1
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Cheng YW, Hsieh YC, Sun YS, Wang YH, Yang YW, Lo KY. Using microfluidic and conventional platforms to evaluate the effects of lanthanides on spheroid formation. Toxicology 2024; 508:153931. [PMID: 39222830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153931] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis contributes to the increased mortality rate of cancer, but the intricate mechanisms remain unclear. Cancer cells from a primary tumor invade nearby tissues and access the lymphatic or circulatory system. If these cells manage to survive and extravasate from the vasculature into distant tissues and ultimately adapt to survive, they will proliferate and facilitate malignant tumor formation. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures offer a rapid and convenient method for validating the efficacy of anticancer drugs within a reasonable cost range, but their utility is limited because of tumors' high heterogeneity in vivo and spatial complexities. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the physiological conditions of cancer cells in vivo have gained considerable interest. In these cultures, cells assemble into spheroids through gravity, magnetic forces, or their low-adhesion to the plates. Although these approaches address some of the limitations of 2D cultures, they often require a considerable amount of time and cost. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the effectiveness of 3D culture techniques by using microfluidic systems to provide a high-throughput and sensitive pipeline for drug screening. Using these systems, we studied the effects of lanthanide elements, which have garnered interest in cancer treatment, on spheroid formation and cell spreading. Our findings suggest that these elements alter the compactness of cell spheroids and decrease cell mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Cheng
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Shin Sun
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Yang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100225, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Yin Lo
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan.
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2
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Cappello J, Miguet J, Dewandre A, Ergot L, Gabriele S, Septavaux J, Scheid B. Controlling the size and elastic modulus of in-aqueous alginate micro-beads. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:7692-7702. [PMID: 39291863 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00260a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
The fabrication of microgels, particularly those ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers in size, represents a thriving area of research, particularly for biologists seeking controlled and isotropic media for cell encapsulation. In this article, we present a novel and robust method for producing structurally homogeneous alginate beads with a reduced environmental footprint, employing a co-flow focusing microfluidic device. These beads can be easily recovered in an oil-free aqueous medium, making the fabrication method highly suitable for diverse applications. We demonstrate precise control over the production of perfectly spherical beads across a wide range of diameters, from about 30 to 300 μm. We then measure Young's moduli of the beads, revealing a wide accessible range from 90 Pa to 11 kPa, contingent upon controlling the type (e.g. chain length) and concentration of alginate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Cappello
- Transfers, Interfaces and Processes, Université libre de Bruxelles, CP165/67, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jonas Miguet
- Transfers, Interfaces and Processes, Université libre de Bruxelles, CP165/67, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Lucie Ergot
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons B-7000, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology & Biomaterials Group, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, Mons B-7000, Belgium
| | | | - Benoit Scheid
- Transfers, Interfaces and Processes, Université libre de Bruxelles, CP165/67, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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3
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Fan R, Wu J, Duan S, Jin L, Zhang H, Zhang C, Zheng A. Droplet-based microfluidics for drug delivery applications. Int J Pharm 2024; 663:124551. [PMID: 39106935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124551] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The microfluidic method primainly utilizes two incompatible liquids as continuous phase and dispersed phase respectively. It controls the formation of droplets by managing the microchannel structure and the flow rate ratio of the two phases. Droplet-based microfluidics is a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary research field encompassing physics, biochemistry, and Microsystems engineering. Droplet microfluidics offer a diverse and practical toolset that enables chemical and biological experiments to be conducted at high speeds and with greater efficiency compared to traditional instruments. The applications of droplet-based microfluidics are vast, including areas such as drug delivery, owing to its compatibility with numerous chemical and biological reagents and its ability to carry out various operations. This technology has been extensively researched due to its promising features. In this review, we delve into the materials used in droplet generation-based microfluidic devices, manufacturing techniques, methods for droplet generation in channels, and, finally, we summarize the applications of droplet generation-based microfluidics in drug delivery vectors, encompassing nanoparticles, microspheres, microcapsules, and hydrogel particles. We also discuss the challenges and future prospects of this technology across a wide array of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shuwei Duan
