1
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Sonmez UM, Frey N, LeDuc PR, Minden JS. Fly Me to the Micron: Microtechnologies for Drosophila Research. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:441-473. [PMID: 38959386 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-050423-054647] [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: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Multicellular model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), are frequently used in a myriad of biological research studies due to their biological significance and global standardization. However, traditional tools used in these studies generally require manual handling, subjective phenotyping, and bulk treatment of the organisms, resulting in laborious experimental protocols with limited accuracy. Advancements in microtechnology over the course of the last two decades have allowed researchers to develop automated, high-throughput, and multifunctional experimental tools that enable novel experimental paradigms that would not be possible otherwise. We discuss recent advances in microtechnological systems developed for small model organisms using D. melanogaster as an example. We critically analyze the state of the field by comparing the systems produced for different applications. Additionally, we suggest design guidelines, operational tips, and new research directions based on the technical and knowledge gaps in the literature. This review aims to foster interdisciplinary work by helping engineers to familiarize themselves with model organisms while presenting the most recent advances in microengineering strategies to biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utku M Sonmez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, San Diego, California, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nolan Frey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Philip R LeDuc
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan S Minden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Schneider O, Moruzzi A, Fuchs S, Grobel A, Schulze HS, Mayr T, Loskill P. Fusing spheroids to aligned μ-tissues in a heart-on-chip featuring oxygen sensing and electrical pacing capabilities. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100280. [PMID: 35601892 PMCID: PMC9120495 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, Organ-on-Chip (OoC) emerged as a promising technology for advanced in vitro models, recapitulating key physiological cues. OoC approaches tailored for cardiac tissue engineering resulted in a variety of platforms, some of which integrate stimulation or probing capabilities. Due to manual handling processes, however, a large-scale standardized and robust tissue generation, applicable in an industrial setting, is still out of reach. Here, we present a novel cell injection and tissue generation concept relying on spheroids, which can be produced in large quantities and uniform size from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes. Hydrostatic flow transports and accumulates spheroids in dogbone-shaped tissue chambers, which subsequently fuse and form aligned, contracting cardiac muscle fibers. Furthermore, we demonstrate electrical stimulation capabilities by utilizing fluidic media connectors as electrodes and provide the blueprint of a low-cost, open-source, scriptable pulse generator. We report on a novel integration strategy of optical O2 sensor spots into resin-based microfluidic systems, enabling in situ determination of O2 partial pressures. Finally, a proof-of-concept demonstrating electrical stimulation combined with in situ monitoring of metabolic activity in cardiac tissues is provided. The developed system thus opens the door for advanced OoCs integrating biophysical stimulation as well as probing capabilities and serves as a blueprint for the facile and robust generation of high density microtissues in microfluidic modules amenable to scaling-up and automation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alessia Moruzzi
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fuchs
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Alina Grobel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Henrike S. Schulze
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Torsten Mayr
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Loskill
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- 3R-Center for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Corresponding author. Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany.
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3
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Fabrication and Bonding of Refractive Index Matched Microfluidics for Precise Measurements of Cell Mass. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13040496. [PMID: 33562507 PMCID: PMC7915968 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The optical properties of polymer materials used for microfluidic device fabrication can impact device performance when used for optical measurements. In particular, conventional polymer materials used for microfluidic devices have a large difference in refractive index relative to aqueous media generally used for biomedical applications. This can create artifacts when used for microscopy-based assays. Fluorination can reduce polymer refractive index, but at the cost of reduced adhesion, creating issues with device bonding. Here, we present a novel fabrication technique for bonding microfluidic devices made of NOA1348, which is a fluorinated, UV-curable polymer with a refractive index similar to that of water, to a glass substrate. This technique is compatible with soft lithography techniques, making this approach readily integrated into existing microfabrication workflows. We also demonstrate that this material is compatible with quantitative phase imaging, which we used to validate the refractive index of the material post-fabrication. Finally, we demonstrate the use of this material with a novel image processing approach to precisely quantify the mass of cells in the microchannel without the use of cell segmentation or tracking. The novel image processing approach combined with this low refractive index material eliminates an important source of error, allowing for high-precision measurements of cell mass with a coefficient of variance of 1%.
