1
|
Krainer G, Jacquat RPB, Schneider MM, Welsh TJ, Fan J, Peter QAE, Andrzejewska EA, Šneiderienė G, Czekalska MA, Ausserwoeger H, Chai L, Arter WE, Saar KL, Herling TW, Franzmann TM, Kosmoliaptsis V, Alberti S, Hartl FU, Lee SF, Knowles TPJ. Single-molecule digital sizing of proteins in solution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7740. [PMID: 39231922 PMCID: PMC11375031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The physical characterization of proteins in terms of their sizes, interactions, and assembly states is key to understanding their biological function and dysfunction. However, this has remained a difficult task because proteins are often highly polydisperse and present as multicomponent mixtures. Here, we address this challenge by introducing single-molecule microfluidic diffusional sizing (smMDS). This approach measures the hydrodynamic radius of single proteins and protein assemblies in microchannels using single-molecule fluorescence detection. smMDS allows for ultrasensitive sizing of proteins down to femtomolar concentrations and enables affinity profiling of protein interactions at the single-molecule level. We show that smMDS is effective in resolving the assembly states of protein oligomers and in characterizing the size of protein species within complex mixtures, including fibrillar protein aggregates and nanoscale condensate clusters. Overall, smMDS is a highly sensitive method for the analysis of proteins in solution, with wide-ranging applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and nanobiotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Krainer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University of Graz, Humboldtstraße 50, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Raphael P B Jacquat
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Matthias M Schneider
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jieyuan Fan
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Quentin A E Peter
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Greta Šneiderienė
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Magdalena A Czekalska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Hannes Ausserwoeger
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Lin Chai
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - William E Arter
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Therese W Herling
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Titus M Franzmann
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vasilis Kosmoliaptsis
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - F Ulrich Hartl
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Steven F Lee
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krainer G, Saar KL, Arter WE, Welsh TJ, Czekalska MA, Jacquat RPB, Peter Q, Traberg WC, Pujari A, Jayaram AK, Challa P, Taylor CG, van der Linden LM, Franzmann T, Owens RM, Alberti S, Klenerman D, Knowles TPJ. Direct digital sensing of protein biomarkers in solution. Nat Commun 2023; 14:653. [PMID: 36746944 PMCID: PMC9902533 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of proteins is of central importance to biomolecular analysis and diagnostics. Typical immunosensing assays rely on surface-capture of target molecules, but this constraint can limit specificity, sensitivity, and the ability to obtain information beyond simple concentration measurements. Here we present a surface-free, single-molecule microfluidic sensing platform for direct digital protein biomarker detection in solution, termed digital immunosensor assay (DigitISA). DigitISA is based on microchip electrophoretic separation combined with single-molecule detection and enables absolute number/concentration quantification of proteins in a single, solution-phase step. Applying DigitISA to a range of targets including amyloid aggregates, exosomes, and biomolecular condensates, we demonstrate that the assay provides information beyond stoichiometric interactions, and enables characterization of immunochemistry, binding affinity, and protein biomarker abundance. Taken together, our results suggest a experimental paradigm for the sensing of protein biomarkers, which enables analyses of targets that are challenging to address using conventional immunosensing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Krainer
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - William E Arter
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Magdalena A Czekalska
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Fluidic Analytics Limited, Unit A The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 8DH, UK
| | - Raphaël P B Jacquat
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Quentin Peter
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Walther C Traberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Arvind Pujari
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Akhila K Jayaram
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Pavankumar Challa
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Christopher G Taylor
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Lize-Mari van der Linden
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, Dresden, Germany
| | - Titus Franzmann
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, Dresden, Germany
| | - Roisin M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, Dresden, Germany
