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Adel M, Allam A, Sayour AE, Ragai HF, Umezu S, Fath El-Bab AMR. Design and development of a portable low-cost QCM-based system for liquid biosensing. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:11. [PMID: 38236465 PMCID: PMC10796497 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00696-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a versatile sensing platform that has gained increasing attention for its use in bioapplications due to its high sensitivity, real-time measurement capabilities, and label-free detection. This article presents a portable QCM system for liquid biosensing that uses a modified Hartley oscillator to drive 14 mm-diameter commercial QCM sensors. The system is designed to be low-cost, easy to use, and highly sensitive, making it ideal for various bioapplications. A new flow cell design to deliver samples to the surface of the sensor has been designed, fabricated, and tested. For portability and miniaturization purposes, a micropump-based pumping system is used in the current system. The system has a built-in temperature controller allowing for accurate frequency measurements. In addition, the system can be used in benchtop mode. The capability of the present system to be used in liquid biosensing is demonstrated through an experimental test for sensitivity to changes in the viscosity of glycerol samples. It was found to have a sensitivity of 263.51 Hz/mPa.s using a 10 MHz QCM sensor. Future work regarding potential applications was suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Adel
- Department of Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt.
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Helwan University, Cairo, 11792, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Allam
- Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
| | - Ashraf E Sayour
- Molecular Biomimetics Research Group, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Hani F Ragai
- Electronics and Communications Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11517, Egypt
| | - Shinjiro Umezu
- Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Ahmed M R Fath El-Bab
- Department of Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
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Adel M, Allam A, Sayour AE, Ragai HF, Umezu S, Fath El-Bab AMR. Fabrication of Spiral Low-Cost Microchannel with Trapezoidal Cross Section for Cell Separation Using a Grayscale Approach. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1340. [PMID: 37512651 PMCID: PMC10384897 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Trapezoidal cross-sectional spiral microfluidic channels showed high resolution and throughput in cell separation in bio-applications. The main challenges are the complexity and high cost of the fabrication process of trapezoidal cross-sectional channels on the micro-scale. In this work, we present the application of grayscale in microfluidic channel design to overcome the complexity of the fabrication process. We also use direct engraving with a CO2 laser beam on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material to drastically reduce the microfluidic chip's cost (to <30 cents) and fabrication time (to 20 min). The capability of the present fabrication methodology for cell sorting applications is demonstrated through experimental tests for the separation of white blood cells (WBCs) from whole blood at different dilution factors. The experimental results indicated that an 800 µL/min flow rate provided the optimal separation efficiency using the fabricated chip. A 90.14% separation efficiency at 1% hematocrit diluted blood sample was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Adel
- Department of Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Helwan University, Cairo 11792, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Allam
- Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Ashraf E Sayour
- Molecular Biomimetics Research Group, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12618, Egypt
| | - Hani F Ragai
- Electronics and Communications Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Shinjiro Umezu
- Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Ahmed M R Fath El-Bab
- Department of Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
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3
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Facile microfluidic device for droplets emulsion from small samples. J Flow Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41981-022-00229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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4
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Validation of Easy Fabrication Methods for PDMS-Based Microfluidic (Bio)Reactors. SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sci4040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The common method for producing casting molds for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips is standard photolithography. This technique offers high resolution from hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers. However, this mold fabrication method is costly, time-consuming, and might require clean room facilities. Additionally, there is a need for non-micromechanics experts, who do not have specialized equipment to easily and quickly prototype chips themselves. Simple, so-called, makerspace technologies are increasingly being explored as alternatives that have potential to enable anyone to fabricate microfluidic structures. We therefore tested simple fabrication methods for a PDMS-based microfluidic device. On the one hand, channels were replicated from capillaries and tape. On the other hand, different mold fabrication methods, namely laser cutting, fused layer 3D printing, stereolithographic 3D printing, and computer numerical control (CNC) milling, were validated in terms of machine accuracy and tightness. Most of these methods are already known, but the incorporation and retention of particles with sizes in the micrometer range have been less investigated. We therefore tested two different types of particles, which are actually common carriers for the immobilization of enzymes, so that the resulting reactor could ultimately be used as a microfluidic bioreactor. Furthermore, CNC milling provide the most reliable casting mold fabrication method. After some optimization steps with regard to manufacturing settings and post-processing polishing, the chips were tested for the retention of two different particle types (spherical and non-spherical particles). In this way, we successfully tested the obtained PDMS-based microfluidic chips for their potential applicability as (bio)reactors with enzyme immobilization carrier beads.
