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Hlaváček A, Křivánková J, Pizúrová N, Václavek T, Foret F. Photon-upconversion barcode for monitoring an enzymatic reaction with a fluorescence reporter in droplet microfluidics. Analyst 2020; 145:7718-7723. [PMID: 32996917 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01667e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report luminescent photon-upconversion barcodes for indexing the chemical content of droplets. The barcode is compatible with the simultaneous detection of fluorescence. The encoding and decoding of the initial concentration of enzyme β-galactosidase and substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-galactopyranoside are described. The fluorescent product 4-methylumbelliferone is detected simultaneously with the barcode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonín Hlaváček
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Sohrabi S, Kassir N, Keshavarz Moraveji M. Droplet microfluidics: fundamentals and its advanced applications. RSC Adv 2020; 10:27560-27574. [PMID: 35516933 PMCID: PMC9055587 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04566g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidic systems have been shown to be compatible with many chemical and biological reagents and capable of performing a variety of operations that can be rendered programmable and reconfigurable. This platform has dimensional scaling benefits that have enabled controlled and rapid mixing of fluids in the droplet reactors, resulting in decreased reaction times. This, coupled with the precise generation and repeatability of droplet operations, has made the droplet-based microfluidic system a potent high throughput platform for biomedical research and applications. In addition to being used as micro-reactors ranging from the nano- to femtoliter (10-15 liters) range; droplet-based systems have also been used to directly synthesize particles and encapsulate many biological entities for biomedicine and biotechnology applications. For this, in the following article we will focus on the various droplet operations, as well as the numerous applications of the system and its future in many advanced scientific fields. Due to advantages of droplet-based systems, this technology has the potential to offer solutions to today's biomedical engineering challenges for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Sohrabi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran Polytechnic Iran
| | - Nour Kassir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran Polytechnic Iran
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3
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Wang Z. Detection and Automation Technologies for the Mass Production of Droplet Biomicrofluidics. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2018; 11:260-274. [PMID: 29993645 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2018.2826984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics utilizes two immiscible flows to generate small droplets with the diameter of a few to a few hundred micrometers. These droplets are promising tools for biomedical engineering because of the high throughput and the ease to finely tune the microenvironments. In addition to the great success of droplet biomicrofluidics in the proof-of-concept biosensing, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery, few droplet biomicrofluidic devices have a transformative impact on the industrial and clinical applications. The main issues are the low volume throughput and the lack of proper methods for quality control and automation. This review covers the methodologies for the mass production, detection, and automation of droplet generators. Recent advances in droplet mass production using parallelized devices and modified junction structures are discussed. Detection techniques, including optical and electrical detection methods, are comprehensively reviewed in detail. Newly emerged droplet closed-loop control systems are surveyed to highlight the progress in system integration and automation. Overall, with the advances in parallel droplet generation, highly sensitive detection, and robust closed-loop regulation, it is anticipated that the productivity and reliability of droplet biomicrofluidics will be significantly improved to meet the industrial and clinical needs.
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Sesen M, Alan T, Neild A. Droplet control technologies for microfluidic high throughput screening (μHTS). LAB ON A CHIP 2017. [PMID: 28631799 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00005g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The transition from micro well plate and robotics based high throughput screening (HTS) to chip based screening has already started. This transition promises reduced droplet volumes thereby decreasing the amount of fluids used in these studies. Moreover, it significantly boosts throughput allowing screening to keep pace with the overwhelming number of molecular targets being discovered. In this review, we analyse state-of-the-art droplet control technologies that exhibit potential to be used in this new generation of screening devices. Since these systems are enclosed and usually planar, even some of the straightforward methods used in traditional HTS such as pipetting and reading can prove challenging to replicate in microfluidic high throughput screening (μHTS). We critically review the technologies developed for this purpose in depth, describing the underlying physics and discussing the future outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhsincan Sesen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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5
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Zhang K, Kang DK, Ali MM, Liu L, Labanieh L, Lu M, Riazifar H, Nguyen TN, Zell JA, Digman MA, Gratton E, Li J, Zhao W. Digital quantification of miRNA directly in plasma using integrated comprehensive droplet digital detection. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:4217-26. [PMID: 26387763 PMCID: PMC4631652 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00650c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Quantification of miRNAs in blood can be potentially used for early disease detection, surveillance monitoring and drug response evaluation. However, quantitative and robust measurement of miRNAs in blood is still a major challenge in large part due to their low concentration and complicated sample preparation processes typically required in conventional assays. Here, we present the 'Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection' (IC 3D) system where the plasma sample containing target miRNAs is encapsulated into microdroplets, enzymatically amplified and digitally counted using a novel, high-throughput 3D particle counter. Using Let-7a as a target, we demonstrate that IC 3D can specifically quantify target miRNA directly from blood plasma at extremely low concentrations ranging from 10s to 10 000 copies per mL in ≤3 hours without the need for sample processing such as RNA extraction. Using this new tool, we demonstrate that target miRNA content in colon cancer patient blood is significantly higher than that in healthy donor samples. Our IC 3D system has the potential to introduce a new paradigm for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of low-abundance biomarkers in biological samples with minimal sample processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Analytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Dong-Ku Kang
