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Zolotareva M, Cascalheira F, Caneiras C, Bárbara C, Caetano DM, Teixeira MC. In the flow of molecular miniaturized fungal diagnosis. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00157-4. [PMID: 38987118 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of fungal infections presents several challenges and limitations, stemming from the similarities in symptomatology, diversity of underlying pathogenic species, complexity of fungal biology, and scarcity of rapid, affordable, and point-of-care approaches. In this review, we assess technological advances enabling the conversion of cutting-edge laboratory molecular diagnostic methods to cost-effective microfluidic devices. The most promising strategies toward the design of DNA sequence-based fungal diagnostic systems, capable of capturing and deciphering the highly informative DNA of the pathogen and adapted for resource-limited settings, are discussed, bridging fungal biology, molecular genetics, microfluidics, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zolotareva
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, INESC-, MN, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal; iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy - i4HB, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Cascalheira
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, INESC-, MN, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal; iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy - i4HB, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cátia Caneiras
- Environmental Health Institute (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal; Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Bárbara
- Environmental Health Institute (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1600-190, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo Miguel Caetano
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, INESC-, MN, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Cacho Teixeira
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy - i4HB, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Zhao H, Zhang Y, Hua D. A Review of Research Progress in Microfluidic Bioseparation and Bioassay. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:893. [PMID: 39064404 PMCID: PMC11278910 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid development of biotechnology, the importance of microfluidic bioseparation and bioassay in biomedicine, clinical diagnosis, and other fields has become increasingly prominent. Microfluidic technology, with its significant advantages of high throughput, automated operation, and low sample consumption, has brought new breakthroughs in the field of biological separation and bioassay. In this paper, the latest research progress in microfluidic technology in the field of bioseparation and bioassay is reviewed. Then, we focus on the methods of bioseparation including active separation, passive separation, and hybrid separation. At the same time, the latest research results of our group in particle separation are introduced. Finally, some application examples or methods for bioassay after particle separation are listed, and the current challenges and future prospects of bioseparation and bioassay are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dengxin Hua
- Center for Lidar Remote Sensing Research, School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China.; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.)
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3
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Zhang T, Di Carlo D, Lim CT, Zhou T, Tian G, Tang T, Shen AQ, Li W, Li M, Yang Y, Goda K, Yan R, Lei C, Hosokawa Y, Yalikun Y. Passive microfluidic devices for cell separation. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108317. [PMID: 38220118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108317] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The separation of specific cell populations is instrumental in gaining insights into cellular processes, elucidating disease mechanisms, and advancing applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, and cell therapies. Microfluidic methods for cell separation have propelled the field forward, benefitting from miniaturization, advanced fabrication technologies, a profound understanding of fluid dynamics governing particle separation mechanisms, and a surge in interdisciplinary investigations focused on diverse applications. Cell separation methodologies can be categorized according to their underlying separation mechanisms. Passive microfluidic separation systems rely on channel structures and fluidic rheology, obviating the necessity for external force fields to facilitate label-free cell separation. These passive approaches offer a compelling combination of cost-effectiveness and scalability when compared to active methods that depend on external fields to manipulate cells. This review delves into the extensive utilization of passive microfluidic techniques for cell separation, encompassing various strategies such as filtration, sedimentation, adhesion-based techniques, pinched flow fractionation (PFF), deterministic lateral displacement (DLD), inertial microfluidics, hydrophoresis, viscoelastic microfluidics, and hybrid microfluidics. Besides, the review provides an in-depth discussion concerning cell types, separation markers, and the commercialization of these technologies. Subsequently, it outlines the current challenges faced in the field and presents a forward-looking perspective on potential future developments. This work hopes to aid in facilitating the dissemination of knowledge in cell separation, guiding future research, and informing practical applications across diverse scientific disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Zhang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Tianyuan Zhou
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Guizhong Tian
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ming Li
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
| | - Keisuke Goda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ruopeng Yan
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheng Lei
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
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4
