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Bhardwaj A, Surmani Martins MV, You Y, Sajja R, Rimmer M, Goutham S, Qi R, Abbas Dar S, Radha B, Keerthi A. Fabrication of angstrom-scale two-dimensional channels for mass transport. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:240-280. [PMID: 38012396 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00911-x] [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] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Fluidic channels at atomic scales regulate cellular trafficking and molecular filtration across membranes, and thus play crucial roles in the functioning of living systems. However, constructing synthetic channels experimentally at these scales has been a significant challenge due to the limitations in nanofabrication techniques and the surface roughness of the commonly used materials. Angstrom (Å)-scale slit-like channels overcome such challenges as these are made with precise control over their dimensions and can be used to study the fluidic properties of gases, ions and water at unprecedented scales. Here we provide a detailed fabrication method of the two-dimensional Å-scale channel devices that can be assembled to contain a desired number of channels, a single channel or up to hundreds of channels, made with atomic-scale precision using layered crystals. The procedure includes the fabrication of the substrate, flake, spacer layer, flake transfers, van der Waals assembly and postprocessing. We further explain how to perform molecular transport measurements with the Å-channels to directly probe the intriguing and anomalous phenomena that help shed light on the physics governing ultra-confined transport. The procedure requires a total of 1-2 weeks for the fabrication of the two-dimensional channel device and is suitable for users with prior experience in clean room working environments and nanofabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Bhardwaj
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Marcos Vinicius Surmani Martins
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yi You
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ravalika Sajja
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Max Rimmer
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Solleti Goutham
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rongrong Qi
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sidra Abbas Dar
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Boya Radha
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ashok Keerthi
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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2
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Blauvelt DG, Chui BW, Higgins NC, Baltazar FJ, Roy S. Silicon membranes for extracorporeal life support: a comparison of design and fabrication methodologies. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 25:2. [PMID: 36472672 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00639-7] [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] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracorporeal life support is an advanced therapy that circulates blood through an extracorporeal oxygenator, performing gas exchange outside the body. However, its use is limited by severe complications, including bleeding, clotting, and hemolysis. Semiconductor silicon-based membranes have emerged as an alternative to traditional hollow-fiber semipermeable membranes. These membranes offer excellent gas exchange efficiency and the potential to increase hemocompatibility by improving flow dynamics. In this work, we evaluate two next-generation silicon membrane designs, which are intended to be mechanically robust and efficient in gas exchange, while simultaneously reducing fabrication complexity. The "window" design features 10 µm pores on one side and large windows on the back side. The "cavern" design also uses 10 µm pores but contains a network of interconnected buried caverns to distribute the sweep gas from smaller inlet holes. Both designs were shown to be technically viable and able to be reproducibly fabricated. In addition, they both were mechanically robust and withstood 30 psi of transmembrane pressure without breakage or bubbling. At low sweep gas pressures, gas transfer efficiency was similar, with the partial pressure of oxygen in water increasing by 10.7 ± 2.3 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation) and 13.6 ± 1.9 mmHg for the window and cavern membranes, respectively. Gas transfer efficiency was also similar at higher pressures. At 10 psi, oxygen tension increased by 16.8 ± 5.7 mmHg (window) and 18.9 ± 1.3 mmHg (cavern). We conclude that silicon membranes featuring a 10 µm pore size can simplify the fabrication process and improve mechanical robustness while maintaining excellent efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Blauvelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Chui
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas C Higgins
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Francisco J Baltazar
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shuvo Roy
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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3
