1
|
Lomeli-Martin A, Ahamed N, Abhyankar VV, Lapizco-Encinas BH. Electropatterning-Contemporary developments for selective particle arrangements employing electrokinetics. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:884-909. [PMID: 37002779 PMCID: PMC10330388 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The selective positioning and arrangement of distinct types of multiscale particles can be used in numerous applications in microfluidics, including integrated circuits, sensors and biochips. Electrokinetic (EK) techniques offer an extensive range of options for label-free manipulation and patterning of colloidal particles by exploiting the intrinsic electrical properties of the target of interest. EK-based techniques have been widely implemented in many recent studies, and various methodologies and microfluidic device designs have been developed to achieve patterning two- and three-dimensional (3D) patterned structures. This review provides an overview of the progress in electropatterning research during the last 5 years in the microfluidics arena. This article discusses the advances in the electropatterning of colloids, droplets, synthetic particles, cells, and gels. Each subsection analyzes the manipulation of the particles of interest via EK techniques such as electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis. The conclusions summarize recent advances and provide an outlook on the future of electropatterning in various fields of application, especially those with 3D arrangements as their end goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Lomeli-Martin
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nuzhet Ahamed
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Biological Microsystems Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Blanca H. Lapizco-Encinas
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lu J, Peng W, Lv Y, Jiang Y, Xu B, Zhang W, Zhou J, Dong W, Xin F, Jiang M. Application of Cell Immobilization Technology in Microbial Cocultivation Systems for Biochemicals Production. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c01867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Wenfang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P. R. China
| | - Yang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
|
4
|
Jesús-Pérez NM, Lapizco-Encinas BH. Dielectrophoretic monitoring of microorganisms in environmental applications. Electrophoresis 2011; 32:2331-57. [PMID: 21823133 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Jesús-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Monterrey, Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, México
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu K, Kaprelyants AS, Salina EG, Schuler M, Markx GH. Construction by dielectrophoresis of microbial aggregates for the study of bacterial cell dormancy. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2010; 4:022810. [PMID: 20697590 PMCID: PMC2917868 DOI: 10.1063/1.3435336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A study of the effect of aggregate size on the resuscitation of dormant M. smegmatis was conducted by constructing cell aggregates with defined sizes and shapes using dielectrophoresis and monitoring the resuscitation process under controlled laboratorial conditions in a long-term cell feeding system. Differently sized cell aggregates were created on the surface of indium tin oxide coated microelectrodes, their heights and shapes controlled by the strength of the induced electric field and the shape of the microelectrodes. Both two-dimensional (ring-patterned) and three-dimensional cell aggregates were produced. The cell aggregates were maintained under sterile conditions at 37 degrees C for up to 14 days by continuously flushing Sauton's medium through the chamber. Resuscitation of dormant M. smegmatis was evaluated by the production of the fluorescent dye 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyltetrazolium chloride. The results confirm that the resuscitation of dormant M. smegmatis is triggered by the accumulation of a resuscitation promoting factor inside the aggregates by diffusion limitation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Yusvana R, Headon DJ, Markx GH. Creation of arrays of cell aggregates in defined patterns for developmental biology studies using dielectrophoresis. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 105:945-54. [PMID: 19953679 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is shown that dielectrophoresis--the movement of particles in non-uniform electric fields--can be used to create engineered skin with artificial placodes of different sizes and shapes, in different spatial patterns. Modeling of the electric field distribution and image analysis of the cell aggregates produced showed that the aggregation is highly predictable. The cells in the aggregates remain viable, and reorganization and compaction of the cells in the aggregates occurs when the artificial skin is subsequently cultured. The system developed could be of considerable use for the in vitro study of developmental processes where local variations in cell density and direct cell-cell contacts are important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rama Yusvana
