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Naquin TD, Canning AJ, Gu Y, Chen J, Naquin CM, Xia J, Lu B, Yang S, Koroza A, Lin K, Wang HN, Jeck WR, Lee LP, Vo-Dinh T, Huang TJ. Acoustic separation and concentration of exosomes for nucleotide detection: ASCENDx. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm8597. [PMID: 38457504 PMCID: PMC10923504 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm8597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Efficient isolation and analysis of exosomal biomarkers hold transformative potential in biomedical applications. However, current methods are prone to contamination and require costly consumables, expensive equipment, and skilled personnel. Here, we introduce an innovative spaceship-like disc that allows Acoustic Separation and Concentration of Exosomes and Nucleotide Detection: ASCENDx. We created ASCENDx to use acoustically driven disc rotation on a spinning droplet to generate swift separation and concentration of exosomes from patient plasma samples. Integrated plasmonic nanostars on the ASCENDx disc enable label-free detection of enriched exosomes via surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Direct detection of circulating exosomal microRNA biomarkers from patient plasma samples by the ASCENDx platform facilitated a diagnostic assay for colorectal cancer with 95.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. ASCENDx overcomes existing limitations in exosome-based molecular diagnostics and holds a powerful position for future biomedical research, precision medicine, and point-of-care medical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty D. Naquin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Aidan J. Canning
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yuyang Gu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jianing Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chloe M. Naquin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jianping Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Brandon Lu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Aleksandra Koroza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Katherine Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hsin-Neng Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - William R. Jeck
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Luke P. Lee
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University; Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tuan Vo-Dinh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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2
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Aghaamoo M, Cardenas-Benitez B, Lee AP. A High-Throughput Microfluidic Cell Sorter Using a Three-Dimensional Coupled Hydrodynamic-Dielectrophoretic Pre-Focusing Module. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1813. [PMID: 37893250 PMCID: PMC10609158 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a powerful tool for label-free sorting of cells, even those with subtle differences in morphological and dielectric properties. Nevertheless, a major limitation is that most existing DEP techniques can efficiently sort cells only at low throughputs (<1 mL h-1). Here, we demonstrate that the integration of a three-dimensional (3D) coupled hydrodynamic-DEP cell pre-focusing module upstream of the main DEP sorting region enables cell sorting with a 10-fold increase in throughput compared to conventional DEP approaches. To better understand the key principles and requirements for high-throughput cell separation, we present a comprehensive theoretical model to study the scaling of hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces on cells at high flow rate regimes. Based on the model, we show that the critical cell-to-electrode distance needs to be ≤10 µm for efficient cell sorting in our proposed microfluidic platform, especially at flow rates ≥ 1 mL h-1. Based on those findings, a computational fluid dynamics model and particle tracking analysis were developed to find optimum operation parameters (e.g., flow rate ratios and electric fields) of the coupled hydrodynamic-DEP 3D focusing module. Using these optimum parameters, we experimentally demonstrate live/dead K562 cell sorting at rates as high as 10 mL h-1 (>150,000 cells min-1) with 90% separation purity, 85% cell recovery, and no negative impact on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aghaamoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.); (B.C.-B.)
- Center for Advanced Design & Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Braulio Cardenas-Benitez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.); (B.C.-B.)
- Center for Advanced Design & Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Abraham P. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.); (B.C.-B.)
- Center for Advanced Design & Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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3
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Giesler J, Weirauch L, Thöming J, Baune M, Pesch GR. High-throughput dielectrophoretic separator based on printed circuit boards. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:72-81. [PMID: 35968886 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The separation of particles with respect to their intrinsic properties is an ongoing task in various fields such as biotechnology and recycling of electronic waste. Especially for small particles in the lower micrometer or nanometer range, separation techniques are a field of current research since many existing approaches lack either throughput or selectivity. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a technique that can address multiple particle properties, making it a potential candidate to solve challenging separation tasks. Currently, DEP is mostly used in microfluidic separators and thus limited in throughput. Additionally, DEP setups often require expensive components, such as electrode arrays fabricated in the clean room. Here, we present and characterize a separator based on two inexpensive custom-designed printed circuit boards (80 × 120 mm board size). The boards consist of interdigitated electrode arrays with 250 μ $250\ \umu$ m electrode width and spacing. We demonstrate the separation capabilities using polystyrene particles ranging from 500 nm to 6 μ $6\ \umu$ m in monodisperse experiments. Further, we demonstrate selective trapping at flow rates up to 240 ml/h in the presented device for a binary mixture. Our experiments demonstrate an affordable way to increase throughput in electrode-based DEP separators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Giesler
- Chemical Process Engineering, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Laura Weirauch
- Chemical Process Engineering, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jorg Thöming
- Chemical Process Engineering, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael Baune
- Chemical Process Engineering, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Georg R Pesch
- Chemical Process Engineering, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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4
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Zhang J, Chen C, Becker R, Rufo J, Yang S, Mai J, Zhang P, Gu Y, Wang Z, Ma Z, Xia J, Hao N, Tian Z, Wong DT, Sadovsky Y, Lee LP, Huang TJ. A solution to the biophysical fractionation of extracellular vesicles: Acoustic Nanoscale Separation via Wave-pillar Excitation Resonance (ANSWER). SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade0640. [PMID: 36417505 PMCID: PMC9683722 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High-precision isolation of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from biofluids is essential toward developing next-generation liquid biopsies and regenerative therapies. However, current methods of sEV separation require specialized equipment and time-consuming protocols and have difficulties producing highly pure subpopulations of sEVs. Here, we present Acoustic Nanoscale Separation via Wave-pillar Excitation Resonance (ANSWER), which allows single-step, rapid (<10 min), high-purity (>96% small exosomes, >80% exomeres) fractionation of sEV subpopulations from biofluids without the need for any sample preprocessing. Particles are iteratively deflected in a size-selective manner via an excitation resonance. This previously unidentified phenomenon generates patterns of virtual, tunable, pillar-like acoustic field in a fluid using surface acoustic waves. Highly precise sEV fractionation without the need for sample preprocessing or complex nanofabrication methods has been demonstrated using ANSWER, showing potential as a powerful tool that will enable more in-depth studies into the complexity, heterogeneity, and functionality of sEV subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chuyi Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ryan Becker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Joseph Rufo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - John Mai
- Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Peiran Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yuyang Gu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Zhehan Ma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jianping Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Nanjing Hao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - David T. W. Wong
- School of Dentistry and the Departments of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Luke P. Lee
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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5
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Farasat M, Aalaei E, Kheirati Ronizi S, Bakhshi A, Mirhosseini S, Zhang J, Nguyen NT, Kashaninejad N. Signal-Based Methods in Dielectrophoresis for Cell and Particle Separation. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:510. [PMID: 35884313 PMCID: PMC9313092 DOI: 10.3390/bios12070510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Separation and detection of cells and particles in a suspension are essential for various applications, including biomedical investigations and clinical diagnostics. Microfluidics realizes the miniaturization of analytical devices by controlling the motion of a small volume of fluids in microchannels and microchambers. Accordingly, microfluidic devices have been widely used in particle/cell manipulation processes. Different microfluidic methods for particle separation include dielectrophoretic, magnetic, optical, acoustic, hydrodynamic, and chemical techniques. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a method for manipulating polarizable particles' trajectories in non-uniform electric fields using unique dielectric characteristics. It provides several advantages for dealing with neutral bioparticles owing to its sensitivity, selectivity, and noninvasive nature. This review provides a detailed study on the signal-based DEP methods that use the applied signal parameters, including frequency, amplitude, phase, and shape for cell/particle separation and manipulation. Rather than employing complex channels or time-consuming fabrication procedures, these methods realize sorting and detecting the cells/particles by modifying the signal parameters while using a relatively simple device. In addition, these methods can significantly impact clinical diagnostics by making low-cost and rapid separation possible. We conclude the review by discussing the technical and biological challenges of DEP techniques and providing future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Farasat
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Tehran University, Tehran 14399-57131, Iran; (M.F.); (A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Ehsan Aalaei
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71936-16548, Iran; (E.A.); (S.K.R.)