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Lim H, Kim JY, Choo S, Lee C, Han BJ, Lim CS, Nam J. Separation and Washing of Candida Cells from White Blood Cells Using Viscoelastic Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:712. [PMID: 37420947 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040712] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
An early and accurate diagnosis of Candida albicans is critical for the rapid antifungal treatment of candidemia, a mortal bloodstream infection. This study demonstrates viscoelastic microfluidic techniques for continuous separation, concentration, and subsequent washing of Candida cells in the blood. The total sample preparation system contains two-step microfluidic devices: a closed-loop separation and concentration device and a co-flow cell-washing device. To determine the flow conditions of the closed-loop device, such as the flow rate factor, a mixture of 4 and 13 μm particles was used. Candida cells were successfully separated from the white blood cells (WBCs) and concentrated by 74.6-fold in the sample reservoir of the closed-loop system at 800 μL/min with a flow rate factor of 3.3. In addition, the collected Candida cells were washed with washing buffer (deionized water) in the microchannels with an aspect ratio of 2 at a total flow rate of 100 μL/min. Finally, Candida cells at extremely low concentrations (Ct > 35) became detectable after the removal of WBCs, the additional buffer solution in the closed-loop system (Ct = 30.3 ± 1.3), and further removal of blood lysate and washing (Ct = 23.3 ± 1.6).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lim
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Kim
- Research Institute for Skin Image, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
- Core Research & Development Center, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Choo
- College of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Changseok Lee
- Department of AI Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon 22573, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Joe Han
- Department of AI Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon 22573, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Seung Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 08307, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Nam
- Department of AI Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon 22573, Republic of Korea
- Artificial Intelligence(AI)-Bio Research Center, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon 21987, Republic of Korea
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5
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Zhang T, Cain AK, Semenec L, Liu L, Hosokawa Y, Inglis DW, Yalikun Y, Li M. Microfluidic Separation and Enrichment of Escherichia coli by Size Using Viscoelastic Flows. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2561-2569. [PMID: 36656064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Here, we achieve the separation and enrichment of Escherichia coli clusters from its singlets in a viscoelastic microfluidic device. E. coli, an important prokaryotic model organism and a widely used microbial factory, can aggregate in clusters, leading to biofilm development that can be detrimental to human health and industrial processes. The ability to obtain high-purity populations of E. coli clusters is of significance for biological, biomedical, and industrial applications. In this study, polystyrene particles of two different sizes, 1 and 4.8 μm, are used to mimic E. coli singlets and clusters, respectively. Experimental results show that particles migrate toward the channel center in a size-dependent manner, due to the combined effects of inertial and elastic forces; 4.8 and 1 μm particles are found to have lateral equilibrium positions closer to the channel centerline and sidewalls, respectively. The size-dependent separation performance of the microdevice is demonstrated to be affected by three main factors: channel length, the ratio of sheath to sample flow rate, and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) concentration. Further, the separation of E. coli singlets and clusters is achieved at the outlets, and the separation efficiency is evaluated in terms of purity and enrichment factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Zhang
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma 630-0192, Japan
| | - Amy K Cain
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lucie Semenec
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ling Liu
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma 630-0192, Japan
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma 630-0192, Japan
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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A Continuous Microfluidic Concentrator for High-Sensitivity Detection of Bacteria in Water Sources. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071093. [PMID: 35888910 PMCID: PMC9324615 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Water contamination is a critical issue that threatens global public health. To enable the rapid and precise monitoring of pathogen contamination in drinking water, a concentration technique for bacterial cells is required to address the limitations of current detection methods, including the culture method and polymerase chain reaction. Here we present a viscoelastic microfluidic device for the continuous concentration of bacterial cells. To validate the device performance for cell concentration, the flow characteristics of 2-μm particles were estimated in viscoelastic fluids at different concentrations and flow rates. Based on the particle flow distributions, the flow rate factor, which is defined as the ratio of the inlet flow rate to the outlet flow rate at the center outlet, was optimized to achieve highly concentrated bacterial cells by removal of the additional suspending medium. The flow characteristics of 0.5-, 0.7-, and 1.0-μm-diameter particles were evaluated to consider the effect of a wide spectrum of bacterial size distribution. Finally, the concentration factor of bacterial cells, Staphylococcus aureus, suspended in a 2000-ppm polyethylene oxide solution was found to be 20.6-fold at a flow rate of 20 μL/min and a flow rate factor of 40.