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5
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Islam MM, Koirala D. Toward a next-generation diagnostic tool: A review on emerging isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1209:339338. [PMID: 35569864 PMCID: PMC8633689 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect human health across the globe rapid, simple, point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of infectious viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 remains challenging. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis has risen to meet these demands and despite its high-throughput and accuracy, it has failed to gain traction in the rapid, low-cost, point-of-test settings. In contrast, different emerging isothermal amplification-based detection methods show promise in the rapid point-of-test market. In this comprehensive study of the literature, several promising isothermal amplification methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 are critically reviewed that can also be applied to other infectious viruses detection. Starting with a brief discussion on the SARS-CoV-2 structure, its genomic features, and the epidemiology of the current pandemic, this review focuses on different emerging isothermal methods and their advancement. The potential of isothermal amplification combined with the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas system for a more powerful detection tool is also critically reviewed. Additionally, the commercial success of several isothermal methods in the pandemic are highlighted. Different variants of SARS-CoV-2 and their implication on isothermal amplifications are also discussed. Furthermore, three most crucial aspects in achieving a simple, fast, and multiplexable platform are addressed.
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6
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Strutt R, Sheffield F, Barlow NE, Flemming AJ, Harling JD, Law RV, Brooks NJ, Barter LMC, Ces O. UV-DIB: label-free permeability determination using droplet interface bilayers. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:972-985. [PMID: 35107110 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01155c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Simple diffusion of molecular entities through a phospholipid bilayer, is a phenomenon of great importance to the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Current model lipid systems to probe this typically only employ fluorescence as a readout, thus limiting the range of assessable chemical matter that can be studied. We report a new technology platform, the UV-DIB, which facilitates label free measurement of small molecule translocation rates. This is based upon the coupling of droplet interface bilayer technology with implemented fiber optics to facilitate analysis via ultraviolet spectroscopy, in custom designed PMMA wells. To improve on current DIB technology, the platform was designed to be reusable, with a high sampling rate and a limit of UV detection in the low μM regime. We demonstrate the use of our system to quantify passive diffusion in a reproducible and rapid manner where the system was validated by investigating multiple permeants of varying physicochemical properties across a range of lipid interfaces, each demonstrating differing kinetics. Our system permits the interrogation of structural dependence on the permeation rate of a given compound. We present this ability from two structural perspectives, that of the membrane, and the permeant. We observed a reduction in permeability between pure DOPC and DPhPC interfaces, concurring with literature and demonstrating our ability to study the effects of lipid composition on permeability. In relation to the effects of permeant structure, our device facilitated the rank ordering of various compounds from the xanthine class of compounds, where the structure of each permeant differed by a single group alteration. We found that DIBs were stable up to 5% DMSO, a molecule often used to aid solubilisation of pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds. The ability of our device to rank-order compounds with such minor structural differences provides a level of precision that is rarely seen in current, industrially applied technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Strutt
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Felix Sheffield
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Nathan E Barlow
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Anthony J Flemming
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - John D Harling
- Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Robert V Law
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Nicholas J Brooks
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Laura M C Barter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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7