| | - Saeed Kheirati Ronizi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71936-16548, Iran; (E.A.); (S.K.R.)
| | - Atin Bakhshi
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Tehran University, Tehran 14399-57131, Iran; (M.F.); (A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Shaghayegh Mirhosseini
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Tehran University, Tehran 14399-57131, Iran; (M.F.); (A.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro-Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.Z.); (N.-T.N.)
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro-Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.Z.); (N.-T.N.)
| | - Navid Kashaninejad
- Queensland Micro-Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.Z.); (N.-T.N.)
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6
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Zhang Y, Murakami K, Borra VJ, Ozen MO, Demirci U, Nakamura T, Esfandiari L. A Label-Free Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Detection of Clusters of Extracellular Vesicles Based on Their Unique Dielectric Properties. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020104. [PMID: 35200364 PMCID: PMC8869858 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained considerable attention as vital circulating biomarkers since their structure and composition resemble the originating cells. The investigation of EVs' biochemical and biophysical properties is of great importance to map them to their parental cells and to better understand their functionalities. In this study, a novel frequency-dependent impedance measurement system has been developed to characterize EVs based on their unique dielectric properties. The system is composed of an insulator-based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) device to entrap and immobilize a cluster of vesicles followed by utilizing electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to measure their impedance at a wide frequency spectrum, aiming to analyze both their membrane and cytosolic charge-dependent contents. The EIS was initially utilized to detect nano-size vesicles with different biochemical compositions, including liposomes synthesized with different lipid compositions, as well as EVs and lipoproteins with similar biophysical properties but dissimilar biochemical properties. Moreover, EVs derived from the same parental cells but treated with different culture conditions were characterized to investigate the correlation of impedance changes with biochemical properties and functionality in terms of pro-inflammatory responses. The system also showed the ability to discriminate between EVs derived from different cellular origins as well as among size-sorted EVs harbored from the same cellular origin. This proof-of-concept approach is the first step towards utilizing EIS as a label-free, non-invasive, and rapid sensor for detection and characterization of pathogenic EVs and other nanovesicles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kazutoshi Murakami
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.M.); (V.J.B.); (T.N.)
| | - Vishnupriya J. Borra
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.M.); (V.J.B.); (T.N.)
| | - Mehmet Ozgun Ozen
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (M.O.O.); (U.D.)
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (M.O.O.); (U.D.)
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Takahisa Nakamura
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (K.M.); (V.J.B.); (T.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
- Department of Metabolic Bioregulation, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Leyla Esfandiari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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7
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Bordhan P, Razavi Bazaz S, Jin D, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Advances and enabling technologies for phase-specific cell cycle synchronisation. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:445-462. [PMID: 35076046 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00724f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell cycle synchronisation is the process of isolating cell populations at specific phases of the cell cycle from heterogeneous, asynchronous cell cultures. The process has important implications in targeted gene-editing and drug efficacy of cells and in studying cell cycle events and regulatory mechanisms involved in the cell cycle progression of multiple cell species. Ideally, cell cycle synchrony techniques should be applicable for all cell types, maintain synchrony across multiple cell cycle events, maintain cell viability and be robust against metabolic and physiological perturbations. In this review, we categorize cell cycle synchronisation approaches and discuss their operational principles and performance efficiencies. We highlight the advances and technological development trends from conventional methods to the more recent microfluidics-based systems. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for implementing high throughput cell synchronisation and provide future perspectives on synchronisation platforms, specifically hybrid cell synchrony modalities, to allow the highest level of phase-specific synchrony possible with minimal alterations in diverse types of cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Bordhan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Dayong Jin
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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8
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Jeon H, Lee DH, Jundi B, Pinilla-Vera M, Baron RM, Levy BD, Voldman J, Han J. Fully Automated, Sample-to-Answer Leukocyte Functional Assessment Platform for Continuous Sepsis Monitoring via Microliters of Blood. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2747-2756. [PMID: 34185513 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report a fully automated, sample-to-answer, and label-free leukocyte activation analysis platform for monitoring immune responses in sepsis, by integrating the multidimensional double spiral (MDDS) and isodielectric separation (IDS) subplatforms. The integrated platform can provide rapid and fully automated identification of clinically diagnosed sepsis patients from only 50 μL of peripheral blood volume within 25 min. Many critical innovations were implemented in direct interconnection between the two subplatforms, such as intermediate sample storage and sample transfer, addressing flow rate mismatch (from mL/min to μL/min), and integration of a ridge array for upstream cell focusing in the IDS subplatform. The ridge array in the IDS subplatform can prevent the distortion of electrical profiling due to the residual red blood cells even after the MDDS process. We showed that the integrated platform can separate leukocytes (up to >99.9% red blood cell removal) in the MDDS subplatform and automatically transfer them to the downstream ridge-integrated IDS subplatform for their activation analysis without any apparent ex vivo cell activation and any human intervention. We also demonstrated that the integrated platform can identify differences between leukocytes from human sepsis and healthy subjects significantly (p = 0.0024, 95% confidence interval) by looking into differences in the intrinsic electrical properties of leukocytes. The integrated platform could enable monitoring of host leukocyte function daily or even hourly as a bedside assessment tool, which is currently a critical yet unmet need for managing many critical care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungkook Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Bakr Jundi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Mayra Pinilla-Vera
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rebecca M. Baron