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4
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Sposini S, Rosendale M, Claverie L, Van TNN, Jullié D, Perrais D. Imaging endocytic vesicle formation at high spatial and temporal resolutions with the pulsed-pH protocol. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:3088-3104. [PMID: 32807908 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocytosis is a fundamental process occurring in all eukaryotic cells. Live cell imaging of endocytosis has helped to decipher many of its mechanisms and regulations. With the pulsed-pH (ppH) protocol, one can detect the formation of individual endocytic vesicles (EVs) with an unmatched temporal resolution of 2 s. The ppH protocol makes use of cargo protein (e.g., the transferrin receptor) coupled to a pH-sensitive fluorescent protein, such as superecliptic pHluorin (SEP), which is brightly fluorescent at pH 7.4 but not fluorescent at pH <6.0. If the SEP moiety is at the surface, its fluorescence will decrease when cells are exposed to a low pH (5.5) buffer. If the SEP moiety has been internalized, SEP will remain fluorescent even during application of the low pH buffer. Fast perfusion enables the complete exchange of low and high pH extracellular solutions every 2 s, defining the temporal resolution of the technique. Unlike other imaging-based endocytosis assays, the ppH protocol detects EVs without a priori hypotheses on the dynamics of vesicle formation. Here, we explain how the ppH protocol quantifies the endocytic activity of living cells and the recruitment of associated proteins in real time. We provide a step-by-step procedure for expression of the reporter proteins with transient transfection, live cell image acquisition with synchronized pH changes and automated analysis. The whole protocol can be performed in 2 d to provide quantitative information on the endocytic process being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sposini
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Morgane Rosendale
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, UMR 5255, Talence, France
| | - Léa Claverie
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,Euroquality, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thi Nhu Ngoc Van
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,Sys2diag, Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Jullié
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Perrais
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France. .,CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.
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5
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Zabihihesari A, Hilliker AJ, Rezai P. Fly-on-a-Chip: Microfluidics for Drosophila melanogaster Studies. Integr Biol (Camb) 2020; 11:425-443. [DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The fruit fly or Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a promising model organism in genetics, developmental and behavioral studies as well as in the fields of neuroscience, pharmacology, and toxicology. Not only all the developmental stages of Drosophila, including embryonic, larval, and adulthood stages, have been used in experimental in vivo biology, but also the organs, tissues, and cells extracted from this model have found applications in in vitro assays. However, the manual manipulation, cellular investigation and behavioral phenotyping techniques utilized in conventional Drosophila-based in vivo and in vitro assays are mostly time-consuming, labor-intensive, and low in throughput. Moreover, stimulation of the organism with external biological, chemical, or physical signals requires precision in signal delivery, while quantification of neural and behavioral phenotypes necessitates optical and physical accessibility to Drosophila. Recently, microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices have emerged as powerful tools to overcome these challenges. This review paper demonstrates the role of microfluidic technology in Drosophila studies with a focus on both in vivo and in vitro investigations. The reviewed microfluidic devices are categorized based on their applications to various stages of Drosophila development. We have emphasized technologies that were utilized for tissue- and behavior-based investigations. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions in Drosophila-on-a-chip research, and its integration with other advanced technologies, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Di Novo NG, Cantù E, Tonello S, Sardini E, Serpelloni M. Support-Material-Free Microfluidics on an Electrochemical Sensors Platform by Aerosol Jet Printing. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E1842. [PMID: 31003419 PMCID: PMC6515300 DOI: 10.3390/s19081842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Printed electronics have led to new possibilities in the detection and quantification of a wide range of molecules important for medical, biotechnological, and environmental fields. The integration with microfluidics is often adopted to avoid hand-deposition of little volumes of reagents and samples on miniaturized electrodes that strongly depend on operator's skills. Here we report design, fabrication and test of an easy-to-use electrochemical sensor platform with microfluidics entirely realized with Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP). We printed a six-electrochemical-sensors platform with AJP and we explored the possibility to aerosol jet print directly on it a microfluidic structure without any support material. Thus, the sacrificial material