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Pei Z, Tian Z, Yang S, Shen L, Hao N, Naquin TD, Li T, Sun L, Rong W, Huang TJ. Capillary-based, multifunctional manipulation of particles and fluids via focused surface acoustic waves. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D: APPLIED PHYSICS 2024; 57:305401. [PMID: 38800708 PMCID: PMC11126230 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ad415a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-enabled acoustofluidic technologies have recently atttracted increasing attention for applications in biology, chemistry, biophysics, and medicine. Most SAW acoustofluidic devices generate acoustic energy which is then transmitted into custom microfabricated polymer-based channels. There are limited studies on delivering this acoustic energy into convenient commercially-available glass tubes for manipulating particles and fluids. Herein, we have constructed a capillary-based SAW acoustofluidic device for multifunctional fluidic and particle manipulation. This device integrates a converging interdigitated transducer to generate focused SAWs on a piezoelectric chip, as well as a glass capillary that transports particles and fluids. To understand the actuation mechanisms underlying this device, we performed finite element simulations by considering piezoelectric, solid mechanic, and pressure acoustic physics. This experimental study shows that the capillary-based SAW acoustofluidic device can perform multiple functions including enriching particles, patterning particles, transporting particles and fluids, as well as generating droplets with controlled sizes. Given the usefulness of these functions, we expect that this acoustofluidic device can be useful in applications such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, biofabrication, and bioanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Pei
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
- 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, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Liang Shen
- 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
| | - Ty D. Naquin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Lining Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Weibin Rong
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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Wu Y, Ma X, Li K, Yue Y, Zhang Z, Meng Y, Wang S. Bipolar Electrode-based Sheath-Less Focusing and Continuous Acoustic Sorting of Particles and Cells in an Integrated Microfluidic Device. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3627-3635. [PMID: 38346846 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05755] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Sheath-less focusing and sorting of cells or particles is an important preprocessing step in a variety of biochemical applications. Most of the previous sorting methods depend on the use of sheath flows to realize efficient cell focusing. The sheath flow dilutes the sample and requires precise flow control via additional channels. We, for the first time, reported a method of bipolar electrode (BPE)-based sheath-less focusing, switching, and tilted-angle standing surface acoustic wave-based sorting of cells and particles in continuous flow. The device consists of a piezoelectric substrate with a pair of BPEs for focusing and switching, and a pair of interdigitated transducers for cell sorting. Smaller cells experience a weak acoustic force and reach the lower outlet, whereas larger cells are subjected to a strong acoustic force such that they are propelled toward the upper outlet. We first validate the device functionality by sorting 5 and 8 μm PS beads with a high sorting efficiency. The working and deflection regions were increased by propelling the particle beam toward the bottom edge of BPE via changing the applied voltage of BPE, further improving the sorting performance with high efficiency (94%) and purity (92%). We then conducted a verification for sorting THP-1 and yeast cells, and the efficiency and purity reached 90.7 and 91.5%, respectively. This integrated device eliminates the requirement of balancing the flow of several sheath inlets and provides a robust and unique approach for cell sorting applications, showing immense promise in various applications, such as medical diagnosis, drug delivery, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupan Wu
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, PR China
- Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of NPU, Taicang 215400, PR China
| | - Xun Ma
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Kemu Li
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Yuanbo Yue
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Zhexin Zhang
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Yingqi Meng
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201800, PR China
| | - Shaoxi Wang
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
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Khan MS, Ali M, Lee SH, Jang KY, Lee SJ, Park J. Acoustofluidic separation of prolate and spherical micro-objects. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38222472 PMCID: PMC10784511 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Most microfluidic separation techniques rely largely on object size as a separation marker. The ability to separate micro-objects based on their shape is crucial in various biomedical and chemical assays. Here, we develop an on-demand, label-free acoustofluidic method to separate prolate ellipsoids from spherical microparticles based on traveling surface acoustic wave-induced acoustic radiation force and torque. The freely rotating non-spherical micro-objects were aligned under the progressive acoustic field by the counterrotating radiation torque, and the major axis of the prolate ellipsoids was parallel to the progressive wave propagation. The specific alignment of the ellipsoidal particles resulted in a reduction in the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the wave propagation. As a consequence, the acoustic backscattering decreased, resulting in a decreased magnitude of the radiation force. Through the variation in radiation force, which depended on the micro-object morphology enabled the acoustofluidic shape-based separation. We conducted numerical simulations for the wave scattering of spherical and prolate objects to elucidate the working mechanism underlying the proposed method. A series of experiments with polystyrene microspheres, prolate ellipsoids, and peanut-shaped microparticles were performed for validation. Through quantitative analysis of the separation efficiency, we confirmed the high purity and high recovery rate of the proposed acoustofluidic shape-based separation of micro-objects. As a bioparticle, we utilize Thalassiosira eccentrica to perform shape-based separation, as the species has a variety of potential applications in drug delivery, biosensing, nanofabrication, bioencapsulation and immunoisolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Soban Khan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186 Republic of Korea
| | - Mushtaq Ali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186 Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ha Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186 Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Young Jang
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Suwon, 17 Wauan-gil, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi 18323 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jae Lee
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Suwon, 17 Wauan-gil, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi 18323 Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186 Republic of Korea
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Wang H, Boardman J, Zhang X, Sun C, Cai M, Wei J, Dong Z, Feng M, Liang D, Hu S, Qian Y, Dong S, Fu Y, Torun H, Clayton A, Wu Z, Xie Z, Yang X. An enhanced tilted-angle acoustic tweezer for mechanical phenotyping of cancer cells. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1255:341120. [PMID: 37032048 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Acoustofluidic devices becomes one of the emerging and versatile tools for many biomedical applications. Most of the previous acoustofluidic devices are used for cells manipulation, and the few devices for cell phenotyping with a limitation in throughput. In this study, an enhanced tilted-angle (ETA) acoustofluidic device is developed and applied for mechanophenotyping of live cells. The ETA Device consists of an interdigital transducer which is positioned along a microfluidic channel. An inclination angle of 5° is introduced between the interdigital transducer and the liquid flow direction. The pressure nodes formed inside the acoustofluidic field in the channel deflect the biological cells from their original course in accordance with their mechanical properties, including volume, compressibility, and density. The threshold power for fully converging the cells to the pressure node is used to calculate the acoustic contrast factor. To demonstrate the ETA device in cell mechanophenotyping, and distinguishing between different cell types, further experimentation is carried out by using A549 (lung cancer cells), MDB-MA-231 (breast cancer cells), and leukocytes. The resulting acoustic contrast factors for the lung and breast cancer cells are different from that of the leukocytes by 27.9% and 21.5%, respectively. These results suggest this methodology can successfully distinguish and phenotype different cell types based on the acoustic contrast factor.