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Photolithography-free fabrication of photoresist-mold for rapid prototyping of microfluidic PDMS devices. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Song R, Cho S, Shin S, Kim H, Lee J. From shaping to functionalization of micro-droplets and particles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:3395-3416. [PMID: 36133725 PMCID: PMC9419121 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00276g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The structure of microdroplet and microparticle is a critical factor in their functionality, which determines the distribution and sequence of physicochemical reactions. Therefore, the technology of precisely tailoring their shape is requisite for implementing the user demand functions in various applications. This review highlights various methodologies for droplet shaping, classified into passive and active approaches based on whether additional body forces are applied to droplets to manipulate their functions and fabricate them into microparticles. The passive approaches cover batch emulsification, solvent evaporation and diffusion, micromolding, and microfluidic methods. In active approaches, the external forces, such as electrical and magnetic fields or optical lithography, are applied to microdroplets. Special attention is also given to latest technologies using microdroplets and microparticles, especially in the fields of biological, optical, robotic, and environmental applications. Finally, this review aims to address the advantages and disadvantages of the introduced approaches and suggests the direction for further development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungeun Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Seongsu Cho
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Seonghun Shin
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Hyejeong Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University Seoul 02841 Korea
| | - Jinkee Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
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9
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Kulkarni MB, Velmurugan K, Prasanth E, Amreen K, Nirmal J, Goel S. Smartphone enabled miniaturized temperature controller platform to synthesize nio/cuo nanoparticles for electrochemical sensing and nanomicelles for ocular drug delivery applications. Biomed Microdevices 2021; 23:31. [PMID: 34091727 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-021-00567-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Undoubtedly, various kinds of nanomaterials are of great significance due to their enormous applications in diverse areas. The structure and productivity of nanomaterials are heavily dependent on the process used for their synthesis. The synthesizing process plays a vital role in shaping nanomaterials effectively for better productivity. The conventional method requires expensive and massive thermal instruments, a huge volume of reagents. This paper aims to develop an Automatic Miniaturized Temperature Controller (AMTC) device for the synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO), copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, and nanomicelles. The device features a low-cost, miniaturized, easy-to-operate with plug-and-play power source, precise temperature control, and geotagged real-time data logging facility for the producing nanoparticles. With a temperature accuracy of ± 2 °C, NiO and CuO nanoparticles, and nanomicelles are synthesized on AMTC device, and are subjected to different characterizations to analyze their morphological structure. The obtained mean size of NiO and CuO is 27.14 nm and 85.13 nm respectively. As a proof-of-principle, the synthesized NiO and CuO nanomaterials are validated for electrochemical sensing of dopamine, hydrazine, and uric acid. Furthermore, the study is conducted, wherein, Dexamethasone (Dex) loaded nanomicelles are developed using AMTC device and compared to the conventional thin-film hydration method. Subsequently, as a proof-of-application, the developed nanomicelles are evaluated for transcorneal penetration using exvivo goat cornea model. Ultimately, the proposed device can be utilized for performing a variety of controlled thermal reactions on a minuscule platform with an integrated and miniaturized approach for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudan B Kulkarni
- MEMS, Microfluidics and NanoElectronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - K Velmurugan
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory (TPRL), Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Enaganti Prasanth
- MEMS, Microfluidics and NanoElectronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Khairunnisa Amreen
- MEMS, Microfluidics and NanoElectronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Jayabalan Nirmal
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory (TPRL), Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sanket Goel
- MEMS, Microfluidics and NanoElectronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India.
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10
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Graphene oxide assisted light-up aptamer selection against Thioflavin T for label-free detection of microRNA. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4291. [PMID: 33619372 PMCID: PMC7900183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We selected an aptamer against a fluorogenic dye called Thioflavin T (ThT). Aptamers are single-stranded DNA that can bind a specific target. We selected the ThT aptamer using graphene oxide assisted SELEX and a low-cost Open qPCR instrument. We optimized, minimized, and characterized the best aptamer candidate against ThT. The aptamer, ThT dye, and the enzymatic strand displacement amplification (SDA) were used in a label-free approach to detect the micro RNA miR-215 in saliva and serum. The aptamer confers higher specificity than intercalating dyes but without expensive covalently modified DNA probes. This isothermal, low-cost, simple method can detect both DNA and RNA. The target, miR-215, was detected with a limit of detection of 2.6 nM.
