1
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Huang G, Zheng W, Zhou Y, Wan M, Hu T. Recent advances to address challenges in extracellular vesicle-based applications for lung cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3855-3875. [PMID: 39309489 PMCID: PMC11413688 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, highly prevalent and the leading cause of cancer-related death globally, persists as a significant challenge due to the lack of definitive tumor markers for early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic interventions. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), functioning as natural carriers for intercellular communication, have received increasing attention due to their ability to traverse biological barriers and deliver diverse biological cargoes, including cytosolic proteins, cell surface proteins, microRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, DNA, and lipids. EVs are increasingly recognized as a valuable resource for non-invasive liquid biopsy, as well as drug delivery platforms, and anticancer vaccines for precision medicine in lung cancer. Herein, given the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of tumor-associated EVs for lung cancer, we discuss this topic from a translational standpoint. We delve into the specific roles that EVs play in lung cancer carcinogenesis and offer a particular perspective on how advanced engineering technologies can overcome the current challenges and expedite and/or enhance the translation of EVs from laboratory research to clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaigai Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District (West China Airport Hospital of Sichuan University), Chengdu 610200, China
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wenshu Zheng
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District (West China Airport Hospital of Sichuan University), Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Meihua Wan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610200, China
- The First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District (West China Airport Hospital of Sichuan University), Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Tony Hu
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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2
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Barekatain M, Liu Y, Archambeau A, Cherezov V, Fraser S, White KL, Hayes MA. Insulator-based dielectrophoresis-assisted separation of insulin secretory vesicles. eLife 2024; 13:e74989. [PMID: 39190030 PMCID: PMC11349295 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74989] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Organelle heterogeneity and inter-organelle contacts within a single cell contribute to the limited sensitivity of current organelle separation techniques, thus hindering organelle subpopulation characterization. Here, we use direct current insulator-based dielectrophoresis (DC-iDEP) as an unbiased separation method and demonstrate its capability by identifying distinct distribution patterns of insulin vesicles from INS-1E insulinoma cells. A multiple voltage DC-iDEP strategy with increased range and sensitivity has been applied, and a differentiation factor (ratio of electrokinetic to dielectrophoretic mobility) has been used to characterize features of insulin vesicle distribution patterns. We observed a significant difference in the distribution pattern of insulin vesicles isolated from glucose-stimulated cells relative to unstimulated cells, in accordance with maturation of vesicles upon glucose stimulation. We interpret the difference in distribution pattern to be indicative of high-resolution separation of vesicle subpopulations. DC-iDEP provides a path for future characterization of subtle biochemical differences of organelle subpopulations within any biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahta Barekatain
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Yameng Liu
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Ashley Archambeau
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Scott Fraser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Kate L White
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Mark A Hayes
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
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3
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Aghajanloo B, Hadady H, Ejeian F, Inglis DW, Hughes MP, Tehrani AF, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:331. [PMID: 38886776 PMCID: PMC11181607 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01707-6] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical attributes have emerged as novel markers, providing a reliable means to characterize cellular and subcellular fractions. Numerous studies have identified correlations between these factors and patients' medical status. However, the absence of a thorough overview impedes their applicability in contemporary state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells. Subsequently, the discussion broadens to encompass subcellular bioparticles, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched either from blood cells or other tissues. Notably, cell sizes vary significantly, from 2 μm for platelets to 25 μm for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enabling the development of size-based separation techniques, such as microfiltration, for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although cellular density is relatively constant among different circulating bioparticles, it allows for reliable density gradient centrifugation to isolate cells without altering their native state. Additionally, variations in EV surface charges (-6.3 to -45 mV) offer opportunities for electrophoretic and electrostatic separation methods. The distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells, compared to their normal counterparts, present an exceptional opportunity for diverse medical and biotechnological approaches. This review also aims to provide a holistic view of the current understanding of popular techniques in this domain that transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on early harvesting of malignant cells from body fluids, designing effective therapeutic options, cell targeting, and resonating with tissue and genetic engineering principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Aghajanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Science, Research and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Pycraft Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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4
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Wang D, Yang S, Wang N, Guo H, Feng S, Luo Y, Zhao J. A Novel Microfluidic Strategy for Efficient Exosome Separation via Thermally Oxidized Non-Uniform Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) Arrays and Dielectrophoresis (DEP) Synergy. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:174. [PMID: 38667167 PMCID: PMC11048442 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes, with diameters ranging from 30 to 150 nm, are saucer-shaped extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by various type of human cells. They are present in virtually all bodily fluids. Owing to their abundant nucleic acid and protein content, exosomes have emerged as promising biomarkers for noninvasive molecular diagnostics. However, the need for exosome separation purification presents tremendous technical challenges due to their minuscule size. In recent years, microfluidic technology has garnered substantial interest as a promising alternative capable of excellent separation performance, reduced reagent consumption, and lower overall device and operation costs. In this context, we hereby propose a novel microfluidic strategy based on thermally oxidized deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) arrays with tapered shapes to enhance separation performance. We have achieved more than 90% purity in both polystyrene nanoparticle and exosome experiments. The use of thermal oxidation also significantly reduces fabrication complexity by avoiding the use of high-precision lithography. Furthermore, in a simulation model, we attempt to integrate the use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) to overcome the size-based nature of DLD and distinguish particles that are close in size but differ in biochemical compositions (e.g., lipoproteins, exomeres, retroviruses). We believe the proposed strategy heralds a versatile and innovative platform poised to enhance exosome analysis across a spectrum of biochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shijia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Han Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shilun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China; (D.W.)
