful tool for process intensification and microscale manipulation. This review focuses on recent progress in the microreactor synthesis of micro/nanomaterials. First, the fabrication and design principles of existing microreactors for producing micro/nanomaterials are summarized and classified. Afterwards, typical examples are shown to demonstrate the fabrication of micro/nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, inorganic nonmetallic nanoparticles, organic nanoparticles, Janus particles, and MOFs. Finally, the future research prospects and key issues of microreactor-based micro/nanomaterials are discussed. In short, microreactors provide new ideas and methods for the synthesis of micro/nanomaterials, which have huge potential and inestimable possibilities in large-scale production and scientific research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ran
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Xuxu Wang
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanhong Liu
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Shaohua Yin
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Shiwei Li
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Libo Zhang
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China
- Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Point-of-care diagnostics for sepsis using clinical biomarkers and microfluidic technology. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 227:115181. [PMID: 36867959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening immune response which is caused by a wide variety of sources and is a leading cause of mortality globally. Rapid diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are critical for successful patient outcomes; however, current molecular diagnostic techniques are time-consuming, costly and require trained personnel. Additionally, there is a lack of rapid point-of-care (POC) devices available for sepsis detection despite the urgent requirements in emergency departments and low-resource areas. Recent advances have been made toward developing a POC test for early sepsis detection that will be more rapid and accurate compared to conventional techniques. Within this context, this review discusses the use of current and novel biomarkers for early sepsis diagnosis using microfluidics devices for POC testing.
Collapse
|
23
|
Thwala LN, Ndlovu SC, Mpofu KT, Lugongolo MY, Mthunzi-Kufa P. Nanotechnology-Based Diagnostics for Diseases Prevalent in Developing Countries: Current Advances in Point-of-Care Tests. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1247. [PMID: 37049340 PMCID: PMC10096522 DOI: 10.3390/nano13071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of point-of-care testing (POCT) has revolutionized medical testing by allowing for simple tests to be conducted near the patient's care point, rather than being confined to a medical laboratory. This has been especially beneficial for developing countries with limited infrastructure, where testing often involves sending specimens off-site and waiting for hours or days for results. However, the development of POCT devices has been challenging, with simplicity, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness being key factors in making these tests feasible. Nanotechnology has played a crucial role in achieving this goal, by not only making the tests possible but also masking their complexity. In this article, recent developments in POCT devices that benefit from nanotechnology are discussed. Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies are highlighted as major drivers of point-of-care testing, particularly in infectious disease diagnosis. These technologies enable various bioassays to be used at the point of care. The article also addresses the challenges faced by these technological advances and interesting future trends. The benefits of point-of-care testing are significant, especially in developing countries where medical care is shifting towards prevention, early detection, and managing chronic conditions. Infectious disease tests at the point of care in low-income countries can lead to prompt treatment, preventing infections from spreading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lungile Nomcebo Thwala
- National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Sphumelele Colin Ndlovu
- National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Kelvin Tafadzwa Mpofu
- National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Masixole Yvonne Lugongolo
- National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Patience Mthunzi-Kufa
- National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University Road, Westville, Durban 3630, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Saikia A, Newar R, Das S, Singh A, Deuri DJ, Baruah A. Scopes and Challenges of Microfluidic Technology for Nanoparticle Synthesis, Photocatalysis and Sensor Applications: A Comprehensive Review. Chem Eng Res Des 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
|
25
|
Kashaninejad N, Nguyen NT. Microfluidic solutions for biofluids handling in on-skin wearable systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:913-937. [PMID: 36628970 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00993e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-skin wearable systems for biofluid sampling and biomarker sensing can revolutionize the current practices in healthcare monitoring and personalized medicine. However, there is still a long path toward complete market adoption and acceptance of this fascinating technology. Accordingly, microfluidic science and technology can provide excellent solutions for bridging the gap between basic research and clinical research. The research gap has led to the emerging field of epidermal microfluidics. Moreover, recent advances in the fabrication of highly flexible and stretchable microfluidic systems have revived the concept of micro elastofluidics, which can provide viable solutions for on-skin wearable biofluid handling. In this context, this review highlights the current state-of-the-art platforms in this field and discusses the potential technologies that can be used for on-skin wearable devices. Toward this aim, we first compare various microfluidic platforms that could be used for on-skin wearable devices. These platforms include semiconductor-based, polymer-based, liquid metal-based, paper-based, and textile-based microfluidics. Next, we discuss how these platforms can enhance the stretchability of on-skin wearable biosensors at the device level. Next, potential microfluidic solutions for collecting, transporting, and controlling the biofluids are discussed. The application of finger-powered micropumps as a viable solution for precise and on-demand biofluid pumping is highlighted. Finally, we present the future directions of this field by emphasizing the applications of droplet-based microfluidics, stretchable continuous-flow micro elastofluidics, stretchable superhydrophobic surfaces, liquid beads as a form of digital micro elastofluidics, and topological liquid diodes that received less attention but have enormous potential to be integrated into on-skin wearable devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navid Kashaninejad