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Lee SH, Cha B, Ko J, Afzal M, Park J. Acoustofluidic separation of proteins from platelets in human blood plasma using aptamer-functionalized microparticles. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:024105. [PMID: 37153865 PMCID: PMC10162022 DOI: 10.1063/5.0140096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising clinical assay for early diagnosis. Herein, we propose acoustofluidic separation of biomarker proteins from platelets in plasma using aptamer-functionalized microparticles. As model proteins, C-reactive protein and thrombin were spiked in human platelet-rich plasma. The target proteins were selectively conjugated with their corresponding aptamer-functionalized microparticles of different sizes, and the particle complexes served as a mobile carrier for the conjugated proteins. The proposed acoustofluidic device was composed of an interdigital transducer (IDT) patterned on a piezoelectric substrate and a disposable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip. The PDMS chip was placed in a tilted arrangement with the IDT to utilize both vertical and horizontal components of surface acoustic wave-induced acoustic radiation force (ARF) for multiplexed assay at high-throughput. The two different-sized particles experienced the ARF at different magnitudes and were separated from platelets in plasma. The IDT on the piezoelectric substrate could be reusable, while the microfluidic chip can be replaceable for repeated assays. The sample processing throughput with the separation efficiency >95% has been improved such that the volumetric flow rate and flow velocity were 1.6 ml/h and 37 mm/s, respectively. For the prevention of platelet activation and protein adsorption to the microchannel, polyethylene oxide solution was introduced as sheath flows and coating on to the walls. We conducted scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy , and sodium dodecyl sulfate- analysis before and after the separation to confirm the protein capture and separation. We expect that the proposed approach will provide new prospects for particle-based liquid biopsy using blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ha Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Beomseok Cha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongu Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Center of Immunology Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, 171 Av, De Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Huang J, Ren X, Zhou Q, Zhou J, Xu Z. Flexible acoustic lens-based surface acoustic wave device for manipulation and directional transport of micro-particles. ULTRASONICS 2023; 128:106865. [PMID: 36260963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2022.106865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that is playing increasingly important roles in biomedical and pharmaceutical research and development. Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) have been combined with microfluidics technology to establish a SAW-based microfluidics technology that uses the unique interaction between the two techniques to manipulate substances effectively in fluids on the surface of a substrate. This paper reports a method to generate SAWs using conventional planar ultrasonic transducers and acoustic lenses. Additionally, this method is introduced to manipulate particles effectively on a substrate surface. It is demonstrated that the particle positions can be manipulated precisely in any direction on the substrate surface, thus enabling high-precision particle manipulation. We also proposed the generation of nonplanar SAWs via appropriate design of the acoustic lens and realized directional particle transport. In addition, structures to enhance forward-propagating acoustic beams are proposed. The proposed method has potential for use in microfluidics and biomedical applications, allowing tasks such as flexible cell manipulation on a chip to be performed without complex design or micromachining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Institute of Acoustics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Xuemei Ren
- Institute of Acoustics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Qinxin Zhou
- Institute of Acoustics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Junhe Zhou
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, PR China.
| | - Zheng Xu
- Institute of Acoustics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Hasanzadeh Kafshgari M, Hayden O. Advances in analytical microfluidic workflows for differential cancer diagnosis. NANO SELECT 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Hasanzadeh Kafshgari
- Heinz‐Nixdorf‐Chair of Biomedical Electronics Campus Klinikum München rechts der Isar TranslaTUM Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Oliver Hayden
- Heinz‐Nixdorf‐Chair of Biomedical Electronics Campus Klinikum München rechts der Isar TranslaTUM Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
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Huang L, Zhou J, Kong D, Li F. Phononic-Crystal-Based Particle Sieving in Continuous Flow: Numerical Simulations. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2181. [PMID: 36557480 PMCID: PMC9781879 DOI: 10.3390/mi13122181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sieving specific particles from mixed samples is of great value in fields such as biochemistry and additive manufacturing. In this study, a particle sieving method for microfluidics was proposed based on a phononic crystal plate (PCP), the mechanism of which originates from the competition between the trapping effect of the resonant PCP-induced acoustic radiation force (ARF), disturbance effect of acoustic streaming (AS), and flushing effect of the continuous inlet flow on particles suspended in microfluidic channels. Specifically, particles with different sizes could be separated under inlet flow conditions owing to ARF and AS drag forces as functions of the particle diameter, incident acoustic pressure, and driving frequency. Furthermore, a comprehensive numerical analysis was performed to investigate the impacts of ARF, AS, and inlet flow conditions on the particle motion and sieving efficiency, and to explore proper operating parameters, including the acoustic pressure and inlet flow velocity. It was found that, for each inlet flow velocity, there was an optimal acoustic pressure allowing us to achieve the maximum sieving efficiency, but the sieving efficiency at a low flow velocity was not as good as that at a high flow velocity. Although a PCP with a high resonant frequency could weaken the AS, thereby suiting the sieving of small particles (<5 μm), a low channel height corresponding to a high frequency limits the throughput. Therefore, it is necessary to design a PCP with a suitable resonant frequency based on the size of the particles to be sieved. This investigation can provide guidance for the design of massive acoustic sorting mi-crofluidic devices based on phononic crystals or acoustic metamaterials under continuous flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laixin Huang