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7
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Xiang N, Ni Z. High-throughput concentration of rare malignant tumor cells from large-volume effusions by multistage inertial microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:757-767. [PMID: 35050294 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00944c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
On-chip concentration of rare malignant tumor cells (MTCs) in malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) with a large volume is challenging. Previous microfluidic concentrators suffer from a low concentration factor (CF) and a limited processing throughput. This study describes a low-cost multiplexed microfluidic concentrator that can enable high-throughput (up to 16 mL min-1) and high CF (over 40-fold for single run) concentration of rare cells from large-volume biofluids (up to hundreds of milliliters). The multiplexed device was fabricated using inexpensive polymer-film materials using a quick non-clean-room process within 30 min. The multiplexing and flow distribution approaches applied in the device achieved high-throughput processing. By adopting serial cascading, an ultrahigh CF of approximately 1400 was achieved. Moreover, the microfluidic concentrator was successfully applied for the concentration and purification of rare MTCs within MPEs collected from patients with advanced metastatic lung and breast cancers. The provision of concentrated samples with low background cells could improve the sensitivity of cytology and thus reduce the time required for cytological examination. This novel concentrator offers the distinct advantages of a remarkable CF, high throughput, low device cost, and label-free processing and can therefore be readily integrated with other on-chip cell sorters to enhance the identification of MPEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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8
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Heuer C, Bahnemann J, Scheper T, Segal E. Paving the Way to Overcome Antifungal Drug Resistance: Current Practices and Novel Developments for Rapid and Reliable Antifungal Susceptibility Testing. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2100713. [PMID: 34927979 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The past year has established the link between the COVID-19 pandemic and the global spread of severe fungal infections; thus, underscoring the critical need for rapid and realizable fungal disease diagnostics. While in recent years, health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have reported the alarming emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogenic fungi and warned against the devastating consequences, progress in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections is limited. Early diagnosis and patient-tailored therapy are established to be key in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with fungal (and cofungal) infections. As such, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is crucial in revealing susceptibility or resistance of these pathogens and initiating correct antifungal therapy. Today, gold standard AFST methods require several days for completion, and thus this much delayed time for answer limits their clinical application. This review focuses on the advancements made in developing novel AFST techniques and discusses their implications in the context of the practiced clinical workflow. The aim of this work is to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of currently available methods and identify the main gaps hindering their progress toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Heuer
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320003, Israel
| | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ester Segal
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320003, Israel
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Bilican I. Cascaded contraction-expansion channels for bacteria separation from RBCs using viscoelastic microfluidics. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1652:462366. [PMID: 34242936 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Implementation of viscoelasticity-based particle migration techniques has attracted significant interest thanks to its simplicity to achieve particle separation and enrichment at high sensitivity and accuracy for the last decade. Many methods have previously been developed for particle focusing and separation, but they all require long fluidic channels to enable the desired elastic force on particles. Here, a cascade contraction-expansion microfluidic system with a much shorter channel length is presented. Experimental results show that this system achieved continuous, sheathless particle separation in a viscoelastic fluid, and Enterococcus faecalis was successfully separated from red blood cells (RBCs). Thanks to its small size, the system provides extra advantage for its integration into small chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Bilican
- Department of Electronics and Automation, Technical Vocational School, Aksaray University, 68100 Aksaray, Turkey; ASUBTAM-Science and Technology Application and Research Center, Aksaray University, 68100 Aksaray, Turkey; UNAM-National Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.