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lili Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Changhao Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Aiping Zheng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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Mudugamuwa A, Roshan U, Hettiarachchi S, Cha H, Musharaf H, Kang X, Trinh QT, Xia HM, Nguyen NT, Zhang J. Periodic Flows in Microfluidics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404685. [PMID: 39246195 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics, the science and technology of manipulating fluids in microscale channels, offers numerous advantages, such as low energy consumption, compact device size, precise control, fast reaction, and enhanced portability. These benefits have led to applications in biomedical assays, disease diagnostics, drug discovery, neuroscience, and so on. Fluid flow within microfluidic channels is typically in the laminar flow region, which is characterized by low Reynolds numbers but brings the challenge of efficient mixing of fluids. Periodic flows are time-dependent fluid flows, featuring repetitive patterns that can significantly improve fluid mixing and extend the effective length of microchannels for submicron and nanoparticle manipulation. Besides, periodic flow is crucial in organ-on-a-chip (OoC) for accurately modeling physiological processes, advancing disease understanding, drug development, and personalized medicine. Various techniques for generating periodic flows have been reported, including syringe pumps, peristalsis, and actuation based on electric, magnetic, acoustic, mechanical, pneumatic, and fluidic forces, yet comprehensive reviews on this topic remain limited. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of periodic flows in microfluidics, from fundamental mechanisms to generation techniques and applications. The challenges and future perspectives are also discussed to exploit the potential of periodic flows in microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amith Mudugamuwa
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Uditha Roshan
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Samith Hettiarachchi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Haotian Cha
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Hafiz Musharaf
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Xiaoyue Kang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Quang Thang Trinh
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Huan Ming Xia
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, P. R. China
| | - 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
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
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5
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Vladisaljević GT. Droplet Microfluidics for High-Throughput Screening and Directed Evolution of Biomolecules. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:971. [PMID: 39203623 PMCID: PMC11356158 DOI: 10.3390/mi15080971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Directed evolution is a powerful technique for creating biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids with tailor-made properties for therapeutic and industrial applications by mimicking the natural evolution processes in the laboratory. Droplet microfluidics improved classical directed evolution by enabling time-consuming and laborious steps in this iterative process to be performed within monodispersed droplets in a highly controlled and automated manner. Droplet microfluidic chips can generate, manipulate, and sort individual droplets at kilohertz rates in a user-defined microchannel geometry, allowing new strategies for high-throughput screening and evolution of biomolecules. In this review, we discuss directed evolution studies in which droplet-based microfluidic systems were used to screen and improve the functional properties of biomolecules. We provide a systematic overview of basic on-chip fluidic operations, including reagent mixing by merging continuous fluid streams and droplet pairs, reagent addition by picoinjection, droplet generation, droplet incubation in delay lines, chambers and hydrodynamic traps, and droplet sorting techniques. Various microfluidic strategies for directed evolution using single and multiple emulsions and biomimetic materials (giant lipid vesicles, microgels, and microcapsules) are highlighted. Completely cell-free microfluidic-assisted in vitro compartmentalization methods that eliminate the need to clone DNA into cells after each round of mutagenesis are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran T Vladisaljević
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
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6
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Mika T, Kalnins M, Spalvins K. The use of droplet-based microfluidic technologies for accelerated selection of Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma yeast mutants. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae049. [PMID: 39114747 PMCID: PMC11303513 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are widely used for the industrial production of various valuable products, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, biofuels, enzymes, amino acids, vaccines, etc. Research is constantly carried out to improve their properties, mainly to increase their productivity and efficiency and reduce the cost of the processes. The selection of microorganisms with improved qualities takes a lot of time and resources (both human and material); therefore, this process itself needs optimization. In the last two decades, microfluidics technology appeared in bioengineering, which allows for manipulating small particles (from tens of microns to nanometre scale) in the flow of liquid in microchannels. The technology is based on small-volume objects (microdroplets from nano to femtolitres), which are manipulated using a microchip. The chip is made of an optically transparent inert to liquid medium material and contains a series of channels of small size (<1 mm) of certain geometry. Based on the physical and chemical properties of microparticles (like size, weight, optical density, dielectric constant, etc.), they are separated using microsensors. The idea of accelerated selection of microorganisms is the application of microfluidic technologies to separate mutants with improved qualities after mutagenesis. This article discusses the possible application and practical implementation of microfluidic separation of mutants, including yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma after chemical mutagenesis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Mika
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Martins Kalnins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Kriss Spalvins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
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7