removal and/or the assembly with sensors steps are avoided. The repeatability observed when printing both conductive and ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymer inks can be supported from the values of relative standard deviation of maximum 5% for thickness and 9% for line width. We designed the whole microfluidic platform to make the sample deposition (20 μL) independent from the operator. To validate the platform, we quantified glucose at different concentrations using a standard enzyme-mediated procedure. Both mediator and enzyme were directly aerosol jet printed on working electrodes (WEs), thus the proposed platform is entirely fabricated by AJP and ready to use. The chronoamperometric tests show limit of detection (LOD) = 2.4 mM and sensitivity = 2.2 ± 0.08 µA/mM confirming the effectiveness of mediator and enzyme directly aerosol jet printed to provide sensing in a clinically relevant range (3-10 mM). The average relative standard inter-platform deviation is about 8%. AJP technique can be used for fabricating a ready-to-use microfluidic device that does not need further processing after fabrication, but is promptly available for electrochemical sample analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Giuseppe Di Novo
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired & Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Cantù
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sarah Tonello
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Emilio Sardini
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Mauro Serpelloni
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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7
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Li R, Lv X, Hasan M, Xu J, Xu Y, Zhang X, Qin K, Wang J, Zhou D, Deng Y. A Rapidly Fabricated Microfluidic Chip for Cell Culture. J Chromatogr Sci 2015; 54:523-30. [PMID: 26657733 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmv176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips (μFC) are emerging as powerful tools in chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology. The microscale size, possibility of integration and high-throughput present huge technical potential to facilitate the research of cell behavior by creating in vivo-like microenvironments. Here, we have developed a new method for rapid fabrication of μFC with Norland Optical Adhesive 81 (NOA81) for multiple cell culture with high efficiency. The proposed method is more suitable for the early structure exploration stage of μFC than existing procedures since no templates are needed and fast fabrication methods are presented. Simple PDMS-NOA81-linked microvalves were embedded in the μFC to control or block the fluid flow effectively, which significantly broadened the applications of μFC. Various types of cells were integrated into the chip and normal viabilities were maintained up to 1 week. Besides, concentration gradient was generated to investigate the cells in the μFC responded to drug stimulation. The cells appeared different in terms of shape and proliferation that strongly demonstrated the potential application of our μFC in online drug delivery. The high biocompatibility of NOA81 and its facile fabrication (μFC) promise its use in various cell analyses, such as cell-cell interactions or tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuefei Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Murtaza Hasan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiandong Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanqing Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xingjian Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kuiwei Qin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioseparation and Bioanalysis, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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8
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Gerber LC, Kim H, Riedel-Kruse IH. Microfluidic assembly kit based on laser-cut building blocks for education and fast prototyping. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:064105. [PMID: 26634013 PMCID: PMC4654734 DOI: 10.1063/1.4935593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present an inexpensive rapid-prototyping method that allows researchers and children to quickly assemble multi-layered microfluidic devices from easily pre-fabricated building blocks. We developed low-cost (<$2) kits based on laser-cut acrylic building block pieces and double-sided tape that allow users to generate water droplets in oil, capture living cells, and conduct basic phototaxis experiments. We developed and tested a 90-min lesson plan with children aged 12-14 yr and provide here the instructions for teachers to replicate these experiments and lessons. All parts of the kit are easy to make or order. We propose to use such easy to fabricate kits in labs with no access to current microfluidic tools as well as in classroom environments to get exposure to the powerful techniques of microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas C Gerber
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Honesty Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, USA
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9
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Eicher D, Ramanathan N, Merten CA. Soft compartmentalization: Combining droplet-based microfluidics with freely accessible cells. Eng Life Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201400184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Eicher