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK. .,Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Erkamp NA, Qi R, Welsh TJ, Knowles TPJ. Microfluidics for multiscale studies of biomolecular condensates. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:9-24. [PMID: 36269080 PMCID: PMC9764808 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00622g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles formed through condensation of biomolecules in living cells have become the focus of sustained efforts to elucidate their mechanisms of formation and function. These condensates perform a range of vital functions in cells and are closely connected to key processes in functional and aberrant biology. Since these systems occupy a size scale intermediate between single proteins and conventional protein complexes on the one hand, and cellular length scales on the other hand, they have proved challenging to probe using conventional approaches from either protein science or cell biology. Additionally, condensate can form, solidify and perform functions on various time-scales. From a physical point of view, biomolecular condensates are colloidal soft matter systems, and microfluidic approaches, which originated in soft condensed matter research, have successfully been used to study biomolecular condensates. This review explores how microfluidics have aided condensate research into the thermodynamics, kinetics and other properties of condensates, by offering high-throughput and novel experimental setups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Erkamp
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Runzhang Qi
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peter QE, Jacquat RB, Herling TW, Challa PK, Kartanas T, Knowles TPJ. Microscale Diffusiophoresis of Proteins. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:8913-8920. [PMID: 36306420 PMCID: PMC9661530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Living systems are characterized by their spatially highly inhomogeneous nature which is susceptible to modify fundamentally the behavior of biomolecular species, including the proteins that underpin biological functionality in cells. Spatial gradients in chemical potential are known to lead to strong transport effects for colloidal particles, but their effect on molecular scale species such as proteins has remained largely unexplored. Here, we improve on existing diffusiophoresis microfluidic technique to measure protein diffusiophoresis in real space. The measurement of proteins is made possible by two ameliorations. First, a label-free microscope is used to suppress label interference. Second, improvements in numerical methods are developed to meet the particular challenges posed by small molecules. We demonstrate that individual proteins can undergo strong diffusiophoretic motion in salt gradients in a manner which is sufficient to overcome diffusion and which leads to dramatic changes in their spatial organization on the scale of a cell. Moreover, we demonstrate that this phenomenon can be used to control the motion of proteins in microfluidic devices. These results open up a path towards a physical understanding of the role of gradients in living systems in the spatial organization of macromolecules and highlight novel routes towards protein sorting applications on device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin
A. E. Peter
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EWCambridge, U.K.
| | - Raphaël
P. B. Jacquat
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Department of Physics, University
of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, CB3 0HECambridge, U.K.
| | - Therese W. Herling
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EWCambridge, U.K.
| | - Pavan Kumar Challa
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EWCambridge, U.K.
| | - Tadas Kartanas
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EWCambridge, U.K.
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EWCambridge, U.K.,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Beads for Sperm Sexing Using a Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Microfluidic Device. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030426. [PMID: 35334718 PMCID: PMC8955769 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes a microfluidic device used for X-/Y-sperm separation based on monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, which become positively charged in the flow system. Y-sperms were selectively captured via a monoclonal antibody and transferred onto the microfluidic device and were discarded, so that X-sperms can be isolated and commercially exploited for fertilization demands of female cattle in dairy industry. Therefore, the research team used monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads to increase the force that causes the Y-sperm to be pulled out of the system, leaving only the X-sperm for further use. The experimental design was divided into the following: Model 1, the microfluid system for sorting positive magnetic beads, which yielded 100% separation; Model 2, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads in the fluid system, yielding 98.84% microcirculation; Model 3, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads with sperm in the microfluid system, yielding 80.12% microcirculation. Moreover, the fabrication microfluidic system had thin film electrodes created via UV lithography and MWCNTs electrode structure capable of erecting an electrode wall 1500 µm above the floor with a flow channel width of only 100 µm. The system was tested using a constant flow rate of 2 µL/min and X-/Y-sperm were separated using carbon nanotube electrodes at 2.5 V. The structure created with the use of vertical electrodes and monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads technique produced a higher effective rejection effect and was able to remove a large number of unwanted sperm from the system with 80.12% efficiency.