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Di Trani N, Racca N, Demarchi D, Grattoni A. Comprehensive Analysis of Electrostatic Gating in Nanofluidic Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:35400-35408. [PMID: 35905377 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Molecular transport in nanofluidic systems exhibits properties that are unique to the nanoscale. Here, the electrostatic and steric interactions between particle and surfaces become dominant in determining particle transport. At the solid-liquid interface of charged surfaces an electric double layer (EDL) forms due to electrostatic interactions between surfaces and charged particles. In these systems, tunable charge-selective nanochannels can be generated by manipulating electrostatic gating via co-ions exclusion and counterions enrichment of the EDL at the solid-liquid interface. In this context, electrostatic gating has been used to modulate the selectivity of nanofluidic membranes for drug delivery, nanofluidic transistors, and FlowFET, among other applications. While an extensive body of literature investigating nanofluidic systems exists, there is a lack of a comprehensive analysis accounting for all major parameters involved in these systems. Here we performed an all-encompassing modeling investigation corroborated by experimental analysis to assess the influence of nanochannel size, electrolyte properties, surface chemistry, gate voltage, dielectric properties, and molecular charge and size on the exclusion and enrichment of charged analytes in nanochannels. We found that the leakage current in electrostatic gating, often overlooked, plays a dominant role in molecular exclusion. Importantly, by independently considering all ionic species, we found that counterions compete for EDL formation at the surface proximity, resulting in concentration distributions that are nearly impossible to predict with analytical models. Achieving a deeper understanding of these nanofluidic phenomena will help the development of innovative miniaturized systems for both medical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Nevio Racca
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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4
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Tu L, Qiu S, Li Y, Chen X, Han Y, Li J, Xiong X, Sun Y, Li H. Fabrication of Redox-Controllable Bioinspired Nanochannels for Precisely Regulating Protein Transport. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:27421-27426. [PMID: 35657807 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c05594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Redox regulation is an inherent feature of nature and plays a crucial role in the transport of ions/small molecules. However, whether redox status affects the biomolecule transport remains largely unknown. To explore the effects of redox status on biomolecule transport, herein, we constructed a glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG)-driven and pillar[5]arene (P5)-modified artificial nanochannel for protein transport. The results indicate that hemoglobin (Hb) protein is selectively and effectively transported across the GSH-driven P5-modified nanochannel, which suggests that the redox status of the nanochannel could affect the process of protein transport. Therefore, this redox-driven nanochannel could provide a potential application for biomolecule detection and redox-controllable biomolecular drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou 313099, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou 313099, P.R. China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou 313099, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Remin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoya Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, P. R. China
| | - Yunfeng Han
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Junrong Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou 313099, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Remin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Haibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
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5
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Silvestri A, Di Trani N, Canavese G, Motto Ros P, Iannucci L, Grassini S, Wang Y, Liu X, Demarchi D, Grattoni A. Silicon Carbide-Gated Nanofluidic Membrane for Active Control of Electrokinetic Ionic Transport. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:535. [PMID: 34357186 PMCID: PMC8303522 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of ions and molecules by external control at the nanoscale is highly relevant to biomedical applications. We report a biocompatible electrode-embedded nanofluidic channel membrane designed for electrofluidic applications such as ionic field-effect transistors for implantable drug-delivery systems. Our nanofluidic membrane includes a polysilicon electrode electrically isolated by amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC). The nanochannel gating performance was experimentally investigated based on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, leakage current, and power consumption in potassium chloride (KCl) electrolyte. We observed significant modulation of ionic diffusive transport of both positively and negatively charged ions under physical confinement of nanochannels, with low power consumption. To study the physical mechanism associated with the gating performance, we performed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the flat band voltage and density of states were significantly low. In light of its remarkable performance in terms of ionic modulation and low power consumption, this new biocompatible nanofluidic membrane could lead to a new class of silicon implantable nanofluidic systems for tunable drug delivery and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Silvestri
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (A.S.); (P.M.R.); (D.D.)
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Giancarlo Canavese
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (G.C.); (L.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Paolo Motto Ros
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (A.S.); (P.M.R.); (D.D.)
| | - Leonardo Iannucci
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (G.C.); (L.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Sabrina Grassini
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (G.C.); (L.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy; (A.S.); (P.M.R.); (D.D.)
