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Chang YW, Lin JP, Ling SJ, Chen YC, Liu HM, Lu YW. Pipette-operable microfluidic devices with hydrophobic valves in sequential dispensing with various liquid samples: multiplex disease assay by RT-LAMP. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3112-3124. [PMID: 38758131 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00209a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic dispensing technologies often require additional equipment, posing challenges for their integration into point-of-care testing (POCT) applications. In response to this challenge, we have developed a pipette-operable microfluidic device fabricated using 3D printing technology for precise liquid dispensing. This device features three reaction chambers and three distinct hydrophobic valves to control the flow direction of liquids. Through these valves, the pipette-operable microfluidic device can sequentially dispense and isolate the liquid into the three reaction chambers, allowing for the individual conduction of three distinct reactions. These hydrophobic valves, with optimized flow resistance and burst pressure, can sustain a volumetric flow rate of up to 25 μL s-1, making them compatible with a standard pipette, a syringe, or a dropper operation. Furthermore, the device is successfully used to operate with various liquids, including BSA, DMEM, FBS, plasma, and blood, representing that the device has the potential to be used for various applications. Additionally, distinct RT-LAMP primer sets have been incorporated for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B within each chamber through lyophilization. This pipette-operable microfluidic device serves as a versatile tool for diagnosing these three diseases using a single loading process, with results readable by the naked eye or image assay within 30 minutes of incubation. Finally, the design concepts are extended to engineer a microfluidic device with 20 reaction chambers, offering significant potential for multi-disease diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Wei Chang
- Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Jhih-Pu Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shiu-Jie Ling
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Chun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Helene Minyi Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Wen Lu
- Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Duanmu L, Shen Y, Gong P, Zhang H, Meng X, Yu Y. Constant Pressure-Regulated Microdroplet Polymerase Chain Reaction in Microfluid Chips: A Methodological Study. MICROMACHINES 2023; 15:8. [PMID: 38276836 PMCID: PMC10820915 DOI: 10.3390/mi15010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology in microfluidic systems often results in bubble formation post-amplification, leading to microdroplet fragmentation and compromised detection accuracy. To solve this issue, this study introduces a method based on the constant pressure regulation of microdroplets during PCR within microfluidic chips. An ideal pressure reference value for continuous pressure control was produced by examining air solubility in water at various pressures and temperatures as well as modeling air saturation solubility against pressure for various temperature scenarios. Employing a high-efficiency constant pressure device facilitates precise modulation of the microfluidic chip's inlet and outlet pressure. This ensures that air solubility remains unsaturated during PCR amplification, preventing bubble precipitation and maintaining microdroplet integrity. The device and chip were subsequently utilized for quantitative analysis of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 18 gene, with results indicating a strong linear relationship between detection signal and DNA concentration within a range of 101-105 copies/μL (R2 = 0.999). By thwarting bubble generation during PCR process, the constant pressure methodology enhances microdroplet stability and PCR efficiency, underscoring its significant potential for nucleic acid quantification and trace detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Duanmu
- School of Physics, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China;
| | - Youji Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China; (Y.S.); (P.G.); (H.Z.); (X.M.)
| | - Ping Gong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China; (Y.S.); (P.G.); (H.Z.); (X.M.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China; (Y.S.); (P.G.); (H.Z.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiangkai Meng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China; (Y.S.); (P.G.); (H.Z.); (X.M.)
| | - Yuanhua Yu
- School of Physics, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China; (Y.S.); (P.G.); (H.Z.); (X.M.)