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10
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High-Throughput Cell Concentration Using A Piezoelectric Pump in Closed-Loop Viscoelastic Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12060677. [PMID: 34207912 PMCID: PMC8229193 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell concentration is a critical process in biological assays and clinical diagnostics for the pre-treatment of extremely rare disease-related cells. The conventional technique for sample preconcentration and centrifugation has the limitations of a batch process requiring expensive and large equipment. Therefore, a high-throughput continuous cell concentration technique needs to be developed. However, in single-pass operation, the required concentration ratio is hard to achieve. In this study, we propose a closed-loop continuous cell concentration system using a viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluid. For miniaturized and integrated systems, two piezoelectric pumps were adopted. The pumping capability generated by a piezoelectric pump in a microfluidic channel was evaluated depending on the applied voltage, frequency, sample viscosity, and channel length. The concentration performance of the device was evaluated using 13 μm particles and white blood cells (WBCs) with different channel lengths and voltages. In the closed-loop system, the focused cells collected at the center outlet were sent back to the inlet, while the buffer solution was removed to the side outlets. Finally, to expand the clinical applicability of our closed-loop system, WBCs in lysed blood samples with 70% hematocrit and prostate cancer cells in urine samples were used. Using the closed-loop system, WBCs were concentrated by ~63.4 ± 0.8-fold within 20 min to a final volume of 160 μL using 10 mL of lysed blood sample with 70% hematocrit (~3 cP). In addition, prostate cancer cells in 10 mL urine samples were concentrated by ~64.1-fold within ~11 min due to low viscosity (~1 cP).
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White PL, Price JS, Cordey A, Backx M. Molecular Diagnosis of Yeast Infections. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2021; 15:67-80. [PMID: 34178207 PMCID: PMC8212580 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-021-00421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of molecular tests to aid the diagnosis of invasive yeast infection, in particular invasive candidosis, has been described for over two decades, yet widespread application is limited, and diagnosis remains heavily dependent on classical microbiology. This article will review developments from the past decade in attempt to build on existing knowledge. It will highlight clinical performance and limitations while reviewing developments on recognized procedures; it will also provide insight into novel approaches incorporated in response to clinical demand (e.g. C. auris and antifungal resistance) or technological advances (e.g. next-generation sequencing). RECENT FINDINGS Limited methodological standardization and, until recently, unavailability of commercial options have hindered the integration of molecular diagnostics for yeasts. The development of certain, novel commercial methods has received considerable evaluation allowing a greater understanding of individual assay performance, but widespread multicentre evaluation of most commercial kits is lacking. The detection of emerging pathogens (e.g. C. auris) has been enhanced by the development of molecular tests. Molecular methods are providing a better understanding of the mycobiome, mechanisms of resistance and epidemiology/phylogeny. SUMMARY Despite over two decades of use, the incorporation of molecular methods to enhance the diagnosis of yeast infections remains limited to certain specialist centres. While the development of commercial tests will provide stimulus for broader application, further validation and reduced costs are required. Over the same period of time, Aspergillus PCR has become more widely accepted driven by international efforts to standardize methodology; it is critical that yeast PCR follows suit. Next-generation sequencing will provide significant information on the mycobiome, antifungal resistance mechanism and even broad-range detection directly from the specimen, which may be critical for the molecular detection of yeasts other than Candida species, which is currently limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Lewis White
- grid.241103.50000 0001 0169 7725Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW UK
| | - Jessica S. Price
- grid.241103.50000 0001 0169 7725Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW UK
| | - Alan Cordey
- grid.241103.50000 0001 0169 7725Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW UK
| | - Matthijs Backx