- Genome Biology Unit; European Molecular Biology Laboratory; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Nirupama Ramanathan
- Genome Biology Unit; European Molecular Biology Laboratory; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Christoph A. Merten
- Genome Biology Unit; European Molecular Biology Laboratory; Heidelberg Germany
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10
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Rana K, Timmer BJ, Neeves KB. A combined microfluidic-microstencil method for patterning biomolecules and cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:056502. [PMID: 25332748 PMCID: PMC4191368 DOI: 10.1063/1.4896231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the myriad of soft lithography based micropatterning methods available to researchers, it is still challenging to define small features (10-100 μm) that are spaced far apart (1-10 mm). In this report, we describe a combined microfluidic-microstencil patterning method that can produce multifunctional substrates of small features, O(10 μm), with a large pitch, O(1 mm). In that, we fabricate microstencils using an UV curable polyurethane (Norland Optical Adhesive 81) with dense arrays of 10-100 μm holes. Overlaying arrays of microfluidic channels over these microstencils allow for the control of the spacing between features and the ability to pattern multiple substrates. We show that this method is capable of patterning soluble proteins, fibrillar insoluble collagen, liposomes, cells, and nanoparticles. We demonstrate the utility of the method by measuring platelet adhesion under flow to three adhesive proteins (insoluble fibrillar collagen, laminin, and reconstituted acid solubilized collagen fibers) in a single assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeepsinh Rana
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden , Colorado 80401, USA
| | - Benjamin J Timmer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden , Colorado 80401, USA
| | - Keith B Neeves
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden , Colorado 80401, USA
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11
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Chainani ET, Choi WH, Ngo KT, Scheeline A. Mixing in Colliding, Ultrasonically Levitated Drops. Anal Chem 2014; 86:2229-37. [DOI: 10.1021/ac403968d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward T. Chainani
- Department
of Chemistry, and ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Woo-Hyuck Choi
- Department
of Chemistry, and ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Khanh T. Ngo
- Department
of Chemistry, and ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Alexander Scheeline
- Department
of Chemistry, and ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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12
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Sivagnanam V, Gijs MAM. Exploring Living Multicellular Organisms, Organs, and Tissues Using Microfluidic Systems. Chem Rev 2013; 113:3214-47. [DOI: 10.1021/cr200432q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin A. M. Gijs
- Laboratory
of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne,
Switzerland
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13
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Morel M, Shynkar V, Galas JC, Dupin I, Bouzigues C, Studer V, Dahan M. Amplification and temporal filtering during gradient sensing by nerve growth cones probed with a microfluidic assay. Biophys J 2012; 103:1648-56. [PMID: 23083707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth cones (GCs) are chemical sensors that convert graded extracellular cues into oriented axonal motion. To ensure a sensitive and robust response to directional signals in complex and dynamic chemical landscapes, GCs are presumably able to amplify and filter external information. How these processing tasks are performed remains however poorly known. Here, we probe the signal-processing capabilities of single GCs during γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) directional sensing with a shear-free microfluidic assay that enables systematic measurements of the GC output response to variable input gradients. By measuring at the single molecule level the polarization of GABA(A) chemoreceptors at the GC membrane, as a function of the external GABA gradient, we find that GCs act as i), signal amplifiers over a narrow range of concentrations, and ii), low-pass temporal filters with a cutoff frequency independent of stimuli conditions. With computational modeling, we determine that these systems-level properties arise at a molecular level from the saturable occupancy response and the lateral dynamics of GABA(A) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Morel
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Département de Physique and Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole normale supérieure, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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14
