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Yan S, Jia Z, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Liu B, Ren Y, Yang X. Continuously tunable separation of light-induced Haematococcus pluvialis using an ultrastretchable, sheath-flow-assisted elasto-inertial microchannel. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1317:342884. [PMID: 39030017 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of Haematococcus pluvialis under the light stress can effectively conduct astaxanthin biosynthesis, leading to the increase in cell size. Although the size is a critical indicator for identifying the astaxanthin-rich H. pluvialis cells, the cut-off size to be separated varies from sample to sample. RESULTS Here, we report an ultrastretchable, straight elasto-inertial microchannel with tunable separation threshold to continuously separate the light-induced H. pluvialis cells by size. The symmetrical sheath flows confine the particles to the channel sidewalls, and large particles can cross the interface of viscoelastic fluids to the equilibrium position at the channel centerline. By stretching the microfluidic chip, the medium-sized particles can gradually migrate to the channel centerline in the narrower and longer channel, bringing the tunable separation threshold. Results show that the separation performance of the ultrastretchable microfluidic device is affected by total flow rate, flow rate ratio of sheath to sample, polyethylene oxide (PEO) solution configuration. Lastly, size-tunable separation of light-induced H. pluvialis cells is demonstrated. SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on cell migration in co-flow configurations in the ultra-stretchable microfluidics. Separation of H. pluvialis is not only a relevant end application in harvesting the astaxanthin-rich species, but the separated populations of highly productive microalgal cells will open a venue for cellular directed evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zixuan Jia
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhikai Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Ren
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China; Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China; Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xiaogang Yang
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China.
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2
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Li Y, Li L, Ye Z, Zhang H, Sun X, Li C, Gui L. A Novel Implantable Piezoresistive Microsensor for Intraocular Pressure Measurement. ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 39069735 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the world's second-leading irreversible eye disease causing blindness. Although the pathogenesis of glaucoma is not particularly well understood, high intraocular pressure (IOP) is widely recognized as a significant risk factor. In clinical practice, various devices have been used to measure IOP, but most of them cannot provide continuous measurements for a long time. To meet the needs of glaucoma patients who experience frequent fluctuations in the IOP and require constant monitoring, we fabricated an implantable piezoresistive IOP sensor based on microfluidic technology. The sensor has a sensitivity of 0.00257 Ω/mbar and demonstrates excellent linearity, stability, and repeatability. According to the calibration data, the average measurement error is ±0.5 mbar. We implanted it into the vitreous of a rabbit and successfully detected its IOP fluctuations. The sensor is simple in design, easy to fabricate, and can be used for long-term continuous IOP measurements. It presents a new approach for microfluidic-based IOP sensors and offers a novel method for the daily care of patients with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Luojia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongguancun Hospital, Beijing 100801, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Chunwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Lin Gui
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
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3
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Zhao H, Zhang Y, Hua D. A Review of Research Progress in Microfluidic Bioseparation and Bioassay. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:893. [PMID: 39064404 PMCID: PMC11278910 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid development of biotechnology, the importance of microfluidic bioseparation and bioassay in biomedicine, clinical diagnosis, and other fields has become increasingly prominent. Microfluidic technology, with its significant advantages of high throughput, automated operation, and low sample consumption, has brought new breakthroughs in the field of biological separation and bioassay. In this paper, the latest research progress in microfluidic technology in the field of bioseparation and bioassay is reviewed. Then, we focus on the methods of bioseparation including active separation, passive separation, and hybrid separation. At the same time, the latest research results of our group in particle separation are introduced. Finally, some application examples or methods for bioassay after particle separation are listed, and the current challenges and future prospects of bioseparation and bioassay are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dengxin Hua
- Center for Lidar Remote Sensing Research, School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China.; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.)