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Young OM, Xu X, Sarker S, Sochol RD. Direct laser writing-enabled 3D printing strategies for microfluidic applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2371-2396. [PMID: 38576361 PMCID: PMC11060139 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00743j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, additive manufacturing-or "three-dimensional (3D) printing"-has attracted increasing attention in the Lab on a Chip community as a pathway to achieve sophisticated system architectures that are difficult or infeasible to fabricate via conventional means. One particularly promising 3D manufacturing technology is "direct laser writing (DLW)", which leverages two-photon (or multi-photon) polymerization (2PP) phenomena to enable high geometric versatility, print speeds, and precision at length scales down to the 100 nm range. Although researchers have demonstrated the potential of using DLW for microfluidic applications ranging from organ on a chip and drug delivery to micro/nanoparticle processing and soft microrobotics, such scenarios present unique challenges for DLW. Specifically, microfluidic systems typically require macro-to-micro fluidic interfaces (e.g., inlet and outlet ports) to facilitate fluidic loading, control, and retrieval operations; however, DLW-based 3D printing relies on a micron-to-submicron-sized 2PP volume element (i.e., "voxel") that is poorly suited for manufacturing these larger-scale fluidic interfaces. In this Tutorial Review, we highlight and discuss the four most prominent strategies that researchers have developed to circumvent this trade-off and realize macro-to-micro interfaces for DLW-enabled microfluidic components and systems. In addition, we consider the possibility that-with the advent of next-generation commercial DLW printers equipped with new dynamic voxel tuning, print field, and laser power capabilities-the overall utility of DLW strategies for Lab on a Chip fields may soon expand dramatically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Young
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 2147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 2147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Sunandita Sarker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 2147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Maryland Robotics Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Ryan D Sochol
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 2147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Maryland Robotics Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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8
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Abedini-Nassab R, Taheri F, Emamgholizadeh A, Naderi-Manesh H. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Organ and Cell Transplantation. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:189. [PMID: 38667182 PMCID: PMC11048310 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing is a high-throughput novel method that provides transcriptional profiling of individual cells within biological samples. This method typically uses microfluidics systems to uncover the complex intercellular communication networks and biological pathways buried within highly heterogeneous cell populations in tissues. One important application of this technology sits in the fields of organ and stem cell transplantation, where complications such as graft rejection and other post-transplantation life-threatening issues may occur. In this review, we first focus on research in which single-cell RNA sequencing is used to study the transcriptional profile of transplanted tissues. This technology enables the analysis of the donor and recipient cells and identifies cell types and states associated with transplant complications and pathologies. We also review the use of single-cell RNA sequencing in stem cell implantation. This method enables studying the heterogeneity of normal and pathological stem cells and the heterogeneity in cell populations. With their remarkably rapid pace, the single-cell RNA sequencing methodologies will potentially result in breakthroughs in clinical transplantation in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Abedini-Nassab
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Taheri
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur P.O. Box 9319774446, Iran
| | - Ali Emamgholizadeh
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
| | - Hossein Naderi-Manesh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran;
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Bioscience, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 1411944961, Iran
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9
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Fasciano S, Wang S. Recent advances of droplet-based microfluidics for engineering artificial cells. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100090. [PMID: 37245659 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.05.002] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells, synthetic cells, or minimal cells are microengineered cell-like structures that mimic the biological functions of cells. Artificial cells are typically biological or polymeric membranes where biologically active components, including proteins, genes, and enzymes, are encapsulated. The goal of engineering artificial cells is to build a living cell with the least amount of parts and complexity. Artificial cells hold great potential for several applications, including membrane protein interactions, gene expression, biomaterials, and drug development. It is critical to generate robust, stable artificial cells using high throughput, easy-to-control, and flexible techniques. Recently, droplet-based microfluidic techniques have shown great potential for the synthesis of vesicles and artificial cells. Here, we summarized the recent advances in droplet-based microfluidic techniques for the fabrication of vesicles and artificial cells. We first reviewed the different types of droplet-based microfluidic devices, including flow-focusing, T-junction, and coflowing. Next, we discussed the formation of multi-compartmental vesicles and artificial cells based on droplet-based microfluidics. The applications of artificial cells for studying gene expression dynamics, artificial cell-cell communications, and mechanobiology are highlighted and discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of droplet-based microfluidic methods for engineering artificial cells are discussed. This review will provide insights into scientific research in synthetic biology, microfluidic devices, membrane interactions, and mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Fasciano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shue Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Karim Khani MM, Oveysi M, Bazargan V, Marengo M. A Simple Non-Embedded Single Capillary Device for On-Demand Complex Emulsion Formation. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:239. [PMID: 38398968 PMCID: PMC10893064 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study includes an examination of the design, fabrication, and experimentation of a rudimentary droplet generator. The device has potential applications in on-demand double and higher-order emulsions as well as tailored emulsions with numerous cores. The phenomenon of a pendant double droplet creation is observed when an inner phase is transported through a capillary, while a middle phase envelops the external surface of the capillary. This leads to the occurrence of a pinching-off process at the tip of the pulled capillary. Following this, the double droplet is introduced into a container that is filled with the outer phase. The present study examines the force equilibrium throughout the droplet break-up process and aims to forecast the final morphology of the droplets within the container by considering the impact of interfacial tension ratios. The shell thickness in a core-shell formation can be calculated based on the inner and middle phase flow rates as well as the middle droplet formation period. The present platform, which enables the simple production of double and higher emulsions, exhibits promising prospects for the controlled manufacturing of complex emulsions. This technology holds potential for various applications, including the experimental exploration of collision behavior or electro-hydrodynamics in emulsions as well as millimeter-size engineered microparticle fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Karim Khani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 4399-57131, Iran; (M.M.K.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Mehrnaz Oveysi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 4399-57131, Iran; (M.M.K.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Vahid Bazargan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 4399-57131, Iran; (M.M.K.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Marco Marengo