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Masters T, Engl W, Weng ZL, Arasi B, Gauthier N, Viasnoff V. Easy fabrication of thin membranes with through holes. Application to protein patterning. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44261. [PMID: 22952944 PMCID: PMC3432078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since protein patterning on 2D surfaces has emerged as an important tool in cell biology, the development of easy patterning methods has gained importance in biology labs. In this paper we present a simple, rapid and reliable technique to fabricate thin layers of UV curable polymer with through holes. These membranes are as easy to fabricate as microcontact printing stamps and can be readily used for stencil patterning. We show how this microfabrication scheme allows highly reproducible and highly homogeneous protein patterning with micron sized resolution on surfaces as large as 10 cm(2). Using these stencils, fragile proteins were patterned without loss of function in a fully hydrated state. We further demonstrate how intricate patterns of multiple proteins can be achieved by stacking the stencil membranes. We termed this approach microserigraphy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Masters
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilfried Engl
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhe L. Weng
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bakya Arasi
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nils Gauthier
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- MechanoBiology Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- CNRS, ESPCI Paristech, Paris, France
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15
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King PH, Corsi JC, Pan BH, Morgan H, de Planque MRR, Zauner KP. Towards molecular computing: Co-development of microfluidic devices and chemical reaction media. Biosystems 2012; 109:18-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H King
- Electronics and Computer Science & Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
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16
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Morel M, Galas JC, Dahan M, Studer V. Concentration landscape generators for shear free dynamic chemical stimulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:1340-6. [PMID: 22344388 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc20994b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we first introduce a novel fabrication process, which allows for easy integration of thin track-etched nanoporous membranes, within 2D or 3D microchannel networks. In these networks, soluble chemical compounds can diffuse out of the channels through well-defined and spatially organized microfabricated porous openings. Interestingly, multiple micron-scale porous areas can be integrated in the same device and each of these areas can be connected to a different microfluidic channel and reservoir. We then present and characterize several membrane-based microdevices and their use for the generation of stable diffusible concentration gradients and complex dynamic chemical landscapes under shear free conditions. We also demonstrate how a simple flow-focusing geometry can be used to generate "on-demand" concentration profiles. In turn, these devices should provide an ideal experimental framework for high throughput cell-based assays: long term high-resolution video microscopy experiments can be performed, under multiple spatially and temporally controlled chemical conditions, with simple protocols and in a cell-friendly environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Morel
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, CNRS UMR8552, Département de Physique et Institut de Biologie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
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Sollier E, Murray C, Maoddi P, Di Carlo D. Rapid prototyping polymers for microfluidic devices and high pressure injections. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:3752-65. [PMID: 21979377 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20514e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple methods of fabrication exist for microfluidic devices, with different advantages depending on the end goal of industrial mass production or rapid prototyping for the research laboratory. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been the mainstay for rapid prototyping in the academic microfluidics community, because of its low cost, robustness and straightforward fabrication, which are particularly advantageous in the exploratory stages of research. However, despite its many advantages and its broad use in academic laboratories, its low elastic modulus becomes a significant issue for high pressure operation as it leads to a large alteration of channel geometry. Among other consequences, such deformation makes it difficult to accurately predict the flow rates in complex microfluidic networks, change flow speed quickly for applications in stop-flow lithography, or to have predictable inertial focusing positions for cytometry applications where an accurate alignment of the optical system is critical. Recently, other polymers have been identified as complementary to PDMS, with similar fabrication procedures being characteristic of rapid prototyping but with higher rigidity and better resistance to solvents; Thermoset Polyester (TPE), Polyurethane Methacrylate (PUMA) and Norland Adhesive 81 (NOA81). In this review, we assess these different polymer alternatives to PDMS for rapid prototyping, especially in view of high pressure injections with the specific example of inertial flow conditions. These materials are compared to PDMS, for which magnitudes of deformation and dynamic characteristics are also characterized. We provide a complete and systematic analysis of these materials with side-by-side experiments conducted in our lab that also evaluate other properties, such as biocompatibility, solvent compatibility, and ease of fabrication. We emphasize that these polymer alternatives, TPE, PUMA and NOA, have some considerable strengths for rapid prototyping when bond strength, predictable operation at high pressure, or transitioning to commercialization are considered important for the application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Sollier