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Wu B, Liu S, Jiang D, Tang W. High-efficiency extraction of target particles in viscoelastic contraction-expansion microchannels. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1233-1242. [PMID: 38161241 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The efficient and precise extraction of target particles is a crucial prerequisite for achieving accurate detection and analysis in microfluidic cell analysis. In this study, a symmetrical contraction-expansion microchannel with sheath flow was designed, aiming to extract target larger particles from particles of different sizes within the channel. This paper conducted numerical simulations to investigate the three-dimensional migration mechanisms of particles and performed experimental studies to examine the separation performance of particles with different sizes under varying flow rate ratios and different numbers of contraction-expansion structures. The experimental results indicate that at moderate sample flow rates and higher flow rate ratios, microchannels with fewer contraction-expansion structures are likely to achieve better performance in extracting target particles compared to microchannels with a greater number of these structures. Our work advances the application of viscoelastic contraction-expansion microchannels in particle separation. This device is easy to set up in parallel and significantly enhances throughput, providing an accurate and efficient solution for future particle separation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Shaowei Liu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Di Jiang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Yuyue Medical Equipment and Supply Co. Ltd, Danyang, P. R. China
| | - Wenlai Tang
- School of Electrical and Automation Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Equipment and Manufacturing, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments and Manufacturing Technology, School of Electromechanically Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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5
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Chen X, Liu S, Shen M, Shi J, Wu C, Song Z, Zhao Y. Dielectrophoretic characterization and selection of non-spherical flagellate algae in parallel channels with right-angle bipolar electrodes. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2506-2517. [PMID: 38619815 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00165f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-spherical flagellate algae play an increasingly significant role in handling problematic issues as versatile biological micro/nanorobots and resources of valuable bioproducts. However, the commensalism of flagellate algae with distinct structures and constituents causes considerable difficulties in their further biological utilization. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a novel method to realize high-efficiency selection of non-spherical flagellate algae in a non-invasive manner. Enthused by these, we proposed a novel method to accomplish the selection of flagellate algae based on the numerical and experimental investigation of dielectrophoretic characterizations of flagellate algae. Firstly, an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method was utilized to study the electro-orientation and dielectrophoretic assembly process of spindle-shaped and ellipsoid-shaped cells in a uniform electric field. Secondly, we studied the equilibrium state of spherical, ellipsoid-shaped, and spindle-shaped cells under positive DEP forces actuated by right-angle bipolar electrodes. Thirdly, we investigated the dielectrophoretic assembly and escape processes of the non-spherical flagellate algae in continuous flow to explore their influences on the selection. Fourthly, freshwater flagellate algae (Euglena, H. pluvialis, and C. reinhardtii) and marine ones (Euglena, Dunaliella salina, and Platymonas) were separated to validate the feasibility and adaptability of this method. Finally, this approach was engineered in the selection of Euglena cells with high viability and motility. This method presents immense prospects in the selection of pure non-spherical flagellate algae with high motility for chronic wound healing, bio-micromotor construction, and decontamination with advantages of no sheath, strong reliability, and shape-insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Chen
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Shun Liu
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Mo Shen
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Jishun Shi
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Chungang Wu
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Zhipeng Song
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, PR China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066004, PR China.
