1
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Bhaskaran AM, Agrawal S, Sarkar K, Dhar P. Elasto-compliance of harmonically stimulated soft micro-gaps during electro-magneto-kinetic flows. SOFT MATTER 2024. [PMID: 39015945 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00431k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we develop and solve an analytical model to understand the elasto-hydrodynamic force response of a deformable, soft substrate, under dynamic loading; wherein the microfluidic gap between the substrate and load is subjected to electro-magneto-hydrodynamic interactions. As a simple physical system, we model the coupled fluid-structure-interaction characteristics when a rigid, small cylinder is permitted to impinge harmonically on an infinitely large elastic, soft substrate, and an oscillatory, squeeze flow establishes in the micro-gap formed between the two. We discuss the different observations and mechanics in terms of the governing Dukhin, Hartmann, and electroviscous numbers. The influence of electromagnetic stimuli on the flow, and its implications vis-à-vis the substrate compliance is the focus of the article. We reveal that for pure magnetohydrodynamics of the gap electrolyte, the transverse magnetic field and the induced streaming potential resist outward squeeze flow, thereby generating substantial amplifications in the force response. On the contrary, the effect of electro-magneto-hydrodynamics on the force response was strongly affected by the orientation and intensity of the transverse electric field. Notably, such variations depended significantly on the electrokinetic parameters, oscillation frequency, and substrate stiffness, whose effects were intertwined with the transverse and streaming potential electric fields. Further, possibilities of squeeze flow reversal due to opposing electromagnetic forces is observed, which may again modulate the compliance of the substrate in different mannerisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Manoj Bhaskaran
- Hydrodynamics and Thermal Multiphysics Lab (HTML), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal-721302, India.
| | - Shubham Agrawal
- Hydrodynamics and Thermal Multiphysics Lab (HTML), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal-721302, India.
| | - Korak Sarkar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal-721302, India
| | - Purbarun Dhar
- Hydrodynamics and Thermal Multiphysics Lab (HTML), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal-721302, India.
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Dong Y, Ding Z, Bai Y, Lu LY, Dong T, Li Q, Liu JD, Chen S. Core-Shell Gel Nanofiber Scaffolds Constructed by Microfluidic Spinning toward Wound Repair and Tissue Regeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404433. [PMID: 39005186 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Growing demand for wound care resulting from the increasing chronic diseases and trauma brings intense pressure to global medical health service system. Artificial skin provides mechanical and microenvironmental support for wound, which is crucial in wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, challenges still remain in the clinical application of artificial skin since the lack of the synergy effect of necessary performance. In this study, a multi-functional artificial skin is fabricated through microfluidic spinning technology by using core-shell gel nanofiber scaffolds (NFSs). This strategy can precisely manipulate the microstructure of artificial skin under microscale. The as-prepared artificial skin demonstrates superior characteristics including surface wettability, breathability, high mechanical strength, strain sensitivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Notably, this artificial skin has the capability to deliver medications in a controlled and sustained manner, thereby accelerating the wound healing process. This innovative approach paves the way for the development of a new generation of artificial skin and introduces a novel concept for the structural design of the unique core-shell gel NFSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Zongkun Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yuting Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Ling-Yu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Ting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Liu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, 241000, P. R. China
| | - Su Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals and Functional Polymer Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
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3
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Yang F, Wang Y, He H, Wang G, Yang M, Hong M, Huang J, Wang Y. Construction of highly stable, monodisperse water-in-water Pickering emulsions with full particle coverage using a composite system of microfluidics and helical coiled tube. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 242:114079. [PMID: 39029247 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Water-in-water (W/W) Pickering emulsions, exhibit considerable potential in the food and pharmaceutical fields owing to their compartmentalization and high biocompatibility. However, constrained by the non-uniform distribution of shear forces during emulsification or the spatial obstruction in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) passive microfluidic platform, the existing methods cannot generate monodisperse W/W Pickering emulsions with high particle coverage rate, thereby limiting their applications. Herein, a novel microfluidic system is designed for the preparation of monodisperse and highly particle-covered W/W Pickering emulsions under mild conditions. pH-responsive Polyethylene glycol (PEG)/phosphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is used for the emulsions' preparation. Notably, a coverage rate of 96 ± 3 % is obtained by adjusting the length of the helical coiled tube, as well as the size and contact angle of genipin cross-linked BSA (BSA-GP) particles. Moreover, these W/W Pickering emulsions, with surfaces almost completely covered, can maintain monodisperse (Ncoal = 1.18 ± 0.03) for one day. Furthermore, the results of ranitidine hydrochloride (RH) release demonstrated that the drug release rate of W/W Pickering emulsions in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) was 10 times faster than that in the neutral solution. We believe that the highly particle-covered monodisperse W/W Pickering emulsions possess great potential applications in bioencapsulation for foods and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Yilan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Huatao He
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Menghan Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Meiying Hong
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Jin Huang
- Southwest Univ, Sch Chem & Chem Engn, Chongqing Key Lab Soft Matter Mat Chem & Funct Mfg, Chongqing 400715, PR China; Southwest Univ, State Key Lab Silkworm Genome Biol, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
| | - Yaolei Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China.