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Bruce D. Levy
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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9
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Jiang M, Wang X, Zhao X, Teng Y, Chen J, Wang J, Yue W. Classification of tumor subtypes leveraging constriction-channel based impedance flow cytometry and optical imaging. Cytometry A 2021; 99:1114-1122. [PMID: 33909347 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
As label-free biomarkers, electrical properties of single cells have been widely used for cell-type classification and cell-status evaluation. However, as intrinsic bioelectrical markers, previously reported membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic resistance (e.g., specific membrane capacitance Cspecific membrane and cytoplasmic conductivity σcytoplasm ) of tumor subtypes were derived from tens of single cells, lacking statistical significance due to low cell numbers. In this study, tumor subtypes were constructed based on phenotype (treatment with 4-methylumbelliferone) or genotype (knockdown of ROCK1) modifications and then aspirated through a constriction-channel based impedance flow cytometry to characterize single-cell Cspecific membrane and σcytoplasm . Thousands of single tumor cells with phenotype modifications were measured, resulting in significant differences in 1.64 ± 0.43 μF/cm2 vs. 1.55 ± 0.47 μF/cm2 of Cspecific membrane and 0.96 ± 0.37 S/m vs. 1.24 ± 0.47 S/m of σcytoplasm for 95C cells (792 cells of 95C-control vs. 1529 cells of 95C-pheno-mod); 2.56 ± 0.88 μF/cm2 vs. 2.33 ± 0.56 μF/cm2 of Cspecific membrane and 0.83 ± 0.18 S/m vs. 0.93 ± 0.25 S/m of σcytoplasm for H1299 cells (962 cells of H1299-control vs. 637 cells of H1299-pheno-mod). Furthermore, thousands of single tumor cells with genotype modifications were measured, resulting in significant differences in 3.82 ± 0.92 vs. 3.18 ± 0.47 μF/cm2 of Cspecific membrane and 0.47 ± 0.05 vs. 0.52 ± 0.05 S/m of σcytoplasm (1100 cells of A549-control vs. 1100 cells of A549-geno-mod). These results indicate that as intrinsic bioelectrical markers, specific membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity can be used to classify tumor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Teng
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Yue
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Kung YC, Niazi KR, Chiou PY. Tunnel dielectrophoresis for ultra-high precision size-based cell separation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1049-1060. [PMID: 33313615 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00853b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In molecular and cellular biological research, cell isolation and sorting are required for accurate investigation of cell populations of specific physical or biological characteristics. By employing unique cell properties to distinguish between heterogeneous cell populations, rapid and accurate sorting with high efficiency is possible. Dielectrophoresis-based cell manipulation has significant promise for separation of cells based on their physical properties and is used in diverse areas ranging from cellular diagnostics to therapeutic applications. In this study, we present a microfluidic device that can achieve label-free and size-based cell separation with high size differential resolution from a mono-cellular population or complex sample matrices. It was realized by using the tunnel dielectrophoresis (TDEP) technique to manipulate the spatial position of individual cells three dimensionally with high resolution. Cells were processed in high speed flows in high ionic strength buffers. A mixture of different sizes of polystyrene micro-particles with a size difference as small as 1 μm can be separated with high purity (>90%). For the first time, high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass filtering within a mono-cellular mammalian cell population were demonstrated with a tunable bandwidth as small as 3 μm. In addition, leukocyte subtype separation was demonstrated by sorting monocytes out of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood with high purity (>85%). Its ability to deliver real-time adjustable cut-off threshold size-based cell sorting and its capability to provide an arbitrary cell size pick-up band could potentially enable many research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chun Kung
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
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11
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Huang X, Torres-Castro K, Varhue W, Salahi A, Rasin A, Honrado C, Brown A, Guler J, Swami NS. Self-aligned sequential lateral field non-uniformities over channel depth for high throughput dielectrophoretic cell deflection. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:835-843. [PMID: 33532812 PMCID: PMC8019514 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01211d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) enables the separation of cells based on subtle subcellular phenotypic differences by controlling the frequency of the applied field. However, current electrode-based geometries extend over a limited depth of the sample channel, thereby reducing the throughput of the manipulated sample (sub-μL min-1 flow rates and <105 cells per mL). We present a flow through device with self-aligned sequential field non-uniformities extending laterally across the sample channel width (100 μm) that are created by metal patterned over the entire depth (50 μm) of the sample channel sidewall using a single lithography step. This enables single-cell streamlines to undergo progressive DEP deflection with minimal dependence on the cell starting position, its orientation versus the field and intercellular interactions. Phenotype-specific cell separation is validated (>μL min-1 flow and >106 cells per mL) using heterogeneous samples of healthy and glutaraldehyde-fixed red blood cells, with single-cell impedance cytometry showing that the DEP collected fractions are intact and exhibit electrical opacity differences consistent with their capacitance-based DEP crossover frequency. This geometry can address the vision of an "all electric" selective cell isolation and cytometry system for quantifying phenotypic heterogeneity of cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- XuHai Huang
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Karina Torres-Castro
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Walter Varhue
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Armita Salahi
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Ahmed Rasin
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
| | - Audrey Brown
- Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | | | - Nathan S Swami
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA. and Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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12
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High-Sensitivity in Dielectrophoresis Separations. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040391. [PMID: 32283618 PMCID: PMC7231031 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The applications of dielectrophoretic (DEP) techniques for the manipulation of cells in a label-free fashion within microfluidic systems continue to grow. However, a limited number of methods exist for making highly sensitive separations that can isolate subtle phenotypic differences within a population of cells. This paper explores efforts to leverage that most compelling aspect of DEP—an actuation force that depends on particle electrical properties—in the background of phenotypic variations in cell size. Several promising approaches, centering around the application of multiple electric fields with spatially mapped magnitude and/or frequencies, are expanding the capability of DEP cell separation.