- grid.241103.50000 0001 0169 7725Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW UK
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12
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Ni C, Jiang D. Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Particle Focusing and Separation in Viscoelastic Fluids. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E908. [PMID: 33007973 PMCID: PMC7599618 DOI: 10.3390/mi11100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Particle focusing and separation using viscoelastic microfluidic technology have attracted lots of attention in many applications. In this paper, a three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) coupled with the immersed boundary method (IBM) is employed to study the focusing and separation of particles in viscoelastic fluid. In this method, the viscoelastic fluid is simulated by the LBM with two sets of distribution functions and the fluid-particle interaction is calculated by the IBM. The performance of particle focusing under different microchannel aspect ratios (AR) is explored and the focusing equilibrium positions of the particles with various elasticity numbers and particle diameters are compared to illustrate the mechanism of particle focusing and separation in viscoelastic fluids. The results indicate that, for particle focusing in the square channel (AR = 1), the centerline single focusing becomes a bistable focusing at the centerline and corners as El increases. In the rectangular channels (AR < 1), particles with different diameters have different equilibrium positions. The equilibrium position of large particles is closer to the wall, and large particles have a faster lateral migration speed and few large particles migrate towards the channel center. Compared with the square channel, the rectangular channel is a better design for particle separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Di Jiang
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
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13
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Liang W, Austin RH, Sturm JC. Scaling of deterministic lateral displacement devices to a single column of bumping obstacles. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3461-3467. [PMID: 32930700 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00570c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We describe a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) for particle separation with only a single column of bumping features. The bifurcation of fluid streams at obstacles is not set by the "tilt" of columns with respect to macroscopic current flow, but rather by the fluidic resistances for lateral flow at each obstacle. With one column of 14 bumping features and corresponding inlet/outlet channels, the single-column DLD can separate particles with diameters of 4.8 μm and 9.9 μm at 30 μL min-1, with an area of only 0.37 mm × 1.5 mm (0.55 mm2). The large-cell output contains over 99% of the 9.9 μm particles and only 0.2% of the 4.8 m particles. The throughput per area of 54 μL min-1 per mm2 represents a 10× increase over previous selective harvesting reports for microfluidic devices in a similar particle size range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Liang
- Princeton Institute for Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
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Characterization of the Dielectrophoretic Response of Different Candida Strains Using 3D Carbon Microelectrodes. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11030255. [PMID: 32121163 PMCID: PMC7143313 DOI: 10.3390/mi11030255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bloodstream infection with Candida fungal cells remains one of the most life-threatening complications among hospitalized patients around the world. Although most of the cases are still due to Candida albicans, the rising incidence of infections caused by other Candida strains that may not respond to traditional anti-fungal treatments merits the development of a method for species-specific isolation of Candida. To this end, here we present the characterization of the dielectrophoresis (DEP) response of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis. We complement such characterization with a study of the Candida cells morphology. The Candida strains exhibited subtle differences in their morphology and dimensions. All the Candida strains exhibited positive DEP in the range 10-500 kHz, although the strength of the DEP response was different for each Candida strain at different frequencies. Only Candida tropicalis showed positive DEP at 750 kHz. The current results show potential for manipulation and enrichment of a specific Candida strain at specific DEP conditions towards aiding in the rapid identification of Candida strains to enable the effective and timely treatment of Candida infections.