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Young OM, Felix BM, Fuge MD, Krieger A, Sochol RD. A 3D-MICROPRINTED COAXIAL NOZZLE FOR FABRICATING LONG, FLEXIBLE MICROFLUIDIC TUBING. PROCEEDINGS. IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 2024; 2024:1174-1177. [PMID: 38482160 PMCID: PMC10936740 DOI: 10.1109/mems58180.2024.10439296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
A variety of emerging applications, particularly those in medical and soft robotics fields, are predicated on the ability to fabricate long, flexible meso/microfluidic tubing with high customization. To address this need, here we present a hybrid additive manufacturing (or "three-dimensional (3D) printing") strategy that involves three key steps: (i) using the "Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) technique, "Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD)" 3D printing to print a bulk microfluidic device with three inlets and three concentric outlets; (ii) using "Two-Photon Direct Laser Writing (DLW)" to 3D microprint a coaxial nozzle directly atop the concentric outlets of the bulk microdevice, and then (iii) extruding paraffin oil and a liquid-phase photocurable resin through the coaxial nozzle and into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel for UV exposure, ultimately producing the desired tubing. In addition to fabricating the resulting tubing-composed of polymerized photomaterial-at arbitrary lengths (e.g., > 10 cm), the distinct input pressures can be adjusted to tune the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) of the fabricated tubing. For example, experimental results revealed that increasing the driving pressure of the liquid-phase photomaterial from 50 kPa to 100 kPa led to fluidic tubing with IDs and ODs of 291±99 μm and 546±76 μm up to 741±31 μm and 888±39 μm, respectively. Furthermore, preliminary results for DLW-printing a microfluidic "M" structure directly atop the tubing suggest that the tubing could be used for "ex situ DLW (esDLW)" fabrication, which would further enhance the utility of the tubing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Young
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Bailey M Felix
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mark D Fuge
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Axel Krieger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ryan D Sochol
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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12
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Nalin F, Tirelli MC, Garstecki P, Postek W, Costantini M. Tuna-step: tunable parallelized step emulsification for the generation of droplets with dynamic volume control to 3D print functionally graded porous materials. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 24:113-126. [PMID: 38047296 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00658a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
We present tuna-step, a novel microfluidic module based on step emulsification that allows for reliable generation of droplets of different sizes. Until now, sizes of droplets generated with step emulsification were hard-wired into the geometry of the step emulsification nozzle. To overcome this, we incorporate a thin membrane underneath the step nozzle that can be actuated by pressure, enabling the tuning of the nozzle size on-demand. By controllably reducing the height of the nozzle, we successfully achieved a three-order-of-magnitude variation in droplet volume without adjusting the flow rates of the two phases. We developed and applied a new hydrophilic surface modification, that ensured long-term stability and prevented swelling of the device when generating oil-in-water droplets. Our system produced functionally graded soft materials with adjustable porosity and material content. By combining our microfluidic device with a custom 3D printer, we generated and extruded oil-in-water emulsions in an agarose gel bath, creating unique self-standing 3D hydrogel structures with porosity decoupled from flow rate and with composition gradients of external phases. We upscaled tuna-step by setting 14 actuatable nozzles in parallel, offering a step-emulsification-based single chip solution that can accommodate various requirements in terms of throughput, droplet volumes, flow rates, and surface chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nalin
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 44/52 ul. Kasprzaka, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Maria Celeste Tirelli
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 44/52 ul. Kasprzaka, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Garstecki
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 44/52 ul. Kasprzaka, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Witold Postek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 44/52 ul. Kasprzaka, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Merkin Building, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Marco Costantini
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 44/52 ul. Kasprzaka, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
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Mettler M, Dewandre A, Tumanov N, Wouters J, Septavaux J. Single crystal formation in core-shell capsules. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12739-12742. [PMID: 37801289 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03727d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
This work extends the scope of microfluidic-based crystallization methods by introducing solid microcapsules. Hundreds of perfectly similar microcapsules were generated per second, allowing a fast screening of crystallization conditions. XRD analyses were performed directly on encapsulated single crystals demonstrating the potential of this process for the characterization of compounds, including screening polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mettler
- Secoya Technologies Fond des Més 4, Louvain-la-Neuve 1348, Belgium.