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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5
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Shen Y, Gwak H, Han B. Advanced manufacturing of nanoparticle formulations of drugs and biologics using microfluidics. Analyst 2024; 149:614-637. [PMID: 38083968 PMCID: PMC10842755 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01739g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Numerous innovative nanoparticle formulations of drugs and biologics, named nano-formulations, have been developed in the last two decades. However, methods for their scaled-up production are still lagging, as the amount needed for large animal tests and clinical trials is typically orders of magnitude larger. This manufacturing challenge poses a critical barrier to successfully translating various nano-formulations. This review focuses on how microfluidics technology has become a powerful tool to overcome this challenge by synthesizing various nano-formulations with improved particle properties and product purity in large quantities. This microfluidic-based manufacturing is enabled by microfluidic mixing, which is capable of the precise and continuous control of the synthesis of nano-formulations. We further discuss the specific applications of hydrodynamic flow focusing, a staggered herringbone micromixer, a T-junction mixer, a micro-droplet generator, and a glass capillary on various types of nano-formulations of polymeric, lipid, inorganic, and nanocrystals. Various separation and purification microfluidic methods to enhance the product purity are reviewed, including acoustofluidics, hydrodynamics, and dielectrophoresis. We further discuss the challenges of microfluidics being used by broader research and industrial communities. We also provide future outlooks of its enormous potential as a decentralized approach for manufacturing nano-formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Shen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Hogyeong Gwak
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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6
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Bu Y, Wang J, Ni S, Guo Y, Yobas L. Continuous-flow label-free size fractionation of extracellular vesicles through electrothermal fluid rolls and dielectrophoresis synergistically integrated in a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2421-2433. [PMID: 36951129 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01193j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived bioparticles that play significant roles in various biological processes including cell-to-cell communication and intercellular delivery. Additionally, they hold great potential as liquid biopsy biomarkers for pre-diagnostic applications. However, the isolation of EV subpopulations, especially exosomes from a biological fluid remains a challenge due to their submicron range. Here, we demonstrate continuous-flow label-free size fractionation of EVs for the first time through a synergistic combination of electrothermal fluid rolls and dielectrophoresis in a microfluidic device. The device features three dimensional microelectrodes with unique sidewall contours that give rise to effective electrothermal fluid rolls in cooperation with dielectrophoretic forces for the electrokinetic manipulation and size separation of submicron particles. We first validate the device functionality by separating submicron polystyrene particles from binary mixtures with a cut-off size of ∼200 nm and then isolate intact exosomes from cell culture medium or blood serum with a high recovery rate and purity (∼80%). The device operation in a high-conductivity medium renders the method ideal for the purification of target bioparticles directly from physiological fluids, and may offer a robust and versatile platform for EV related diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bu
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Division of Life Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheng Ni
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yusong Guo
- Division of Life Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Levent Yobas
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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7
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Zheng F, Wang J, Wang D, Yang Q. Clinical Application of Small Extracellular Vesicles in Gynecologic Malignancy Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071984. [PMID: 37046644 PMCID: PMC10093031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are the key mediators of intercellular communication. They have the potential for clinical use as diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers and have been explored as vectors for drug delivery. Identification of reliable and noninvasive biomarkers, such as sEVs, is important for early diagnosis and precise treatment of gynecologic diseases to improve patient prognosis. Previous reviews have summarized routine sEVs isolation and identification methods; however, novel and unconventional methods have not been comprehensively described. This review summarizes a convenient method of isolating sEVs from body fluids and liquid biopsy-related sEV markers for early, minimally invasive diagnosis of gynecologic diseases. In addition, the characteristics of sEVs as drug carriers and in precision treatment and drug resistance are introduced, providing a strong foundation for identifying novel and potential therapeutic targets for sEV therapy. We propose potential directions for further research on the applications of sEVs in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic diseases.