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13
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Torres-Castro K, Honrado C, Varhue WB, Farmehini V, Swami NS. High-throughput dynamical analysis of dielectrophoretic frequency dispersion of single cells based on deflected flow streamlines. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:3847-3857. [PMID: 32128645 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic quantification of cells based on their plasma membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity, as determined by their dielectrophoretic frequency dispersion, is often used as a marker for their biological function. However, due to the prevalence of phenotypic heterogeneity in many biological systems of interest, there is a need for methods capable of determining the dielectrophoretic dispersion of single cells at high throughput and without the need for sample dilution. We present a microfluidic device methodology wherein localized constrictions in the microchannel are used to enhance the field delivered by adjoining planar electrodes, so that the dielectrophoresis level and direction on flow-focused cells can be determined on each traversing cell in a high-throughput manner based on their deflected flow streamlines. Using a sample of human red blood cells diluted to 2.25 × 108 cells/mL, the dielectrophoretic translation of single cells traversing at a flow rate of 1.68 μL/min is measured at a throughput of 1.1 × 105 cells/min, to distinguish positive versus negative dielectrophoresis and determine their crossover frequency in media of differing conductivity for validation of the computed membrane capacitance to that from prior methods. We envision application of this dynamic dielectrophoresis (Dy-DEP) method towards high-throughput measurement of the dielectric dispersion of single cells to stratify phenotypic heterogeneity of a particular sample based on their DEP crossover frequency, without the need for significant sample dilution. Grapical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Torres-Castro
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Walter B Varhue
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Vahid Farmehini
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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14
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Sivaramakrishnan M, Kothandan R, Govindarajan DK, Meganathan Y, Kandaswamy K. Active microfluidic systems for cell sorting and separation. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Abstract
Single-cell impedance cytometry is a label-free analysis technique that is now widely used to measure the electrical properties of a cell and to differentiate different subpopulations. Current techniques are limited to measuring the impedance of a single cell at one or two simultaneous frequencies. Also, there are no methods that extrapolate the intrinsic electrical properties of single cells. We demonstrate a new approach that uses multifrequency impedance measurements to determine the complete intrinsic electrical properties of thousands of single cells at high throughput. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by measuring the properties of red blood cells and red cell ghosts, deriving the unique values of conductivity and permittivity of the membrane and cytoplasm for each individual cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Spencer
- Electronics and Computer Science, and Institute of Life Sciences University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Hywel Morgan
- Electronics and Computer Science, and Institute of Life Sciences University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
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16
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Fan W, Chen X, Ge Y, Jin Y, Jin Q, Zhao J. Single-cell impedance analysis of osteogenic differentiation by droplet-based microfluidics. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 145:111730. [PMID: 31590074 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is critical to understanding its heterogeneity and biological processes, such as stem cell differentiation, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of cellular metabolism. New tools to promote intercellular variability studies help elucidate cellular regulation mechanisms. Here an impedance measurement and analysis system was built to monitor the osteogenic differentiation of single bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in droplets. The biochip including a microelectrode array was designed based on droplet microfluidics and fabricated. A novel theoretical electrical model was proposed to simulate the electrical properties of cells in the droplets. Impedance measurements showed that single cells are substantially heterogeneous during osteoblast differentiation at different stages (days 0, 7, 14 and 21) and different cell passages (passages 6, 7 and 11). This result was consistent with the appearance of two biomarkers (alkaline phosphatase and calcium nodules), which are the gold standard biomarkers of osteoblastogenesis and differentiation. The device enabled highly efficient single-cell trapping, accurate positioning, and sensitive, label-free and noninvasive impedance measurements of individual cells with multiple channels. This system provides a strategy for exploring the processes of osteoblastogenesis and differentiation at the single-cell level and has substantial potential for applications in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, 213003, China; Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Yuqing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China.
| | - Yan Jin
- College of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, 201418, China
| | - Qinghui Jin
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China.
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17
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Borberg E, Zverzhinetsky M, Krivitsky A, Kosloff A, Heifler O, Degabli G, Soroka HP, Fainaro RS, Burstein L, Reuveni S, Diamant H, Krivitsky V, Patolsky F. Light-Controlled Selective Collection-and-Release of Biomolecules by an On-Chip Nanostructured Device. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:5868-5878. [PMID: 31381354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of biosamples, e.g., blood, is a ubiquitous task of proteomics, genomics, and biosensing fields; yet, it still faces multiple challenges, one of the greatest being the selective separation and detection of target proteins from these complex biosamples. Here, we demonstrate the development of an on-chip light-triggered reusable nanostructured selective and quantitative protein separation and preconcentration platform for the direct analysis of complex biosamples. The on-chip selective separation of required protein analytes from raw biosamples is performed using antibody-photoacid-modified Si nanopillars vertical arrays (SiNPs) of ultralarge binding surface area and enormously high binding affinity, followed by the light-controlled rapid release of the tightly bound target proteins in a controlled liquid media. Two important experimental observations are presented: (1) the first demonstration on the control of biological reaction binding affinity by the nanostructuring of the capturing surface, leading to highly efficient protein collection capabilities, and (2) the light-triggered switching of the highly sticky binding surfaces into highly reflective nonbinding surfaces, leading to the rapid and quantitative release of the originally tightly bound protein species. Both of these two novel behaviors were theoretically and experimentally investigated. Importantly, this is the first demonstration of a three-dimensional (3D) SiNPs on-chip filter with ultralarge binding surface area and reversible light-controlled quantitative release of adsorbed biomolecules for direct purification of blood samples, able to selectively collect and separate specific low abundant proteins, while easily removing unwanted blood components (proteins, cells) and achieving desalting results, without the requirement of time-consuming centrifugation steps, the use of desalting membranes, or affinity columns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Borberg
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Marina Zverzhinetsky
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Adva Krivitsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978 , Israel
| | - Alon Kosloff
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Omri Heifler
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978 , Israel
| | - Gal Degabli
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Hagit Peretz Soroka
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Ronit Satchi Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978 , Israel
| | - Larisa Burstein
- The Wolfson Applied Materials Research Centre , Tel-Aviv University , Tel-Aviv 69978 , Israel
| | - Shlomi Reuveni
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Haim Diamant
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Vadim Krivitsky
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
| | - Fernando Patolsky
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978 , Israel
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18
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Kan A, Joshi NS. Towards the directed evolution of protein materials. MRS COMMUNICATIONS 2019; 9:441-455. [PMID: 31750012 PMCID: PMC6867688 DOI: 10.1557/mrc.2019.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based materials have emerged as a powerful instrument for a new generation of biological materials, with many chemical and mechanical capabilities. Through the manipulation of DNA, researchers can design proteins at the molecular level, engineering a vast array of structural building blocks. However, our capability to rationally design and predict the properties of such materials is limited by the vastness of possible sequence space. Directed evolution has emerged as a powerful tool to improve biological systems through mutation and selection, presenting another avenue to produce novel protein materials. In this prospective review, we discuss the application of directed evolution for protein materials, reviewing current examples and developments that could facilitate the evolution of protein for material applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Neel S. Joshi
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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19