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4
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Zha Q, Luo Y, Liu C, Xu T. Integrated phase separation in microliter droplets for ultratrace-enriching biomarker analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1775-1781. [PMID: 38357751 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00953j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Ultratrace-enriching biomarker analysis is an effective method for achieving highly accurate and enhanced sensitive detection. In this study, we have developed an enrichment detection platform by combining a minipillar array with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for ultratrace enriching biomarker analysis. After optimizing the enrichment conditions of ATPS, target miRNAs at ultratrace levels specifically accumulate in the DEX-rich phase, which significantly increases the target miRNA concentration-related fluorescence intensity. Compared to non-enriched miRNA in the single-phase PEG solution, the detection limit of ATPS-enriched miRNA had improved more than 200-fold. The ATPS-based enrichment detection strategy offers a novel and convenient approach for the simultaneous detection of biomarkers with ultratrace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihao Zha
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Yong Luo
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Conghui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Tailin Xu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China.
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5
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Yi H, Fu T, Ma D, Zhu C, Ma Y. Spontaneous Transfer of Droplets across a Microfluidic Liquid-Liquid Interface. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:5508-5517. [PMID: 38408020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The droplet transfer across an interface in a microchannel is extensively utilized in diverse fields; however, it is challenging to drive droplets to penetrate the interface at such a small scale. In this study, a novel flow pattern of droplet transfer is observed and the mechanism is investigated; accordingly, an accurate prediction equation for determining the critical condition of droplet transfer is proposed. Meanwhile, the liquid film entrainment is also observed, which leads to the formation of an oil-in-water-in-water system. This study serves as a valuable reference for further studies on the mechanism of droplet transfer and provides practical guidance for its industrial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhe Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Taotao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Daofan Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chunying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Youguang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
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6
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Gande VV, Podupu PKR, Berry B, Nere NK, Pushpavanam S, Singh MR. Engineering advancements in microfluidic systems for enhanced mixing at low Reynolds numbers. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:011502. [PMID: 38298373 PMCID: PMC10827338 DOI: 10.1063/5.0178939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Mixing within micro- and millichannels is a pivotal element across various applications, ranging from chemical synthesis to biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The inherent low Reynolds number flow in these channels often results in a parabolic velocity profile, leading to a broad residence time distribution. Achieving efficient mixing at such small scales presents unique challenges and opportunities. This review encompasses various techniques and strategies to evaluate and enhance mixing efficiency in these confined environments. It explores the significance of mixing in micro- and millichannels, highlighting its relevance for enhanced reaction kinetics, homogeneity in mixed fluids, and analytical accuracy. We discuss various mixing methodologies that have been employed to get a narrower residence time distribution. The role of channel geometry, flow conditions, and mixing mechanisms in influencing the mixing performance are also discussed. Various emerging technologies and advancements in microfluidic devices and tools specifically designed to enhance mixing efficiency are highlighted. We emphasize the potential applications of micro- and millichannels in fields of nanoparticle synthesis, which can be utilized for biological applications. Additionally, the prospects of machine learning and artificial intelligence are offered toward incorporating better mixing to achieve precise control over nanoparticle synthesis, ultimately enhancing the potential for applications in these miniature fluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsi Vikram Gande
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Prem K. R. Podupu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Bianca Berry
- LaGrange Highlands Middle School, LaGrange Highlands, Illinois 60525, USA
| | | | - S. Pushpavanam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Meenesh R. Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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7