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Li X, Zhang F, Shi J, Wang L, Tian JH, Zhou XT, Jiang LM, Liu L, Zhao ZJ, He PG, Chen Y. Microfluidic devices with disposable enzyme electrode for electrochemical monitoring of glucose concentrations. Electrophoresis 2011; 32:3201-6. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Li X, Liu L, Wang L, Kamei KI, Yuan Q, Zhang F, Shi J, Kusumi A, Xie M, Zhao Z, Chen Y. Integrated and diffusion-based micro-injectors for open access cell assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:2612-7. [PMID: 21655556 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20258h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most microfluidic devices are fabricated with embedded micro-channels and other elements in a close form with outward connections. Although much functionality has been demonstrated and a large number of applications have been developed, they are not easy for routine operation in biology laboratories where most in vitro cell processing still relies on the use of culture dishes, glass slides, multi-well plates, tubes, pipettes, etc. We report here an open access device which consists of an array of isolated micro-channels plated on a large culture surface, each of them having tiny nozzles for localized drug delivery. In a diffusion dominant regime, steady gradients of molecule concentration could be obtained and varied by changing the flow rate inside the micro-channels. As assay examples, cell staining and drug-induced cell apoptosis were demonstrated, showing fast cell responses in close proximity of the nozzles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS-ENS-UPMC UMR 8640, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
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20
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Rivet C, Lee H, Hirsch A, Hamilton S, Lu H. Microfluidics for medical diagnostics and biosensors. Chem Eng Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Lovchik RD, Bianco F, Tonna N, Ruiz A, Matteoli M, Delamarche E. Overflow Microfluidic Networks for Open and Closed Cell Cultures on Chip. Anal Chem 2010; 82:3936-42. [DOI: 10.1021/ac100771r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Lovchik
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Bianco
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Noemi Tonna
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Ana Ruiz
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Matteoli
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Delamarche
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland, Neuro-Zone s.r.l., via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy, Department of Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy, and Fondazione Filarete, viale Ortles 22/4, 20139 Milano, Italy
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A mechanism for the polarity formation of chemoreceptors at the growth cone membrane for gradient amplification during directional sensing. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9243. [PMID: 20179770 PMCID: PMC2825272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate response to external directional signals is essential for many physiological functions such as chemotaxis or axonal guidance. It relies on the detection and amplification of gradients of chemical cues, which, in eukaryotic cells, involves the asymmetric relocalization of signaling molecules. How molecular events coordinate to induce a polarity at the cell level remains however poorly understood, particularly for nerve chemotaxis. Here, we propose a model, inspired by single-molecule experiments, for the membrane dynamics of GABA chemoreceptors in nerve growth cones (GCs) during directional sensing. In our model, transient interactions between the receptors and the microtubules, coupled to GABA-induced signaling, provide a positive-feedback loop that leads to redistribution of the receptors towards the gradient source. Using numerical simulations with parameters derived from experiments, we find that the kinetics of polarization and the steady-state polarized distribution of GABA receptors are in remarkable agreement with experimental observations. Furthermore, we make predictions on the properties of the GC seen as a sensing, amplification and filtering module. In particular, the growth cone acts as a low-pass filter with a time constant ∼10 minutes determined by the Brownian diffusion of chemoreceptors in the membrane. This filtering makes the gradient amplification resistent to rapid fluctuations of the external signals, a beneficial feature to enhance the accuracy of neuronal wiring. Since the model is based on minimal assumptions on the receptor/cytoskeleton interactions, its validity extends to polarity formation beyond the case of GABA gradient sensing. Altogether, it constitutes an original positive-feedback mechanism by which cells can dynamically adapt their internal organization to external signals.
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Fernández-Moreira V, Song B, Sivagnanam V, Chauvin AS, Vandevyver CDB, Gijs M, Hemmilä I, Lehr HA, Bünzli JCG. Bioconjugated lanthanide luminescent helicates as multilabels for lab-on-a-chip detection of cancer biomarkers. Analyst 2010; 135:42-52. [DOI: 10.1039/b922124g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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