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15
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Zhou J, Papautsky I. Viscoelastic microfluidics: progress and challenges. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:113. [PMID: 34567720 PMCID: PMC8433399 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-00218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The manipulation of cells and particles suspended in viscoelastic fluids in microchannels has drawn increasing attention, in part due to the ability for single-stream three-dimensional focusing in simple channel geometries. Improvement in the understanding of non-Newtonian effects on particle dynamics has led to expanding exploration of focusing and sorting particles and cells using viscoelastic microfluidics. Multiple factors, such as the driving forces arising from fluid elasticity and inertia, the effect of fluid rheology, the physical properties of particles and cells, and channel geometry, actively interact and compete together to govern the intricate migration behavior of particles and cells in microchannels. Here, we review the viscoelastic fluid physics and the hydrodynamic forces in such flows and identify three pairs of competing forces/effects that collectively govern viscoelastic migration. We discuss migration dynamics, focusing positions, numerical simulations, and recent progress in viscoelastic microfluidic applications as well as the remaining challenges. Finally, we hope that an improved understanding of viscoelastic flows in microfluidics can lead to increased sophistication of microfluidic platforms in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
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Zhou J, Mukherjee P, Gao H, Luan Q, Papautsky I. Label-free microfluidic sorting of microparticles. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:041504. [PMID: 31832577 PMCID: PMC6906121 DOI: 10.1063/1.5120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive growth of the microfluidics field has triggered numerous advances in focusing, separating, ordering, concentrating, and mixing of microparticles. Microfluidic systems capable of performing these functions are rapidly finding applications in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields. Passive and label-free methods are one of the major categories of such systems that have received enormous attention owing to device operational simplicity and low costs. With new platforms continuously being proposed, our aim here is to provide an updated overview of the state of the art for passive label-free microparticle separation, with emphasis on performance and operational conditions. In addition to the now common separation approaches using Newtonian flows, such as deterministic lateral displacement, pinched flow fractionation, cross-flow filtration, hydrodynamic filtration, and inertial microfluidics, we also discuss separation approaches using non-Newtonian, viscoelastic flow. We then highlight the newly emerging approach based on shear-induced diffusion, which enables direct processing of complex samples such as untreated whole blood. Finally, we hope that an improved understanding of label-free passive sorting approaches can lead to sophisticated and useful platforms toward automation in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Prithviraj Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Qiyue Luan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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17
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Yuan D, Zhao Q, Yan S, Tang SY, Zhang Y, Yun G, Nguyen NT, Zhang J, Li M, Li W. Sheathless separation of microalgae from bacteria using a simple straight channel based on viscoelastic microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2811-2821. [PMID: 31312819 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00482c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae cells have been recognized as a promising sustainable resource to meet worldwide growing demands for renewable energy, food, livestock feed, water, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and materials. In order to ensure high-efficiency and high-quality production of biomass, biofuel, or bio-based products, purification procedures prior to the storage and cultivation of the microalgae from contaminated bacteria are of great importance. The present work proposed and developed a simple, sheathless, and efficient method to separate microalgae Chlorella from bacteria Bacillus Subtilis in a straight channel using the viscoelasticity of the medium. Microalgae and bacteria migrate to different lateral positions closer to the channel centre and channel walls respectively. Fluorescent microparticles with 1 μm and 5 μm diameters were first used to mimic the behaviours of bacteria and microalgae to optimize the separating conditions. Subsequently, size-based separation in Newtonian fluid and in viscoelastic fluid in straight channels with different aspect ratios was compared and demonstrated. Under the optimal condition, the removal ratio for 1 μm microparticles and separation efficiency for 5 μm particles can reach up to 98.28% and 93.85% respectively. For bacteria and microalgae cells separation, the removal ratio for bacteria and separation efficiency for microalgae cells is 92.69% and 100% respectively. This work demonstrated the continuous and sheathless separation of microalgae from bacteria for the first time by viscoelastic microfluidics. This technique can also be applied as an efficient and user-friendly method to separate mammalian cells or other kinds of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yuan
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. and Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qianbin Zhao
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Sheng Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shi-Yang Tang
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Guolin Yun
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia.
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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Sheathless High-Throughput Circulating Tumor Cell Separation Using Viscoelastic non-Newtonian Fluid. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10070462. [PMID: 31295917 PMCID: PMC6680956 DOI: 10.3390/mi10070462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have attracted increasing attention as important biomarkers for clinical and biological applications. Several microfluidic approaches have been demonstrated to separate CTCs using immunoaffinity or size difference from other blood cells. This study demonstrates a sheathless, high-throughput separation of CTCs from white blood cells (WBCs) using a viscoelastic fluid. To determine the fluid viscoelasticity and the flow rate for CTC separation, and to validate the device performance, flow characteristics of 6, 13, and 27 μm particles in viscoelastic fluids with various concentrations were estimated at different flow rates. Using 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution, MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) cells mimicking CTCs in this study were successfully separated from WBCs at 500 μL/min with a separation efficiency of 94.8%. Small amounts of MCF-7 cells (~5.2%) were found at the center outlet due to the size overlap with WBCs.
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