Collapse
|
6
|
Konoplev G, Agafonova D, Bakhchova L, Mukhin N, Kurachkina M, Schmidt MP, Verlov N, Sidorov A, Oseev A, Stepanova O, Kozyrev A, Dmitriev A, Hirsch S. Label-Free Physical Techniques and Methodologies for Proteins Detection in Microfluidic Biosensor Structures. Biomedicines 2022; 10:207. [PMID: 35203416 PMCID: PMC8868674 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins in biological fluids (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid) are important biomarkers of various pathological conditions. Protein biomarkers detection and quantification have been proven to be an indispensable diagnostic tool in clinical practice. There is a growing tendency towards using portable diagnostic biosensor devices for point-of-care (POC) analysis based on microfluidic technology as an alternative to conventional laboratory protein assays. In contrast to universally accepted analytical methods involving protein labeling, label-free approaches often allow the development of biosensors with minimal requirements for sample preparation by omitting expensive labelling reagents. The aim of the present work is to review the variety of physical label-free techniques of protein detection and characterization which are suitable for application in micro-fluidic structures and analyze the technological and material aspects of label-free biosensors that implement these methods. The most widely used optical and impedance spectroscopy techniques: absorption, fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, Raman scattering, and interferometry, as well as new trends in photonics are reviewed. The challenges of materials selection, surfaces tailoring in microfluidic structures, and enhancement of the sensitivity and miniaturization of biosensor systems are discussed. The review provides an overview for current advances and future trends in microfluidics integrated technologies for label-free protein biomarkers detection and discusses existing challenges and a way towards novel solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgii Konoplev
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Darina Agafonova
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Liubov Bakhchova
- Institute for Automation Technology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Nikolay Mukhin
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
- Department of Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (M.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Marharyta Kurachkina
- Department of Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (M.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Marc-Peter Schmidt
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Nikolay Verlov
- Molecular and Radiation Biophysics Division, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute Named by B.P. Konstantinov, National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, 188300 Gatchina, Russia;
| | - Alexander Sidorov
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
- Fuculty of Photonics, ITMO University, 197101 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Oseev
- FEMTO-ST Institute, CNRS UMR-6174, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France;
| | - Oksana Stepanova
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrey Kozyrev
- Faculty of Electronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (D.A.); (A.S.); (O.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexander Dmitriev
- Department of Ecological Physiology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Institute of Experimental Medicine” (FSBSI “IEM”), 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Soeren Hirsch
- Department of Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (M.K.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arter WE, Saar KL, Herling TW, Knowles TPJ. Microchip Free-Flow Electrophoresis for Bioanalysis, Sensing, and Purification. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2394:249-266. [PMID: 35094333 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1811-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The separation of complex mixtures is ubiquitous throughout molecular biology, and techniques such as gel-based electrophoresis are common laboratory practice. Such methods are not without their drawbacks, however, which include non-specific interactions between analyte and the separation matrix, poor yields in purification and non-continuous analyte throughput. Microfluidic techniques, which exploit physical phenomena unique to the microscale, promise to improve many aspects of traditional laboratory procedures. These methods offer a quantitative, solution-based alternative to traditional gel electrophoresis, with rapid measurement times enabling the analysis of transient or weak biomolecular interactions that would be challenging to observe with traditional methods. Here, we present a protocol for the lithographic fabrication and operation of microfluidic chips capable of free-flow electrophoretic (FFE) fractionation and analysis of biological analytes. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through a protein-sensing methodology based on FFE fractionation of DNA-protein mixtures. In addition, the FFE technique described here can be readily adapted to suit a variety of preparative and analytical applications, providing information on the charge, zeta-potential, and interactions of analytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William E Arter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Development of High-Resolution Multidimensional Native Protein Microfluidic Chip Electrophoresis Fingerprinting and its Application in the Quick Analysis of Unknown Microorganisms. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1665:462797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
Choe SW, Kim B, Kim M. Progress of Microfluidic Continuous Separation Techniques for Micro-/Nanoscale Bioparticles. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:464. [PMID: 34821680 PMCID: PMC8615634 DOI: 10.3390/bios11110464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Separation of micro- and nano-sized biological particles, such as cells, proteins, and nucleotides, is at the heart of most biochemical sensing/analysis, including in vitro biosensing, diagnostics, drug development, proteomics, and genomics. However, most of the conventional particle separation techniques are based on membrane filtration techniques, whose efficiency is limited by membrane characteristics, such as pore size, porosity, surface charge density, or biocompatibility, which results in a reduction in the separation efficiency of bioparticles of various sizes and types. In addition, since other conventional separation methods, such as centrifugation, chromatography, and precipitation, are difficult to perform in a continuous manner, requiring multiple preparation steps with a relatively large minimum sample volume is necessary for stable bioprocessing. Recently, microfluidic engineering enables more efficient separation in a continuous flow with rapid processing of small volumes of rare biological samples, such as DNA, proteins, viruses, exosomes, and even cells. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the recent advances in microfluidic separation of micro-/nano-sized bioparticles by summarizing the physical principles behind the separation system and practical examples of biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-woon Choe
