1
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Bezinge L, deMello AJ, Shih CJ, Richards DA. Quantitative reagent monitoring in paper-based electrochemical rapid diagnostic tests. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3651-3657. [PMID: 38952211 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00390j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Paper-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are an essential component of modern healthcare, particularly for the management of infectious diseases. Despite their utility, these capillary-driven RDTs are compromised by high failure rates, primarily caused by user error. This limits their utility in complex assays that require multiple user operations. Here, we demonstrate how this issue can be directly addressed through continuous electrochemical monitoring of reagent flow inside an RDT using embedded graphenized electrodes. Our method relies on applying short voltage pulses and measuring variations in capacitive discharge currents to precisely determine the flow times of injected samples and reagents. This information is reported to the user, guiding them through the testing process, highlighting failure cases and ultimately decreasing errors. Significantly, the same electrodes can be used to quantify electrochemical signals from immunoassays, providing an integrated solution for both monitoring assays and reporting results. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach in a serology test for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in clinical serum samples. This method paves the way towards "smart" RDTs able to continuously monitor the testing process and improve the robustness of point-of-care diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonard Bezinge
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Chih-Jen Shih
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel A Richards
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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2
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Xu W, Atik AY, Beker L, Ceylan Koydemir H. Digital monitoring of the microchannel filling flow dynamics using a non-contactless smartphone-based nano-liter precision flow velocity meter. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 252:116130. [PMID: 38417285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems find widespread applications in diagnostics, biological research, chemistry, and engineering studies. Among their many critical parameters, flow rate plays a pivotal role in maintaining the functionality of microfluidic systems, including droplet-based microfluidic devices and those used in cell culture. It also significantly influences microfluidic mixing processes. Although various flow rate measurement devices have been developed, the challenge remains in accurately measuring flow rates within customized channels. This paper presents the development of a 3D-printed smartphone-based flow velocity meter. The 3D-printed platform is angled at 30° to achieve transparent flow visualization, and it doesn't require any external optical components such as external lenses and filters. Two LED modules integrated into the platform create a uniform illumination environment for video capture, powered directly by the smartphone. The performance of our platform, combined with a customized video processing algorithm, was assessed in three different channel types: uniform straight channels, straight channels with varying widths, and vessel-like channel patterns to demonstrate its versatility. Our device effectively measured flow velocities from 5.43 mm/s to 24.47 mm/s, with video quality at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, for which the measurement range can be extended by adjusting the frame rate. This flow velocity meter can be a useful analytical tool to evaluate and enhance microfluidic channel designs of various lab-on-a-chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abdulkadir Yasin Atik
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
| | - Levent Beker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ceylan Koydemir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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3
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Lei X, Ye W, Safdarin F, Baghaei S. Microfluidics devices for sports: A review on technology for biomedical application used in fields such as biomedicine, drug encapsulation, preparation of nanoparticles, cell targeting, analysis, diagnosis, and cell culture. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102339. [PMID: 38432127 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, sports medicine, fluid dynamics, kinetic biomechanics, and microelectronics, to manipulate and control fluids and particles in micron-scale channels and chambers. These channels and chambers can be fabricated using different materials and methods to achieve various geometries and shapes. Microfluidics has numerous biomedical applications, such as drug encapsulation, nanoparticle preparation, cell targeting, analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of sports injuries in both professional and non-professional athletes. It can also be used in other fields, such as biological analysis, chemical synthesis, optics, and acceleration in the treatment of critical sports injuries. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of microfluidic technology, including its fabrication methods, current platform materials, and its applications in sports medicine. Biocompatible, biodegradable, and semi-crystalline polymers with unique mechanical and thermal properties are one of the promising materials in microfluidic technology. Despite the numerous advantages of microfluidic technology, further research and development are necessary. Although the technology offers benefits such as ease of operation and cost efficiency, it is still in its early stages. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential of microfluidic technology and highlights the need for continued research to fully exploit its potential in the biomedical field and sport applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Lei
- Graduate School of Wuhan Institute of Physical Education, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Weiwu Ye
- National Traditional Sports College of Harbin Sports University, Harbin 150008, China.