- Microstructures and Microenvironments Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gupta S, Alargova RG, Kilpatrick PK, Velev OD. On-chip dielectrophoretic coassembly of live cells and particles into responsive biomaterials. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2010; 26:3441-52. [PMID: 19957941 DOI: 10.1021/la902989r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We report how live cells and functionalized colloidal particles can be coassembled into a variety of freely suspended bioactive structures using dielectrophoresis on a chip. Alternating electric fields were applied to dilute suspensions of yeast (S. cerevisiae) and NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cells to yield 1D chains and 2D arrays. The effects of voltage, frequency, pH, electrolyte concentration, cell concentration, and particle size on the assembly process were investigated in detail. Numerical simulations of the field intensity and energy allow the capture of the dynamics of cell-cell and cell-particle assembly. The simulation results illustrate that the electric field draws the functionalized synthetic particles between the cells and enables the formation of permanent chains and monolayer membranes composed of alternating cells and particles. The cell structures were bound into permanent structures by different types of functionalized synthetic particles and ligands that attached to the cells through biospecific or electrostatic interactions. The technique allowed the fabrication of magnetically responsive biomaterials that could be manipulated and transported into and out of the microchambers where they were formed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Gupta
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7905, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Velev OD, Gangwal S, Petsev DN. Particle-localized AC and DC manipulation and electrokinetics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1039/b803015b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
9
|
Gangwal S, Cayre OJ, Velev OD. Dielectrophoretic assembly of metallodielectric Janus particles in AC electric fields. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:13312-20. [PMID: 18973307 DOI: 10.1021/la8015222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
"Janus" particles with two hemispheres of different polarizability or charge demonstrate a multitude of interesting effects in external electric fields. We reported earlier how particles with one metallic hemisphere and one dielectric hemisphere self-propel in low-frequency alternating current (AC) electric fields. Here, we demonstrate the assembly of such Janus particles driven by AC electric fields at frequencies above 10 kHz. We investigated the relation between field-induced dielectrophoretic force, field distribution, and structure of the assemblies. The phase space for electric field intensity and frequency was explored for particle concentrations large enough to form a monolayer on a glass surface between two gold electrodes. A rich variety of metallodielectric particle structures and dynamics were uncovered, which are very different from those obtained from directed assembly of plain dielectric or plain conductive particles under the action of fields of similar frequency and intensity. The metallodielectric particles assemble into new types of chain structures, where the metallized halves of neighboring particles align into lanes along the direction of the electric field, while the dielectric halves face in alternating direction. The staggered chains may assemble in various orientations to form different types of two-dimensional metallodielectric crystals. The experimental results on the formation of staggered chains are interpreted by means of numerical simulations of the electric energy of the system. The assembly of Janus metallodielectric particles may find applications in liquid-borne microcircuits and materials with directional electric and heat transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Gangwal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Markx GH, Carney L, Littlefair M, Sebastian A, Buckle AM. Recreating the hematon: microfabrication of artificial haematopoietic stem cell microniches in vitro using dielectrophoresis. Biomed Microdevices 2008; 11:143-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-008-9219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Liu D, Yates M. Tailoring the structure of S-PEEK/PDMS proton conductive membranes through applied electric fields. J Memb Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2008.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
12
|
Sebastian A, Venkatesh AG, Markx GH. Tissue engineering with electric fields: investigation of the shape of mammalian cell aggregates formed at interdigitated oppositely castellated electrodes. Electrophoresis 2008; 28:3821-8. [PMID: 17960834 DOI: 10.1002/elps.200700019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The shape of aggregates of cells formed by positive dielectrophoresis (DEP) at interdigitated oppositely castellated electrodes under different conditions was investigated and compared with calculations of the electric field gradient |nablaE(2)|, and the electric field E, and E(2). The results confirm that at low field strength the cells predominantly accumulate above the tips of the electrodes, but at higher electric field strengths the cells predominantly accumulate in the middle of the aggregate. For a given electrode size, a higher applied voltage significantly increases the aggregate footprint. Higher flow rates distort this pattern, with more cells accumulating at the electrodes that are upstream. Calculation of the electric field strength E, E(2) and the electric field strength gradient |nablaE(2)| in the interdigitated oppositely castellated electrode array shows that, at low flow rates, there is a strong correlation between the aggregate shape and the distribution of the electric field E and E(2), but not so between the aggregate shape and |nablaE(2)|. The results indicate that interparticle forces such as pearlchain formation strongly affect the aggregation process, but that, when positive DEP is used to make the aggregates, the distribution of the electric field E, or better E(2), can be used as a useful guide to the final aggregate shape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Sebastian