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Hayashi A, Hemmi R, Saito Y, Utoh R, Taniguchi T, Yamada M. High-Density Microporous Drainage-Integrating Sheath Flow Generator for Streamlining Microfluidic Cell Sorting Systems. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6764-6773. [PMID: 38619911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Tremendous efforts have been made to develop practical and efficient microfluidic cell and particle sorting systems; however, there are technological limitations in terms of system complexity and low operability. Here, we propose a sheath flow generator that can dramatically simplify operational procedures and enhance the usability of microfluidic cell sorters. The device utilizes an embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge with interconnected micropores, which is in direct contact with microchannels and seamlessly integrated into the microfluidic platform. The high-density micropores on the sponge surface facilitated fluid drainage, and the drained fluid was used as the sheath flow for downstream cell sorting processes. To fabricate the integrated device, a new process for sponge-embedded substrates was developed through the accumulation, incorporation, and dissolution of PMMA microparticles as sacrificial porogens. The effects of the microchannel geometry and flow velocity on the sheath flow generation were investigated. Furthermore, an asymmetric lattice-shaped microchannel network for cell/particle sorting was connected to the sheath flow generator in series, and the sorting performances of model particles, blood cells, and spiked tumor cells were investigated. The sheath flow generation technique developed in this study is expected to streamline conventional microfluidic cell-sorting systems as it dramatically improves versatility and operability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Runa Hemmi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yuhei Saito
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Rie Utoh
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Taniguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Masumi Yamada
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
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7
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Roshan U, Mudugamuwa A, Cha H, Hettiarachchi S, Zhang J, Nguyen NT. Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2146-2175. [PMID: 38507292 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01086d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Flexible and stretchable microdevices incorporate highly deformable structures, facilitating precise functionality at the micro- and millimetre scale. Flexible microdevices have showcased extensive utility in the fields of biomedicine, microfluidics, and soft robotics. Actuation plays a critical role in transforming energy between different forms, ensuring the effective operation of devices. However, when it comes to actuating flexible microdevices at the small millimetre or even microscale, translating actuation mechanisms from conventional rigid large-scale devices is not straightforward. The recent development of actuation mechanisms leverages the benefits of device flexibility, particularly in transforming conventional actuation concepts into more efficient approaches for flexible devices. Despite many reviews on soft robotics, flexible electronics, and flexible microfluidics, a specific and systematic review of the actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices is still lacking. Therefore, the present review aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices. We elaborate on the different actuation mechanisms based on fluid pressure, electric, magnetic, mechanical, and chemical sources, thoroughly examining and comparing the structure designs, characteristics, performance, advantages, and drawbacks of these diverse actuation mechanisms. Furthermore, the review explores the pivotal role of materials and fabrication techniques in the development of flexible and stretchable microdevices. Finally, we summarise the applications of these devices in biomedicine and soft robotics and provide perspectives on current and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uditha Roshan
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Amith Mudugamuwa
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Haotian Cha
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Samith Hettiarachchi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
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8
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Zhang T, Di Carlo D, Lim CT, Zhou T, Tian G, Tang T, Shen AQ, Li W, Li M, Yang Y, Goda K, Yan R, Lei C, Hosokawa Y, Yalikun Y. Passive microfluidic devices for cell separation. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108317. [PMID: 38220118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The separation of specific cell populations is instrumental in gaining insights into cellular processes, elucidating disease mechanisms, and advancing applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, and cell therapies. Microfluidic methods for cell separation have propelled the field forward, benefitting from miniaturization, advanced fabrication technologies, a profound understanding of fluid dynamics governing particle separation mechanisms, and a surge in interdisciplinary investigations focused on diverse applications. Cell separation methodologies can be categorized according to their underlying separation mechanisms. Passive microfluidic separation systems rely on channel structures and fluidic rheology, obviating the necessity for external force fields to facilitate label-free cell separation. These passive approaches offer a compelling combination of cost-effectiveness and scalability when compared to active methods that depend on external fields to manipulate cells. This review delves into the extensive utilization of passive microfluidic techniques for cell separation, encompassing various strategies such as filtration, sedimentation, adhesion-based techniques, pinched flow fractionation (PFF), deterministic lateral displacement (DLD), inertial microfluidics, hydrophoresis, viscoelastic microfluidics, and hybrid microfluidics. Besides, the review provides an in-depth discussion concerning cell types, separation markers, and the commercialization of these technologies. Subsequently, it outlines the current challenges faced in the field and presents a forward-looking perspective on potential future developments. This work hopes to aid in facilitating the dissemination of knowledge in cell separation, guiding future research, and informing practical applications across diverse scientific disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Zhang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Tianyuan Zhou