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Kulkarni MB, Yashas, Enaganti PK, Amreen K, Goel S. Internet of Things enabled portable thermal management system with microfluidic platform to synthesize MnO 2 nanoparticles for electrochemical sensing. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:425504. [PMID: 32748804 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab9ed8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Evidently, microfluidic devices are proven to be one of the most effective and powerful tools for manipulating, preparing, functionalizing and producing new generation nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Their benefits include low solution/sample feeding, excellent handling of reagents, exceptional control of size and composition, compactness, easy to process with rapid thermal management and cost-effectiveness. Such advantages have led to the endorsement of nano-microscale fabrication methods to develop highly controllable and reproducible minuscule devices. This work aims to design and develop a microscale-based temperature control device with added features like low-cost, portability, miniaturized, easy-to-use, minuscule reaction volume and point-of-source system for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The device incorporates many features such as real-time data access with a GUI interface with a smartphone open-source app for Bluetooth and Database cloud for an Internet of Things module. The portable thermal device is then calibrated and is capable of achieving a maximum temperature of 250 °C in 25 min. The fabricated device is harnessed for the synthesis of manganese oxide (MnO2) nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to various characterization techniques like SEM and XPS to analyze the surface morphology. To test the applicability, as a proof of concept, the synthesized nanoparticles were tested for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide and dopamine. Overall, the portable device can be utilized for carrying out diverse temperature-controlled reactions in a microfluidic system in a user-friendly and automated manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudan B Kulkarni
- MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
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12
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Damase TR, Islam MM, Shipley M, Allen PB. Thioflavin T as a noncovalent reporter for a label-free, non-enzymatic, catalytic DNA amplifier. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2020; 8:045001. [DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/aba357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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13
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Cowell TW, Valera E, Jankelow A, Park J, Schrader AW, Ding R, Berger J, Bashir R, Han HS. Rapid, multiplexed detection of biomolecules using electrically distinct hydrogel beads. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2274-2283. [PMID: 32490455 PMCID: PMC10409638 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00243g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rapid, low-cost, and multiplexed biomolecule detection is an important goal in the development of effective molecular diagnostics. Our recent work has demonstrated a microfluidic biochip device that can electrically quantitate a protein target with high sensitivity. This platform detects and quantifies a target analyte by counting and capturing micron-sized beads in response to an immunoassay on the bead surface. Existing microparticles limit the technique to the detection of a single protein target and lack the magnetic properties required for separation of the microparticles for direct measurements from whole blood. Here, we report new precisely engineered microparticles that achieve electrical multiplexing and adapt this platform for low-cost and label-free multiplexed electrical detection of biomolecules. Droplet microfluidic synthesis yielded highly-monodisperse populations of magnetic hydrogel beads (MHBs) with the necessary properties for multiplexing the electrical Coulter counting on chip. Each bead population was designed to contain a different amount of the hydrogel material, resulting in a unique electrical impedance signature during Coulter counting, thereby enabling unique identification of each bead. These monodisperse bead populations span a narrow range of sizes ensuring that all can be captured sensitively and selectively under simultaneously flow. Incorporating these newly synthesized beads, we demonstrate versatile and multiplexed biomolecule detection of proteins or DNA targets. This development of multiplexed beads for the electrical detection of biomolecules, provides a critical advancement towards multiplexing the Coulter counting approach and the development of a low cost point-of-care diagnostic sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Cowell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 505 South Mathews Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
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Ponrasu T, Yang RF, Chou TH, Wu JJ, Cheng YS. Core-Shell Encapsulation of Lipophilic Substance in Jelly Fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) Polysaccharides Using an Inexpensive Acrylic-Based Millifluidic Device. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 191:360-375. [PMID: 31879860 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-019-03209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The polysaccharides extracted from the achenes of jelly fig, Ficus awkeotsang Makino, were mainly composed of low methyl pectin and used as a novel shell material for encapsulating lipophilic bioactives in the core of microcapsule. The polysaccharide microcapsules with oil core were prepared using a novel acrylic-based millifluidic device developed in this study. To investigate the physiochemical properties of and find the suitable formula of polysaccharide shells, the films casted with jelly fig polysaccharide were thoroughly characterized. For the preparation of microcapsules, the millifluidic device was optimized by controlling the flow rate to obtain uniform spherical shape with a core diameter of 1.4-1.9 mm and the outer diameter of 2.1-2.8 mm. The encapsulation efficiency was around 90%, and the microcapsules displayed a clear boundary between the polysaccharide shell and oil core. Encapsulation of curcumin in the microcapsules was prepared to test the applicability of the device and processes developed in this study, and the results showed that the microencapsulation could enhance the stability of curcumin against external environment. Overall, the results suggested that the jelly fig polysaccharides and the developed millifluidic device can be useful for the preparation of core-shell microcapsules for encapsulation of lipophilic bioactives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangavel Ponrasu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Fang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Han Chou
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jiuan Wu
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shen Cheng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan.