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Turiello R, Nouwairi RL, Landers JP. Taking the microfluidic approach to nucleic acid analysis in forensics: Review and perspectives. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102824. [PMID: 36592574 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories are universally acknowledged as being overburdened, underfunded, and in need of improved analytical methods to expedite investigations, decrease the costs associated with nucleic acid (NA) analysis, and perform human identification (HID) at the point of need (e.g., crime scene, booking station, etc.). In response, numerous research and development (R&D) efforts have resulted in microfluidic tools that automate portions of the forensic genetic workflow, including DNA extraction, amplification, and short tandem repeat (STR) typing. By the early 2000 s, reports from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) anticipated that microfluidic 'swab-in-profile-out' systems would be available for use at the crime scene by 2015 and the FBI's 2010 'Rapid DNA' Initiative, approved by Congress in 2017, directed this effort by guiding the development and implementation of maturing systems. At present, few fully-automated microfluidic DNA technologies are commercially available for forensic HID and their adoption by agencies interested in identification has been limited. In practice, the integration of complex laboratory processes to produce one autonomous unit, along with the highly variable nature of forensic input samples, resulted in systems that are more expensive per sample and not comparable to gold-standard identification methods in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility, and multiplex capability. This Review and Perspective provides insight into the contributing factors to this outcome; namely, we focus on the complications associated with the tremendous undertaking that is developing a sample-in-answer-out platform for HID. For context, we also describe the intricate forensic landscape that contributes to a nuanced marketplace, not easily distilled down to cases of simple supply and demand. Moving forward and considering the trade-offs associated with developing methods to compete, sometimes directly, with conventional ones, we recommend a focus shift for microfluidics developers toward the creation of innovative solutions for emerging applications in the field to increase the bandwidth of the forensic investigative toolkit. Likewise, we urge case working personnel to reframe how they conceptualize the currently available Rapid DNA tools; rather than comparing these microfluidic methods to gold-standard procedures, take advantage of their rapid and integrated modes for those situations requiring expedited identifications in an informed manner.
Collapse
|
27
|
Tsiamis A, Buchoux A, Mahon ST, Walton AJ, Smith S, Clarke DJ, Stokes AA. Design and Fabrication of a Fully-Integrated, Miniaturised Fluidic System for the Analysis of Enzyme Kinetics. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:537. [PMID: 36984943 PMCID: PMC10051508 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The lab-on-a-chip concept, enabled by microfluidic technology, promises the integration of multiple discrete laboratory techniques into a miniaturised system. Research into microfluidics has generally focused on the development of individual elements of the total system (often with relatively limited functionality), without full consideration for integration into a complete fully optimised and miniaturised system. Typically, the operation of many of the reported lab-on-a-chip devices is dependent on the support of a laboratory framework. In this paper, a demonstrator platform for routine laboratory analysis is designed and built, which fully integrates a number of technologies into a single device with multiple domains such as fluidics, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and photonics. This facilitates the delivery of breakthroughs in research, by incorporating all physical requirements into a single device. To highlight this proposed approach, this demonstrator microsystem acts as a fully integrated biochemical assay reaction system. The resulting design determines enzyme kinetics in an automated process and combines reservoirs, three-dimensional fluidic channels, optical sensing, and electronics in a low-cost, low-power and portable package.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Tsiamis
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Anthony Buchoux
- School of Engineering, Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3LJ, UK
| | - Stephen T. Mahon
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Anthony J. Walton
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Stewart Smith
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bio-Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - David J. Clarke
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - Adam A. Stokes
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sønstevold L, Czerkies M, Escobedo-Cousin E, Blonski S, Vereshchagina E. Application of Polymethylpentene, an Oxygen Permeable Thermoplastic, for Long-Term on-a-Chip Cell Culture and Organ-on-a-Chip Devices. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:532. [PMID: 36984939 PMCID: PMC10053898 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The applicability of a gas-permeable, thermoplastic material polymethylpentene (PMP) was investigated, experimentally and analytically, for organ-on-a-chip (OoC) and long-term on-a-chip cell cultivation applications. Using a sealed culture chamber device fitted with oxygen sensors, we tested and compared PMP to commonly used glass and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). We show that PMP and PDMS have comparable performance for oxygen supply during 4 days culture of epithelial (A549) cells with oxygen concentration stabilizing at 16%, compared with glass control where it decreases to 3%. For the first time, transmission light images of cells growing on PMP were obtained, demonstrating that the optical properties of PMP are suitable for non-fluorescent, live cell imaging. Following the combined transmission light imaging and calcein-AM staining, cell adherence, proliferation, morphology, and viability of A549 cells were shown to be similar on PMP and glass coated with poly-L-lysine. In contrast to PDMS, we demonstrate that a film of PMP as thin as 0.125 mm is compatible with high-resolution confocal microscopy due to its excellent optical properties and mechanical stiffness. PMP was also found to be fully compatible with device sterilization, cell fixation, cell permeabilization and fluorescent staining. We envision this material to extend the range of possible microfluidic applications beyond the current state-of-the-art, due to its beneficial physical properties and suitability for prototyping by different methods. The integrated device and measurement methodology demonstrated in this work are transferrable to other cell-based studies and life-sciences applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sønstevold
- SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Maciej Czerkies
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Enrique Escobedo-Cousin
- SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Slawomir Blonski
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elizaveta Vereshchagina
- SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Delshadi S, Fratzl M, Ramel O, Bigotte P, Kauffmann P, Kirk D, Masse V, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Pelloux H, Bruckert F, Charrat C, Cugat O, Dempsey NM, Devillers T, Halfon P, Leroy A, Weidenhaupt M, Marche PN. Magnetically localized and wash-free fluorescence immunoassay (MLFIA): proof of concept and clinical applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:645-658. [PMID: 36723037 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00926a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunoassays are used for many applications in various markets, from clinical diagnostics to the food industry, generally relying on gold-standard ELISAs that are sensitive, robust, and cheap but also time-consuming and labour intensive. As an alternative, we propose here the magnetically localized and wash-free fluorescence immunoassay (MLFIA): a no-wash assay to directly measure a biomolecule concentration, without mixing nor washing steps. To do so, a fluorescence no-wash measurement is performed to generate a detectable signal. It consists of a differential measurement between the fluorescence of fluorophores bound to magnetic nanoparticles specifically captured by micro-magnets against the residual background fluorescence of unbound fluorophores. Targeted biomolecules (antibodies or antigens) are locally concentrated on micro-magnet lines, with the number of captured biomolecules quantitatively measured without any washing step. The performance of the MLFIA platform is assessed and its use is demonstrated with several biological models as well as clinical blood samples for HIV, HCV and HBV detection, with benchmarking to standard analyzers of healthcare laboratories. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time the versatility of the innovative MLFIA platform. We highlighted promising performances with the successful quantitative detection of various targets (antigens and antibodies), in different biological samples (serum and plasma), for different clinical tests (HCV, HBV, HIV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Delshadi
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, G2Elab, 21 Av. des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - M Fratzl
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, G2Elab, 21 Av. des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, 25 Av. des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - O Ramel
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
| | - P Bigotte
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
| | - P Kauffmann
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
| | - D Kirk
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
| | - V Masse
- MagIA diagnostics, 15 rue Maréchal Leclerc, 38130 Échirolles, France.
| | - M P Brenier-Pinchart
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - H Fricker-Hidalgo
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - H Pelloux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - F Bruckert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LMGP, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - C Charrat
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - O Cugat
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, G2Elab, 21 Av. des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - N M Dempsey
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, 25 Av. des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - T Devillers
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, 25 Av. des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - P Halfon
- Hopital Europeen, Laboratoire Alphabio-Biogroup, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - A Leroy
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - M Weidenhaupt
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LMGP, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - P N Marche
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cao J, Chen X, Huo X. Numerical simulation and optimized design of rhombic micromixers. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s43153-022-00275-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
31
|
Skaltsounis P, Kokkoris G, Papaioannou TG, Tserepi A. Closed-Loop Microreactor on PCB for Ultra-Fast DNA Amplification: Design and Thermal Validation. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:172. [PMID: 36677232 PMCID: PMC9860919 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most common method used for nucleic acid (DNA) amplification. The development of PCR-performing microfluidic reactors (μPCRs) has been of major importance, due to their crucial role in pathogen detection applications in medical diagnostics. Closed loop (CL) is an advantageous type of μPCR, which uses a circular microchannel, thus allowing the DNA sample to pass consecutively through the different temperature zones, in order to accomplish a PCR cycle. CL μPCR offers the main advantages of the traditional continuous-flow μPCR, eliminating at the same time most of the disadvantages associated with the long serpentine microchannel. In this work, the performance of three different CL μPCRs designed for fabrication on a printed circuit board (PCB) was evaluated by a computational study in terms of the residence time in each thermal zone. A 3D heat transfer model was used to calculate the temperature distribution in the microreactor, and the residence times were extracted by this distribution. The results of the computational study suggest that for the best-performing microreactor design, a PCR of 30 cycles can be achieved in less than 3 min. Subsequently, a PCB chip was fabricated based on the design that performed best in the computational study. PCB constitutes a great substrate as it allows for integrated microheaters inside the chip, permitting at the same time low-cost, reliable, reproducible, and mass-amenable fabrication. The fabricated chip, which, at the time of this writing, is the first CL μPCR chip fabricated on a PCB, was tested by measuring the temperatures on its surface with a thermal camera. These results were then compared with the ones of the computational study, in order to evaluate the reliability of the latter. The comparison of the calculated temperatures with the measured values verifies the accuracy of the developed model of the microreactor. As a result of that, a total power consumption of 1.521 W was experimentally measured, only ~7.3% larger than the one calculated (1.417 W). Full validation of the realized CL μPCR chip will be demonstrated in future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skaltsounis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kokkoris