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Deqing Kong
- Muroran Institute of Technology, Muroran 050-8585, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Fei Li
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Jin S, Ye G, Cao N, Liu X, Dai L, Wang P, Wang T, Wei X. Acoustics-Controlled Microdroplet and Microbubble Fusion and Its Application in the Synthesis of Hydrogel Microspheres. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:12602-12609. [PMID: 36194518 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Droplet fusion technology is a key technology for many droplet-based biochemical medical applications. By integrating a symmetrical flow channel structure, we demonstrate an acoustics-controlled fusion method of microdroplets using surface acoustic waves. Different kinds of microdroplets can be staggered and ordered in the symmetrical flow channel, proving the good arrangement effect of the microfluidic chip. This method can realize not only the effective fusion of microbubbles but also the effective fusion of microdroplets of different sizes without any modification. Further, we investigate the influence of the input frequency and peak-to-peak value of the driving voltage on microdroplets fusion, giving the effective fusion parameter conditions of microdroplets. Finally, this method is successfully used in the preparation of hydrogel microspheres, offering a new platform for the synthesis of hydrogel microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobo Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Guoyong Ye
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Na Cao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450052, China
| | - Xuling Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Liguo Dai
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou450002, China
| | - Xueyong Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
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Khan MS, Sahin MA, Destgeer G, Park J. Residue-free acoustofluidic manipulation of microparticles via removal of microchannel anechoic corner. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2022; 89:106161. [PMID: 36088893 PMCID: PMC9464887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2022.106161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based acoustofluidics has shown significant promise to manipulate micro/nanoscale objects for biomedical applications, e.g. cell separation, enrichment, and sorting. A majority of the acoustofluidic devices utilize microchannels with rectangular cross-section where the acoustic waves propagate in the direction perpendicular to the sample flow. A region with weak acoustic wave intensity, termed microchannel anechoic corner (MAC), is formed inside a rectangular microchannel of the acoustofluidic devices where the ultrasonic waves refract into the fluid at the Rayleigh angle with respect to the normal to the substrate. Due to the absence of a strong acoustic field within the MAC, the microparticles flowing adjacent to the microchannel wall remain unaffected by a direct SAW-induced acoustic radiation force (ARF). Moreover, an acoustic streaming flow (ASF) vortex produced within the MAC pulls the particles further into the corner and away from the direct ARF influence. Therefore, a residue of particles continues to flow past the SAWs without intended deflection, causing a decrease in microparticle manipulation efficiency. In this work, we introduce a cross-type acoustofluidic device composed of a half-circular microchannel, fabricated through a thermal reflow of a positive photoresist mold, to overcome the limitations associated with rectangular microchannels, prone to the MAC formation. We investigated the effects of different microchannel cross-sectional shapes with varying contact angles on the microparticle deflection in a continuous flow and found three distinct regimes of particle deflection. By systematically removing the MAC out of the microchannel cross-section, we achieved residue-free acoustofluidic microparticle manipulation via SAW-induced ARF inside a half-circular microchannel. The proposed method was applied to efficient fluorescent coating of the microparticles in a size-selective manner without any residue particles left undeflected in the MAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Soban Khan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Mehmet Akif Sahin
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, Munich 81675, Germany.
| | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Fan Y, Wang X, Ren J, Lin F, Wu J. Recent advances in acoustofluidic separation technology in biology. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:94. [PMID: 36060525 PMCID: PMC9434534 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-022-00435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Acoustofluidic separation of cells and particles is an emerging technology that integrates acoustics and microfluidics. In the last decade, this technology has attracted significant attention due to its biocompatible, contactless, and label-free nature. It has been widely validated in the separation of cells and submicron bioparticles and shows great potential in different biological and biomedical applications. This review first introduces the theories and mechanisms of acoustofluidic separation. Then, various applications of this technology in the separation of biological particles such as cells, viruses, biomolecules, and exosomes are summarized. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Fan
- School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Jiaqi Ren
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Jiandong Wu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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A Perturbed Asymmetrical Y-TypeSheathless Chip for Particle Control Based on Adjustable Tilted-Angle Traveling Surface Acoustic Waves (ataTSAWs). BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080611. [PMID: 36005007 PMCID: PMC9406206 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The precise control of target particles (20 µm) at different inclination angles θi is achieved by combining a perturbed asymmetric sheathless Y-type microchannel and a digital transducer (IDT). The offset single-row micropillar array with the buffer area can not only concentrate large and small particles in a fixed region of the flow channel, but also avoid the large deflection of some small particles at the end of the array. The addition of the buffer area can effectively improve the separation purity of the chip. By exploring the manufacturing process of the microchannel substrate, an adjustable tilted-angle scheme is proposed. The use of ataTSAW makes the acoustic field area in the microchannel have no corner effect region. Through experiments, when the signal source frequency was 33.6 MHz, and the flow rate was 20 µL/min, our designed chip could capture 20 µm particles when θi = 5°. The deflection of 20 µm particles can be realized when θi = 15°–45°. The precise dynamic separation of 20 µm particles can be achieved when θi = 25°–45°, and the separation purity and efficiency were 97% and 100%, respectively.