- The University of Manchester, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, Manchester, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Markx GH. The use of electric fields in tissue engineering: A review. Organogenesis 2008; 4:11-7. [PMID: 19279709 PMCID: PMC2634173 DOI: 10.4161/org.5799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of electric fields for measuring cell and tissue properties has a long history. However, the exploration of the use of electric fields in tissue engineering is only very recent. A review is given of the various methods by which electric fields may be used in tissue engineering, concentrating on the assembly of artificial tissues from its component cells using electrokinetics. A comparison is made of electrokinetic techniques with other physical cell manipulation techniques which can be used in the construction of artificial tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard H Markx
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Riccarton; Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sebastian A, Buckle AM, Markx GH. Tissue engineering with electric fields: immobilization of mammalian cells in multilayer aggregates using dielectrophoresis. Biotechnol Bioeng 2007; 98:694-700. [PMID: 17385742 DOI: 10.1002/bit.21416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Positive dielectrophoresis can be used to create aggregates of animal cells with 3D architectures. It is shown that the cells, when pulled together into an aggregate by positive dielectrophoresis in a low-conductivity iso-osmotic solution, adhere to each other. The adherence of the cells to each other is non-specific and increases in time, and after 10-15 min becomes strong enough to immobilize the cells in the aggregate, enabling the ac electric field to be released, and the iso-osmotic buffer to be replaced by growth or other media. Cell viability is maintained. The new method of immobilization significantly simplifies the construction of aggregates of animal cells by dielectrophoresis, and increases the utility of dielectrophoresis in tissue engineering and related areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Sebastian
- Microstructures and Microenvironment Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, 131 Princess Street, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
A novel method of modeling multiple frequency dielectrophoresis (MFDEP) is introduced based on the concept of an effective Clausius-Mossotti factor, CM(eff), for a particle that is exposed to electrical fields of different frequencies, coming either from one or multiple pairs of electrodes. This analysis clearly illustrates how adding frequencies adds control parameters, up to two additional parameters per frequency. As a result, MFDEP can be used for a wide variety of applications, including separating particles with very similar Clausius-Mossotti spectra, trapping multiple groups of cells simultaneously, and cancelling unwanted dielectrophoretic traps. Illustrating the modeling approach, we determine the CM(eff)s for live and dead yeast cells, and then predict their equilibrium distribution on a three-electrode configuration, with two electrodes at different frequencies and the third electrode at ground. This prediction is validated experimentally, using MFDEP to selectively attract live cells to one location and dead cells to another, trapping both. These results demonstrate that the use of multiple frequencies for the manipulation of particles can enhance the performance of dielectrophoretic devices, not only for sorting, but also for such applications as patterning cells in close proximity for the formation of cell consortia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Urdaneta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abidin ZZ, Downes L, Markx GH. Large scale dielectrophoretic construction of biofilms using textile technology. Biotechnol Bioeng 2007; 96:1222-5. [PMID: 17054123 DOI: 10.1002/bit.21228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Arrays of microelectrodes for AC electrokinetic experiments were fabricated by weaving together stainless steel wires (weft) and flexible polyester yarn (warp) in a plain weave pattern. The cloth produced can be used to collect cells in low conductivity media by dielectrophoresis (DEP). The construction of model biofilms consisting of a yeast layer on top of a layer of M. luteus is demonstrated, using polyethylenimine (PEI) as the flocculating agent. This technique offers an alternative to the formation of biofilms at microelectrodes made by photolithography, and would allow the construction of biofilms with defined internal architectures by DEP at much larger scales than was possible previously. Furthermore, the flexibility of the cloth would also allow it to be distorted or folded into various shapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Z Abidin