| | - Adrien Dewandre
- Secoya Technologies Fond des Més 4, Louvain-la-Neuve 1348, Belgium.
| | - Nikolay Tumanov
- Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, Namur 5000, Belgium
| | - Johan Wouters
- Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, Namur 5000, Belgium
| | - Jean Septavaux
- Secoya Technologies Fond des Més 4, Louvain-la-Neuve 1348, Belgium.
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14
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Jiang X, Koike R. High gravity material extrusion system and extruded polylactic acid performance enhancement. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14224. [PMID: 37648752 PMCID: PMC10469200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40018-7] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained significant attention in recent years owing to its ability to quickly and easily fabricate complex shapes and geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This study presents the development of a high-gravity material extrusion (HG-MEX) system, which generates a high-gravity field through centrifugal acceleration. In this process, the material is dissolved by heating the nozzle and subsequently deposited on the construction platform. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the positive effects of gravity on material extrusion (MEX), which is a key aspect of AM. To accomplish this, a combined machine comprising a MEX unit and centrifuge is constructed. This HG-MEX system is used to analyze and reflect the influence of gravity on the material extrusion. The experimental evaluations demonstrate that the application of high gravity is a promising approach to improve the shape accuracy and performance of the parts fabricated through MEX. Notably, our results confirm the feasibility of utilizing MEX under high gravity to enhance performance in AM processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Research and Development Department, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 705-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa, 243-0435, Japan
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Ryo Koike
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan.
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15
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Trinh TND, Do HDK, Nam NN, Dan TT, Trinh KTL, Lee NY. Droplet-Based Microfluidics: Applications in Pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:937. [PMID: 37513850 PMCID: PMC10385691 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics offer great opportunities for applications in various fields, such as diagnostics, food sciences, and drug discovery. A droplet provides an isolated environment for performing a single reaction within a microscale-volume sample, allowing for a fast reaction with a high sensitivity, high throughput, and low risk of cross-contamination. Owing to several remarkable features, droplet-based microfluidic techniques have been intensively studied. In this review, we discuss the impact of droplet microfluidics, particularly focusing on drug screening and development. In addition, we surveyed various methods of device fabrication and droplet generation/manipulation. We further highlight some promising studies covering drug synthesis and delivery that were updated within the last 5 years. This review provides researchers with a quick guide that includes the most up-to-date and relevant information on the latest scientific findings on the development of droplet-based microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ngoc Diep Trinh
- Department of Materials Science, School of Applied Chemistry, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Do
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ward 13, District 04, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Nhat Nam
- Biotechnology Center, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Thach Thi Dan
- Department of Materials Science, School of Applied Chemistry, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Kieu The Loan Trinh
- BioNano Applications Research Center, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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16
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Wen J, Liu H, Luo J, M.Schulz J, Böhm L, Wang X, Ning P. Mass transfer characteristics of vanadium species on the high-efficient solvent extraction of vanadium in microchannels/microreactors. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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17
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Aubry G, Lee HJ, Lu H. Advances in Microfluidics: Technical Innovations and Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:444-467. [PMID: 36625114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Aubry
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hyun Jee Lee
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States.,Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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18