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Theodoros G. Papaioannou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Tserepi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Philpott DN, Chen K, Atwal RS, Li D, Christie J, Sargent EH, Kelley SO. Ultrathroughput immunomagnetic cell sorting platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4822-4830. [PMID: 36382608 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00798c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput phenotypic cell sorting is critical to the development of cell-based therapies and cell screening discovery platforms. However, current cytometry platforms are limited by throughput, number of fractionated populations that can be isolated, cell viability, and cost. We present an ultrathroughput microfluidic cell sorter capable of processing hundreds of millions of live cells per hour per device based on protein expression. This device, a next-generation microfluidic cell sorter (NG-MICS), combines multiple technologies, including 3D printing, reversible clamp sealing, and superhydrophobic treatments to create a reusable and user-friendly platform ready for deployment. The utility of such a platform is demonstrated through the rapid isolation of mature natural killer cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, for use in CAR-NK therapies at clinically-relevant scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David N Philpott
- Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kangfu Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randy S Atwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Derek Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Christie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward H Sargent
- Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Shana O Kelley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Goel S, Amreen K. Laser induced graphanized microfluidic devices. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:061505. [PMID: 36483020 PMCID: PMC9726225 DOI: 10.1063/5.0111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of cyber-physical system-based automation and intelligence, the development of flexible and wearable devices has dramatically enhanced. Evidently, this has led to the thrust to realize standalone and sufficiently-self-powered miniaturized devices for a variety of sensing and monitoring applications. To this end, a range of aspects needs to be carefully and synergistically optimized. These include the choice of material, micro-reservoir to suitably place the analytes, integrable electrodes, detection mechanism, microprocessor/microcontroller architecture, signal-processing, software, etc. In this context, several researchers are working toward developing novel flexible devices having a micro-reservoir, both in flow-through and stationary phases, integrated with graphanized zones created by simple benchtop lasers. Various substrates, like different kinds of cloths, papers, and polymers, have been harnessed to develop laser-ablated graphene regions along with a micro-reservoir to aptly place various analytes to be sensed/monitored. Likewise, similar substrates have been utilized for energy harvesting by fuel cell or solar routes and supercapacitor-based energy storage. Overall, realization of a prototype is envisioned by integrating various sub-systems, including sensory, energy harvesting, energy storage, and IoT sub-systems, on a single mini-platform. In this work, the diversified work toward developing such prototypes will be showcased and current and future commercialization potential will be projected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanket Goel
- MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Khairunnisa Amreen
- MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kawakita S, Mandal K, Mou L, Mecwan MM, Zhu Y, Li S, Sharma S, Hernandez AL, Nguyen HT, Maity S, de Barros NR, Nakayama A, Bandaru P, Ahadian S, Kim HJ, Herculano RD, Holler E, Jucaud V, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Organ-On-A-Chip Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201401. [PMID: 35978444 PMCID: PMC9529899 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The human brain and central nervous system (CNS) present unique challenges in drug development for neurological diseases. One major obstacle is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which hampers the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules into the brain while protecting it from blood-born neurotoxic substances and maintaining CNS homeostasis. For BBB research, traditional in vitro models rely upon Petri dishes or Transwell systems. However, these static models lack essential microenvironmental factors such as shear stress and proper cell-cell interactions. To this end, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has emerged as a new in vitro modeling approach to better recapitulate the highly dynamic in vivo human brain microenvironment so-called the neural vascular unit (NVU). Such BBB-on-a-chip models have made substantial progress over the last decade, and concurrently there has been increasing interest in modeling various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease using OoC technology. In addition, with recent advances in other scientific technologies, several new opportunities to improve the BBB-on-a-chip platform via multidisciplinary approaches are available. In this review, an overview of the NVU and OoC technology is provided, recent progress and applications of BBB-on-a-chip for personalized medicine and drug discovery are discussed, and current challenges and future directions are delineated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Lei Mou
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, P. R. China
| | | | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Shaopei Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Aya Nakayama
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Praveen Bandaru
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
- Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, SP, 14801-902, Brazil