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Sachs S, Baloochi M, Cierpka C, König J. On the acoustically induced fluid flow in particle separation systems employing standing surface acoustic waves - Part I. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2011-2027. [PMID: 35482303 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01113h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
By integrating surface acoustic waves (SAW) into microfluidic devices, microparticle systems can be fractionated precisely in flexible and easily scalable Lab-on-a-Chip platforms. The widely adopted driving mechanism behind this principle is the acoustic radiation force, which depends on the size and acoustic properties of the suspended particles. Superimposed fluid motion caused by the acoustic streaming effect can further manipulate particle trajectories and might have a negative influence on the fractionation result. A characterization of the crucial parameters that affect the pattern and scaling of the acoustically induced flow is thus essential for the design of acoustofluidic separation systems. For the first time, the fluid flow induced by pseudo-standing acoustic wave fields with a wavelength much smaller than the width of the confined microchannel is experimentally revealed in detail, using quantitative three-dimensional measurements of all three velocity components (3D3C). In Part I of this study, we focus on the fluid flow close to the center of the surface acoustic wave field, while in Part II the outer regions with strong acoustic gradients are investigated. By systematic variations of the SAW-wavelength λSAW and channel height H, a transition from vortex pairs extending over the entire channel width W to periodic flows resembling the pseudo-standing wave field is revealed. An adaptation of the electrical power, however, only affects the velocity scaling. Based on the experimental data, a validated numerical model was developed in which critical material parameters and boundary conditions were systematically adjusted. Considering a Navier slip length at the substrate-fluid interface, the simulations provide a strong agreement with the measured velocity data over a large frequency range and enable an energetic consideration of the first and second-order fields. Based on the results of this study, critical parameters were identified for the particle size as well as for channel height and width. Progress for the research on SAW-based separation systems is obtained not only by these findings but also by providing all experimental velocity data to allow for further developments on other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Sachs
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany.
| | - Mostafa Baloochi
- Institute of Micro- and Nanotechnologies, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Christian Cierpka
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany.
- Institute of Micro- and Nanotechnologies, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Jörg König
- Institute of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98684 Ilmenau, Germany.
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Li Y, Cai S, Shen H, Chen Y, Ge Z, Yang W. Recent advances in acoustic microfluidics and its exemplary applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031502. [PMID: 35712527 PMCID: PMC9197543 DOI: 10.1063/5.0089051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic-based microfluidics has been widely used in recent years for fundamental research due to its simple device design, biocompatibility, and contactless operation. In this article, the basic theory, typical devices, and technical applications of acoustic microfluidics technology are summarized. First, the theory of acoustic microfluidics is introduced from the classification of acoustic waves, acoustic radiation force, and streaming flow. Then, various applications of acoustic microfluidics including sorting, mixing, atomization, trapping, patterning, and acoustothermal heating are reviewed. Finally, the development trends of acoustic microfluidics in the future were summarized and looked forward to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Honglin Shen
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yibao Chen
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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15
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Talebjedi B, Heydari M, Taatizadeh E, Tasnim N, Li ITS, Hoorfar M. Neural Network-Based Optimization of an Acousto Microfluidic System for Submicron Bioparticle Separation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:878398. [PMID: 35519621 PMCID: PMC9061962 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.878398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The advancement in microfluidics has provided an excellent opportunity for shifting from conventional sub-micron-sized isolation and purification methods to more robust and cost-effective lab-on-chip platforms. The acoustic-driven separation approach applies differential forces acting on target particles, guiding them towards different paths in a label-free and biocompatible manner. The main challenges in designing the acoustofluidic-based isolation platforms are minimizing the reflected radio frequency signal power to achieve the highest acoustic radiation force acting on micro/nano-sized particles and tuning the bandwidth of the acoustic resonator in an acceptable range for efficient size-based binning of particles. Due to the complexity of the physics involved in acoustic-based separations, the current existing lack in performance predictive understanding makes designing these miniature systems iterative and resource-intensive. This study introduces a unique approach for design automation of acoustofluidic devices by integrating the machine learning and multi-objective heuristic optimization approaches. First, a neural network-based prediction platform was developed to predict the resonator's frequency response according to different geometrical configurations of interdigitated transducers In the next step, the multi-objective optimization approach was executed for extracting the optimum design features for maximum possible device performance according to decision-maker criteria. The results show that the proposed methodology can significantly improve the fine-tuned IDT designs with minimum power loss and maximum working frequency range. The examination of the power loss and bandwidth on the alternation and distribution of the acoustic pressure inside the microfluidic channel was carried out by conducting a 3D finite element-based simulation. The proposed methodology improves the performance of the acoustic transducer by overcoming the constraints related to bandwidth operation, the magnitude of acoustic radiation force on particles, and the distribution of pressure acoustic inside the microchannel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Talebjedi
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | | | - Erfan Taatizadeh
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Nishat Tasnim
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Isaac T. S. Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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16
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Li X, Duan J, Qu Z, Wang J, Ji M, Zhang B. Continuous Particle Separation Driven by 3D Ag-PDMS Electrodes with Dielectric Electrophoretic Force Coupled with Inertia Force. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13010117. [PMID: 35056282 PMCID: PMC8780234 DOI: 10.3390/mi13010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell separation has become @important in biological and medical applications. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is widely used due to the advantages it offers, such as the lack of a requirement for biological markers and the fact that it involves no damage to cells or particles. This study aimed to report a novel approach combining 3D sidewall electrodes and contraction/expansion (CEA) structures to separate three kinds of particles with different sizes or dielectric properties continuously. The separation was achieved through the interaction between electrophoretic forces and inertia forces. The CEA channel was capable of sorting particles with different sizes due to inertial forces, and also enhanced the nonuniformity of the electric field. The 3D electrodes generated a non-uniform electric field at the same height as the channels, which increased the action range of the DEP force. Finite element simulations using the commercial software, COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4, were performed to determine the flow field distributions, electric field distributions, and particle trajectories. The separation experiments were assessed by separating 4 µm polystyrene (PS) particles from 20 µm PS particles at different flow rates by experiencing positive and negative DEP. Subsequently, the sorting performances of the 4 µm PS particles, 20 µm PS particles, and 4 µm silica particles with different solution conductivities were observed. Both the numerical simulations and the practical particle separation displayed high separating efficiency (separation of 4 µm PS particles, 94.2%; separation of 20 µm PS particles, 92.1%; separation of 4 µm Silica particles, 95.3%). The proposed approach is expected to open a new approach to cell sorting and separating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