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Yuan H, Chen P, Wan C, Li Y, Liu BF. Merging microfluidics with luminescence immunoassays for urgent point-of-care diagnostics of COVID-19. Trends Analyt Chem 2022; 157:116814. [PMID: 36373139 PMCID: PMC9637550 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has urged the establishment of a global-wide rapid diagnostic system. Current widely-used tests for COVID-19 include nucleic acid assays, immunoassays, and radiological imaging. Immunoassays play an irreplaceable role in rapidly diagnosing COVID-19 and monitoring the patients for the assessment of their severity, risks of the immune storm, and prediction of treatment outcomes. Despite of the enormous needs for immunoassays, the widespread use of traditional immunoassay platforms is still limited by high cost and low automation, which are currently not suitable for point-of-care tests (POCTs). Microfluidic chips with the features of low consumption, high throughput, and integration, provide the potential to enable immunoassays for POCTs, especially in remote areas. Meanwhile, luminescence detection can be merged with immunoassays on microfluidic platforms for their good performance in quantification, sensitivity, and specificity. This review introduces both homogenous and heterogenous luminescence immunoassays with various microfluidic platforms. We also summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the categorized methods, highlighting their recent typical progress. Additionally, different microfluidic platforms are described for comparison. The latest advances in combining luminescence immunoassays with microfluidic platforms for POCTs of COVID-19 are further explained with antigens, antibodies, and related cytokines. Finally, challenges and future perspectives were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Yuan
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chao Wan
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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19
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Tenjimbayashi M, Manabe K. A review on control of droplet motion based on wettability modulation: principles, design strategies, recent progress, and applications. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2022; 23:473-497. [PMID: 36105915 PMCID: PMC9467603 DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2022.2116293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The transport of liquid droplets plays an essential role in various applications. Modulating the wettability of the material surface is crucial in transporting droplets without external energy, adhesion loss, or intense controllability requirements. Although several studies have investigated droplet manipulation, its design principles have not been categorized considering the mechanical perspective. This review categorizes liquid droplet transport strategies based on wettability modulation into those involving (i) application of driving force to a droplet on non-sticking surfaces, (ii) formation of gradient surface chemistry/structure, and (iii) formation of anisotropic surface chemistry/structure. Accordingly, reported biological and artificial examples, cutting-edge applications, and future perspectives are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Tenjimbayashi
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kengo Manabe
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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20
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Wang X, Pang Y, Ma Y, Ren Y, Liu Z. Thinning dynamics of the liquid thread at different stages in a rectangular cross junction. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yan Pang
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yilin Ma
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yanlin Ren
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Zhaomiao Liu
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
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21
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Zaeri A, Zgeib R, Cao K, Zhang F, Chang RC. Numerical analysis on the effects of microfluidic-based bioprinting parameters on the microfiber geometrical outcomes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3364. [PMID: 35233043 PMCID: PMC8888655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07392-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of microfluidics technology in additive manufacturing is an emerging approach that makes possible the fabrication of functional three-dimensional cell-laden structured biomaterials. A key challenge that needs to be addressed using a microfluidic-based printhead (MBP) is increasing the controllability over the properties of the fabricated microtissue. Herein, an MBP platform is numerically simulated for the fabrication of solid and hollow microfibers using a microfluidic channel system with high level of controllability over the microfiber geometrical outcomes. Specifically, the generation of microfibers is enabled by studying the effects of microfluidic-based bioprinting parameters that capture the different range of design, bioink material, and process parameter dependencies as numerically modeled as a multiphysics problem. Furthermore, the numerical model is verified and validated, exhibiting good agreement with literature-derived experimental data in terms of microfiber geometrical outcomes. Additionally, a predictive mathematical formula that correlates the dimensionless process parameters with dimensionless geometrical outcomes is presented to calculate the geometrical outcomes of the microfibers. This formula is expected to be applicable for bioinks within a prescribed range of the density and viscosity value. The MBP applications are highlighted towards precision fabrication of heterogeneous microstructures with functionally graded properties to be used in organ generation, disease modeling, and drug testing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Zaeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA
| | - Ralf Zgeib
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA
| | - Kai Cao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA
| | - Fucheng Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA
| | - Robert C Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA.