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lai X, Yang M, Wu H, Li D. Modular Microfluidics: Current Status and Future Prospects. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1363. [PMID: 36014285 PMCID: PMC9414757 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This review mainly studies the development status, limitations, and future directions of modular microfluidic systems. Microfluidic technology is an important tool platform for scientific research and plays an important role in various fields. With the continuous development of microfluidic applications, conventional monolithic microfluidic chips show more and more limitations. A modular microfluidic system is a system composed of interconnected, independent modular microfluidic chips, which are easy to use, highly customizable, and on-site deployable. In this paper, the current forms of modular microfluidic systems are classified and studied. The popular fabrication techniques for modular blocks, the major application scenarios of modular microfluidics, and the limitations of modular techniques are also discussed. Lastly, this review provides prospects for the future direction of modular microfluidic technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Lai
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Mingpeng Yang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yu Y, Wen H, Li S, Cao H, Li X, Ma Z, She X, Zhou L, Huang S. Emerging microfluidic technologies for microbiome research. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:906979. [PMID: 36051769 PMCID: PMC9424851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.906979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the microbiome is increasingly prominent. For example, the human microbiome has been proven to be strongly associated with health conditions, while the environmental microbiome is recognized to have a profound influence on agriculture and even the global climate. Furthermore, the microbiome can serve as a fascinating reservoir of genes that encode tremendously valuable compounds for industrial and medical applications. In the past decades, various technologies have been developed to better understand and exploit the microbiome. In particular, microfluidics has demonstrated its strength and prominence in the microbiome research. By taking advantage of microfluidic technologies, inherited shortcomings of traditional methods such as low throughput, labor-consuming, and high-cost are being compensated or bypassed. In this review, we will summarize a broad spectrum of microfluidic technologies that have addressed various needs in the field of microbiome research, as well as the achievements that were enabled by the microfluidics (or technological advances). Finally, how microfluidics overcomes the limitations of conventional methods by technology integration will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sihong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haojie Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyi She
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuqiang Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqiang Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sarabi MR, Yigci D, Alseed MM, Mathyk BA, Ata B, Halicigil C, Tasoglu S. Disposable Paper-Based Microfluidics for Fertility Testing. iScience 2022; 25:104986. [PMID: 36105592 PMCID: PMC9465368 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifteen percent of couples of reproductive age suffer from infertility globally and the burden of infertility disproportionately impacts residents of developing countries. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have been successful in overcoming various reasons for infertility including borderline and severe male factor infertility which consists of 20%–30% of all infertile cases. Approximately half of male infertility cases stem from suboptimal sperm parameters. Therefore, healthy/normal sperm enrichment and sorting remains crucial in advancing reproductive medicine. Microfluidic technologies have emerged as promising tools to develop in-home rapid fertility tests and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools. Here, we review advancements in fabrication methods for paper-based microfluidic devices and their emerging fertility testing applications assessing sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm DNA analysis, and other sperm functionalities, and provide a glimpse into future directions for paper-based fertility microfluidic systems. Paper-based technologies are emerging to develop in-home rapid fertility tests Fabrication methods for paper-based microfluidic devices are presented Emerging disposable paper-based fertility testing applications are reviewed
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Defne Yigci
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
| | - M. Munzer Alseed
- Boğaziçi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34684
| | - Begum Aydogan Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HCA Healthcare, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine GME, Brandon Regional Hospital, Florida 33511, USA
| | - Baris Ata
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 337-1500
| | - Cihan Halicigil
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Savas Tasoglu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
- Boğaziçi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34684
- Koç University Translational Medicine Research Center (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
- Koç University Arçelik Research Center for Creative Industries (KUAR), Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
- Koç University Is Bank Artificial Intelligence Lab (KUIS AI Lab), Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye 34450
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kanjwal MA, Ghaferi AA. Advanced Waveguide Based LOC Biosensors: A Minireview. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:5443. [PMID: 35891123 PMCID: PMC9323137 DOI: 10.3390/s22145443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This mini review features contemporary advances in mid-infrared (MIR) thin-film waveguide technology and on-chip photonics, promoting high-performance biosensing platforms. Supported by recent developments in MIR thin-film waveguides, it is expected that label-free assimilated MIR sensing platforms will soon supplement the current sensing technologies for biomedical diagnostics. The state-of-the-art shows that various types of waveguide material can be utilized for waveguide spectroscopic measurements in MIR. However, there are challenges to integrating these waveguide platforms with microfluidic/Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices, due to poor light-material interactions. Graphene and its analogs have found many applications in microfluidic-based LOC devices, to address to this issue. Graphene-based materials possess a high conductivity, a large surface-to-volume ratio, a smaller and tunable bandgap, and allow easier sample loading; which is essential for acquiring precise electrochemical information. This work discusses advanced waveguide materials, their advantages, and disease diagnostics with MIR thin-film based waveguides. The incorporation of graphene into waveguides improves the light-graphene interaction, and photonic devices greatly benefit from graphene's strong field-controlled optical response.