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M. Monsur Ali
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Linan Liu
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Mengrou Lu
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hamidreza Riazifar
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Thi N. Nguyen
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jason A. Zell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Michelle A. Digman
- Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Centre for Bioactive Discovery in Health and Ageing, School of Science & Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Enrico Gratton
- Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Analytical Methods and Instrumentation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weian Zhao
- Department of pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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6
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Kang DK, Gong X, Cho S, Kim JY, Edel JB, Chang SI, Choo J, deMello AJ. 3D Droplet Microfluidic Systems for High-Throughput Biological Experimentation. Anal Chem 2015; 87:10770-8. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ku Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Xiuqing Gong
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Soongwon Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jin-young Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua B. Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Soo-Ik Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongjoo 361-763, South Korea
| | - Jaebum Choo
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Sa-3-dong 1271, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South
Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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7
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Chen J, Ji X, He Z. High-throughput droplet analysis and multiplex DNA detection in the microfluidic platform equipped with a robust sample-introduction technique. Anal Chim Acta 2015; 888:110-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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8
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Chen J, Zhou G, Liu Y, Ye T, Xiang X, Ji X, He Z. Assembly-line manipulation of droplets in microfluidic platform for fluorescence encoding and simultaneous multiplexed DNA detection. Talanta 2015; 134:271-277. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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9
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Gibb TR, Ivanov AP, Edel JB, Albrecht T. Single Molecule Ionic Current Sensing in Segmented Flow Microfluidics. Anal Chem 2014; 86:1864-71. [DOI: 10.1021/ac403921m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Gibb
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7
2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandar P. Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7
2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua B. Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7
2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Albrecht
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7
2AZ, United Kingdom
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10
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Xiang X, Shi L, Luo M, Chen J, Ji X, He Z. Stepwise reagent introduction-based droplet platform for multiplexed DNA sensing. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 49:403-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Zhu Y, Fang Q. Analytical detection techniques for droplet microfluidics—A review. Anal Chim Acta 2013; 787:24-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2013.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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12
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Xiang X, Luo M, Shi L, Ji X, He Z. Droplet-based microscale colorimetric biosensor for multiplexed DNA analysis via a graphene nanoprobe. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 751:155-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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13
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Kumemura M, Collard D, Yoshizawa S, Wee B, Takeuchi S, Fujita H. Enzymatic Reaction in Droplets Manipulated with Liquid Dielectrophoresis. Chemphyschem 2012; 13:3308-12. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201200354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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14
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Liu C, Qu Y, Luo Y, Fang N. Recent advances in single-molecule detection on micro- and nano-fluidic devices. Electrophoresis 2012; 32:3308-18. [PMID: 22134976 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule detection (SMD) allows static and dynamic heterogeneities from seemingly equal molecules to be revealed in the studies of molecular structures and intra- and inter-molecular interactions. Micro- and nanometer-sized structures, including channels, chambers, droplets, etc., in microfluidic and nanofluidic devices allow diffusion-controlled reactions to be accelerated and provide high signal-to-noise ratio for optical signals. These two active research frontiers have been combined to provide unprecedented capabilities for chemical and biological studies. This review summarizes the advances of SMD performed on microfluidic and nanofluidic devices published in the past five years. The latest developments on optical SMD methods, microfluidic SMD platforms, and on-chip SMD applications are discussed herein and future development directions are also envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Ames Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa, USA
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15
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Abstract
This book chapter aims at providing an overview of all the aspects and procedures needed to develop a droplet-based workflow for single-cell analysis (see Fig. 10.1). The surfactant system used to stabilize droplets is a critical component of droplet microfluidics; its properties define the type of droplet-based assays and workflows that can be developed. The scope of this book chapter is limited to fluorinated surfactant systems that have proved to generate extremely stable droplets and allow to easily retrieve the encapsulated material. The formulation section discusses how the experimental parameters influence the choice of the surfactant system to use. The circuit design section presents recipes to design and integrate different droplet modules into a whole assay. The fabrication section describes the manufacturing of microfluidic chip including the surface treatment which is pivotal in droplet microfluidics. Finally, the last section reviews the experimental setup for fluorescence detection with an emphasis on cell injection and incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Brouzes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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16