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S Iliescu F, Sim WJ, Heidari H, P Poenar D, Miao J, Taylor HK, Iliescu C. Highlighting the uniqueness in dielectrophoretic enrichment of circulating tumor cells. Electrophoresis 2019; 40:1457-1477. [PMID: 30676660 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an essential role in the metastasis of tumors, and thus can serve as a valuable prognostic factor for malignant diseases. As a result, the ability to isolate and characterize CTCs is essential. This review underlines the potential of dielectrophoresis for CTCs enrichment. It begins by summarizing the key performance parameters and challenges of CTCs isolation using microfluidics. The two main categories of CTCs enrichment-affinity-based and label-free methods-are analysed, emphasising the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as their clinical potential. While the main argument in favour of affinity-based methods is the strong specificity of CTCs isolation, the major advantage of the label-free technologies is in preserving the integrity of the cellular membrane, an essential requirement for downstream characterization. Moving forward, we try to answer the main question: "What makes dielectrophoresis a method of choice in CTCs isolation?" The uniqueness of dielectrophoretic CTCs enrichment resides in coupling the specificity of the isolation process with the conservation of the membrane surface. The specificity of the dielectrophoretic method stems from the differences in the dielectric properties between CTCs and other cells in the blood: the capacitances of the malignantly transformed cellular membranes of CTCs differ from those of other cells. Examples of dielectrophoretic devices are described and their performance evaluated. Critical requirements for using dielectrophoresis to isolate CTCs are highlighted. Finally, we consider that DEP has the potential of becoming a cytometric method for large-scale sorting and characterization of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wen Jing Sim
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hossein Heidari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Poenar
- VALENS-Centre for Bio Devices and Signal Analysis, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jianmin Miao
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Hayden K Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ciprian Iliescu
- Biomedical Institute for Global Health Research & Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Carminati M, Ferrari G, Vahey MD, Voldman J, Sampietro M. Miniaturized Impedance Flow Cytometer: Design Rules and Integrated Readout. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2017; 11:1438-1449. [PMID: 28952947 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2017.2748158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A dual-channel credit-card-sized impedance cell counter featuring a throughput of 2000 cell/s and detection of single yeast cells (5 μm) with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB is presented. Its compactness is achieved by a CMOS ASIC combining a lock-in impedance demodulator with an oversampling 20-bit ΣΔ ADC and real-time peak detection embedded in field-programmable gate array. The module is coupled to a dielectrophoretic cell-sorting microfluidic device, offering compact and label-free electrical readout that replaces the need for a fluorescence microscope and, thus, is suitable for point-of-care diagnostics. The independent role of each dimension of the planar sensing microelectrodes is demonstrated, with simulations and experiments, along with its relevant effect on the spectrum of thin channels, deriving useful design guidelines.
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21
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Kung YC, Huang KW, Chong W, Chiou PY. Tunnel Dielectrophoresis for Tunable, Single-Stream Cell Focusing in Physiological Buffers in High-Speed Microfluidic Flows. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2016; 12:4343-8. [PMID: 27348575 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201600996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel tunnel dielectrophoresis (TDEP) mechanism is demonstrated for continuously tunable, sheathless, 3D, and single-stream microparticle and cell focusing in high-speed flows in regular physiological buffers. Particles and cells showing negative DEP responses can be focused at the electric field minimum location regardless of their types and sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chun Kung
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 14-124 Eng. IV, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1597, USA
| | - Kuo-Wei Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 14-124 Eng. IV, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1597, USA
| | - William Chong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 14-124 Eng. IV, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1597, USA
| | - Pei-Yu Chiou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 14-124 Eng. IV, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1597, USA
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22
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Zhou T, Ming Y, Perry SF, Tatic-Lucic S. Estimation of the physical properties of neurons and glial cells using dielectrophoresis crossover frequency. J Biol Phys 2016; 42:571-586. [PMID: 27394429 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-016-9424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We successfully determine the ranges of dielectric permittivity, cytoplasm conductivity, and specific membrane capacitance of mouse hippocampal neuronal and glial cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) crossover frequency (CF). This methodology is based on the simulation of CF directly from the governing equation of a dielectric model of mammalian cells, as well as the measurements of DEP CFs of mammalian cells in different suspension media with different conductivities, based on a simple experimental setup. Relationships between the properties of cells and DEP CF, as demonstrated by theoretical analysis, enable the simultaneous estimation of three properties by a straightforward fitting procedure based on experimentally measured CFs. We verify the effectiveness and accuracy of this approach for primary mouse hippocampal neurons and glial cells, whose dielectric properties, previously, have not been accurately determined. The estimated neuronal properties significantly narrow the value ranges available from the literature. Additionally, the estimated glial cell properties are a valuable addition to the scarce information currently available about this type of cell. This methodology is applicable to any type of cultured cell that can be subjected to both positive and negative dielectrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Zhou
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, 16A Memorial Dr. East, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA.
| | - Yixuan Ming
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, 16A Memorial Dr. East, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Susan F Perry
- Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Svetlana Tatic-Lucic
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, 16A Memorial Dr. East, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA. .,Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA.
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23
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Akin C, Feldman LC, Durand C, Hus SM, Li AP, Hui HY, Filler MA, Yi J, Shan JW. High-throughput electrical measurement and microfluidic sorting of semiconductor nanowires. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:2126-2134. [PMID: 27171977 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00217j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Existing nanowire electrical characterization tools not only are expensive and require sophisticated facilities, but are far too slow to enable statistical characterization of highly variable samples. They are also generally not compatible with further sorting and processing of nanowires. Here, we demonstrate a high-throughput, solution-based electro-orientation-spectroscopy (EOS) method, which is capable of automated electrical characterization of individual nanowires by direct optical visualization of their alignment behavior under spatially uniform electric fields of different frequencies. We demonstrate that EOS can quantitatively characterize the electrical conductivities of nanowires over a 6-order-of-magnitude range (10(-5) to 10 S m(-1), corresponding to typical carrier densities of 10(10)-10(16) cm(-3)), with different fluids used to suspend the nanowires. By implementing EOS in a simple microfluidic device, continuous electrical characterization is achieved, and the sorting of nanowires is demonstrated as a proof-of-concept. With measurement speeds two orders of magnitude faster than direct-contact methods, the automated EOS instrument enables for the first time the statistical characterization of highly variable 1D nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cevat Akin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Leonard C Feldman
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Devices, and Nanotechnology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Corentin Durand
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Saban M Hus
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - An-Ping Li
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Ho Yee Hui
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Michael A Filler
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jingang Yi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Jerry W Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. and Institute of Advanced Materials, Devices, and Nanotechnology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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24
