1
|
Ho M, Au A, Flick R, Vuong TV, Sklavounos AA, Swyer I, Yip CM, Wheeler AR. Antifouling Properties of Pluronic and Tetronic Surfactants in Digital Microfluidics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6326-6337. [PMID: 36696478 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fouling at liquid-solid interfaces is a pernicious problem for a wide range of applications, including those that are implemented by digital microfluidics (DMF). There are several strategies that have been used to combat surface fouling in DMF, the most common being inclusion of amphiphilic surfactant additives in the droplets to be manipulated. Initial studies relied on Pluronic additives, and more recently, Tetronic additives have been used, which has allowed manipulation of complex samples like serum and whole blood. Here, we report our evaluation of 19 different Pluronic and Tetronic additives, with attempts to determine (1) the difference in antifouling performance between the two families, (2) the structural similarities that predict exceptional antifouling performance, and (3) the mechanism of the antifouling behavior. Our analysis shows that both Pluronic and Tetronic additives with modest molar mass, poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) ≥50 units, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) mass percentage ≤50%, and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) ca. 13-15 allow for exceptional antifouling performance in DMF. The most promising candidates, P104, P105, and T904, were able to support continuous movement of droplets of serum for more than 2 h, a result (for devices operating in air) previously thought to be out of reach for this technique. Additional results generated using device longevity assays, intrinsic fluorescence measurements, dynamic light scattering, asymmetric flow field flow fractionation, supercritical angle fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance measurements suggest that the best-performing surfactants are more likely to operate by forming a protective layer at the liquid-solid interface than by complexation with proteins. We propose that these results and their implications are an important step forward for the growing community of users of this technique, which may provide guidance in selecting surfactants for manipulating biological matrices for a wide range of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Ho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80. St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Aaron Au
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Robert Flick
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Thu V Vuong
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Alexandros A Sklavounos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80. St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ian Swyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80. St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Christopher M Yip
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80. St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leclerc LMY, Soffer G, Kwan DH, Shih SCC. A fucosyltransferase inhibition assay using image-analysis and digital microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:034106. [PMID: 31123538 PMCID: PMC6510662 DOI: 10.1063/1.5088517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Sialyl-LewisX and LewisX are cell-surface glycans that influence cell-cell adhesion behaviors. These glycans are assembled by α(1,3)-fucosyltransferase enzymes. Their increased expression plays a role in inflammatory disease, viral and microbial infections, and cancer. Efficient screens for specific glycan modifications such as those catalyzed by fucosyltransferases are tended toward costly materials and large instrumentation. We demonstrate for the first time a fucosylation inhibition assay on a digital microfluidic system with the integration of image-based techniques. Specifically, we report a novel lab-on-a-chip approach to perform a fluorescence-based inhibition assay for the fucosylation of a labeled synthetic disaccharide, 4-methylumbelliferyl β-N-acetyllactosaminide. As a proof-of-concept, guanosine 5'-diphosphate has been used to inhibit Helicobacter pylori α(1,3)-fucosyltransferase. An electrode shape (termed "skewed wave") is designed to minimize electrode density and improve droplet movement compared to conventional square-based electrodes. The device is used to generate a 10 000-fold serial dilution of the inhibitor and to perform fucosylation reactions in aqueous droplets surrounded by an oil shell. Using an image-based method of calculating dilutions, referred to as "pixel count," inhibition curves along with IC50 values are obtained on-device. We propose the combination of integrating image analysis and digital microfluidics is suitable for automating a wide range of enzymatic assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steve C. C. Shih
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1-(514)-848-2424x7579
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang J, Wang D, Liu H, Li L, Chen L, Jiang HR, Deng X. An electric-field-dependent drop selector. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:1296-1304. [PMID: 30849148 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01403e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Drop manipulation on hydrophobic surfaces is of importance in lab-on-a-chip applications. Recently, superhydrophobic surface-assisted lab-on-a-chips have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their advantages of contamination resistance and low adhesion between the drop and the surface during manipulation. However, control over both static and dynamic interactions between a drop and a superhydrophobic surface has been rarely achieved. In this study, we designed an electric-field-dependent liquid-dielectrophoresis force to manipulate a drop on a superhydrophobic surface. This type of control has been found to be fast in response, bio-friendly, convenient, repeatable, and energy efficient. Moreover, the adhesion force and rebounding for both the static and the dynamic interactions between the drop and the surface under an electric field have been explored. It was found that the adhesion force could be reversibly tuned three-fold without breaking the Cassie-Baxter state. Rebounding experiments showed a close to linear relation between energy dissipation and the applied voltage. This relation was used to tune the on-demand behaviors of a drop on a surface in a proof-of-concept experiment for drop sorting. This electric-field-dependent drop manipulation may have potential applications in digital microfluidics, micro-reactors and advanced lab-on-a-drop platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Yang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vo PQN, Husser MC, Ahmadi F, Sinha H, Shih SCC. Image-based feedback and analysis system for digital microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:3437-3446. [PMID: 28871290 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00826k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a technology that provides a means of manipulating nL-μL volumes of liquids on an array of electrodes. By applying an electric potential to an electrode, these discrete droplets can be controlled in parallel which can be transported, mixed, reacted, and analyzed. Typically, an automation system is interfaced with a DMF device that uses a standard set of basic instructions written by the user to execute droplet operations. Here, we present the first feedback method for DMF that relies on imaging techniques that will allow online detection of droplets without the need to reactivate