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22
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Oil Droplet Coalescence in W/O/W Double Emulsions Examined in Models from Micrometer- to Millimeter-Sized Droplets. COLLOIDS AND INTERFACES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/colloids6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsions must resist W1–W1, O–O and W1–W2 coalescence to be suitable for applications. This work isolates the stability of the oil droplets in a double emulsion, focusing on the impact of the concentration of the hydrophilic surfactant. The stability against coalescence was measured on droplets ranging in size from millimeters to micrometers, evaluating three different measurement methods. The time between the contact and coalescence of millimeter-sized droplets at a planar interface was compared to the number of coalescence events in a microfluidic emulsion and to the change in the droplet size distributions of micrometer-sized single and double emulsions. For the examined formulations, the same stability trends were found in all three droplet sizes. When the concentration of the hydrophilic surfactant is reduced drastically, lipophilic surfactants can help to increase the oil droplets’ stability against coalescence. This article also provides recommendations as to which purpose each of the model experiments is suited and discusses advantages and limitations compared to previous research carried out directly on double emulsions.
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23
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Damiati SA, Damiati S. Microfluidic Synthesis of Indomethacin-Loaded PLGA Microparticles Optimized by Machine Learning. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:677547. [PMID: 34631792 PMCID: PMC8493061 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.677547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Several attempts have been made to encapsulate indomethacin (IND), to control its sustained release and reduce its side effects. To develop a successful formulation, drug release from a polymeric matrix and subsequent biodegradation need to be achieved. In this study, we focus on combining microfluidic and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, alongside using biomaterials, to generate drug-loaded polymeric microparticles (MPs). Our strategy is based on using Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as a biodegradable polymer for the generation of a controlled drug delivery vehicle, with IND as an example of a poorly soluble drug, a 3D flow focusing microfluidic chip as a simple device synthesis particle, and machine learning using artificial neural networks (ANNs) as an in silico tool to generate and predict size-tunable PLGA MPs. The influence of different polymer concentrations and the flow rates of dispersed and continuous phases on PLGA droplet size prediction in a microfluidic platform were assessed. Subsequently, the developed ANN model was utilized as a quick guide to generate PLGA MPs at a desired size. After conditions optimization, IND-loaded PLGA MPs were produced, and showed larger droplet sizes than blank MPs. Further, the proposed microfluidic system is capable of producing monodisperse particles with a well-controllable shape and size. IND-loaded-PLGA MPs exhibited acceptable drug loading and encapsulation efficiency (7.79 and 62.35%, respectively) and showed sustained release, reaching approximately 80% within 9 days. Hence, combining modern technologies of machine learning and microfluidics with biomaterials can be applied to many pharmaceutical applications, as a quick, low cost, and reproducible strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa A Damiati
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar Damiati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Abedini-Nassab R, Pouryosef Miandoab M, Şaşmaz M. Microfluidic Synthesis, Control, and Sensing of Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:768. [PMID: 34210058 PMCID: PMC8306075 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in various disciplines, including engineering and medicine. Microfluidic chips and lab-on-a-chip devices, with precise control over small volumes of fluids and tiny particles, are appropriate tools for the synthesis, manipulation, and evaluation of nanoparticles. Moreover, the controllability and automation offered by the microfluidic chips in combination with the unique capabilities of the magnetic nanoparticles and their ability to be remotely controlled and detected, have recently provided tremendous advances in biotechnology. In particular, microfluidic chips with magnetic nanoparticles serve as sensitive, high throughput, and portable devices for contactless detecting and manipulating DNAs, RNAs, living cells, and viruses. In this work, we review recent fundamental advances in the field with a focus on biomedical applications. First, we study novel microfluidic-based methods in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles as well as microparticles encapsulating them. We review both continues-flow and droplet-based microreactors, including the ones based on the cross-flow, co-flow, and flow-focusing methods. Then, we investigate the microfluidic-based methods for manipulating tiny magnetic particles. These manipulation techniques include the ones based on external magnets, embedded micro-coils, and magnetic thin films. Finally, we review techniques invented for the detection and magnetic measurement of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetically labeled bioparticles. We include the advances in anisotropic magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive, tunneling magnetoresistive, and magnetorelaxometry sensors. Overall, this review covers a wide range of the field uniquely and provides essential information for designing "lab-on-a-chip" systems for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles, labeling bioparticles with them, and sorting and detecting them on a single chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Abedini-Nassab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur 9319774446, Iran
| | | | - Merivan Şaşmaz
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman 02040, Turkey;
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