Collapse
|
39
|
Yonet-Tanyeri N, Amer M, Balmert SC, Korkmaz E, Falo LD, Little SR. Microfluidic Systems For Manufacturing of Microparticle-Based Drug-Delivery Systems: Design, Construction, and Operation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2864-2877. [PMID: 35674145 PMCID: PMC10368402 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Particles synthesized from biodegradable polymers hold great potential as controlled drug delivery systems. Continuous flow platforms based on microfluidics offer attractive advantages over conventional batch-emulsification techniques for the scalable fabrication of drug-loaded particles with controlled physicochemical properties. However, widespread utilization of microfluidic technologies for the manufacturing of drug-loaded particles has been hindered largely by the lack of practical guidelines toward cost-effective development and reliable operation of microfluidic systems. Here, we present a framework for rational design and construction of microfluidic systems using commercially available components for high-throughput production of uniform biodegradable particles encapsulating drugs. We also demonstrate successful implementation of this framework to devise a robust microfluidic system that is capable of producing drug-carrying particles with desired characteristics. The guidelines provided in this study will likely help broaden the applicability of microfluidic technologies for the synthesis of high-quality, drug-loaded biodegradable particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Yonet-Tanyeri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 940 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Maher Amer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 940 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Huang X, Wang P, Liu J, Xu F, Liu C, Xu Z, Hou Z, Ye F. Patterning High-Resolution Microstructures on Thermoplastics by Ceramic Nanoparticles Filled Epoxy Coated Molds for Duplicating Nature-Derived Functional Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:28270-28279. [PMID: 35680478 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c04277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Patterning high-resolution microstructures on thermoplastic substrates is of fundamental importance for the commercialization of microfluidics, advanced functional surfaces, and optical elements. Though many methods are developed to fabricate micropatterned plastic devices with 100 μm resolution, they suffer substantially higher cost or lower productivity when the resolution of the micropatterns is to be further improved. Here, we develop low-cost molds consisting of thin ceramic-filled-epoxy composite coatings on steel substrates. By virtue of the loaded ZrO2 nanoparticle fillers, the enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of the composite molds enable the epoxy microstructures to survive harsh conditions in conventional thermoplastic processing methods including hot embossing, imprinting, and mold injection. With the ceramic-filled-epoxy coated molds, we are able to improve the fabrication resolution of microstructures on plastics to 10 μm with unprecedented low-cost and excellent durability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- School of Engineering, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- School of Engineering, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Fangmin Xu
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zhongbin Xu
- School of Engineering, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Ningbo Research Institute and Institute of Robotics, Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Zhanglin Hou
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zahertar S, Torun H, Sun C, Markwell C, Dong Y, Yang X, Fu Y. Flexible Platform of Acoustofluidics and Metamaterials with Decoupled Resonant Frequencies. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:4344. [PMID: 35746129 PMCID: PMC9228408 DOI: 10.3390/s22124344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The key challenge for a lab-on-chip (LOC) device is the seamless integration of key elements of biosensing and actuation (e.g., biosampling or microfluidics), which are conventionally realised using different technologies. In this paper, we report a convenient and efficient LOC platform fabricated using an electrode patterned flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) pressed onto a piezoelectric film coated substrate, which can implement multiple functions of both acoustofluidics using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and sensing functions using electromagnetic metamaterials, based on the same electrode on the FPCB. We explored the actuation capability of the integrated structure by pumping a sessile droplet using SAWs in the radio frequency range. We then investigated the hybrid sensing capability (including both physical and chemical ones) of the structure employing the concept of electromagnetic split-ring resonators (SRRs) in the microwave frequency range. The originality of this sensing work is based on the premise that the proposed structure contains three completely decoupled resonant frequencies for sensing applications and each resonance has been used as a separate physical or a chemical sensor. This feature compliments the acoustofluidic capability and is well-aligned with the goals set for a successful LOC device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Zahertar
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
- Zepler Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Hamdi Torun
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Chao Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China;
| | - Christopher Markwell
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Yinhua Dong
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin 4th Centre Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300140, China;
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK;
| | - Yongqing Fu
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sensitivity Enhancement and Probiotic Detection of Microfluidic Chips Based on Terahertz Radiation Combined with Metamaterial Technology. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13060904. [PMID: 35744518 PMCID: PMC9228199 DOI: 10.3390/mi13060904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) radiation has attracted wide attention in recent years due to its non-destructive properties and ability to sense molecular structures. In applications combining terahertz radiation with metamaterial technology, the interaction between the terahertz radiation and the metamaterials causes resonance reactions; different analytes have different resonance performances in the frequency domain. In addition, a microfluidic system is able to provide low volume reagents for detection, reduce noise from the environment, and concentrate the sample on the detection area. Through simulation, a cruciform metamaterial pattern was designed; the proportion, periodicity, and width of the metamaterial were adjusted to improve the sensing capability of the chip. In the experiments, the sensing capabilities of Type A, B, and C chips were compared. The Type C chip had the most significant resonant effect; its maximum shift could be increased to 89 GHz. In the probiotic experiment, the cruciform chip could have a 0.72 GHz shift at a concentration of 0.025 mg/50 μL, confirming that terahertz radiation combined with a metamaterial microfluidic chip can perform low-concentration detection.