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8
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Kumar K, Kim E, Alhammadi M, Umapathi R, Aliya S, Tiwari JN, Park HS, Choi JH, Son CY, Vilian AE, Han YK, Bu J, Huh YS. Recent advances in microfluidic approaches for the isolation and detection of exosomes. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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9
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Huang X, Torres‐Castro K, Varhue W, Rane A, Rasin A, Swami NS. On‐chip microfluidic buffer swap of biological samples in‐line with downstream dielectrophoresis. Electrophoresis 2022; 43:1275-1282. [PMID: 35286736 PMCID: PMC9203925 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic cell enrichment by dielectrophoresis, based on biophysical and electrophysiology phenotypes, requires that cells be resuspended from their physiological media into a lower conductivity buffer for enhancing force fields and enabling the dielectric contrast needed for separation. To ensure that sensitive cells are not subject to centrifugation for resuspension and spend minimal time outside of their culture media, we present an on‐chip microfluidic strategy for swapping cells into media tailored for dielectrophoresis. This strategy transfers cells from physiological media into a 100‐fold lower conductivity media by using tangential flows of low media conductivity at 200‐fold higher flow rate versus sample flow to promote ion diffusion over the length of a straight channel architecture that maintains laminarity of the flow‐focused sample and minimizes cell dispersion across streamlines. Serpentine channels are used downstream from the flow‐focusing region to modulate hydrodynamic resistance of the central sample outlet versus flanking outlets that remove excess buffer, so that cell streamlines are collected in the exchanged buffer with minimal dilution in cell numbers and at flow rates that support dielectrophoresis. We envision integration of this on‐chip sample preparation platform prior to or post‐dielectrophoresis, in‐line with on‐chip monitoring of the outlet sample for metrics of media conductivity, cell velocity, cell viability, cell position, and collected cell numbers, so that the cell flow rate and streamlines can be tailored for enabling dielectrophoretic separations from heterogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhai Huang
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Karina Torres‐Castro
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Walter Varhue
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Aditya Rane
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Ahmed Rasin
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
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10
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Zhang Y, Ju T, Gao M, Song Z, Xu H, Wang Z, Wang Y. Electrical characterization of tumor-derived exosomes by conductive atomic force microscopy. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:295103. [PMID: 35051909 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac4d57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The physical properties of tumor-derived exosomes have gained much attention because they are helpful to better understand the exosomes in biomedicine. In this study, the conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) was employed to perform the electrical characterizations of exosomes, and it obtained the topography and current images of samples simultaneously. The exosomes were absorbed onto the mica substrates coated with a gold film of 20 nm thick for obtaining the current images of samples by C-AFM in air. The results showed that the single exosomes had the weak conductivity. Furthermore, the currents on exosomes were measured at different bias voltages and pH conditions. It illustrated that the conductivity of exosomes was affected by external factors such as bias voltages and solutions with different pH values. In addition, the electrical responses of low and high metastatic potential cell-derived exosomes were also compared under different voltages and pH conditions. This work is important for better understanding the physical properties of tumor-derived exosomes and promoting the clinical applications of tumor-derived exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Tuoyu Ju
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyan Gao
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengxun Song
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuobin Wang
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- JR3CN & IRAC, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
| | - Ying Wang
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
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11
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Salahi A, Honrado C, Rane A, Caselli F, Swami NS. Modified Red Blood Cells as Multimodal Standards for Benchmarking Single-Cell Cytometry and Separation Based on Electrical Physiology. Anal Chem 2022; 94:2865-2872. [PMID: 35107262 PMCID: PMC8852356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical cellular information at single-cell sensitivity is becoming increasingly important within analytical and separation platforms that associate the cell phenotype with markers of disease, infection, and immunity. Frequency-modulated electrically driven microfluidic measurement and separation systems offer the ability to sensitively identify single cells based on biophysical information, such as their size and shape, as well as their subcellular membrane morphology and cytoplasmic organization. However, there is a lack of reliable and reproducible model particles with well-tuned subcellular electrical phenotypes that can be used as standards to benchmark the electrical physiology of unknown cell types or to benchmark dielectrophoretic separation metrics of novel device strategies. Herein, the application of red blood cells (RBCs) as multimodal standard particles with systematically modulated subcellular electrophysiology and associated fluorescence level is presented. Using glutaraldehyde fixation to vary membrane capacitance and by membrane resealing after electrolyte penetration to vary interior cytoplasmic conductivity and fluorescence in a correlated manner, each modified RBC type can be identified at single-cell sensitivity based on phenomenological impedance metrics and fitted to dielectric models to compute biophysical information. In this manner, single-cell impedance data from unknown RBC types can be mapped versus these model RBC types for facile determination of subcellular biophysical information and their dielectrophoretic separation conditions, without the need for time-consuming algorithms that often require unknown fitting parameters. Such internal standards for biophysical cytometry can advance in-line phenotypic recognition strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Salahi