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Salimi E, Braasch K, Butler M, Thomson DJ, Bridges GE. Dielectric model for Chinese hamster ovary cells obtained by dielectrophoresis cytometry. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:014111. [PMID: 26858823 PMCID: PMC4723405 DOI: 10.1063/1.4940432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We present a dielectric model and its parameters for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells based on a double-shell structure which includes the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, and nucleoplasm. Employing a dielectrophoresis (DEP) based technique and a microfluidic system, the DEP response of many single CHO cells is measured and the spectrum of the Clausius-Mossotti factor is obtained. The dielectric parameters of the model are then extracted by curve-fitting to the measured spectral data. Using this approach over the 0.6-10 MHz frequency range, we report the values for CHO cells' membrane permittivity, membrane thickness, cytoplasm conductivity, nuclear envelope permittivity, and nucleoplasm conductivity. The size of the cell and its nuclei are obtained using optical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Salimi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - K Braasch
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - M Butler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - D J Thomson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - G E Bridges
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V6, Canada
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25
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Khamenehfar A, Beischlag TV, Russell PJ, Ling MTP, Nelson C, Li PCH. Label-free isolation of a prostate cancer cell among blood cells and the single-cell measurement of drug accumulation using an integrated microfluidic chip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:064104. [PMID: 26594265 PMCID: PMC4644147 DOI: 10.1063/1.4934715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are found in the blood of patients with cancer. Although these cells are rare, they can provide useful information for chemotherapy. However, isolation of these rare cells from blood is technically challenging because they are small in numbers. An integrated microfluidic chip, dubbed CTC chip, was designed and fabricated for conducting tumor cell isolation. As CTCs usually show multidrug resistance (MDR), the effect of MDR inhibitors on chemotherapeutic drug accumulation in the isolated single tumor cell is measured. As a model of CTC isolation, human prostate cancer cells were mixed with mouse blood cells and the label-free isolation of the tumor cells was conducted based on cell size difference. The major advantages of the CTC chip are the ability for fast cell isolation, followed by multiple rounds of single-cell measurements, suggesting a potential assay for detecting the drug responses based on the liquid biopsy of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Khamenehfar
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - T V Beischlag
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, British Columbia V5A1S6, Canada
| | - P J Russell
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Department Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology , Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M T P Ling
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Department Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology , Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - C Nelson
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Department Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology , Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - P C H Li
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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26
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Yu ZTF, Yong KMA, Fu J. Microfluidic blood cell sorting: now and beyond. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2014; 10:1687-703. [PMID: 24515899 PMCID: PMC4013196 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201302907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Blood plays an important role in homeostatic regulation with each of its cellular components having important therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Therefore, separation and sorting of blood cells hasa been of a great interest to clinicians and researchers. However, while conventional methods of processing blood have been successful in generating relatively pure fractions, they are time consuming, labor intensive, and are not optimal for processing small volume blood samples. In recent years, microfluidics has garnered great interest from clinicians and researchers as a powerful technology for separating blood into different cell fractions. As microfluidics involves fluid manipulation at the microscale level, it has the potential for achieving high-resolution separation and sorting of blood cells down to a single-cell level, with an added benefit of integrating physical and biological methods for blood cell separation and analysis on the same single chip platform. This paper will first review the conventional methods of processing and sorting blood cells, followed by a discussion on how microfluidics is emerging as an efficient tool to rapidly change the field of blood cell sorting for blood-based therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeta Tak For Yu
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Koh Meng Aw Yong
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, USA
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27
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Chen CC, Chen YA, Liu YJ, Yao DJ. A multilayer concentric filter device to diminish clogging for separation of particles and microalgae based on size. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:1459-1468. [PMID: 24615295 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51345a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae species have great economic importance; they are a source of medicines, health foods, animal feeds, industrial pigments, cosmetic additives and biodiesel. Specific microalgae species collected from the environment must be isolated for examination and further application, but their varied size and culture conditions make their isolation using conventional methods, such as filtration, streaking plate and flow cytometric sorting, labour-intensive and costly. A separation device based on size is one of the most rapid, simple and inexpensive methods to separate microalgae, but this approach encounters major disadvantages of clogging and multiple filtration steps when the size of microalgae varies over a wide range. In this work, we propose a multilayer concentric filter device with varied pore size and is driven by a centrifugation force. The device, which includes multiple filter layers, was employed to separate a heterogeneous population of microparticles into several subpopulations by filtration in one step. A cross-flow to attenuate prospective clogging was generated by altering the rate of rotation instantly through the relative motion between the fluid and the filter according to the structural design of the device. Mixed microparticles of varied size were tested to demonstrate that clogging was significantly suppressed due to a highly efficient separation. Microalgae in a heterogeneous population collected from an environmental soil collection were separated and enriched into four subpopulations according to size in a one step filtration process. A microalgae sample contaminated with bacteria and insect eggs was also tested to prove the decontamination capability of the device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chung Chen
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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28
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Vaillier C, Honegger T, Kermarrec F, Gidrol X, Peyrade D. Comprehensive analysis of human cells motion under an irrotational AC electric field in an electro-microfluidic chip. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95231. [PMID: 24736275 PMCID: PMC3988152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AC electrokinetics is a versatile tool for contact-less manipulation or characterization of cells and has been widely used for separation based on genotype translation to electrical phenotypes. Cells responses to an AC electric field result in a complex combination of electrokinetic phenomena, mainly dielectrophoresis and electrohydrodynamic forces. Human cells behaviors to AC electrokinetics remain unclear over a large frequency spectrum as illustrated by the self-rotation effect observed recently. We here report and analyze human cells behaviors in different conditions of medium conductivity, electric field frequency and magnitude. We also observe the self-rotation of human cells, in the absence of a rotational electric field. Based on an analytical competitive model of electrokinetic forces, we propose an explanation of the cell self-rotation. These experimental results, coupled with our model, lead to the exploitation of the cell behaviors to measure the intrinsic dielectric properties of JURKAT, HEK and PC3 human cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Vaillier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LTM, Grenoble, France; CNRS, LTM, Grenoble, France
| | - Thibault Honegger
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LTM, Grenoble, France; CNRS, LTM, Grenoble, France; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of Amercia
| | - Frédérique Kermarrec
- CEA, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
| | - Xavier Gidrol
- CEA, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
| | - David Peyrade
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LTM, Grenoble, France; CNRS, LTM, Grenoble, France
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Abstract
Cellular separations are required in many contexts in biochemical and biomedical applications for the identification, isolation, and analysis of phenotypes or samples of interest. Microfluidics is uniquely suited for handling biological samples, and emerging technologies have become increasingly accessible tools for researchers and clinicians. Here, we review advances in the last few years in techniques for microfluidic cell separation and manipulation. Applications such as high-throughput cell and organism phenotypic screening, purification of heterogeneous stem cell populations, separation of blood components, and isolation of rare cells in patients highlight some of the areas in which these technologies show great potential. Continued advances in separation mechanisms and understanding of cellular systems will yield further improvements in the throughput, resolution, and robustness of techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Jackson