- Taiyuan Institute of Technology, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Junping Duan
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Zeng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Jiayun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Miaomiao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Binzhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement Ministry of Education, Micro Nano Technology Research Center, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (X.L.); (J.D.); (Z.Q.); (J.W.); (M.J.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Chen J, Huang X, Xu X, Wang R, Wei M, Han W, Cao J, Xuan W, Ge Y, Wang J, Sun L, Luo JK. Microfluidic particle separation and detection system based on standing surface acoustic wave and lensless imaging. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 69:2165-2175. [PMID: 34951837 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3138086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Separation and detection of micro-particles or cells from bio-samples by point-of-care (POC) systems are critical for biomedical and healthcare diagnostic applications. Among the microfluidic separation techniques, the acoustophoresis-based microfluidic separation technique has the advantages of label-free, contactless, and good biocompatibility. However, most of the separation techniques are bulky, requiring additional equipment for analysis, not suitable for POC-based in-field real-time applications. Therefore, we proposed a platform, which integrates an acoustophoresis-based separation device and a lensless imaging sensor into a compact standalone system to solve the problem. METHODS In this system, Standing Surface Acoustic Wave (SSAW) is utilized for label-free particle separation, while lensless imaging is employed for seamless particle detection and counting using self-developed dual-threshold motion detection algorithms. In particular, the microfluidic channel and interdigital transducers (IDTs) were specially optimized; a heat dissipation system was custom designed to suppress the rise of the fluid temperature; a novel frequency-temperature-curve based method was proposed to determine the appropriate signal driving frequency for the system; an effective treatment protocol that improves the bonding strength between LiNbO3 and PDMS was proposed. RESULTS At 2 L/min sample flow rate, the separation efficiency of 93.52% and purity of 94.29% for 15 m microbead were achieved in mixed 5m and 15m microbead solution at a 25 dBm RF driving power, the separation efficiency of 92.75% and purity of 91.43% were obtained for 15 m microbead from mixed 10 m and 15 m microbead solution at a driving power of 24 dBm. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the integrated platform has an excellent capability to seamlessly separate, distinguish, and count microbeads of different sizes. SIGNIFICANCE Such a platform and the design methodologies offer a promising POC solution for label-free cell separation and detection in biomedical diagnostics.
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18
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Xu M, Lee PVS, Collins DJ. Microfluidic acoustic sawtooth metasurfaces for patterning and separation using traveling surface acoustic waves. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 22:90-99. [PMID: 34860222 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00711d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a sawtooth-based metasurface approach for flexibly orienting acoustic fields in a microfluidic device driven by surface acoustic waves (SAW), where sub-wavelength channel features can be used to arbitrarily steer acoustic fringes in a microchannel. Compared to other acoustofluidic methods, only a single travelling wave is used, the fluidic pressure field is decoupled from the fluid domain's shape, and steerable pressure fields are a function of a simply constructed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) metasurface shape. Our results are relevant to microfluidic applications including the patterning, concentration, focusing, and separation of microparticles and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter V S Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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19
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[Research progress in the application of external field separation technology and microfluidic technology in the separation of micro/nanoscales]. Se Pu 2021; 39:1157-1170. [PMID: 34677011 PMCID: PMC9404220 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2020.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The micro/nanoscales concerns interactions of entities with sizes in the range of 0.1-100 μm, such as biological cells, proteins, and particles. The separation of micro/nanoscales has been of immense significance for drug development, early-stage cancer detection, and customized precision therapy. For example, in recent years, rapid advances in the field of cell therapy have necessitated the development of simple and effective cell separation techniques. The isolation technique allows the collection of the required stem cells from complex samples. With the development of materials science and precision medicine, the separation of particles is also critical. The key physicochemical properties of micro/nanoscales are highly dependent on their specific size, shape, functional group, and mobility (based on the charged characteristics), which control their performance in the separation system. The current demand has made the simultaneous innovation of a separation system and an on-line detection platform imperative. Accordingly, various analytical methods involving the use of external forces, such as the flow field, magnetic field, electric field, and acoustic field, have been used for micro/nanoscales separation. Based on the physical and chemical parameters of the separation materials, these analytical methods can select different external force fields for micro/nanoscales separation, enabling real-time, accurate, efficient, and selective separation. However, at present, most of the applied field separation technologies require complex equipment and a large sample amount. This makes it crucial to miniaturize and integrate separation technologies for low-cost, rapid, and accurate micro/nanoscales separation. Microfluidic technology is a representative micro/nanoscales separation technology. It requires only a small volume of liquid, making it cost-effective; its high throughput enables continuous separation and analysis; its fast response in a microchip can allow many reactions; and finally, the miniaturization of the device allows the coupling of multiple detectors with the microchip. With the continuous growth and progress of microfluidic technology, some microfluidic platforms are now able to achieve the non-destructive separation of cells. They also enable on-line detection, offer high separation efficiency, and allow rapid separation for different biological samples. This review primarily summarizes recent advances in microfluidic chips based on flow field, electric field, magnetic field, acoustic field, and field separation technologies to improve the micro/nanoscales separation efficiency. This review also discusses the various external force fields of micro/nanoscales, such as a microparticle, single cell separation of substances classified introduction, and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of their application and development. Finally, the prospect of the combined application of external field separation technology and microfluidic technology in the early screening of cancer cells and for precise micro/nanoscales separation is discussed, and the advantages and potential applications of the combined technology are proposed.