- Electrical
and Computer Engineering, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical
and Computer Engineering, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Aditya Rane
- Chemistry, University
of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Federica Caselli
- Civil
Engineering and Computer Science, University
of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Electrical
and Computer Engineering, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
- Chemistry, University
of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
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12
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Diaz-Armas GG, Cervantes-Gonzalez AP, Martinez-Duarte R, Perez-Gonzalez VH. Electrically driven microfluidic platforms for exosome manipulation and characterization. Electrophoresis 2021; 43:327-339. [PMID: 34717000 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that can be obtained from several body fluids such as blood and urine. Since these vesicles can carry biomarkers and other cargo, they have application in healthcare diagnostics and therapeutics, such as liquid biopsies and drug delivery. Yet, their identification and separation from a sample remain challenging due to their high degree of heterogeneity and their co-existence with other bioparticles. In this contribution, we review the state-of-the-art on electrical techniques and methods to displace, selectively trap/isolate, and detect/characterize exosomes in microfluidic devices. Although there are many reviews focused on exosome separation using benchtop equipment, such as ultracentrifugation, there are limited reviews focusing on the use of electrical phenomena in microfluidic devices for exosome manipulation and detection. Here, we highlight contributions published during the past decade and present perspectives for this research field for the near future, outlining challenges to address in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys G Diaz-Armas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte
- Multiscale Manufacturing Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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13
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Min L, Wang B, Bao H, Li X, Zhao L, Meng J, Wang S. Advanced Nanotechnologies for Extracellular Vesicle-Based Liquid Biopsy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102789. [PMID: 34463056 PMCID: PMC8529441 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as a new source of biomarkers in liquid biopsy because of their wide presence in most body fluids and their ability to load cargoes from disease-related cells. Owing to the crucial role of EVs in disease diagnosis and treatment, significant efforts have been made to isolate, detect, and analyze EVs with high efficiency. A recent overview of advanced EV detection nanotechnologies is discussed here. First, several key challenges in EV-based liquid biopsies are introduced. Then, the related pivotal advances in nanotechnologies for EV isolation based on physical features, chemical affinity, and the combination of nanostructures and chemical affinity are summarized. Next, a summary of high-sensitivity sensors for EV detection and advanced approaches for single EV detection are provided. Later, EV analysis is introduced in practical clinical scenarios, and the application of machine learning in this field is highlighted. Finally, future opportunities for the development of next-generation nanotechnologies for EV detection are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Min
- Department of GastroenterologyBeijing Friendship HospitalCapital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesBeijing Digestive Disease CenterBeijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive DiseaseBeijing100050P. R. China
| | - Binshuai Wang
- Department of UrologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191P. R. China
| | - Han Bao
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceCAS Center for Excellence in NanoscienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
| | - Xinran Li
- Department of UrologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191P. R. China
| | - Libo Zhao
- Echo Biotech Co., Ltd.Beijing102206P. R. China
| | - Jingxin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceCAS Center for Excellence in NanoscienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
| | - Shutao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceCAS Center for Excellence in NanoscienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
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14
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Zhao W, Zhang L, Ye Y, Li Y, Luan X, Liu J, Cheng J, Zhao Y, Li M, Huang C. Microsphere mediated exosome isolation and ultra-sensitive detection on a dielectrophoresis integrated microfluidic device. Analyst 2021; 146:5962-5972. [PMID: 34494041 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01061a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes have been recognized as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis because they are actively involved in cancer progression and metastasis. However, progress in practical exosome analysis is still slow due to the limitation in exosome isolation and detection. The development of microfluidic devices has provided a promising analytical platform compared with traditional methods. In this study, we develop an exosome isolation and detection method based on a microfluidic device (ExoDEP-chip), which realized microsphere mediated dielectrophoretic isolation and immunoaffinity detection. Exosomes were firstly isolated by binding to antibodies pre-immobilized on the polystyrene (PS) microsphere surface and were further detected using fluorescently labeled antibodies by fluorescence microscopy. Single microspheres were then trapped into single microwells under the DEP force in the ExoDEP-chip. A wide range from 1.4 × 103 to 1.4 × 108 exosomes per mL with a detection limit of 193 exosomes per mL was obtained. Through monitoring five proteins (CD81, CEA, EpCAM, CD147, and AFP) of exosomes from three different cell lines (A549, HEK293, and HepG2), a significant difference in marker expression levels was observed in different cell lines. Therefore, this method has good prospects in exosome-based tumor marker detection and cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhao
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingqian Zhang
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yifei Ye
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuang Li
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaofeng Luan