all destination electrodes. Our system consists of integrating open-source electronics with a CMOS camera and a zoom lens for acquisition of the images that will be used to detect droplets on the device. We also created an algorithm that uses a Hough transform to detect a variety of droplet sizes and to detect singular droplet dispensing and movement failures on the device. As a first test, we applied this feedback system to test droplet movement for a variety of liquids used in cell-based assays and to optimize different feedback actuation schemes to improve droplet movement fidelity. We also applied our system to a colorimetric enzymatic assay to show that our system is capable of biological analysis. Overall, we believe that using our approach of integrating imaging and feedback for DMF can provide a platform for automating biological assays with analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Q N Vo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Latip EA, Coudron L, McDonnell MB, Johnston ID, McCluskey DK, Day R, Tracey MC. Protein droplet actuation on superhydrophobic surfaces: a new approach toward anti-biofouling electrowetting systems. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra10920b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-biofouling behaviour of an electrowetting device using off-the-shelf superhydrophobic materials is demonstrated through protein adsorption measurement and protein-laden droplet actuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Coudron
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - M. B. McDonnell
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
- Dstl Porton Down
- Salisbury
| | - I. D. Johnston
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - D. K. McCluskey
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - R. Day
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - M. C. Tracey
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a droplet-based liquid-handling technology that has recently become popular for cell culture and analysis. In DMF, picoliter- to microliter-sized droplets are manipulated on a planar surface using electric fields, thus enabling software-reconfigurable operations on individual droplets, such as move, merge, split, and dispense from reservoirs. Using this technique, multistep cell-based processes can be carried out using simple and compact instrumentation, making DMF an attractive platform for eventual integration into routine biology workflows. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art in DMF cell culture, and describe design considerations, types of DMF cell culture, and cell-based applications of DMF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alphonsus H C Ng
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Bingyu Betty Li
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - M Dean Chamberlain
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Godeau G, Darmanin T, Guittard F. Switchable and reversible superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces by redox response using covalent S–S bond. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
8
|
Collier CM, Hill KA, DeWachter MA, Huizing AM, Holzman JF. Nanophotonic implementation of optoelectrowetting for microdroplet actuation. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2015; 20:25004. [PMID: 25689848 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.20.2.025004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The development and ultimate operation of a nanocomposite high-aspect-ratio photoinjection (HARP) device is presented in this work. The device makes use of a nanocomposite material as the optically active layer and the device achieves a large optical penetration depth with a high aspect ratio which provides a strong actuation force far away from the point of photoinjection. The nanocomposite material can be continuously illuminated and the position of the microdroplets can, therefore, be controlled to diffraction limited resolution. The nanocomposite HARP device shows great potential for future on-chip applications.
Collapse
|
9
|
Freire SLS, Thorne N, Wutkowski M, Dao S. Taking advantage of reduced droplet-surface interaction to optimize transport of bioanalytes in digital microfluidics. J Vis Exp 2014:e52091. [PMID: 25407533 DOI: 10.3791/52091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF), a technique for manipulation of droplets, is a promising alternative for the development of "lab-on-a-chip" platforms. Often, droplet motion relies on the wetting of a surface, directly associated with the application of an electric field; surface interactions, however, make motion dependent on droplet contents, limiting the breadth of applications of the technique. Some alternatives have been presented to minimize this dependence. However, they rely on the addition of extra chemical species to the droplet or its surroundings, which could potentially interact with droplet moieties. Addressing this challenge, our group recently developed Field-DW devices to allow the transport of cells and proteins in DMF, without extra additives. Here, the protocol for device fabrication and operation is provided, including the electronic interface for motion control. We also continue the studies with the devices, showing that multicellular, relatively large, model organisms can also be transported, arguably unaffected by the electric fields required for device operation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio L S Freire
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences;
| | - Nathaniel Thorne
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
| | - Michael Wutkowski
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
| | - Selina Dao
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Bellanger H, Darmanin T, Taffin de Givenchy E, Guittard F. Chemical and physical pathways for the preparation of superoleophobic surfaces and related wetting theories. Chem Rev 2014; 114:2694-716. [PMID: 24405122 DOI: 10.1021/cr400169m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Bellanger
- Univ. Nice Sophia Antipolis , CNRS, LPMC, UMR 7336, 06100 Nice, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lapierre F, Coffinier Y, Boukherroub R, Thomy V. Electro-(de)wetting on superhydrophobic surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:13346-13351. [PMID: 24088024 DOI: 10.1021/la4026848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Usually, electrowetting on superhydrophobic surfaces (EWOSS) is generated by application of an alternating current signal and often leads to droplet impalement into the structuration. To avoid this phenomenon, superhydrophobic surfaces must show robustness to high pressure. Otherwise, an external energy has to be applied to dewet the droplet from the structuration. We present, in this article, an original approach to actuate liquid droplets via a modulated EWOSS signal (MEWOSS). This technique allows the dewetting of the droplet due to periodic vibrations induced by the electrowetting actuation. In that case, it is possible to investigate a larger range of superhydrophobic surfaces under EWOSS without droplet impalement. Three different superhydrophobic surfaces, showing different degrees of impalement under EWOSS, are investigated and compared using this MEWOSS technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lapierre
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN), UMR CNRS 8520, University Lille1 , F-59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Collier CM, Hill KA, Holzman JF. A dielectrophoresis microjet for on-chip technologies. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra45242e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
|