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Guizhong Tian
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ming Li
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
| | - Keisuke Goda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ruopeng Yan
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheng Lei
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
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Peng T, Qiang J, Yuan S. Sheathless inertial particle focusing methods within microfluidic devices: a review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1331968. [PMID: 38260735 PMCID: PMC10801244 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1331968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to manipulate and focus particles within microscale fluidic environments is crucial to advancing biological, chemical, and medical research. Precise and high-throughput particle focusing is an essential prerequisite for various applications, including cell counting, biomolecular detection, sample sorting, and enhancement of biosensor functionalities. Active and sheath-assisted focusing techniques offer accuracy but necessitate the introduction of external energy fields or additional sheath flows. In contrast, passive focusing methods exploit the inherent fluid dynamics in achieving high-throughput focusing without external actuation. This review analyzes the latest developments in strategies of sheathless inertial focusing, emphasizing inertial and elasto-inertial microfluidic focusing techniques from the channel structure classifications. These methodologies will serve as pivotal benchmarks for the broader application of microfluidic focusing technologies in biological sample manipulation. Then, prospects for future development are also predicted. This paper will assist in the understanding of the design of microfluidic particle focusing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Peng
- Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jun Qiang
- The School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Yuan Q, Fang H, Wu X, Wu J, Luo X, Peng R, Xu S, Yan S. Self-Adhesive, Biocompatible, Wearable Microfluidics with Erasable Liquid Metal Plasmonic Hotspots for Glucose Detection in Sweat. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37903285 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Sweat is a noninvasive metabolite that can provide clinically meaningful information about physical conditions without harming the body. Glucose, a vital component in sweat, is closely related to blood glucose levels, and changes in its concentration can reflect the health status of diabetics. We introduce a self-adhesive, wearable microfluidic chip with erasable liquid metal plasmonic hotspots for the precise detection of glucose concentration in sweat. The self-adhesive, wearable microfluidic chip is made from modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with enhanced stickiness, enabling conformal contact with the skin, and can collect, deliver, and store sweat. The plasmonic hotspots are located inside the microfluidic channel, are generated by synthesizing silver nanostructures on liquid metal, and can be removed in the alkaline solution. It indicates the erasable and reproducible nature of the plasmonic hotspots. The detection method is based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which allows for accurate detection of the glucose concentration. To enhance the sensitive detection of glucose, the SERS substrate is modified by 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid to achieve the limit of detection of 1 ng/L glucose, which is much lower than the physiological conditions (7.2-25.2 μg/L). The developed microfluidic chip is soft, stretchable, and nontoxic, bringing new possibilities to wearable sweat-sensing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Yuan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiuru Wu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jialin Wu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xie Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ran Peng
- College of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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11
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Suzuki T, Kalyan S, Berlinicke C, Yoseph S, Zack DJ, Hur SC. Deciphering viscoelastic cell manipulation in rectangular microchannels. PHYSICS OF FLUIDS (WOODBURY, N.Y. : 1994) 2023; 35:103117. [PMID: 37849975 PMCID: PMC10577600 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelastic focusing has emerged as a promising method for label-free and passive manipulation of micro and nanoscale bioparticles. However, the design of microfluidic devices for viscoelastic particle focusing requires a thorough comprehensive understanding of the flow condition and operational parameters that lead to the desired behavior of microparticles. While recent advancements have been made, viscoelastic focusing is not fully understood, particularly in straight microchannels with rectangular cross sections. In this work, we delve into inertial, elastic, and viscoelastic focusing of biological cells in rectangular cross-section microchannels. By systematically varying degrees of fluid elasticity and inertia, we investigate the underlying mechanisms behind cell focusing. Our approach involves injecting cells into devices with a fixed, non-unity aspect ratio and capturing their images from two orientations, enabling the extrapolation of cross-sectional equilibrium positions from two dimensional (2D) projections. We characterized the changes in hydrodynamic focusing behaviors of cells based on factors, such as cell size, flow rate, and fluid characteristics. These findings provide insights into the flow characteristics driving changes in equilibrium positions. Furthermore, they indicate that viscoelastic focusing can enhance the detection accuracy in flow cytometry and the sorting resolution for size-based particle sorting applications. By contributing to the advancement of understanding viscoelastic focusing in rectangular microchannels, this work provides valuable insight and design guidelines for the development of devices that harness viscoelastic focusing. The knowledge gained from this study can aid in the advancement of viscoelastic particle manipulation technique and their application in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Suzuki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Srivathsan Kalyan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Cynthia Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
| | - Samantha Yoseph
- Department of Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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