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinlong Liu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Cheng
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Zhao
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingxiao Li
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chengjun Huang
- Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hadady H, Karamali F, Ejeian F, Haghjooy Javanmard S, Rafiee L, Nasr Esfahani MH. AC electrokinetic isolation and detection of extracellular vesicles from dental pulp stem cells: Theoretical simulation incorporating fluid mechanics. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:2018-2026. [PMID: 34013529 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoscale vesicles involved in intracellular communication and the transportation of biomarkers. EVs released by mesenchymal stem cells have been recently reported to play a role in cell-free therapy of many diseases. However, the demand for better research tools to replace the tedious conventional methods used to study EVs is getting stronger. EVs' manipulation using alternating current (AC) electrokinetic forces in a microfluidic device has appeared to be a reliable and sensitive diagnosis and trapping technique. Given that different AC electrokinetic forces may contribute to the overall motion of particles and fluids in a microfluidic device, EVs' electrokinetic trapping must be examined considering all dominant forces involved depending on the experimental conditions. In this paper, AC electrokinetic trapping of EVs using an interdigitated electrode arrays is investigated. A 2D numerical simulation incorporating the two significant AC electrokinetic phenomena (Dielectrophoresis and AC electroosmosis) has been performed. Theoretical predictions are then compared with experimental results and allow for a plausible explanation of observations inconsistent with DEP theory. It is demonstrated that the inconsistencies can be attributed to a significant extent to the contribution of the AC electroosmotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Hadady
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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16
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Honrado C, Adair SJ, Moore JH, Salahi A, Bauer TW, Swami NS. Apoptotic Bodies in the Pancreatic Tumor Cell Culture Media Enable Label-Free Drug Sensitivity Assessment by Impedance Cytometry. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2100438. [PMID: 34015194 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ability to rapidly and sensitively predict drug response and toxicity using in vitro models of patient-derived tumors is essential for assessing chemotherapy efficacy. Currently, drug sensitivity assessment for solid tumors relies on imaging adherent cells or by flow cytometry of cells lifted from drug-treated cultures after fluorescent staining for apoptotic markers. Subcellular apoptotic bodies (ABs), including microvesicles that are secreted into the culture media under drug treatment can potentially serve as markers for drug sensitivity, without the need to lift cells under culture. However, their stratification to quantify cell disassembly is challenging due to their compositional diversity, with tailored labeling strategies currently needed for the recognition and cytometry of each AB type. It is shown that the high frequency impedance phase versus size distribution of ABs determined by high-throughput single-particle impedance cytometry of supernatants in the media of gemcitabine-treated pancreatic tumor cultures exhibits phenotypic resemblance to lifted apoptotic cells and enables shape-based stratification within distinct size ranges, which is not possible by flow cytometry. It is envisioned that this tool can be applied in conjunction with the appropriate pancreatic tumor microenvironment model to assess drug sensitivity and toxicity of patient-derived tumors, without the need to lift cells from cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Honrado
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Sara J Adair
- Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - John H Moore
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Armita Salahi
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Todd W Bauer
- Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.,Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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17
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Li Y, Wang Y, Wan K, Wu M, Guo L, Liu X, Wei G. On the design, functions, and biomedical applications of high-throughput dielectrophoretic micro-/nanoplatforms: a review. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:4330-4358. [PMID: 33620368 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08892g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As an efficient, rapid and label-free micro-/nanoparticle separation technique, dielectrophoresis (DEP) has attracted widespread attention in recent years, especially in the field of biomedicine, which exhibits huge potential in biomedically relevant applications such as disease diagnosis, cancer cell screening, biosensing, and others. DEP technology has been greatly developed recently from the low-flux laboratory level to high-throughput practical applications. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of DEP technology in biomedical applications, including firstly the design of various types and materials of DEP electrode and flow channel, design of input signals, and other improved designs. Then, functional tailoring of DEP systems with endowed specific functions including separation, purification, capture, enrichment and connection of biosamples, as well as the integration of multifunctions, are demonstrated. After that, representative DEP biomedical application examples in aspects of disease detection, drug synthesis and screening, biosensing and cell positioning are presented. Finally, limitations of existing DEP platforms on biomedical application are discussed, in which emphasis is given to the impact of other electrodynamic effects such as electrophoresis (EP), electroosmosis (EO) and electrothermal (ET) effects on DEP efficiency. This article aims to provide new ideas for the design of novel DEP micro-/nanoplatforms with desirable high throughput toward application in the biomedical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Keming Wan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Mingxue Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Lei Guo
- Research Center for High-Value Utilization of Waste Biomass, College of Life Science, College of Life Science, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Gang Wei
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, PR China.