| | - F Safdarin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, lslamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Sh Baghaei
- Mechanical Engineering Department, lslamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
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4
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Vloemans D, Van Hileghem L, Ordutowski H, Dal Dosso F, Spasic D, Lammertyn J. Self-Powered Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Solutions: From Sampling to Detection of Proteins and Nucleic Acids. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2804:3-50. [PMID: 38753138 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3850-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Self-powered microfluidics presents a revolutionary approach to address the challenges of healthcare in decentralized and point-of-care settings where limited access to resources and infrastructure prevails or rapid clinical decision-making is critical. These microfluidic systems exploit physical and chemical phenomena, such as capillary forces and surface tension, to manipulate tiny volumes of fluids without the need for external power sources, making them cost-effective and highly portable. Recent technological advancements have demonstrated the ability to preprogram complex multistep liquid operations within the microfluidic circuit of these standalone systems, which enabled the integration of sensitive detection and readout principles. This chapter first addresses how the accessibility to in vitro diagnostics can be improved by shifting toward decentralized approaches like remote microsampling and point-of-care testing. Next, the crucial role of self-powered microfluidic technologies to enable this patient-centric healthcare transition is emphasized using various state-of-the-art examples, with a primary focus on applications related to biofluid collection and the detection of either proteins or nucleic acids. This chapter concludes with a summary of the main findings and our vision of the future perspectives in the field of self-powered microfluidic technologies and their use for in vitro diagnostics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries Vloemans
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Henry Ordutowski
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dragana Spasic
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Department of Biosystems - Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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5
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Ruiz-García I, Escobedo P, Ramos-Lorente CE, Erenas MM, Capitán-Vallvey LF, Carvajal MA, Palma AJ, López-Ruiz N. Capacitive platform for real-time wireless monitoring of liquid wicking in a paper strip. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4092-4103. [PMID: 37615614 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00368j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the phenomenon of liquid wicking in porous media is crucial for various applications, including the transportation of fluids in soils, the absorption of liquids in textiles and paper, and the development of new and efficient microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Hence, accurate and real-time monitoring of the liquid wicking process is essential to enable precise flow transport and control in microfluidic devices, thus enhancing their performance and usefulness. However, most existing flow monitoring strategies require external instrumentation, are generally bulky and unsuitable for portable systems. In this work, we present a portable, compact, and cost-effective electronic platform for real-time and wireless flow monitoring of liquid wicking in paper strips. The developed microcontroller-based system enables flow and flow rate monitoring based on the capacitance measurement of a pair of electrodes patterned beneath the paper strip along the liquid path, with an accuracy of 4 fF and a full-scale range of 8 pF. Additionally to the wired transmission of the monitored data to a computer via USB, the liquid wicking process can be followed in real-time via Bluetooth using a custom-developed smartphone application. The performance of the capacitive monitoring platform was evaluated for different aqueous solutions (purified water and 1 M NaCl solution), various paper strip geometries, and several custom-made chemical valves for flow retention (chitosan-, wax-, and sucrose-based barriers). The experimental validation delivered a full-scale relative error of 0.25%, resulting in an absolute capacitance error of ±10 fF. In terms of reproducibility, the maximum uncertainty was below 10 nl s-1 for flow rate determination in this study. Furthermore, the experimental data was compared and validated with numerical analysis through electrical and flow dynamics simulations in porous media, providing crucial information on the wicking process, its physical parameters, and liquid flow dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidoro Ruiz-García
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), CITIC-UGR, Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Escobedo
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), CITIC-UGR, Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Celia E Ramos-Lorente
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel M Erenas
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Luis F Capitán-Vallvey
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Carvajal
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), CITIC-UGR, Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto J Palma
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), CITIC-UGR, Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Nuria López-Ruiz
- Electronic and Chemical Sensing Solutions (ECsens), CITIC-UGR, Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
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6
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Aghajanloo B, Ejeian F, Frascella F, Marasso SL, Cocuzza M, Tehrani AF, Nasr Esfahani MH, Inglis DW. Pumpless deterministic lateral displacement separation using a paper capillary wick. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2106-2112. [PMID: 36943724 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00039g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) is a passive separation method that separates particles by hydrodynamic size. This label-free method is a promising technique for cell separation because of its high size resolution and insensitivity to flow rate. Development of capillary-driven microfluidic technologies allows microfluidic devices to be operated without any external power for fluid pumping, lowering their total cost and complexity. Herein, we develop and test a DLD-based particle and cell sorting method that is driven entirely by capillary pressure. We show microchip self-filling, flow focusing, flow stability, and capture of separated particles. We achieve separation efficiency of 92% for particle-particle separation and more than 99% efficiency for cell-particle separation. The high performance of driven flow and separation along with simplicity of the operation and setup make it a valuable candidate for point-of-care devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Aghajanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Simone L Marasso
- DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- CNR-IMEM, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Cocuzza
- DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- CNR-IMEM, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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7
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Silverio V, Canane PAG, Martins TA, Afonso R, Cardoso S, Batista E. Development of a microfluidic electroosmosis pump on a chip for steady and continuous fluid delivery. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2023; 68:79-90. [PMID: 36525637 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2022-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Infusion therapy is the most common form of therapy used in health care. However, the existing infusion devices show higher flow discrepancies as flow rates decrease to a few nL min-1. As a result, dosing errors can contribute to the morbidity and mortality of patients. In the scope of project 18HLT08 MeDD II - Metrology for drug delivery, this investigation aims at the development of a silicon microchip flow pump capable of steadily and continuously dispense very low flow rates of a few nL min-1. The fabrication methodologies explored here use a combination of typical cleanroom micro/nanofabrication techniques and off-the-shelf equipment. Preliminary tests show flow rates as low as 45 nL min-1 can be obtained in this microfluidic electroosmotic pump. The experimental flow rates are in good agreement with results predicted by multiphysics simulation, with less than 8% deviation ratio. This cost effective electroosmotic micropump has the potential to act as a steady and continuous drug delivery system to neonatal patients as well as to organs on chip (OoC), determining the stability of the shear stress imposed on the cells or the right cell culture medium conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Silverio
- INESC MN Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias and Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Ruben Afonso
- INESC MN Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Cardoso
- INESC MN Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias and Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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8
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Liang C, Yang Z, Jiang H. A film-lever actuated switch technology for multifunctional, on-demand, and robust manipulation of liquids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4902. [PMID: 35987906 PMCID: PMC9391643 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32676-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A lab-on-a-chip system with Point-of-Care testing capability offers rapid and accurate diagnostic potential and is useful in resource-limited settings where biomedical equipment and skilled professionals are not readily available. However, a Point-of-Care testing system that simultaneously possesses all required features of multifunctional dispensing, on-demand release, robust operations, and capability for long-term reagent storage is still a major challenge. Here, we describe a film-lever actuated switch technology that can manipulate liquids in any direction, provide accurate and proportional release response to the applied pneumatic pressure, as well as sustain robustness during abrupt movements and vibrations. Based on the technology, we also describe development of a polymerase chain reaction system that integrates reagent introduction, mixing and reaction functions all in one process, which accomplishes “sample-in-answer-out” performance for all clinical nasal samples from 18 patients with Influenza and 18 individual controls, in good concordance of fluorescence intensity with standard polymerase chain reaction (Pearson coefficients > 0.9). The proposed platform promises robust automation of biomedical analysis, and thus can accelerate the commercialization of a range of Point-of-Care testing devices. Point-of-care testing offers rapid and accurate diagnostic potential being quite useful in resource-limited settings. Here, authors demonstrate a film-lever actuated switch technology for microfluidic manipulation enabling multifunctional dispensing, on-demand release, robust operation, and long-term storage.
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9
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Thalhofer T, Keck M, Kibler S, Hayden O. Capacitive Sensor and Alternating Drive Mixing for Microfluidic Applications Using Micro Diaphragm Pumps. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22031273. [PMID: 35162018 PMCID: PMC8839760 DOI: 10.3390/s22031273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems are of paramount importance in various fields such as medicine, biology, and pharmacy. Despite the plethora of methods, accurate dosing and mixing of small doses of liquid reagents remain challenges for microfluidics. In this paper, we present a microfluidic device that uses two micro pumps and an alternating drive pattern to fill a microchannel. With a capacitive sensor system, we monitored the fluid process and controlled the micro pumps. In a first experiment, the system was set up to generate a 1:1 mixture between two fluids while using a range of fluid packet sizes from 0.25 to 2 µL and pumping frequencies from 50 to 100 Hz. In this parameter range, a dosing accuracy of 50.3 ± 0.9% was reached, validated by a gravimetric measurement. Other biased mixing ratios were tested as well and showed a deviation of 0.3 ± 0.3% from the targeted mixing ratio. In a second experiment, Trypan blue was used to study the mixing behavior of the system. Within one to two dosed packet sets, the two reagents were reliably mixed. The results are encouraging for future use of micro pumps and capacitive sensing in demanding microfluidic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thalhofer
- Fraunhofer EMFT Research Institution for Microsystems and Solid State Technologies, Hansastrasse 27d, 80686 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (S.K.)
- Heinz-Nixdorf-Chair of Biomedical Electronics, TranslaTUM, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TU Munich, Einsteinstrasse 25, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mauro Keck
- Fraunhofer EMFT Research Institution for Microsystems and Solid State Technologies, Hansastrasse 27d, 80686 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (S.K.)