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea;
- Department of IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
| | - Bumjoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 1223-24, Korea;
- Department of Future Convergence Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 1223-24, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39177, Korea
- Department of Aeronautics, Mechanical and Electronic Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39177, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang Y, Wright MA, Saar KL, Challa P, Morgunov AS, Peter QAE, Devenish S, Dobson CM, Knowles TPJ. Machine learning-aided protein identification from multidimensional signatures. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2922-2931. [PMID: 34109955 PMCID: PMC8314522 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01148g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to determine the identity of specific proteins is a critical challenge in many areas of cellular and molecular biology, and in medical diagnostics. Here, we present a macine learning aided microfluidic protein characterisation strategy that within a few minutes generates a three-dimensional fingerprint of a protein sample indicative of its amino acid composition and size and, thereby, creates a unique signature for the protein. By acquiring such multidimensional fingerprints for a set of ten proteins and using machine learning approaches to classify the fingerprints, we demonstrate that this strategy allows proteins to be classified at a high accuracy, even though classification using a single dimension is not possible. Moreover, we show that the acquired fingerprints correlate with the amino acid content of the samples, which makes it is possible to identify proteins directly from their sequence without requiring any prior knowledge about the fingerprints. These findings suggest that such a multidimensional profiling strategy can lead to the development of a novel method for protein identification in a microfluidic format.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuewen Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Maya A Wright
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK. and Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Pavankumar Challa
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Alexey S Morgunov
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK. and Fluidic Analytics Ltd., Cambridge, UK
| | - Quentin A E Peter
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | | | - Christopher M Dobson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK. and Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Miller A, Hill N, Hakim K, Lapizco-Encinas BH. Fine-Tuning Electrokinetic Injections Considering Nonlinear Electrokinetic Effects in Insulator-Based Devices. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12060628. [PMID: 34071691 PMCID: PMC8227112 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The manner of sample injection is critical in microscale electrokinetic (EK) separations, as the resolution of a separation greatly depends on sample quality and how the sample is introduced into the system. There is a significant wealth of knowledge on the development of EK injection methodologies that range from simple and straightforward approaches to sophisticated schemes. The present study focused on the development of optimized EK sample injection schemes for direct current insulator-based EK (DC-iEK) systems. These are microchannels that contain arrays of insulating structures; the presence of these structures creates a nonuniform electric field distribution when a potential is applied, resulting in enhanced nonlinear EK effects. Recently, it was reported that the nonlinear EK effect of electrophoresis of the second kind plays a major role in particle migration in DC-iEK systems. This study presents a methodology for designing EK sample injection schemes that consider the nonlinear EK effects exerted on the particles being injected. Mathematical modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to identify proper voltages to be used during the EK injection process. Then, a T-microchannel with insulating posts was employed to experimentally perform EK injection and separate a sample containing two types of similar polystyrene particles. The quality of the EK injections was assessed by comparing the resolution (Rs) and number of plates (N) of the experimental particle separations. The findings of this study establish the importance of considering nonlinear EK effects when planning for successful EK injection schemes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Preuss JA, Nguyen GN, Berk V, Bahnemann J. Miniaturized free-flow electrophoresis: production, optimization, and application using 3D printing technology. Electrophoresis 2020; 42:305-314. [PMID: 33128392 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202000149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The increasing resolution of three-dimensional (3D) printing offers simplified access to, and development of, microfluidic devices with complex 3D structures. Therefore, this technology is increasingly used for rapid prototyping in laboratories and industry. Microfluidic free flow electrophoresis (μFFE) is a versatile tool to separate and concentrate different samples (such as DNA, proteins, and cells) to different outlets in a time range measured in mere tens of seconds and offers great potential for use in downstream processing, for example. However, the production of μFFE devices is usually rather elaborate. Many designs are based on chemical pretreatment or manual alignment for the setup. Especially for the separation chamber of a μFFE device, this is a crucial step which should be automatized. We have developed a smart 3D design of a μFFE to pave the way for a simpler production. This study presents (1) a robust and reproducible way to build up critical parts of a μFFE device based on high-resolution MultiJet 3D printing; (2) a simplified insertion of commercial polycarbonate membranes to segregate separation and electrode chambers; and (3) integrated, 3D-printed wells that enable a defined sample fractionation (chip-to-world interface). In proof of concept experiments both a mixture of fluorescence dyes and a mixture of amino acids were successfully separated in our 3D-printed μFFE device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John-Alexander Preuss
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstraße 5, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - Gia Nam Nguyen
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstraße 5, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - Virginia Berk
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstraße 5, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstraße 5, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| |
Collapse
|