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15
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CO 2 Laser Fabrication of PMMA Microfluidic Double T-Junction Device with Modified Inlet-Angle for Cost-Effective PCR Application. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10100678. [PMID: 31600884 PMCID: PMC6843704 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The formation of uniform droplets and the control of their size, shape and monodispersity are of utmost importance in droplet-based microfluidic systems. The size of the droplets is precisely tuned by the channel geometry, the surface interfacial tension, the shear force and fluid velocity. In addition, the fabrication technique and selection of materials are essential to reduce the fabrication cost and time. In this paper, for reducing the fabrication cost Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheet is used with direct write laser technique by VERSA CO2 laser VLS3.5. This laser writing technique gives minimum channel width of about 160 μm, which limit miniaturizing the droplet. To overcome this, modification on double T-junction (DTJ) channel geometry has been done by modifying the channel inlets angles. First, a two-dimensional (2D) simulation has been done to study the effect of the new channel geometry modification on droplet size, droplets distribution inside the channel, and its throughput. The fabricated modified DTJ gives the minimum droplet diameter of 39±2 μm, while DTJ channel produced droplet diameter of 48±4 μm at the same conditions. Moreover, the modified double T-junction (MDTJ) decreases the variation in droplets diameter at the same flow rates by 4.5–13% than DTJ. This low variation in the droplet diameter is suitable for repeatability of the DNA detection results. The MDTJ also enhanced the droplet generation frequency by 8–25% more than the DTJ channel. The uniformity of droplet distribution inside the channel was enhanced by 3–20% compared to the DTJ channel geometry. This fabrication technique eliminates the need for a photomask and cleanroom environment in addition shortening the cost and time. It takes only 20 min for fabrication. The minimum generated droplet diameter is within 40 μm with more than 1000 droplets per second (at 10 mL/h. oil flow rate). The device is a high-throughput and low-cost micro-droplet formation aimed to be as a front-end to a dynamic droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform for use in resource-limited environment.
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Thurgood P, Baratchi S, Arash A, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Khoshmanesh K. Asynchronous generation of oil droplets using a microfluidic flow focusing system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10600. [PMID: 31332249 PMCID: PMC6646804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we show that long-term exposure of PDMS based microfluidic droplet generation systems to water can reverse their characteristics such that they generate oil-in-water droplets instead of water-in-oil droplets. The competition between two oil columns entering via the two side channels leads to asynchronous generation of oil droplets. We identify various modes of droplet generation, and study the size, gap and generation rate of droplets under different combinations of oil and water pressures. Oil droplets can also be generated using syringe pumps, various oil viscosities, and different combinations of immiscible liquids. We also demonstrate the ability to dynamically change the gap between the oil droplets from a few hundred microns to just a few microns in successive cycles using a latex balloon pressure pump. This method requires no special equipment or chemical treatments, and importantly can be reversed by long-term exposure of the PDMS surfaces to the ambient air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Aram Arash
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Wu ZL, Qi YN, Yin XJ, Yang X, Chen CM, Yu JY, Yu JC, Lin YM, Hui F, Liu PL, Liang YX, Zhang Y, Zhao MS. Polymer-Based Device Fabrication and Applications Using Direct Laser Writing Technology. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E553. [PMID: 30960537 PMCID: PMC6473384 DOI: 10.3390/polym11030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer materials exhibit unique properties in the fabrication of optical waveguide devices, electromagnetic devices, and bio-devices. Direct laser writing (DLW) technology is widely used for micro-structure fabrication due to its high processing precision, low cost, and no need for mask exposure. This paper reviews the latest research progresses of polymer-based micro/nano-devices fabricated using the DLW technique as well as their applications. In order to realize various device structures and functions, different manufacture parameters of DLW systems are adopted, which are also investigated in this work. The flexible use of the DLW process in various polymer-based microstructures, including optical, electronic, magnetic, and biomedical devices are reviewed together with their applications. In addition, polymer materials which are developed with unique properties for the use of DLW technology are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Lin Wu
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Ya-Nan Qi
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xiao-Jie Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100083, China.
- Henan Shi-Jia Photons Technology Co., Ltd., Hebi 458030, China.
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
| | - Chang-Ming Chen
- College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, JLU Region, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Jing-Ying Yu
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Jia-Chen Yu
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yu-Meng Lin
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Fang Hui
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Peng-Li Liu
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yu-Xin Liang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Ming-Shan Zhao
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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