- Heinz-Nixdorf-Chair of Biomedical Electronics, TranslaTUM, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TU Munich, Einsteinstrasse 25, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Kibler
- Fraunhofer EMFT Research Institution for Microsystems and Solid State Technologies, Hansastrasse 27d, 80686 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Oliver Hayden
- Heinz-Nixdorf-Chair of Biomedical Electronics, TranslaTUM, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TU Munich, Einsteinstrasse 25, 81675 Munich, Germany;
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10
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Chen S, Yun SN, Liu Y, Yu R, Tu Q, Wang J, Yuan MS. A highly selective and sensitive CdS fluorescent quantum dot for the simultaneous detection of multiple pesticides. Analyst 2022; 147:3258-3265. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an00575a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We presented one-pot prepared CdS fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) which can sensitively and selectively detect three different organic pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Na Yun
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Ruijin Yu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Qin Tu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Jinyi Wang
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Mao-Sen Yuan
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
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11
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Delamarche E, Pereiro I, Kashyap A, Kaigala GV. Biopatterning: The Art of Patterning Biomolecules on Surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:9637-9651. [PMID: 34347483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Patterning biomolecules on surfaces provides numerous opportunities for miniaturizing biological assays; biosensing; studying proteins, cells, and tissue sections; and engineering surfaces that include biological components. In this Feature Article, we summarize the themes presented in our recent Langmuir Lecture on patterning biomolecules on surfaces, miniaturizing surface assays, and interacting with biointerfaces using three key technologies: microcontact printing, microfluidic networks, and microfluidic probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Delamarche
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
| | - Iago Pereiro
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
| | - Aditya Kashyap
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
| | - Govind V Kaigala
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, Rüschlikon CH-8803, Switzerland
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12
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Salva ML, Rocca M, Niemeyer CM, Delamarche E. Methods for immobilizing receptors in microfluidic devices: A review. MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2021.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Multi-frequency impedance sensing for detection and sizing of DNA fragments. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6490. [PMID: 33753781 PMCID: PMC7985362 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Electronic biosensors for DNA detection typically utilize immobilized oligonucleotide probes on a signal transducer, which outputs an electronic signal when target molecules bind to probes. However, limitation in probe selectivity and variable levels of non-target material in complex biological samples can lead to nonspecific binding and reduced sensitivity. Here we introduce the integration of 2.8 μm paramagnetic beads with DNA fragments. We apply a custom-made microfluidic chip to detect DNA molecules bound to beads by measuring Impedance Peak Response (IPR) at multiple frequencies. Technical and analytical performance was evaluated using beads containing purified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products of different lengths (157, 300, 613 bp) with DNA concentration ranging from 0.039 amol to 7.8 fmol. Multi-frequency IPR correlated positively with DNA amounts and was used to calculate a DNA quantification score. The minimum DNA amount of a 300 bp fragment coupled on beads that could be robustly detected was 0.0039 fmol (1.54 fg or 4750 copies/bead). Additionally, our approach allowed distinguishing beads with similar molar concentration DNA fragments of different lengths. Using this impedance sensor, purified PCR products could be analyzed within ten minutes to determine DNA fragment length and quantity based on comparison to a known DNA standard.
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14
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Ayuso JM, Park KY, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Beebe DJ. Toward improved in vitro models of human cancer. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:010902. [PMID: 33532672 PMCID: PMC7822630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0026857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death across the world and continues to increase in incidence. Despite years of research, multiple tumors (e.g., glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer) still have limited treatment options in the clinic. Additionally, the attrition rate and cost of drug development have continued to increase. This trend is partly explained by the poor predictive power of traditional in vitro tools and animal models. Moreover, multiple studies have highlighted that cell culture in traditional Petri dishes commonly fail to predict drug sensitivity. Conversely, animal models present differences in tumor biology compared with human pathologies, explaining why promising therapies tested in animal models often fail when tested in humans. The surging complexity of patient management with the advent of cancer vaccines, immunotherapy, and precision medicine demands more robust and patient-specific tools to better inform our understanding and treatment of human cancer. Advances in stem cell biology, microfluidics, and cell culture have led to the development of sophisticated bioengineered microscale organotypic models (BMOMs) that could fill this gap. In this Perspective, we discuss the advantages and limitations of patient-specific BMOMs to improve our understanding of cancer and how these tools can help to confer insight into predicting patient response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keon-Young Park
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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15