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Takahara H, Tanaka H, Hashimoto M. Fast Thermocycling in Custom Microfluidic Cartridge for Rapid Single-Molecule Droplet PCR. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9884. [PMID: 38139729 PMCID: PMC10747138 DOI: 10.3390/s23249884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The microfluidic droplet polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which enables simultaneous DNA amplification in numerous droplets, has led to the discovery of various applications that were previously deemed unattainable. Decades ago, it was demonstrated that the temperature holding periods at the denaturation and annealing stages in thermal cycles for PCR amplification could be essentially eliminated if a rapid change of temperature for an entire PCR mixture was achieved. Microfluidic devices facilitating the application of such fast thermocycling protocols have significantly reduced the time required for PCR. However, in microfluidic droplet PCR, ensuring successful amplification from single molecules within droplets has limited studies on accelerating assays through fast thermocycling. Our developed microfluidic cartridge, distinguished for its convenience in executing single-molecule droplet PCR with common laboratory equipment, features droplets positioned on a thin glass slide. We hypothesized that applying fast thermocycling to this cartridge would achieve single-molecule droplet PCR amplification. Indeed, the application of this fast protocol demonstrated successful amplification in just 22 min for 30 cycles (40 s/cycle). This breakthrough is noteworthy for its potential to expedite microfluidic droplet PCR assays, ensuring efficient single-molecule amplification within a remarkably short timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Masahiko Hashimoto
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tataramiyakodani, Kyotanabe 610-0321, Kyoto, Japan
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Nguyen TPT, Li F, Hung B, Truong VX, Thissen H, Forsythe JS, Frith JE. Cell Microencapsulation within Gelatin-PEG Microgels Using a Simple Pipet Tip-Based Device. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6024-6033. [PMID: 37788301 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Microgels are microscale particles of hydrogel that can be laden with cells and used to create macroporous tissue constructs. Their ability to support cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions, along with the high levels of nutrient and metabolite exchange facilitated by their high surface area-to-volume ratio, means that they are attracting increasing attention for a variety of tissue regeneration applications. Here, we present methods for fabricating and modifying the structure of microfluidic devices using commonly available laboratory consumables including pipet tips and PTFE and silicon tubing to produce microgels. Different microfluidic devices realized the controlled generation of a wide size range (130-800 μm) of microgels for cell encapsulation. Subsequently, we describe the process of encapsulating mesenchymal stromal cells in microgels formed by photo-cross-linking of gelatin-norbornene and PEG dithiol. The introduced pipet-based chip offers simplicity, tunability, and versatility, making it easily assembled in most laboratories to effectively produce cell-laden microgels for various applications in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy P T Nguyen
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Fanyi Li
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Brendan Hung
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Vinh Xuan Truong
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
| | - Helmut Thissen
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - John S Forsythe
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jessica E Frith
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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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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Li B, Ma X, Cheng J, Tian T, Guo J, Wang Y, Pang L. Droplets microfluidics platform-A tool for single cell research. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1121870. [PMID: 37152651 PMCID: PMC10154550 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1121870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are the most basic structural and functional units of living organisms. Studies of cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell-cell interactions can help scientists understand the mysteries of living systems. However, there is considerable heterogeneity among cells. Great differences between individuals can be found even within the same cell cluster. Cell heterogeneity can only be clearly expressed and distinguished at the level of single cells. The development of droplet microfluidics technology opens up a new chapter for single-cell analysis. Microfluidic chips can produce many nanoscale monodisperse droplets, which can be used as small isolated micro-laboratories for various high-throughput, precise single-cell analyses. Moreover, gel droplets with good biocompatibility can be used in single-cell cultures and coupled with biomolecules for various downstream analyses of cellular metabolites. The droplets are also maneuverable; through physical and chemical forces, droplets can be divided, fused, and sorted to realize single-cell screening and other related studies. This review describes the channel design, droplet generation, and control technology of droplet microfluidics and gives a detailed overview of the application of droplet microfluidics in single-cell culture, single-cell screening, single-cell detection, and other aspects. Moreover, we provide a recent review of the application of droplet microfluidics in tumor single-cell immunoassays, describe in detail the advantages of microfluidics in tumor research, and predict the development of droplet microfluidics at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixuan Li
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xi Ma
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Wang,
| | - Long Pang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
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