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18
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Lapizco-Encinas BH. Microscale nonlinear electrokinetics for the analysis of cellular materials in clinical applications: a review. Mikrochim Acta 2021; 188:104. [PMID: 33651196 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-021-04748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review article presents a discussion of some of the latest advancements in the field of microscale electrokinetics for the analysis of cells and subcellular materials in clinical applications. The introduction presents an overview on the use of electric fields, i.e., electrokinetics, in microfluidics devices and discusses the potential of electrokinetic-based methods for the analysis of liquid biopsies in clinical and point-of-care applications. This is followed by four comprehensive sections that present some of the newest findings on the analysis of circulating tumor cells, blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), stem cells, and subcellular particles (extracellular vesicles and mitochondria). The valuable contributions discussed here (with 131 references) were mainly published during the last 3 to 4 years, providing the reader with an overview of the state-of-the-art in the use of microscale electrokinetic methods in clinical analysis. Finally, the conclusions summarize the main advancements and discuss the future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca H Lapizco-Encinas
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Institute Hall (Bldg. 73), Room 3103, 160 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623-5604, USA.
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19
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Honrado C, Bisegna P, Swami NS, Caselli F. Single-cell microfluidic impedance cytometry: from raw signals to cell phenotypes using data analytics. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:22-54. [PMID: 33331376 PMCID: PMC7909465 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00840k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The biophysical analysis of single-cells by microfluidic impedance cytometry is emerging as a label-free and high-throughput means to stratify the heterogeneity of cellular systems based on their electrophysiology. Emerging applications range from fundamental life-science and drug assessment research to point-of-care diagnostics and precision medicine. Recently, novel chip designs and data analytic strategies are laying the foundation for multiparametric cell characterization and subpopulation distinction, which are essential to understand biological function, follow disease progression and monitor cell behaviour in microsystems. In this tutorial review, we present a comparative survey of the approaches to elucidate cellular and subcellular features from impedance cytometry data, covering the related subjects of device design, data analytics (i.e., signal processing, dielectric modelling, population clustering), and phenotyping applications. We give special emphasis to the exciting recent developments of the technique (timeframe 2017-2020) and provide our perspective on future challenges and directions. Its synergistic application with microfluidic separation, sensor science and machine learning can form an essential toolkit for label-free quantification and isolation of subpopulations to stratify heterogeneous biosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Honrado
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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20
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Shi L, Esfandiari L. An Electrokinetically-Driven Microchip for Rapid Entrapment and Detection of Nanovesicles. MICROMACHINES 2020; 12:mi12010011. [PMID: 33374467 PMCID: PMC7823576 DOI: 10.3390/mi12010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has been widely used as a label-free and rapid characterization method for the analysis of cells in clinical research. However, the related work on exosomes (40–150 nm) and the particles of similar size has not yet been reported. In this study, we developed a new Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device to rapidly entrap a cluster of sub-micron particles, including polystyrene beads, liposomes, and small extracellular vesicles (exosomes), utilizing an insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) scheme followed by measuring their impedance utilizing an integrated electrical impedance sensor. This technique provides a label-free, fast, and non-invasive tool for the detection of bionanoparticles based on their unique dielectric properties. In the future, this device could potentially be applied to the characterization of pathogenic exosomes and viruses of similar size, and thus, be evolved as a powerful tool for early disease diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Shi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
| | - Leyla Esfandiari
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Ramirez-Murillo CJ, de Los Santos-Ramirez JM, Perez-Gonzalez VH. Toward low-voltage dielectrophoresis-based microfluidic systems: A review. Electrophoresis 2020; 42:565-587. [PMID: 33166414 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dielectrophoretically driven microfluidic devices have demonstrated great applicability in biomedical engineering, diagnostic medicine, and biological research. One of the potential fields of application for this technology is in point-of-care (POC) devices, ideally allowing for portable, fully integrated, easy to use, low-cost diagnostic platforms. Two main approaches exist to induce dielectrophoresis (DEP) on suspended particles, that is, electrode-based DEP and insulator-based DEP, each featuring different advantages and disadvantages. However, a shared concern lies in the input voltage used to generate the electric field necessary for DEP to take place. Therefore, input voltage can determine portability of a microfluidic device. This review outlines the recent advances in reducing stimulation voltage requirements in DEP-driven microfluidics.