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Hourlier-Fargette A, Schon S, Xue Y, Avila R, Li W, Gao Y, Liu C, Kim SB, Raj MS, Fields KB, Parsons BV, Lee K, Lee JY, Chung HU, Lee SP, Johnson M, Bandodkar AJ, Gutruf P, Model JB, Aranyosi AJ, Choi J, Ray TR, Ghaffari R, Huang Y, Rogers JA. Skin-interfaced soft microfluidic systems with modular and reusable electronics for in situ capacitive sensing of sweat loss, rate and conductivity. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:4391-4403. [PMID: 33089837 PMCID: PMC10556535 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00705f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Important insights into human health can be obtained through the non-invasive collection and detailed analysis of sweat, a biofluid that contains a wide range of essential biomarkers. Skin-interfaced microfluidic platforms, characterized by soft materials and thin geometries, offer a collection of capabilities for in situ capture, storage, and analysis of sweat and its constituents. In ambulatory uses cases, the ability to provide real-time feedback on sweat loss, rate and content, without visual inspection of the device, can be important. This paper introduces a low-profile skin-interfaced system that couples disposable microfluidic sampling devices with reusable 'stick-on' electrodes and wireless readout electronics that remain isolated from the sweat. An ultra-thin capping layer on the microfluidic platform permits high-sensitivity, contactless capacitive measurements of both sweat loss and sweat conductivity. This architecture avoids the potential for corrosion of the sensing components and eliminates the need for cleaning/sterilizing the electronics, thereby resulting in a cost-effective platform that is simple to use. Optimized electrode designs follow from a combination of extensive benchtop testing, analytical calculations and FEA simulations for two sensing configurations: (1) sweat rate and loss, and (2) sweat conductivity, which contains information about electrolyte content. Both configurations couple to a flexible, wireless electronics platform that digitizes and transmits information to Bluetooth-enabled devices. On-body field testing during physical exercise validates the performance of the system in scenarios of practical relevance to human health and performance.
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16
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Lin PH, Chang WL, Sheu SC, Li BR. A Noninvasive Wearable Device for Real-Time Monitoring of Secretion Sweat Pressure by Digital Display. iScience 2020; 23:101658. [PMID: 33117969 PMCID: PMC7582050 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweat-based wearable devices have attracted increasing attention by providing abundant physiological information and continuous measurement through noninvasive healthcare monitoring. Sweat pressure generated via sweat glands to the skin surface associated with osmotic effects may help to elucidate such parameters as physiological conditions and psychological factors. This study introduces a wearable device for measuring secretion sweat pressure through noninvasive, continuous monitoring. Secretion pressure is detected by a microfluidic chip that shows the resistance variance from a paired electrode pattern and transfers digital signals to a smartphone for real-time display. A human study demonstrates this measurement with different exercise activities, showing the pressure ranges from 1.3 to 2.5 kPa. This device is user-friendly and applicable to exercise training and personal health care. The convenience and easy-to-wear characteristics of this device may establish a foundation for future research investigating sweat physiology and personal health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Heng Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Sian-Chen Sheu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Ran Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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17
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Lee JJ, Berthier J, Kearney KE, Berthier E, Theberge AB. Open-Channel Capillary Trees and Capillary Pumping. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:12795-12803. [PMID: 32936651 PMCID: PMC8259885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01360] [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: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Velocity of capillary flow in closed or open channels decreases as the flow proceeds down the length of the channel, varying as the inverse of the square root of time or as the inverse of travel distance. In order to increase the flow rate-and extend the duration of the flow-capillary pumps have been designed by mimicking the pumping principle of paper or cotton fibers. These designs provide a larger volume available for the wicking of the liquids. In microsystems for biotechnology, different designs have been developed based on experimental observation. In the present paper, the mechanisms at the basis of capillary pumping are investigated using a theoretical model for the flow in an open-channel "capillary tree" (i.e., an ensemble of channels with bifurcations mimicking the shape of a tree). The model is checked against experiments. Rules for obtaining better designs of capillary pumps are proposed; specifically, we find (1) when using a capillary tree with identical channel cross-sectional areas throughout, it is possible to maintain nearly constant flow rates throughout the channel network, (2) flow rate can be increased at each branch point of a capillary tree by slightly decreasing the areas of the channel cross section and decreasing the channel lengths at each level of ramification within the tree, and (3) higher order branching (trifurcations vs bifurcations) amplify the flow rate effect. This work lays the foundation for increasing the flow rate in open microfluidic channels driven by capillary flow; we expect this to have broad impact across open microfluidics for biological and chemical applications such as cell culture, sample preparation, separations, and on-chip reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing J. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jean Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kathleen E. Kearney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Ashleigh B. Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
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18