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Xiang X, Chen L, Zhuang Q, Ji X, He Z. Real-time luminescence-based colorimetric determination of double-strand DNA in droplet on demand. Biosens Bioelectron 2011; 32:43-9. [PMID: 22196878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a new luminescence-based colorimetric droplet platform for the determination of double-stranded DNAs (dsDNA). This colorimetric sensor was realized via choosing a fluorescent ensemble probe comprising water-soluble N-acetylcysteine-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and Ru(bpy)(2)(dppx)(2+) (Ru). To provide a convenient and low cost droplet platform for colorimetry, the microvalve technique was adapted to adjust droplet size precisely, achieve the desired fusion of multiple droplets and trap droplets on demand, as well as implement concentration gradients of DNA on a single chip. In the colorimetric sensor, Ru served as both an effective quencher for QDs and a reporter for dsDNA. With increasing concentration of dsDNA, a gradually enhanced color response was observed because of the competition of dsDNA with QDs for Ru. Under the optimum conditions, this biosensing system exhibited not only good sensitivity and specificity for calf thymus DNA with the detection limit of 1.0 pg, but also coincident performances in diluted human serum with the detection limit of 0.9 pg. The droplet biosensor provides a highly efficient, rapid and visual method for dsDNA analysis. The colorimetric droplet platform could be useful as a simple research tool for the study of limited and precious regents such as protein and virus samples, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
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Cecchini MP, Hong J, Lim C, Choo J, Albrecht T, deMello AJ, Edel JB. Ultrafast Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Detection in Droplet-Based Microfluidic Systems. Anal Chem 2011; 83:3076-81. [DOI: 10.1021/ac103329b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jongin Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
| | - Chaesung Lim
- Department of Bionano Engineering, Hanyang University, Sa-1-dong, Ansan 426-791, Korea
| | - Jaebum Choo
- Department of Bionano Engineering, Hanyang University, Sa-1-dong, Ansan 426-791, Korea
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18
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Sarles SA, Stiltner LJ, Williams CB, Leo DJ. Bilayer formation between lipid-encased hydrogels contained in solid substrates. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2010; 2:3654-3663. [PMID: 21067200 DOI: 10.1021/am100826s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Solidified biomolecular networks that incorporate liquid-supported lipid bilayers are constructed by attaching lipid-encased, water-swollen hydrogels contained in oil. Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) and a free-radical photoinitiator are added to an aqueous lipid vesicle solution such that exposure to ultraviolet light results in solidification of neighboring aqueous volumes. Bilayer formation can occur both prior to photopolymerization with the aqueous mixture in the liquid state and after solidification by using the regulated attachment method (RAM) to attach the aqueous volumes contained within a flexible substrate. In addition, photopolymerization of the hydrogels can be performed in a separate mold prior to placement in the supporting substrate. Membranes formed across a wide range of hydrogel concentrations [0-80% (w/v); MW=1000 g/mol PEG-DMA] exhibit high electrical resistances (1-10 GΩ), which enable single-channel recordings of alamethicin channels and show significant durability and longevity. We demonstrate that just as liquid phases can be detached and reattached using RAM, reconfiguration of solid aqueous phases is also possible. The results presented herein demonstrate a step toward constructing nearly solid-state biomolecular materials that retain fluid interfaces for driving molecular assembly. This work also introduces the use of three-dimensional printing to rapidly prototype a molding template used to fabricate polyurethane substrates and to shape individual hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Sarles
- Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS), Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems (DREAMS) Laboratory, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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Hong J, Choi M, Edel JB, deMello AJ. Passive self-synchronized two-droplet generation. LAB ON A CHIP 2010; 10:2702-9. [PMID: 20717573 DOI: 10.1039/c005136e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We describe the use of two passive components to achieve controllable and alternating droplet generation in a microfluidic device. The approach overcomes the problems associated with irregularities in channel dimensions and fluid flow rates, and allows precise pairing of alternating droplets in a high-throughput manner. We study droplet generation and self-synchronization in a quantitative fashion by using high-speed image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongin Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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20
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Kintses B, van Vliet LD, Devenish SRA, Hollfelder F. Microfluidic droplets: new integrated workflows for biological experiments. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2010; 14:548-55. [PMID: 20869904 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 08/08/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Miniaturization of the classical test tube to picoliter dimensions is possible in monodisperse water-in-oil droplets that are generated in microfluidic devices. The establishment of standard unit operations for droplet handling and the ability to carry out experiments with DNA, proteins, cells and organisms provides the basis for the design of more complex workflows to address biological challenges. The emerging experimental format makes possible a quantitative readout for large numbers of experiments with a precision comparable to the macroscopic scale. Directed evolution, diagnostics and compound screening are areas in which the first steps are being taken toward the long-term goal of transforming the way we design and carry out experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balint Kintses
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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Szita N, Polizzi K, Jaccard N, Baganz F. Microfluidic approaches for systems and synthetic biology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010; 21:517-23. [PMID: 20829028 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems miniaturise biological experimentation leading to reduced sample volume, analysis time and cost. Recent innovations have allowed the application of -omics approaches on the microfluidic scale. It is now possible to perform 1.5 million PCR reactions simultaneously, obtain transcriptomic data from as little as 150 cells (as few as 2 transcripts per gene of interest) and perform mass-spectrometric analyses online. For synthetic biology, unit operations have been developed that allow de novo construction of synthetic systems from oligonucleotide synthesis through to high-throughput, high efficiency electroporation of single cells or encapsulation into abiotic chassis enabling the processing of thousands of synthetic organisms per hour. Future directions include a push towards integrating more processes into a single device and replacing off-chip analyses where possible.
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