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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6
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Nazari M, Davoodabadi A, Huang D, Luo T, Ghasemi H. Transport Phenomena in Nano/Molecular Confinements. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16348-16391. [PMID: 33253531 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The transport of fluid and ions in nano/molecular confinements is the governing physics of a myriad of embodiments in nature and technology including human physiology, plants, energy modules, water collection and treatment systems, chemical processes, materials synthesis, and medicine. At nano/molecular scales, the confinement dimension approaches the molecular size and the transport characteristics deviates significantly from that at macro/micro scales. A thorough understanding of physics of transport at these scales and associated fluid properties is undoubtedly critical for future technologies. This compressive review provides an elaborate picture on the promising future applications of nano/molecular transport, highlights experimental and simulation metrologies to probe and comprehend this transport phenomenon, discusses the physics of fluid transport, tunable flow by orders of magnitude, and gating mechanisms at these scales, and lists the advancement in the fabrication methodologies to turn these transport concepts into reality. Properties such as chain-like liquid transport, confined gas transport, surface charge-driven ion transport, physical/chemical ion gates, and ion diodes will provide avenues to devise technologies with enhanced performance inaccessible through macro/micro systems. This review aims to provide a consolidated body of knowledge to accelerate innovation and breakthrough in the above fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Nazari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Ali Davoodabadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Dezhao Huang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Tengfei Luo
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Hadi Ghasemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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Thiruraman JP, Dar SA, Masih Das P, Hassani N, Neek-Amal M, Keerthi A, Drndić M, Radha B. Gas flow through atomic-scale apertures. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabc7927. [PMID: 33355128 PMCID: PMC11206212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc7927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gas flows are often analyzed with the theoretical descriptions formulated over a century ago and constantly challenged by the emerging architectures of narrow channels, slits, and apertures. Here, we report atomic-scale defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials as apertures for gas flows at the ultimate quasi-0D atomic limit. We establish that pristine monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) membranes act as atomically thin barriers to gas transport. Atomic vacancies from missing tungsten (W) sites are made in freestanding (WS2) monolayers by focused ion beam irradiation and characterized using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. WS2 monolayers with atomic apertures are mechanically sturdy and showed fast helium flow. We propose a simple yet robust method for confirming the formation of atomic apertures over large areas using gas flows, an essential step for pursuing their prospective applications in various domains including molecular separation, single quantum emitters, sensing and monitoring of gases at ultralow concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jothi Priyanka Thiruraman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sidra Abbas Dar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, University of Engineering and Technology, New Campus, GT Road Lahore, Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan
| | - Paul Masih Das
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nasim Hassani
- Department of Physics, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, 16875-163 Lavizan, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Neek-Amal
- Department of Physics, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, 16875-163 Lavizan, Tehran, Iran
- Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ashok Keerthi
- National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Marija Drndić
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Boya Radha
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
- National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Pons-Faudoa FP, Trani ND, Sizovs A, Shelton KA, Momin Z, Bushman LR, Xu J, Lewis DE, Demaria S, Hawkins T, Rooney JF, Marzinke MA, Kimata JT, Anderson PL, Nehete PN, Arduino RC, Sastry KJ, Grattoni A. Viral load Reduction in SHIV-Positive Nonhuman Primates via Long-Acting Subcutaneous Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Release from a Nanofluidic Implant. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E981. [PMID: 33080776 PMCID: PMC7590004 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 is a chronic disease managed by strictly adhering to daily antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, not all people living with HIV-1 have access to ART, and those with access may not adhere to treatment regimens increasing viral load and disease progression. Here, a subcutaneous nanofluidic implant was used as a long-acting (LA) drug delivery platform to address these issues. The device was loaded with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and implanted in treatment-naïve simian HIV (SHIV)-positive nonhuman primates (NHP) for a month. We monitored intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentration in the target cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The concentrations of TFV-DP were maintained at a median of 391.0 fmol/106 cells (IQR, 243.0 to 509.0 fmol/106 cells) for the duration of the study. Further, we achieved drug penetration into lymphatic tissues, known for persistent HIV-1 replication. Moreover, we observed a first-phase viral load decay of -1.14 ± 0.81 log10 copies/mL (95% CI, -0.30 to -2.23 log10 copies/mL), similar to -1.08 log10 copies/mL decay observed in humans. Thus, LA TAF delivered from our nanofluidic implant had similar effects as oral TAF dosing with a lower dose, with potential as a platform for LA ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda P. Pons-Faudoa
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.P.-F.); (N.D.T.); (A.S.)
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64710, NL, Mexico
| | - Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.P.-F.); (N.D.T.); (A.S.)