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Wen X, Ou Y, Zarick HF, Zhang X, Hmelo AB, Victor QJ, Paul EP, Slocik JM, Naik RR, Bellan LM, Lin EC, Bardhan R. PRADA: Portable Reusable Accurate Diagnostics with nanostar Antennas for multiplexed biomarker screening. Bioeng Transl Med 2020; 5:e10165. [PMID: 33005736 PMCID: PMC7510456 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise monitoring of specific biomarkers in biological fluids with accurate biodiagnostic sensors is critical for early diagnosis of diseases and subsequent treatment planning. In this work, we demonstrated an innovative biodiagnostic sensor, portable reusable accurate diagnostics with nanostar antennas (PRADA), for multiplexed biomarker detection in small volumes (~50 μl) enabled in a microfluidic platform. Here, PRADA simultaneously detected two biomarkers of myocardial infarction, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), which is well accepted for cardiac disorders, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), which controls cardiac sympathetic drive. In PRADA immunoassay, magnetic beads captured the biomarkers in human serum samples, and gold nanostars (GNSs) "antennas" labeled with peptide biorecognition elements and Raman tags detected the biomarkers via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The peptide-conjugated GNS-SERS barcodes were leveraged to achieve high sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0055 ng/ml of cTnI, and a LOD of 0.12 ng/ml of NPY comparable with commercially available test kits. The innovation of PRADA was also in the regeneration and reuse of the same sensor chip for ~14 cycles. We validated PRADA by testing cTnI in 11 de-identified cardiac patient samples of various demographics within a 95% confidence interval and high precision profile. We envision low-cost PRADA will have tremendous translational impact and be amenable to resource-limited settings for accurate treatment planning in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Yu‐Chuan Ou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Holly F. Zarick
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Anthony B. Hmelo
- Department of Physics and AstronomyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Quinton J. Victor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Eden P. Paul
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Joseph M. Slocik
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research LaboratoryWright‐Patterson Air Force BaseDaytonOhioUSA
| | - Rajesh R. Naik
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research LaboratoryWright‐Patterson Air Force BaseDaytonOhioUSA
| | - Leon M. Bellan
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Eugene C. Lin
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryNational Chung Cheng UniversityChiayiTaiwan
| | - Rizia Bardhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Nanovaccine InstituteIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
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19
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Abstract
With the rapid development of high technology, chemical science is not as it used to be a century ago. Many chemists acquire and utilize skills that are well beyond the traditional definition of chemistry. The digital age has transformed chemistry laboratories. One aspect of this transformation is the progressing implementation of electronics and computer science in chemistry research. In the past decade, numerous chemistry-oriented studies have benefited from the implementation of electronic modules, including microcontroller boards (MCBs), single-board computers (SBCs), professional grade control and data acquisition systems, as well as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In particular, MCBs and SBCs provide good value for money. The application areas for electronic modules in chemistry research include construction of simple detection systems based on spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry principles, customizing laboratory devices for automation of common laboratory practices, control of reaction systems (batch- and flow-based), extraction systems, chromatographic and electrophoretic systems, microfluidic systems (classical and nonclassical), custom-built polymerase chain reaction devices, gas-phase analyte detection systems, chemical robots and drones, construction of FPGA-based imaging systems, and the Internet-of-Chemical-Things. The technology is easy to handle, and many chemists have managed to train themselves in its implementation. The only major obstacle in its implementation is probably one's imagination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpur Rakesh D Prabhu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Pawel L Urban
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.,Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
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20
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Chen X, Chen S, Zhang Y, Yang H. Study on Functionality and Surface Modification of a Stair-Step Liquid-Triggered Valve for On-Chip Flow Control. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11070690. [PMID: 32708757 PMCID: PMC7407824 DOI: 10.3390/mi11070690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Distinctive from other forms of microfluidic system, capillary microfluidics is of great interest in autonomous micro-systems due to its well-engineered fluidic control based on capillary force. As an essential component of fluidic control in capillaric circuits, micro-valves enable sequential fluidic operations by performing actions such as stopping and triggering. In this paper, we present a stair-step liquid-triggered valve; the functionality of the valve and its dependencies on geometry and surface modification are studied. The surface contact angle of the microfabricated valves that are coated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) or (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) is evaluated experimentally, and the corresponding reliability of the valve structure is discussed. Moreover, the variation in the surface contact angle over time is investigated, indicating the shelf time of the device. We further discuss the overall fluidic behavior in such capillary valves, which benefits the capillaric circuit designs at the initial stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Sihui Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Medical AI, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (Y.Z.); Tel.: +86-755-8639-2675 (H.Y.)
| | - Hui Yang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (Y.Z.); Tel.: +86-755-8639-2675 (H.Y.)