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, P.O. Box 88, Manchester, M60 1QD, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fleury ME, Boardman KC, Swartz MA. Autologous morphogen gradients by subtle interstitial flow and matrix interactions. Biophys J 2006; 91:113-21. [PMID: 16603487 PMCID: PMC1479084 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.105.080192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell response to extracellular cues is often driven by gradients of morphogenetic and chemotactic proteins, and therefore descriptions of how such gradients arise are critical to understanding and manipulating these processes. Many of these proteins are secreted in matrix-binding form to be subsequently released proteolytically, and here we explore how this feature, along with small dynamic forces that are present in all tissues, can affect pericellular protein gradients. We demonstrate that 1), pericellular gradients of cell-secreted proteins can be greatly amplified when secreted by the cell in matrix-binding form as compared to a nonmatrix-interacting form; and 2), subtle flows can drive significant asymmetry in pericellular protein concentrations and create transcellular gradients that increase in the direction of flow. This study thus demonstrates how convection and matrix-binding, both physiological characteristics, combine to allow cells to create their own autologous chemotactic gradients that may drive, for example, tumor cells and immune cells into draining lymphatic capillaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Fleury
- Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Andrews JS, Mason VP, Thompson IP, Stephens GM, Markx GH. Construction of artificially structured microbial consortia (ASMC) using dielectrophoresis: examining bacterial interactions via metabolic intermediates within environmental biofilms. J Microbiol Methods 2005; 64:96-106. [PMID: 15927291 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2005.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Revised: 04/12/2005] [Accepted: 04/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial biofilms with defined internal architectures is described. Bacterial cells are suspended in a low conductivity medium, guided to specific areas in a microelectrode array by dielectrophoresis (DEP), and then immobilised using the flocculating agent poly(ethylenimine). Multispecies biofilms can be constructed by introducing different species at different times. The rapid construction of such biofilms with defined internal architectures provides, when combined with visual reporters of gene activity, a powerful new method for the investigation of the effects of the spatial organisation on interactions between bacterial species in biofilms. To demonstrate the utility of the technique as a method for investigating metabolic interactions in biofilms, aggregates were constructed from Acinetobacter sp. C6 and Pseudomonas putida::gfp. The Acinetobacter degrades benzyl alcohol, overproducing benzoate, which in turn is consumed by the Pseudomonas strain. The P. putida has a chromosomally expressed cassette encoding a gfp downstream of the promoter which controls degradation of benzoate, making the interaction between the two strains in the metabolism of benzyl alcohol visible by the production of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Microscopic observation of the biofilms, including the use of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), confirmed that metabolic exchange occurred. In addition, it was observed that the bacteria appear to have a preferred biofilm architecture, with P. putida in the bottom layer, and Acinetobacter at the top.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna S Andrews
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, P.O. Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mason VP, Markx GH, Thompson IP, Andrews JS, Manefield M. Colonial architecture in mixed species assemblages affects AHL mediated gene expression. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2005; 244:121-7. [PMID: 15727831 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsle.2005.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Revised: 12/22/2004] [Accepted: 01/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial species produce metabolites that accumulate in the extracellular environment and induce specific transcriptional responses in producing cells. This phenomenon, most often referred to as quorum sensing, is thought to constitute a self-cell-density sensing mechanism allowing bacterial populations to alter gene expression in response to increases in their own density. Quorum sensing systems involving N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone (AHL) production and response are the most intensively investigated example. In this study we have employed a novel technique, known as dielectrophoresis, to investigate the impact of colonial architecture on the induction of AHL mediated gene expression. Using dielectrophoresis, we constructed artificial mixed species microcolonies with specific architectures. In this way, we were able to show that approximately 1000 Escherichia coli cells layered over an immobilised cluster of approximately 500 AHL responsive cells alters the response of this cluster to AHLs supplied either exogenously or endogenously. These findings lend credence to the hypothesis that the accumulation of extracellular metabolites signifies generic crowding in mixed species assemblages.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Tissue engineering involves the creation of multicellular tissues from individual cells. It was previously perceived that tissues were only formed by higher organisms such as plants and animals. However, it is now known that multicellular systems of microorganisms, such as microbial colonies, biofilms, flocs and aggregates, can also show extensive spatial organization. Here, we discuss methods that can be used to spatially organize microorganisms--bacteria, in particular--into tissue-like materials with defined internal architectures. Some potential uses of such "microbial tissues" are covered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard H Markx