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20
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Zhou Z, Chen Y, Zhu S, Liu L, Ni Z, Xiang N. Inertial microfluidics for high-throughput cell analysis and detection: a review. Analyst 2021; 146:6064-6083. [PMID: 34490431 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00983d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Since it was first proposed in 2007, inertial microfluidics has been extensively studied in terms of theory, design, fabrication, and application. In recent years, with the rapid development of microfabrication technologies, a variety of channel structures that can focus, concentrate, separate, and capture bioparticles or fluids have been designed and manufactured to extend the range of potential biomedical applications of inertial microfluidics. Due to the advantages of high throughput, simplicity, and low device cost, inertial microfluidics is a promising candidate for rapid sample processing, especially for large-volume samples with low-abundance targets. As an approach to cellular sample pretreatment, inertial microfluidics has been widely employed to ensure downstream cell analysis and detection. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the application of inertial microfluidics for high-throughput cell analysis and detection is presented. According to application areas, the recent advances can be sorted into label-free cell mechanical phenotyping, sheathless flow cytometric counting, electrical impedance cytometer, high-throughput cellular image analysis, and other methods. Finally, the challenges and prospects of inertial microfluidics for cell analysis and detection are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Shu Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Linbo Liu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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21
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Tayebi M, Yang D, Collins DJ, Ai Y. Deterministic Sorting of Submicrometer Particles and Extracellular Vesicles Using a Combined Electric and Acoustic Field. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:6835-6842. [PMID: 34355908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sorting of extracellular vesicles has important applications in early stage diagnostics. Current exosome isolation techniques, however, suffer from being costly, having long processing times, and producing low purities. Recent work has shown that active sorting via acoustic and electric fields are useful techniques for microscale separation activities, where combining these has the potential to take advantage of multiple force mechanisms simultaneously. In this work, we demonstrate an approach using both electrical and acoustic forces to manipulate bioparticles and submicrometer particles for deterministic sorting, where we find that the concurrent application of dielectrophoretic (DEP) and acoustophoretic forces decreases the critical diameter at which particles can be separated. We subsequently utilize this approach to sort subpopulations of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes (<200 nm) and microvesicles (>300 nm). Using our combined acoustic/electric approach, we demonstrate exosome purification with more than 95% purity and 81% recovery, well above comparable approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoush Tayebi
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Dahou Yang
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vitctoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ye Ai
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
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22
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Kolesnik K, Xu M, Lee PVS, Rajagopal V, Collins DJ. Unconventional acoustic approaches for localized and designed micromanipulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2837-2856. [PMID: 34268539 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00378j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic fields are ideal for micromanipulation, being biocompatible and with force gradients approaching the scale of single cells. They have accordingly found use in a variety of microfluidic devices, including for microscale patterning, separation, and mixing. The bulk of work in acoustofluidics has been predicated on the formation of standing waves that form periodic nodal positions along which suspended particles and cells are aligned. An evolving range of applications, however, requires more targeted micromanipulation to create unique patterns and effects. To this end, recent work has made important advances in improving the flexibility with which acoustic fields can be applied, impressively demonstrating generating arbitrary arrangements of pressure fields, spatially localizing acoustic fields and selectively translating individual particles in ways that are not achievable via traditional approaches. In this critical review we categorize and examine these advances, each of which open the door to a wide range of applications in which single-cell fidelity and flexible micromanipulation are advantageous, including for tissue engineering, diagnostic devices, high-throughput sorting and microfabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Kolesnik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Mingxin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter V S Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Vijay Rajagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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3D numerical simulation of acoustophoretic motion induced by boundary-driven acoustic streaming in standing surface acoustic wave microfluidics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13326. [PMID: 34172758 PMCID: PMC8233446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90825-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) have been widely utilized in microfluidic devices to manipulate various cells and micro/nano-objects. Despite widespread application, a time-/cost-efficient versatile 3D model that predicts particle behavior in such platforms is still lacking. Herein, a fully-coupled 3D numerical simulation of boundary-driven acoustic streaming in the acoustofluidic devices utilizing SSAWs has been conducted based on the limiting velocity finite element method. Through this efficient computational method, the underlying physical interplay from the electromechanical fields of the piezoelectric substrate to different acoustofluidic effects (acoustic radiation force and streaming-induced drag force), fluid–solid interactions, the 3D influence of novel on-chip configuration like tilted-angle SSAW (taSSAW) based devices, required boundary conditions, meshing technique, and demanding computational cost, are discussed. As an experimental validation, a taSSAW platform fabricated on YX 128 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$^\circ $$\end{document}∘ LiNbO3 substrate for separating polystyrene beads is simulated, which demonstrates acceptable agreement with reported experimental observations. Subsequently, as an application of the presented 3D model, a novel sheathless taSSAW cell/particle separator is conceptualized and designed. The presented 3D fully-coupled model could be considered a powerful tool in further designing and optimizing SSAW microfluidics due to the more time-/cost-efficient performance than precedented 3D models, the capability to model complex on-chip configurations, and overcome shortcomings and limitations of 2D simulations.