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21
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Zhang Y, Sesen M, de Marco A, Neild A. Capacitive Sensing for Monitoring of Microfluidic Protocols Using Nanoliter Dispensing and Acoustic Mixing. Anal Chem 2020; 92:10725-10732. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Muhsincan Sesen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Alex de Marco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Neild
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Park J, Han DH, Park JK. Towards practical sample preparation in point-of-care testing: user-friendly microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1191-1203. [PMID: 32119024 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00047g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies offer a number of advantages for sample preparation in point-of-care testing (POCT), but the requirement for complicated external pumping systems limits their wide use. To facilitate sample preparation in POCT, various methods have been developed to operate microfluidic devices without complicated external pumping systems. In this review, we introduce an overview of user-friendly microfluidic devices for practical sample preparation in POCT, including self- and hand-operated microfluidic devices. Self-operated microfluidic devices exploit capillary force, vacuum-driven pressure, or gas-generating chemical reactions to apply pressure into microchannels, and hand-operated microfluidic devices utilize human power sources using simple equipment, including a syringe, pipette, or simply by using finger actuation. Furthermore, this review provides future perspectives to realize user-friendly integrated microfluidic circuits for wider applications with the integration of simple microfluidic valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhwan Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Arango Y, Temiz Y, Gökçe O, Delamarche E. Electro-actuated valves and self-vented channels enable programmable flow control and monitoring in capillary-driven microfluidics. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay8305. [PMID: 32494605 PMCID: PMC7250678 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics are essential for many lab-on-a-chip applications, but it is still challenging to implement a portable and programmable device that can perform an assay protocol autonomously when used by a person with minimal training. Here, we present a versatile concept toward this goal by realizing programmable liquid circuits where liquids in capillary-driven microfluidic channels can be controlled and monitored from a smartphone to perform various advanced tasks of liquid manipulation. We achieve this by combining electro-actuated valves (e-gates) with passive capillary valves and self-vented channels. We demonstrate the concept by implementing a 5-mm-diameter microfluidic clock, a chip to control four liquids using 100 e-gates with electronic feedback, and designs to deliver and merge multiple liquids sequentially or in parallel in any order and combination. This concept is scalable, compatible with high-throughput manufacturing, and can be adopted in many microfluidics-based assays that would benefit from precise and easy handling of liquids.
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24
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Salva ML, Temiz Y, Rocca M, Arango YC, Niemeyer CM, Delamarche E. Programmable hydraulic resistor for microfluidic chips using electrogate arrays. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17242. [PMID: 31754240 PMCID: PMC6872553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow rates play an important role in microfluidic devices because they affect the transport of chemicals and determine where and when (bio)chemical reactions occur in these devices. Flow rates can conveniently be determined using external peripherals in active microfluidics. However, setting specific flow rates in passive microfluidics is a significant challenge because they are encoded on a design and fabrication level, leaving little freedom to users for adjusting flow rates for specific applications. Here, we present a programmable hydraulic resistor where an array of "electrogates" routes an incoming liquid through a set of resistors to modulate flow rates in microfluidic chips post-fabrication. This approach combines a battery-powered peripheral device with passive capillary-driven microfluidic chips for advanced flow rate control and measurement. We specifically show a programmable hydraulic resistor composed of 7 parallel resistors and 14 electrogates. A peripheral and smartphone application allow a user to activate selected electrogates and resistors, providing 127 (27-1) flow resistance combinations with values spanning on a 500 fold range. The electrogates feature a capillary pinning site (i.e. trench across the flow path) to stop a solution and an electrode, which can be activated in a few ms using a 3 V bias to resume flow based on electrowetting. The hydraulic resistor and microfluidic chip shown here enable flow rates from ~0.09 nL.s-1 up to ~5.66 nL.s-1 with the resistor occupying a footprint of only 15.8 mm2 on a 1 × 2 cm2 microfluidic chip fabricated in silicon. We illustrate how a programmable hydraulic resistor can be used to set flow rate conditions for laminar co-flow of 2 liquids and the enzymatic conversion of a substrate by stationary enzymes (alkaline phosphatase) downstream of the programmable hydraulic resistor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Salva
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Yuksel Temiz
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Marco Rocca
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Yulieth C Arango
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Christof M Niemeyer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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25