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA
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Su HW, Prieto JL, Voldman J. Rapid dielectrophoretic characterization of single cells using the dielectrophoretic spring. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:4109-17. [PMID: 23970334 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50392e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis-based cell separation has significant promise for separation of cells from heterogeneous mixtures based on their electrical properties and is used in diverse areas ranging from hematopoietic stem cell purification to cancer cell isolation. The electrical properties of cells in heterogeneous populations determine if and how well cell subpopulations are separable, and therefore the utility of dielectrophoretic separation is fundamentally determined by our ability to measure electrical properties of cell populations on a cell-by-cell basis. We developed an automated system for electrical characterization of cells that can characterize 1000's of individual cells across a range of conditions (>30 conditions/h). The system uses a continuous-flow microfluidic device and a method termed the dielectrophoretic spring that uses the force balance between dielectrophoresis and fluid drag to measure electrical properties of cells independent of size. We present characterization of the method with beads and cells as well as its application to rapidly find conditions that can discriminate neutrophils with different activation states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Wei Su
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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31
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Vahey MD, Pesudo LQ, Svensson JP, Samson LD, Voldman J. Microfluidic genome-wide profiling of intrinsic electrical properties in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:2754-63. [PMID: 23661198 PMCID: PMC3686985 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50162k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Methods to analyze the intrinsic physical properties of cells - for example, size, density, rigidity, or electrical properties - are an active area of interest in the microfluidics community. Although the physical properties of cells are determined at a fundamental level by gene expression, the relationship between the two remains exceptionally complex and poorly characterized, limiting the adoption of intrinsic separation technologies. To improve our current understanding of how a cell's genotype maps to a measurable physical characteristic and quantitatively investigate the potential of using these characteristics as biomarkers, we have developed a novel screen that combines microfluidic cell sorting with high-throughput sequencing and the haploid yeast deletion library to identify genes whose functions modulate one such characteristic - intrinsic electrical properties. Using this screen, we are able to establish a high-content electrical profile of the haploid yeast gene deletion strains. We find that individual genetic deletions can appreciably alter the electrical properties of cells, affecting ~10% of the 4432 gene deletion strains screened. Additionally, we find that gene deletions affecting electrical properties in specific ways (i.e. increasing or decreasing effective conductivity at higher or lower electric field frequencies) are strongly associated with an enriched subset of fundamental biological processes that can be traced to specific pathways and complexes. The screening approach demonstrated here and the attendant results are immediately applicable to the intrinsic separations community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Vahey
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Laia Quiros Pesudo
- Biological Engineering Department, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Biology Department, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - J. Peter Svensson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Leona D. Samson
- Biological Engineering Department, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Biology Department, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Joel Voldman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
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32
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Honegger T, Scott MA, Yanik MF, Voldman J. Electrokinetic confinement of axonal growth for dynamically configurable neural networks. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:589-98. [PMID: 23314575 PMCID: PMC3554853 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc41000a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Axons in the developing nervous system are directed via guidance cues, whose expression varies both spatially and temporally, to create functional neural circuits. Existing methods to create patterns of neural connectivity in vitro use only static geometries, and are unable to dynamically alter the guidance cues imparted on the cells. We introduce the use of AC electrokinetics to dynamically control axonal growth in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We find that the application of modest voltages at frequencies on the order of 10(5) Hz can cause developing axons to be stopped adjacent to the electrodes while axons away from the electric fields exhibit uninhibited growth. By switching electrodes on or off, we can reversibly inhibit or permit axon passage across the electrodes. Our models suggest that dielectrophoresis is the causative AC electrokinetic effect. We make use of our dynamic control over axon elongation to create an axon-diode via an axon-lock system that consists of a pair of electrode 'gates' that either permit or prevent axons from passing through. Finally, we developed a neural circuit consisting of three populations of neurons, separated by three axon-locks to demonstrate the assembly of a functional, engineered neural network. Action potential recordings demonstrate that the AC electrokinetic effect does not harm axons, and Ca(2+) imaging demonstrated the unidirectional nature of the synaptic connections. AC electrokinetic confinement of axonal growth has potential for creating configurable, directional neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Honegger
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824, Cambridge, MA 02139 ; Fax: 617-258-5846; Tel: 617-253-1583
- LTM-CNRS-UJF, CEA-LETI, 17 av. des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Mark A. Scott
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824, Cambridge, MA 02139 ; Fax: 617-258-5846; Tel: 617-253-1583
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Mehmet F. Yanik
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824, Cambridge, MA 02139 ; Fax: 617-258-5846; Tel: 617-253-1583
| | - Joel Voldman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824, Cambridge, MA 02139 ; Fax: 617-258-5846; Tel: 617-253-1583
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33
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Cima I, Wen Yee C, Iliescu FS, Phyo WM, Lim KH, Iliescu C, Tan MH. Label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells in microfluidic devices: Current research and perspectives. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:11810. [PMID: 24403992 PMCID: PMC3568085 DOI: 10.1063/1.4780062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This review will cover the recent advances in label-free approaches to isolate and manipulate circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In essence, label-free approaches do not rely on antibodies or biological markers for labeling the cells of interest, but enrich them using the differential physical properties intrinsic to cancer and blood cells. We will discuss technologies that isolate cells based on their biomechanical and electrical properties. Label-free approaches to analyze CTCs have been recently invoked as a valid alternative to "marker-based" techniques, because classical epithelial and tumor markers are lost on some CTC populations and there is no comprehensive phenotypic definition for CTCs. We will highlight the advantages and drawbacks of these technologies and the status on their implementation in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cima
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Chay Wen Yee
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
| | | | - Wai Min Phyo
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Kiat Hon Lim
- Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608
| | - Ciprian Iliescu
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Min Han Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669 ; National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
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34
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Self-rotation of cells in an irrotational AC E-field in an opto-electrokinetics chip. PLoS One 2013; 8:e51577. [PMID: 23320067 PMCID: PMC3540069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of optical dielectrophoresis (ODEP) to manipulate microparticles and biological cells has become increasingly popular due to its tremendous flexibility in providing reconfigurable electrode patterns and flow channels. ODEP enables the parallel and free manipulation of small particles on a photoconductive surface on which light is projected, thus eliminating the need for complex electrode design and fabrication processes. In this paper, we demonstrate that mouse cells comprising melan-a cells, RAW 267.4 macrophage cells, peripheral white blood cells and lymphocytes, can be manipulated in an opto-electrokinetics (OEK) device with appropriate DEP parameters. Our OEK device generates a non-rotating electric field and exerts a localized DEP force on optical electrodes. Hitherto, we are the first group to report that among all the cells investigated, melan-a cells, lymphocytes and white blood cells were found to undergo self-rotation in the device in the presence of a DEP force. The rotational speed of the cells depended on the voltage and frequency applied and the cells' distance from the optical center. We discuss a possible mechanism for explaining this new observation of induced self-rotation based on the physical properties of cells. We believe that this rotation phenomenon can be used to identify cell type and to elucidate the dielectric and physical properties of cells.