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Zhang Y, Luo Y, Zhao J, Zheng W, Zhan J, Zheng H, Luo F. Emerging delivery systems based on aqueous two-phase systems: A review. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:110-132. [PMID: 38239237 PMCID: PMC10792979 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is an all-aqueous system fabricated from two immiscible aqueous phases. It is spontaneously assembled through physical liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and can create suitable templates like the multicompartment of the intracellular environment. Delicate structures containing multiple compartments make it possible to endow materials with advanced functions. Due to the properties of ATPSs, ATPS-based drug delivery systems exhibit excellent biocompatibility, extraordinary loading efficiency, and intelligently controlled content release, which are particularly advantageous for delivering drugs in vivo . Therefore, we will systematically review and evaluate ATPSs as an ideal drug delivery system. Based on the basic mechanisms and influencing factors in forming ATPSs, the transformation of ATPSs into valuable biomaterials is described. Afterward, we concentrate on the most recent cutting-edge research on ATPS-based delivery systems. Finally, the potential for further collaborations between ATPS-based drug-carrying biomaterials and disease diagnosis and treatment is also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yankun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenzhuo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huaping Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Rare Diseases Center, Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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8
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Abbasi N, Nunes JK, Pan Z, Dethe T, Shum HC, Košmrlj A, Stone HA. Flows of a nonequilibrated aqueous two-phase system in a microchannel. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3551-3561. [PMID: 37144458 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00233k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a rich and dynamic process, which recently has gained new interest, especially in biology and for material synthesis. In this work, we experimentally show that co-flow of a nonequilibrated aqueous two-phase system within a planar flow-focusing microfluidic device results in a three-dimensional flow, as the two nonequilibrated solutions move downstream along the length of the microchannel. After the system reaches steady-state, invasion fronts from the outer stream are formed along the top and bottom walls of the microfluidic device. The invasion fronts advance towards the center of the channel, until they merge. We first show by tuning the concentration of polymer species within the system that the formation of these fronts is due to liquid-liquid phase separation. Moreover, the rate of invasion from the outer stream increases with increasing polymer concentrations in the streams. We hypothesize the invasion front formation and growth is driven by Marangoni flow induced by the polymer concentration gradient along the width of the channel, as the system is undergoing phase separation. In addition, we show how at various downstream positions the system reaches its steady-state configuration once the two fluid streams flow side-by-side in the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Abbasi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Janine K Nunes
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Zehao Pan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Tejas Dethe
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrej Košmrlj
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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9
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Honaryar H, Amirfattahi S, Niroobakhsh Z. Associative Liquid-In-Liquid 3D Printing Techniques for Freeform Fabrication of Soft Matter. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206524. [PMID: 36670057 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Shaping soft materials into prescribed 3D complex designs has been challenging yet feasible using various 3D printing technologies. For a broader range of soft matters to be printable, liquid-in-liquid 3D printing techniques have emerged in which an ink phase is printed into 3D constructs within a bath. Most of the attention in this field has been focused on using a support bath with favorable rheology (i.e., shear-thinning behavior) which limits the selection of materials, impeding the broad application of such techniques. However, a growing body of work has begun to leverage the interaction or association of the two involved phases (specifically at the liquid-liquid interface) to fabricate complex constructs from a myriad of soft materials with practical structural, mechanical, optical, magnetic, and communicative properties. This review article has provided an overview of the studies on such associative liquid-in-liquid 3D printing techniques along with their fundamentals, underlying mechanisms, various characterization techniques used for ensuring the structural stability, and practical properties of prints. Also, the future paths with the potential applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houman Honaryar
- Division of Energy, Matter, and Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Saba Amirfattahi
- Division of Energy, Matter, and Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Zahra Niroobakhsh
- Division of Energy, Matter, and Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
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10