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22
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Moore JH, Salahi A, Honrado C, Warburton C, Warren CA, Swami NS. Quantifying bacterial spore germination by single-cell impedance cytometry for assessment of host microbiota susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infection. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 166:112440. [PMID: 32745926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The germination of ingested spores is often a necessary first step required for enabling bacterial outgrowth and host colonization, as in the case of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection. Spore germination rate in the colon depends on microbiota composition and its level of disruption by antibiotic treatment since secretions by commensal bacteria modulate primary to secondary bile salt levels to control germination. Assessment of C. difficile spore germination typically requires measurement of colony-forming units, which is labor intensive and takes at least 24 h to perform but is regularly required due to the high recurrence rates of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea. We present a rapid method to assess spore germination by using high throughput single-cell impedance cytometry (>300 events/s) to quantify live bacterial cells, by gating for their characteristic electrophysiology versus spores, so that germination can be assessed after just 4 h of culture at a detection limit of ~100 live cells per 50 μL sample. To detect the phenotype of germinated C. difficile bacteria, we utilize its characteristically higher net conductivity versus that of spore aggregates and non-viable C. difficile forms, which causes a distinctive high-frequency (10 MHz) impedance phase dispersion within moderately conductive media (0.8 S/m). In this manner, we can detect significant differences in spore germination rates within just 4 h, with increasing primary bile salt levels in vitro and using ex vivo microbiota samples from an antibiotic-treated mouse model to assess susceptibility to C. difficile infection. We envision a rapid diagnostic tool for assessing host microbiota susceptibility to bacterial colonization after key antibiotic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Moore
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Armita Salahi
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | | | - Cirle A Warren
- Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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23
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Salahi A, Varhue WB, Farmehini V, Hyler AR, Schmelz EM, Davalos RV, Swami NS. Self-aligned microfluidic contactless dielectrophoresis device fabricated by single-layer imprinting on cyclic olefin copolymer. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:3881-3889. [PMID: 32372273 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The trapping and deflection of biological cells by dielectrophoresis (DEP) at field non-uniformities in a microfluidic device is often conducted in a contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) mode, wherein the electrode channel is in a different layer than the sample channel, so that field penetration through the interceding barrier causes DEP above critical cut-off frequencies. In this manner, through physical separation of the electrode and sample channels, it is possible to spatially modulate electric fields with no electrode-induced damage to biological cells in the sample channel. However, since this device requires interlayer alignment of the electrode to sample channel and needs to maintain a thin interceding barrier (~ 15 μm) over the entire length over which DEP is needed (~ 1 cm), variations in alignment and microstructure fidelity cause wide variations in cDEP trapping level and frequency response across devices. We present a strategy to eliminate interlayer alignment by fabricating self-aligned electrode and sample channels, simultaneously with the interceding barrier layer (14-μm width and 50-μm depth), using a single-layer imprint and bond process on cyclic olefin copolymer. Specifically, by designing support structures, we preserve fidelity of the high aspect ratio insulating posts in the sample channel and the interceding barrier between the sample and electrode channels over the entire device footprint (~ 1 cm). The device operation is validated based on impedance measurements to quantify field penetration through the interceding barrier and by DEP trapping measurements. The presented fabrication strategy can eventually improve cDEP device manufacturing protocols to enable more reproducible DEP performance. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Salahi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Walter B Varhue
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Vahid Farmehini
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | | | - Eva M Schmelz
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA. .,Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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24
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High-Sensitivity in Dielectrophoresis Separations. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040391. [PMID: 32283618 PMCID: PMC7231031 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The applications of dielectrophoretic (DEP) techniques for the manipulation of cells in a label-free fashion within microfluidic systems continue to grow. However, a limited number of methods exist for making highly sensitive separations that can isolate subtle phenotypic differences within a population of cells. This paper explores efforts to leverage that most compelling aspect of DEP—an actuation force that depends on particle electrical properties—in the background of phenotypic variations in cell size. Several promising approaches, centering around the application of multiple electric fields with spatially mapped magnitude and/or frequencies, are expanding the capability of DEP cell separation.