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35
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Paulitsch-Fuchs AH, Fuchs EC, Wexler AD, Freund FT, Rothschild LJ, Cherukupally A, Euverink GJW. Prokaryotic transport in electrohydrodynamic structures. Phys Biol 2012; 9:026006. [PMID: 22476025 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/9/2/026006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with water, a horizontal electrohydrodynamic (EHD) bridge forms between the two beakers. In this work we study the transport and behavior of bacterial cells added to an EHD bridge set-up. Organisms were added to one or to both beakers, and the transport of the cells through the bridge was monitored using optical and microbiological techniques. It is shown that Escherichia coli top10 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) and bioluminescent E. coli YMC10 with a plasmid (pJE202) containing Vibrio fischeri genes can survive the exposure to an EHD liquid bridge set-up and the cells are drawn toward the anode due to their negative surface charge. Dielectrophoresis and hydrostatic forces are likely to be the cause for their transport in the opposite direction which was observed as well, but to a much lesser extent. Most E. coli YMC10 bacteria which passed the EHD bridge exhibited increased luminescent activity after 24 h. This can be explained by two likely mechanisms: nutrient limitation in the heavier inoculated vials and a 'survival of the strongest' mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Paulitsch-Fuchs
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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36
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Isodielectric separation and analysis of cells. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 853:53-63. [PMID: 22323140 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-567-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the electrical properties of a cell provides a fast and accessible means of identifying or characterizing cells whose biological state differs from the population as a whole. This chapter describes a microfluidic method for characterizing the electrical properties of cells based upon their convergence to equilibrium in an electrical conductivity gradient. The method, called isodielectric separation, uses the dielectrophoretic force induced on polarizable objects in spatially nonuniform electric fields to deflect cells to the point in the conductivity gradient where their polarization charge vanishes. This equilibrium position encodes the cell's electrical properties and can be used to identify cells that are electrically distinct from a background population, to determine the extent of this difference, and to physically isolate them for further study.
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37
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Abstract
Powerful methods in molecular biology are abundant; however, in many fields including hematology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and cancer biology, data from tools and assays that analyze the average signals from many cells may not yield the desired result because the cells of interest may be in the minority-their behavior masked by the majority-or because the dynamics of the populations of interest are offset in time. Accurate characterization of samples with high cellular heterogeneity may only be achieved by analyzing single cells. In this chapter, we discuss the rationale for performing analyses on individual cells in more depth, cover the fields of study in which single-cell behavior is yielding new insights into biological and clinical questions, and speculate on how single-cell analysis will be critical in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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38
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Moncada-Hernandez H, Baylon-Cardiel JL, Pérez-González VH, Lapizco-Encinas BH. Insulator-based dielectrophoresis of microorganisms: Theoretical and experimental results. Electrophoresis 2011; 32:2502-11. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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39
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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
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40
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Nikolic-Jaric M, Ferrier GA, Thomson DJ, Bridges GE, Freeman MR. Dielectric response of particles in flowing media: the effect of shear-induced rotation on the variation in particle polarizability. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2011; 84:011922. [PMID: 21867228 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.84.011922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
When particles in liquid suspensions flow through channels and pipes in a laminar fashion, the resulting parabolic velocity profile gives rise to shear, which induces the particles to rotate. If flowing suspensions containing dielectric particles are immersed in an external electric field, the anisotropic polarization induced in rotating nonspherical particles will vary with the orientation of the particle with respect to the external field; what results is an uncertainty in experimental measurements that involve particle polarization. The present study establishes the limits of this uncertainty and shows that departure from spherical symmetry in individual particles can lead to a significant overlap in measurements attempting to discriminate between particle subpopulations in suspensions. For example, the uncertainty in signal amplitude for a population of activated T-lymphocytes can be as high as 20%. Such concerns arise in applications like field-flow fractionation, dielectrophoretic sorting of particles, flow impedance measurements and cytometry, and, most recently, isodielectric separation, all of which are used to separate particles in a flow based on their dielectric response. This paper considers axisymmetric particles as the first departure from the approximation of spherical symmetry, shows how to calculate an estimate of the size of the population overlap, and suggests possible strategies to minimize it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Nikolic-Jaric
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba, E2-390 EITC, 75A Chancelor Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 5V6
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41
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Sapsford KE, Tyner KM, Dair BJ, Deschamps JR, Medintz IL. Analyzing nanomaterial bioconjugates: a review of current and emerging purification and characterization techniques. Anal Chem 2011; 83:4453-88. [PMID: 21545140 DOI: 10.1021/ac200853a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim E Sapsford
- Division of Biology, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, USA.
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42
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Rivet C, Lee H, Hirsch A, Hamilton S, Lu H. Microfluidics for medical diagnostics and biosensors. Chem Eng Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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43
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Millet LJ, Park K, Watkins NN, Hsia KJ, Bashir R. Separating beads and cells in multi-channel microfluidic devices using dielectrophoresis and laminar flow. J Vis Exp 2011:2545. [PMID: 21339720 PMCID: PMC3197411 DOI: 10.3791/2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have advanced cell studies by providing a dynamic fluidic environment on the scale of the cell for studying, manipulating, sorting and counting cells. However, manipulating the cell within the fluidic domain remains a challenge and requires complicated fabrication protocols for forming valves and electrodes, or demands specialty equipment like optical tweezers. Here, we demonstrate that conventional printed circuit boards (PCB) can be used for the non-contact manipulation of cells by employing dielectrophoresis (DEP) for bead and cell manipulation in laminar flow fields for bioactuation, and for cell and bead separation in multichannel microfluidic devices. First, we present the protocol for assembling the DEP electrodes and microfluidic devices, and preparing the cells for DEP. Then, we characterize the DEP operation with polystyrene beads. Lastly, we show representative results of bead and cell separation in a multichannel microfluidic device. In summary, DEP is an effective method for manipulating particles (beads or cells) within microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry J Millet
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
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Khoshmanesh K, Nahavandi S, Baratchi S, Mitchell A, Kalantar-zadeh K. Dielectrophoretic platforms for bio-microfluidic systems. Biosens Bioelectron 2011; 26:1800-14. [PMID: 20933384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2010.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Salieb-Beugelaar GB, Simone G, Arora A, Philippi A, Manz A. Latest developments in microfluidic cell biology and analysis systems. Anal Chem 2010; 82:4848-64. [PMID: 20462184 DOI: 10.1021/ac1009707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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White CM, Holland LA, Famouri P. Application of capillary electrophoresis to predict crossover frequency of polystyrene particles in dielectrophoresis. Electrophoresis 2010; 31:2664-71. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Bhagat AAS, Bow H, Hou HW, Tan SJ, Han J, Lim CT. Microfluidics for cell separation. Med Biol Eng Comput 2010; 48:999-1014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11517-010-0611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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