Collapse
|
43
|
Filippi M, Buchner T, Yasa O, Weirich S, Katzschmann RK. Microfluidic Tissue Engineering and Bio-Actuation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108427. [PMID: 35194852 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bio-hybrid technologies aim to replicate the unique capabilities of biological systems that could surpass advanced artificial technologies. Soft bio-hybrid robots consist of synthetic and living materials and have the potential to self-assemble, regenerate, work autonomously, and interact safely with other species and the environment. Cells require a sufficient exchange of nutrients and gases, which is guaranteed by convection and diffusive transport through liquid media. The functional development and long-term survival of biological tissues in vitro can be improved by dynamic flow culture, but only microfluidic flow control can develop tissue with fine structuring and regulation at the microscale. Full control of tissue growth at the microscale will eventually lead to functional macroscale constructs, which are needed as the biological component of soft bio-hybrid technologies. This review summarizes recent progress in microfluidic techniques to engineer biological tissues, focusing on the use of muscle cells for robotic bio-actuation. Moreover, the instances in which bio-actuation technologies greatly benefit from fusion with microfluidics are highlighted, which include: the microfabrication of matrices, biomimicry of cell microenvironments, tissue maturation, perfusion, and vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Filippi
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Buchner
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Oncay Yasa
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Weirich
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Robert K Katzschmann
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Meng F, Cheng H, Qian J, Dai X, Huang Y, Fan Y. In vitro fluidic systems: Applying shear stress on endothelial cells. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2022.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
45
|
Bossink EGBM, Vollertsen AR, Loessberg-Zahl JT, van der Meer AD, Segerink LI, Odijk M. Systematic characterization of cleanroom-free fabricated macrovalves, demonstrating pumps and mixers for automated fluid handling tuned for organ-on-chip applications. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:54. [PMID: 35615464 PMCID: PMC9124669 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-022-00378-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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Integrated valves enable automated control in microfluidic systems, as they can be applied for mixing, pumping and compartmentalization purposes. Such automation would be highly valuable for applications in organ-on-chip (OoC) systems. However, OoC systems typically have channel dimensions in the range of hundreds of micrometers, which is an order of magnitude larger than those of typical microfluidic valves. The most-used fabrication process for integrated, normally open polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) valves requires a reflow photoresist that limits the achievable channel height. In addition, the low stroke volumes of these valves make it challenging to achieve flow rates of microliters per minute, which are typically required in OoC systems. Herein, we present a mechanical 'macrovalve' fabricated by multilayer soft lithography using micromilled direct molds. We demonstrate that these valves can close off rounded channels of up to 700 µm high and 1000 µm wide. Furthermore, we used these macrovalves to create a peristaltic pump with a pumping rate of up to 48 µL/min and a mixing and metering device that can achieve the complete mixing of a volume of 6.4 µL within only 17 s. An initial cell culture experiment demonstrated that a device with integrated macrovalves is biocompatible and allows the cell culture of endothelial cells over multiple days under continuous perfusion and automated medium refreshment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsbeth G. B. M. Bossink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+Institute, Technical Medical Center, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Anke R. Vollertsen
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+Institute, Technical Medical Center, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Joshua T. Loessberg-Zahl
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+Institute, Technical Medical Center, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andries D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Loes I. Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+Institute, Technical Medical Center, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Odijk
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+Institute, Technical Medical Center, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Drug testing, either on animals or on 2D cell cultures, has its limitations due to inaccurate mimicking of human pathophysiology. The liver, as one of the key organs that filters and detoxifies the blood, is susceptible to drug-induced injuries. Integrating 3D bioprinting with microfluidic chips to fabricate organ-on-chip platforms for 3D liver cell cultures with continuous perfusion can offer a more physiologically relevant liver-mimetic platform for screening drugs and studying liver function. The development of organ-on-chip platforms may ultimately contribute to personalized medicine as well as body-on-chip technology that can test drug responses and organ–organ interactions on a single or linked chip model.