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25
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Torres-Castro K, Honrado C, Varhue WB, Farmehini V, Swami NS. High-throughput dynamical analysis of dielectrophoretic frequency dispersion of single cells based on deflected flow streamlines. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:3847-3857. [PMID: 32128645 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic quantification of cells based on their plasma membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity, as determined by their dielectrophoretic frequency dispersion, is often used as a marker for their biological function. However, due to the prevalence of phenotypic heterogeneity in many biological systems of interest, there is a need for methods capable of determining the dielectrophoretic dispersion of single cells at high throughput and without the need for sample dilution. We present a microfluidic device methodology wherein localized constrictions in the microchannel are used to enhance the field delivered by adjoining planar electrodes, so that the dielectrophoresis level and direction on flow-focused cells can be determined on each traversing cell in a high-throughput manner based on their deflected flow streamlines. Using a sample of human red blood cells diluted to 2.25 × 108 cells/mL, the dielectrophoretic translation of single cells traversing at a flow rate of 1.68 μL/min is measured at a throughput of 1.1 × 105 cells/min, to distinguish positive versus negative dielectrophoresis and determine their crossover frequency in media of differing conductivity for validation of the computed membrane capacitance to that from prior methods. We envision application of this dynamic dielectrophoresis (Dy-DEP) method towards high-throughput measurement of the dielectric dispersion of single cells to stratify phenotypic heterogeneity of a particular sample based on their DEP crossover frequency, without the need for significant sample dilution. Grapical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Torres-Castro
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Walter B Varhue
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Vahid Farmehini
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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26
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McGrath JS, Honrado C, Moore JH, Adair SJ, Varhue WB, Salahi A, Farmehini V, Goudreau BJ, Nagdas S, Blais EM, Bauer TW, Swami NS. Electrophysiology-based stratification of pancreatic tumorigenicity by label-free single-cell impedance cytometry. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1101:90-98. [PMID: 32029124 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer lacking specific biomarkers that can be correlated to disease onset, promotion and progression. To assess whether tumor cell electrophysiology may serve as a marker for PDAC tumorigenicity, we use multi-frequency impedance cytometry at high throughput (∼350 cells/s) to measure the electrical phenotype of single PDAC tumor cells from xenografts, which are derived from primary pancreatic tumors versus those from liver metastases of different patients. A novel phase contrast metric based on variations in the high and low frequency impedance phase responses that is related to electrophysiology of the cell interior is found to be systematically altered as a function of tumorigenicity. PDAC cells of higher tumorigenicity exhibited lowered interior conductivity and enhanced permittivity, which is validated by the dielectrophoresis on the respective cell types. Using genetic analysis, we suggest the role of dysregulated Na+ transport and removal of Ca2+ ions from the cytoplasm on key oncogenic KRAS-driven processes that may be responsible for lowering of the interior cell conductivity. We envision that impedance cytometry can serve as a tool to quantify phenotypic heterogeneity for rapidly stratifying tumorigenicity. It can also aid in protocols for dielectrophoretic isolation of cells with a particular phenotype for prognostic studies on patient survival and to tailor therapy selection to specific patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S McGrath
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - C Honrado
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - J H Moore
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S J Adair
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - W B Varhue
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - A Salahi
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - V Farmehini
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - B J Goudreau
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S Nagdas
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - E M Blais
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - T W Bauer
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - N S Swami
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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27
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Midelet C, Le Pioufle B, Werts MHV. Brownian Motion and Large Electric Polarizabilities Facilitate Dielectrophoretic Capture of Sub‐200 nm Gold Nanoparticles in Water. Chemphyschem 2019; 20:3354-3365. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201900662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clyde Midelet
- Univ RennesCNRS, SATIE-UMR 8029 35000 Rennes France
- École normale supérieure de RennesSATIE (CNRS UMR 8029) Av. R. Schuman, Campus de Ker Lann 35170 Bruz France
| | - Bruno Le Pioufle
- Ecole normale supérieure Paris-SaclaySATIE (CNRS UMR 8029), Institut d'Alembert 94235 Cachan France
| | - Martinus H. V. Werts
- Univ RennesCNRS, SATIE-UMR 8029 35000 Rennes France
- École normale supérieure de RennesSATIE (CNRS UMR 8029) Av. R. Schuman, Campus de Ker Lann 35170 Bruz France
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