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24
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Afzal M, Park J, Jeon JS, Akmal M, Yoon TS, Sung HJ. Acoustofluidic Separation of Proteins Using Aptamer-Functionalized Microparticles. Anal Chem 2021; 93:8309-8317. [PMID: 34075739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We propose an acoustofluidic method for the triseparation of proteins conjugated with aptamer-coated microparticles inside a microchannel. Traveling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs) produced from a slanted-finger interdigital transducer (SFIT) are used to separate the protein-loaded microparticles of different sizes via the TSAW-driven acoustic radiation force (ARF). The acoustofluidic device consists of an SFIT deposited onto a piezoelectric lithium niobate substrate and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel on top of the substrate. The TSAWs propagating on the substrate penetrate into the sample fluid flow, where the human protein-conjugated microparticles are suspended, inside the PDMS microchannel. The microparticles are subjected to the TSAW-driven ARF with varying magnitude depending on their size and thus flow along different streamlines, leading to triseparation of the proteins. In this work, we used two different-sized streptavidin-functionalized polystyrene (PS) microparticles to capture two kinds of aptamers (apt15 and aptD17.4), which were labeled with a respective biotin molecule at one end. The biotin ends of the aptamers were attached to the microparticles through streptavidin-biotin linkage, whereas the free ends of the aptamers were used to capture their target proteins of thrombin (th) and immunoglobulin E (IgE). The resultant PS-apt15-th and PS-aptD17.4-IgE complexes, as well as mCardinal2, were used for experimental demonstration of acoustofluidic triseparation of the human proteins. We achieved simultaneous separation of proteins of three kinds (th, IgE, and mCardinal2) for the first time via the TSAW-driven ARF in the proposed acoustofluidic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jinsoo Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Muhammad Akmal
- Department of Materials Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Tae-Sung Yoon
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Sung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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25
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Mohanty S, Khalil ISM, Misra S. Contactless acoustic micro/nano manipulation: a paradigm for next generation applications in life sciences. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2020; 476:20200621. [PMID: 33363443 PMCID: PMC7735305 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2020.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic actuation techniques offer a promising tool for contactless manipulation of both synthetic and biological micro/nano agents that encompass different length scales. The traditional usage of sound waves has steadily progressed from mid-air manipulation of salt grains to sophisticated techniques that employ nanoparticle flow in microfluidic networks. State-of-the-art in microfabrication and instrumentation have further expanded the outreach of these actuation techniques to autonomous propulsion of micro-agents. In this review article, we provide a universal perspective of the known acoustic micromanipulation technologies in terms of their applications and governing physics. Hereby, we survey these technologies and classify them with regards to passive and active manipulation of agents. These manipulation methods account for both intelligent devices adept at dexterous non-contact handling of micro-agents, and acoustically induced mechanisms for self-propulsion of micro-robots. Moreover, owing to the clinical compliance of ultrasound, we provide future considerations of acoustic manipulation techniques to be fruitfully employed in biological applications that range from label-free drug testing to minimally invasive clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mohanty
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Islam S. M. Khalil
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Sarthak Misra
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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26
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Acoustic Microfluidic Separation Techniques and Bioapplications: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11100921. [PMID: 33023173 PMCID: PMC7600273 DOI: 10.3390/mi11100921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic separation technology has garnered significant attention over the past decade where particles are being separated at a micro/nanoscale in a rapid, low-cost, and simple manner. Amongst a myriad of separation technologies that have emerged thus far, acoustic microfluidic separation techniques are extremely apt to applications involving biological samples attributed to various advantages, including high controllability, biocompatibility, and non-invasive, label-free features. With that being said, downsides such as low throughput and dependence on external equipment still impede successful commercialization from laboratory-based prototypes. Here, we present a comprehensive review of recent advances in acoustic microfluidic separation techniques, along with exemplary applications. Specifically, an inclusive overview of fundamental theory and background is presented, then two sets of mechanisms underlying acoustic separation, bulk acoustic wave and surface acoustic wave, are introduced and discussed. Upon these summaries, we present a variety of applications based on acoustic separation. The primary focus is given to those associated with biological samples such as blood cells, cancer cells, proteins, bacteria, viruses, and DNA/RNA. Finally, we highlight the benefits and challenges behind burgeoning developments in the field and discuss the future perspectives and an outlook towards robust, integrated, and commercialized devices based on acoustic microfluidic separation.
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Tottori N, Nisisako T. Particle/cell separation using sheath-free deterministic lateral displacement arrays with inertially focused single straight input. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1999-2008. [PMID: 32373868 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes microfluidic particle separation by sheath-free deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) with inertial focusing in a single straight input channel. Unlike conventional DLD devices for size-based particle separation, in which sheath streams are used to focus the particles before the solution containing them reaches the DLD arrays, the proposed method uses inertial focusing to align the particles along the middle or the sidewalls of the straight rectangular input channel. The two-stage model of inertial focusing is applied to reduce the length of the side-focusing channel. The proposed method is demonstrated by using it to separate fluorescent polymer particles of diameters 13 and 7 μm, in the process of which the effect of the particle focusing regime on the separation performance is also investigated. Through middle focusing, the method is further used to separate MCF-7 cells (a model of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)) and blood cells, with ∼99.0% capture efficiency achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotomo Tottori
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Takasi Nisisako
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
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Zhao S, Wu M, Yang S, Wu Y, Gu Y, Chen C, Ye J, Xie Z, Tian Z, Bachman H, Huang PH, Xia J, Zhang P, Zhang H, Huang TJ. A disposable acoustofluidic chip for nano/microparticle separation using unidirectional acoustic transducers. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1298-1308. [PMID: 32195522 PMCID: PMC7199844 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00106f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Separation of nano/microparticles based on surface acoustic waves (SAWs) has shown great promise for biological, chemical, and medical applications ranging from sample purification to cancer diagnosis. However, the permanent bonding of a microchannel onto relatively expensive piezoelectric substrates and excitation transducers renders the SAW separation devices non-disposable. This limitation not only requires cumbersome cleaning and increased labor and material costs, but also leads to cross-contamination, preventing their implementation in many biological, chemical, and medical applications. Here, we demonstrate a high-performance, disposable acoustofluidic platform for nano/microparticle separation. Leveraging unidirectional interdigital transducers (IDTs), a hybrid channel design with hard/soft materials, and tilted-angle standing SAWs (taSSAWs), our disposable acoustofluidic devices achieve acoustic radiation forces comparable to those generated by existing permanently bonded, non-disposable devices. Our disposable devices can separate not only microparticles but also nanoparticles. Moreover, they can differentiate bacteria from human red blood cells (RBCs) with a purity of up to 96%. Altogether, we developed a unidirectional IDT-based, disposable acoustofluidic platform for micro/nanoparticle separation that can achieve high separation efficiency, versatility, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiguo Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Brenker JC, Devendran C, Neild A, Alan T. On-demand sample injection: combining acoustic actuation with a tear-drop shaped nozzle to generate droplets with precise spatial and temporal control. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:253-265. [PMID: 31854405 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00837c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