Collapse
|
47
|
Detamornrat U, McAlister E, Hutton ARJ, Larrañeta E, Donnelly RF. The Role of 3D Printing Technology in Microengineering of Microneedles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106392. [PMID: 35362226 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive devices, which have gained extensive interest over the past decades in various fields including drug delivery, disease diagnosis, monitoring, and cosmetics. MN geometry and shape are key parameters that dictate performance and therapeutic efficacy, however, traditional fabrication methods, such as molding, may not be able to offer rapid design modifications. In this regard, the fabrication of MNs using 3D printing technology enables the rapid creation of complex MN prototypes with high accuracy and offers customizable MN devices with a desired shape and dimension. Moreover, 3D printing shows great potential in producing advanced transdermal drug delivery systems and medical devices by integrating MNs with a variety of technologies. This review aims to demonstrate the advantages of exploiting 3D printing technology as a new tool to microengineer MNs. Various 3D printing methods are introduced, and representative MNs manufactured by such approaches are highlighted in detail. The development of advanced MN devices is also included. Finally, clinical translation and future perspectives for the development of MNs using 3D printing are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usanee Detamornrat
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Emma McAlister
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Aaron R J Hutton
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Eneko Larrañeta
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Young KM, Shankles PG, Chen T, Ahkee K, Bules S, Sulchek T. Scaling microfluidic throughput with flow-balanced manifolds to simply control devices with multiple inlets and outlets. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:034104. [PMID: 35600502 PMCID: PMC9118023 DOI: 10.1063/5.0080510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics can bring unique functionalities to cell processing, but the small channel dimensions often limit the throughput for cell processing that prevents scaling necessary for key applications. While processing throughput can be improved by increasing cell concentration or flow rate, an excessive number or velocity of cells can result in device failure. Designing parallel channels can linearly increase the throughput by channel number, but for microfluidic devices with multiple inlets and outlets, the design of the channel architecture with parallel channels can result in intractable numbers of inlets and outlets. We demonstrate an approach to use multiple parallel channels for complex microfluidic designs that uses a second manifold layer to connect three inlets and five outlets per channel in a manner that balances flow properties through each channel. The flow balancing in the individual microfluidic channels was accomplished through a combination of analytical and finite element analysis modeling. Volumetric flow and cell flow velocity were measured in each multiplexed channel to validate these models. We demonstrate eight-channel operation of a label-free mechanical separation device that retains the accuracy of a single channel separation. Using the parallelized device and a model biomechanical cell system for sorting of cells based on their viability, we processed over 16 × 106 cells total over three replicates at a rate of 5.3 × 106 cells per hour. Thus, parallelization of complex microfluidics with a flow-balanced manifold system can enable higher throughput processing with the same number of inlet and outlet channels to control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Young
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0535, USA
| | - Peter G. Shankles
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0405, USA
| | - Theresa Chen
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0405, USA
| | - Kelly Ahkee
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0535, USA
| | - Sydney Bules
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0535, USA
| | - Todd Sulchek
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Phone: (404) 385-1887
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Recent advances for cancer detection and treatment by microfluidic technology, review and update. Biol Proced Online 2022; 24:5. [PMID: 35484481 PMCID: PMC9052508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-022-00166-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous cancer-associated deaths are owing to a lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Microfluidic systems for analyzing a low volume of samples offer a precise, quick, and user-friendly technique for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic devices can detect many cancer-diagnostic factors from biological fluids and also generate appropriate nanoparticles for drug delivery. Thus, microfluidics may be valuable in the cancer field due to its high sensitivity, high throughput, and low cost. In the present article, we aim to review recent achievements in the application of microfluidic systems for the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. Although microfluidic platforms are not yet used in the clinic, they are expected to become the main technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic systems are proving to be more sensitive and accurate for the detection of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic strategies than common assays. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip platforms have shown remarkable potential in the designing of novel procedures for cancer detection, therapy, and disease follow-up as well as the development of new drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
50
|
Amirifar L, Shamloo A, Nasiri R, de Barros NR, Wang ZZ, Unluturk BD, Libanori A, Ievglevskyi O, Diltemiz SE, Sances S, Balasingham I, Seidlits SK, Ashammakhi N. Brain-on-a-chip: Recent advances in design and techniques for microfluidic models of the brain in health and disease. Biomaterials 2022; 285:121531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|