- Microstructures and Microenvironment Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, UMIST, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Alp B, Andrews JS, Mason VP, Thompson IP, Wolowacz R, Markx GH. Building structured biomaterials using AC electrokinetics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 22:91-7. [PMID: 15007996 DOI: 10.1109/memb.2003.1266052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Burçak Alp
- Microstructures and Microenvironment Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, UMIST, P.O. Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Johari J, Hübner Y, Hull JC, Dale JW, Hughes MP. Dielectrophoretic assay of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Phys Med Biol 2003; 48:N193-8. [PMID: 12894983 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/48/14/401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The dielectrophoretic collection spectra of antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis have been determined. These indicate that in the absence of antibiotic treatment there is a strong similarity between the dielectric properties of sensitive and resistant strains, and that there is a significant difference between the sensitive strains before and after treatment with the antibiotic streptomycin after 24 h exposure. This method offers possibilities for the assessment of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Johari
- School of Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Verduzco-Luque CE, Alp B, Stephens GM, Markx GH. Construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using dielectrophoresis and flocculation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2003; 83:39-44. [PMID: 12740931 DOI: 10.1002/bit.10646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A novel approach was developed for the construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using AC electrokinetics and flocculation. Artificial structured microbial consortia (ASMC) consisting of localized layered microcolonies of different cell types were formed by sequentially attracting different cell types to high field regions near microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. Stabilization of the microbial consortia on the electrode surface was achieved by crosslinking the cells using the flocculant polyethyleneimine (PEI). Consortia of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were made as model systems. Also, more natural consortia were made of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Clavibacter michiganense, and Methylobacterium mesophilum, which are found together in consortia during biodegradation of metal-cutting waste fluids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E Verduzco-Luque
- Biochemical Engineering Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, UMIST, P.O. Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yunus Z, Mason V, Verduzco-Luque CE, Markx GH. A simple method for the measurement of bacterial particle conductivities. J Microbiol Methods 2002; 51:401-6. [PMID: 12223301 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7012(02)00129-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A method was developed for the measurement of the bacterial particle conductivity, based on the measurement of the conductivity of a bacterial cell suspension sigma(s) and the suspending medium sigma(m). A line plotted through sigma(s) - sigma(m) versus sigma(m) crosses the x-axis at sigma(m) = sigma(p), independent of the bacterial cell concentration. The method does not require anything more complex than a centrifuge and a conductivity meter. Knowledge of the bacterial particle conductivity is of importance in, for example, the dielectrophoretic separation, manipulation and trapping of bacterial cells, as well as the study of their physiological state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zalini Yunus
- Department of Chemical Engineering, UMIST, PO Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Markx GH, Alp B, McGilchrist A. Electro-orientation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe in high conductivity media. J Microbiol Methods 2002; 50:55-62. [PMID: 11943358 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7012(02)00012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The orientation of microbial cells may be important in cell-cell interactions within microbial consortia. As part of our research programme aimed at the construction of Artificial Structured Microbial Consortia (ASMC), we have investigated the electro-orientation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe in AC electric fields, and studied the effects of the applied frequency, voltage, and distance between the electrodes, at different medium conductivities. It is shown that the electro-orientation of S. pombe in media with conductivities similar to that of growth media is feasible using microelectrodes. Oriented growth of S. pombe can be obtained when continuously exposed to AC electric fields in growth medium over extended periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard H Markx
- Department of Chemical Engineering, UMIST, P.O. Box 88, Manchester, M60 1QD, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|