An on-demand droplet injection method for controlled delivery of nanolitre-volume liquid samples to scientific instruments for subsequent analysis is presented. We employ pulsed focussed surface acoustic waves (SAW) to eject droplets from an enclosed microfluidic channel into an open environment. The 3D position of individual droplets and their time of arrival can be precisely controlled to within 61 μs in a 500 μm square target region 40 μm wide. The continuous ejection rate of 16 000 droplets per second can be tuned to produce pulsed trains of droplets from 0 up to 357 Hz. The main benefit of this technique is its ease of integration with complex microfluidic processing steps, such as droplet merging, sorting, and encapsulation, prior to sample delivery. With its ability to precisely deliver a small quantity of fluid to a pre-defined location this technology is applicable in X-ray based molecular studies, including the rapidly expanding field of X-ray free electron lasers. Fabrication procedures for this device, the underlying forcing mechanism, the role of nozzle design, and demonstration of the performance in both continuous and on-demand modes are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Brenker
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace, Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Citsabehsan Devendran
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace, Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Adrian Neild
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace, Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Tuncay Alan
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace, Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Afzal M, Park J, Destgeer G, Ahmed H, Iqrar SA, Kim S, Kang S, Alazzam A, Yoon TS, Sung HJ. Acoustomicrofluidic separation of tardigrades from raw cultures for sample preparation. Zool J Linn Soc 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals widely known for their ability to survive in extreme conditions. They are the focus of current research in the fields of taxonomy, biogeography, genomics, proteomics, development, space biology, evolution and ecology. Tardigrades, such as Hypsibius exemplaris, are being advocated as a next-generation model organism for genomic and developmental studies. The raw culture of H. exemplaris usually contains tardigrades themselves, their eggs, faeces and algal food. Experimentation with tardigrades often requires the demanding and laborious separation of tardigrades from raw samples to prepare pure and contamination-free tardigrade samples. In this paper, we propose a two-step acoustomicrofluidic separation method to isolate tardigrades from raw samples. In the first step, a passive microfluidic filter composed of an array of traps is used to remove large algal clusters in the raw sample. In the second step, a surface acoustic wave-based active microfluidic separation device is used to deflect tardigrades continuously from their original streamlines inside the microchannel and thus isolate them selectively from algae and eggs. The experimental results demonstrated the efficient separation of tardigrades, with a recovery rate of 96% and an impurity of 4% algae on average in a continuous, contactless, automated, rapid and biocompatible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Husnain Ahmed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Syed Atif Iqrar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sanghee Kim
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, KOPRI, Incheon 21990, Korea
| | - Sunghyun Kang
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Anas Alazzam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tae-Sung Yoon
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Sung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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Habibi R, Neild A. Sound wave activated nano-sieve (SWANS) for enrichment of nanoparticles. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:3032-3044. [PMID: 31396609 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00369j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic actuation is widely used in microfluidic systems as a method of controlling the behaviour of suspended matter. When acoustic waves impinge on particles, a radiation force is exerted which can cause migration over multiple acoustic time periods; in addition the scattering of the wave by the particle will affect the behaviour of nearby particles. This interparticle effect, or Bjerknes force, tends to attract particles together. Here, instead of manipulating a dilute sample of particles, we examine the acoustic excitation of a packed bed. We fill a microfluidic channel with microparticles, such that they form a closely packed structure and then excite them at the particle's resonant frequency. In this scenario, each particle acts as a source of scattered waves and we show that these waves are highly effective at attracting nanoparticles onto the surface of the microparticles, and nanoparticle collection characterises the performance of this mechanically activated packed bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhollah Habibi
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Zhao S, He W, Ma Z, Liu P, Huang PH, Bachman H, Wang L, Yang S, Tian Z, Wang Z, Gu Y, Xie Z, Huang TJ. On-chip stool liquefaction via acoustofluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:941-947. [PMID: 30702741 PMCID: PMC6626638 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01310a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based portable devices for stool analysis are important for detecting established biomarkers for gastrointestinal disorders and understanding the relationship between gut microbiota imbalances and various health conditions, ranging from digestive disorders to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the challenge of processing stool samples in microfluidic devices hinders the development of a standalone platform. Here, we present the first microfluidic chip that can liquefy stool samples via acoustic streaming. With an acoustic transducer actively generating strong micro-vortex streaming, stool samples and buffers in microchannel can be homogenized at a flow rate up to 30 μL min-1. After homogenization, an array of 100 μm wide micropillars can further purify stool samples by filtering out large debris. A favorable biocompatibility was also demonstrated for our acoustofluidic-based stool liquefaction chip by examining bacteria morphology and viability. Moreover, stool samples with different consistencies were liquefied. Our acoustofluidic chip offers a miniaturized, robust, and biocompatible solution for stool sample preparation in a microfluidic environment and can be potentially integrated with stool analysis units for designing portable stool diagnostics platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiguo Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Destgeer G, Hashmi A, Park J, Ahmed H, Afzal M, Sung HJ. Microparticle self-assembly induced by travelling surface acoustic waves. RSC Adv 2019; 9:7916-7921. [PMID: 35521193 PMCID: PMC9061445 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09859j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We present an acoustofluidic method based on travelling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs) to induce self-assembly of microparticles inside a microfluidic channel. The particles are trapped above an interdigitated transducer, placed directly beneath the microchannel, by the TSAW-based direct acoustic radiation force (ARF). This approach was applied to trap 10 μm polystyrene particles, which were pushed towards the ceiling of the microchannel by 72 MHz TSAWs to form single- and multiple-layer colloidal structures. The repair of cracks and defects within the crystal lattice occurs as part of the self-assembly process. The sample flow through the first inlet can be switched with a buffer flow through the second inlet to control the number of particles assembled in the crystalline structure. The constant flow-induced Stokes drag force on the particles is balanced by the opposing TSAW-based ARF. This force balance is essential for the acoustics-based self-assembly of microparticles inside the microchannel. Moreover, we studied the effects of varying input voltage and fluid flow rate on the position and shape of the colloidal structure. The active self-assembly of microparticles into crystals with multiple layers can be used in the bottom-up fabrication of colloidal structures with dimensions greater than 500 μm × 500 μm, which is expected to have important applications in various fields. We present an acoustofluidic method based on travelling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs) for the self-assembly of microparticles inside a microfluidic channel.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Hashmi
- Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM)
- France
| | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Husnain Ahmed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Sung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
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