- College of Materials Sciences and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), Shijingshan, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Antons Sizovs
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.P.-F.); (N.D.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Kathryn A. Shelton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA; (K.A.S.); (P.N.N.); (K.J.S.)
| | - Zoha Momin
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.M.); (J.T.K.)
| | - Lane R. Bushman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.R.B.); (P.L.A.)
| | - Jiaqiong Xu
- Center for Outcomes Research and DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Trevor Hawkins
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (T.H.); (J.F.R.)
| | - James F. Rooney
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (T.H.); (J.F.R.)
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Jason T. Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.M.); (J.T.K.)
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.R.B.); (P.L.A.)
| | - Pramod N. Nehete
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA; (K.A.S.); (P.N.N.); (K.J.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTH Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roberto C. Arduino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - K. Jagannadha Sastry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA; (K.A.S.); (P.N.N.); (K.J.S.)
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (F.P.P.-F.); (N.D.T.); (A.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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9
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Di Trani N, Silvestri A, Wang Y, Demarchi D, Liu X, Grattoni A. Silicon Nanofluidic Membrane for Electrostatic Control of Drugs and Analytes Elution. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E679. [PMID: 32707665 PMCID: PMC7407659 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individualized long-term management of chronic pathologies remains an elusive goal despite recent progress in drug formulation and implantable devices. The lack of advanced systems for therapeutic administration that can be controlled and tailored based on patient needs precludes optimal management of pathologies, such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis. Several triggered systems for drug delivery have been demonstrated. However, they mostly rely on continuous external stimuli, which hinder their application for long-term treatments. In this work, we investigated a silicon nanofluidic technology that incorporates a gate electrode and examined its ability to achieve reproducible control of drug release. Silicon carbide (SiC) was used to coat the membrane surface, including nanochannels, ensuring biocompatibility and chemical inertness for long-term stability for in vivo deployment. With the application of a small voltage (≤ 3 V DC) to the buried polysilicon electrode, we showed in vitro repeatable modulation of membrane permeability of two model analytes-methotrexate and quantum dots. Methotrexate is a first-line therapeutic approach for rheumatoid arthritis; quantum dots represent multi-functional nanoparticles with broad applicability from bio-labeling to targeted drug delivery. Importantly, SiC coating demonstrated optimal properties as a gate dielectric, which rendered our membrane relevant for multiple applications beyond drug delivery, such as lab on a chip and micro total analysis systems (µTAS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (A.S.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), Shijingshan, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Antonia Silvestri
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (A.S.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy;
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (A.S.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy;
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (A.S.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.D.T.); (A.S.); (Y.W.); (X.L.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Di Trani N, Silvestri A, Sizovs A, Wang Y, Erm DR, Demarchi D, Liu X, Grattoni A. Electrostatically gated nanofluidic membrane for ultra-low power controlled drug delivery. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1562-1576. [PMID: 32249279 PMCID: PMC7249613 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00121j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Patient-centered therapeutic management for chronic medical conditions is a desired but unmet need, largely attributable to the lack of adequate technologies for tailored drug administration. While triggered devices that control the delivery of therapeutics exist, they often rely on impractical continuous external activation. As such, next generation continuously tunable drug delivery systems independent of sustained external activation remain an elusive goal. Here we present the development and demonstration of a silicon carbide (SiC)-coated nanofluidic membrane that achieves reproducible and tunable control of drug release via electrostatic gating. By applying a low-intensity voltage to a buried electrode, we showed repeatable and reproducible in vitro release modulation of three model analytes. A small fluorophore (Alexa Fluor 647), a large polymer poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) and a medically relevant agent (DNA), were selected as representatives of small molecule therapeutics, polymeric drug carriers, and biological therapeutics, respectively. Unlike other drug delivery systems, our technology performed consistently over numerous cycles of voltage modulation, for over 11 days. Importantly, low power consumption and minimal leakage currents were achieved during the study. Further, the SiC coating maintained integrity and chemical inertness, shielding the membrane from degradation under simulated physiological and accelerated conditions for over 4 months. Through leveraging the flexibility offered by electrostatic gating control, our technology provides a valuable strategy for tunable delivery, setting the foundation for the next generation of drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA. and University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), Shijingshan, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Antonia Silvestri
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA. and Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antons Sizovs
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Donald R Erm
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA. and Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA and Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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