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Qin C, Dasgupta PK. Time-of-Sight Liquid Flow Measurements in the Low Nanoliters per Minute Scale. Anal Chem 2019; 91:14332-14339. [PMID: 31618579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe an affordable and robust measurement technique applicable to nanoscale liquid flow. The approach can provide good precision (<1% RSD) in the 1.5-15 nL/min flow range. The motion of a conductive/nonconductive immiscible segmental interface in a capillary is followed by an admittance detector. The conductive marker segment, e.g., a salt solution, is protected on both sides from the principal flow stream by immiscible guard segments, typically a fluorocarbon (FC) liquid, of significantly greater impedance. Fluorosilylation of the capillary ensures no other liquid film between the FC segments and the wall (perfect piston). A given interface/marker can typically be used only once in interface/front tracking systems. We overcome this by putting the sensor capillary in a valved configuration where the flow direction in the sensor is reversed before the guard/marker segments escape. Several strategies are possible to interpret flow rate from the sensor output, including the rate of the interface movement. During the measurement process, a change in this rate of movement can be detected in <1 s. Small temperature variations in the 25-35 °C range did not affect sensor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuchu Qin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , Texas 76019-0065 , United States
| | - Purnendu K Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , Texas 76019-0065 , United States
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26
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Chen XM, Li YJ, Han D, Zhu HC, Xue CD, Chui HC, Cao T, Qin KR. A Capillary-Evaporation Micropump for Real-Time Sweat Rate Monitoring with an Electrochemical Sensor. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10070457. [PMID: 31284628 PMCID: PMC6680474 DOI: 10.3390/mi10070457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sweat collection and real time monitoring of sweat rate play essential roles in physiology monitoring and assessment of an athlete’s performance during exercise. In this paper, we report a micropump for sweat simulant collection based on the capillary–evaporation effect. An electrochemical sensor is integrated into the micropump, which monitors the flow rate in real-time by detecting the current using three electrodes. The evaporation rate from micropore array, equivalent to the sweat rate, was theoretically and numerically investigated. The designed micropump yields the maximum collection rate as high as 0.235 μL/min. In addition, the collection capability of the micropump was validated experimentally; the flow rate through the microchannel was further detected in real-time with the electrochemical sensor. The experimental maximum collection rate showed good consistency with the theoretical data. Our proposed device shows the potential for sweat collection and real-time monitoring of sweat rate, which is a promising candidate for being a wearable platform for real-time physiology and performance monitoring during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Dan Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hui-Chao Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hsiang-Chen Chui
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tun Cao
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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27
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Young AT, Rivera KR, Erb PD, Daniele MA. Monitoring of Microphysiological Systems: Integrating Sensors and Real-Time Data Analysis toward Autonomous Decision-Making. ACS Sens 2019; 4:1454-1464. [PMID: 30964652 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems replicate human organ function and are promising technologies for discovery of translatable biomarkers, pharmaceuticals, and regenerative therapies. Because microphysiological systems require complex microscale anatomical structures and heterogeneous cell populations, a major challenge remains to manufacture and operate these products with reproducible and standardized function. In this Perspective, three stages of microphysiological system monitoring, including process, development, and function, are assessed. The unique features and remaining technical challenges for the required sensors are discussed. Monitoring of microphysiological systems requires nondestructive, continuous biosensors and imaging techniques. With such tools, the extent of cellular and tissue development, as well as function, can be autonomously determined and optimized by correlating physical and chemical sensor outputs with markers of physiological performance. Ultimately, data fusion and analyses across process, development, and function monitors can be implemented to adopt microphysiological systems for broad research and commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn T. Young
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kristina R. Rivera
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Patrick D. Erb
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Michael A. Daniele
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, 890 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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28
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Francis J, Stamper I, Heikenfeld J, Gomez EF. Digital nanoliter to milliliter flow rate sensor with in vivo demonstration for continuous sweat rate measurement. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 19:178-185. [PMID: 30525141 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00968f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic flow rate sensors have constraints in both detection limits and dynamic range, and are not often easily integrated into lab-on-chip or wearable sensing systems. We constructed a flow rate sensor that easily couples to the outlet of a microfluidic channel, and measures the flow rate by temporarily shorting periodic droplets generated between two electrodes. The device was tested in a dynamic range as low as 25 nL min-1 and as high as 900 000 nL min-1 (36 000× range). It was tested to continuously operate up to ∼200 hours. The device is also simple to fabricate, requiring inexpensive parts, and is small enough to be integrated into wearable devices. The required input pressure is as low as 370 Pascals. An ultra-low flow rate application was demonstrated for wearable sweat biosensing where sweat generation rates (nL min-1 per gland) were accurately measured in human subjects. The digital nanoliter device provides real-time flow rates for sweat rates and may have other applications for low flow rates in microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Francis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
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