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Tang Q, Deng N, Chen J, Sun H, Dong Y, Zeng Q, Yuan H, Binks BP, Meng T. One-Step Fabrication of Coconut-Like Capsules via Competitive Reactions at an All-Aqueous Interface for Enzyme Immobilization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:10621-10628. [PMID: 36800174 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A concept of interfacial competitive reaction between biomineralization and alginate gelation at an all-aqueous single-emulsion droplet interface to prepare robust coconut-like capsules (inner hard wall and outer soft wall) is developed. The concept is further applied for enzyme immobilization with high encapsulation efficiency, enzyme loading, mass transfer coefficient, and recyclability. The thickness and swelling properties of the shell are simply tunable by a competitive reaction. Our platform may open a green, facile, and efficient way to prepare organic-inorganic hybrid sustainable materials with tailored compositions and structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Tang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Ningjun Deng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Hejia Sun
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yuman Dong
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Bernard P Binks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, U.K
| | - Tao Meng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
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11
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Vikram Gande V, Nandini K H, Korukonda J, Pushpavanam S. Hydrodynamics of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) in millichannels. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.118296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Aqueous two-phase emulsions toward biologically relevant applications. TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Daradmare S, Lee CS. Recent progress in the synthesis of all-aqueous two-phase droplets using microfluidic approaches. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 219:112795. [PMID: 36049253 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
An aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is a system with liquid-liquid phase separation and shows great potential for the extraction, separation, purification, and enrichment of proteins, membranes, viruses, enzymes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules because of its simplicity, biocompatibility, and wide applicability [1-4]. The clear aqueous-aqueous interface of ATPSs is highly advantageous for their implementation, therefore making ATPSs a green alternative approach to replace conventional emulsion systems, such as water-in-oil droplets. All aqueous emulsions (water-in-water, w-in-w) hold great promise in the biomedical field as glucose sensors [5] and promising carriers for the encapsulation and release of various biomolecules and nonbiomolecules [6-10]. However, the ultralow interfacial tension between the two phases is a hurdle in generating w-in-w emulsion droplets. In the past, bulk emulsification and electrospray techniques were employed for the generation of w-in-w emulsion droplets and the fabrication of microparticles and microcapsules in the later stage. Bulk emulsification is a simple and low-cost technique; however, it generates polydisperse w-in-w emulsion droplets. Another technique, electrospray, involves easy experimental setups that can generate monodisperse but nonspherical w-in-w emulsion droplets. In comparison, microfluidic platforms provide monodisperse w-in-w emulsion droplets with spherical shapes, deal with the small volumes of solutions and short reaction times and achieve portability and versatility in their design through rapid prototyping. Owing to several advantages, microfluidic approaches have recently been introduced. To date, several different strategies have been explored to generate w-in-w emulsions and multiple w-in-w emulsions and to fabricate microparticles and microcapsules using conventional microfluidic devices. Although a few review articles on ATPSs emulsions have been published in the past, to date, few reviews have exclusively focused on the evolution of microfluidic-based ATPS droplets. The present review begins with a brief discussion of the history of ATPSs and their fundamentals, which is followed by an account chronicling the integration of microfluidic devices with ATPSs to generate w-in-w emulsion droplets. Furthermore, the stabilization strategies of w-in-w emulsion droplets and microfluidic fabrication of microparticles and microcapsules for modern applications, such as biomolecule encapsulation and spheroid construction, are discussed in detail in this review. We believe that the present review will provide useful information to not only new entrants in the microfluidic community wanting to appreciate the findings of the field but also existing researchers wanting to keep themselves updated on progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Daradmare
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Zhou C, Zhu P, Tian Y, Shi R, Wang L. Progress in all-aqueous droplets generation with microfluidics: Mechanisms of formation and stability improvements. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:021301. [PMID: 38505416 PMCID: PMC10914135 DOI: 10.1063/5.0054201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
All-aqueous systems have attracted intensive attention as a promising platform for applications in cell separation, protein partitioning, and DNA extraction, due to their selective separation capability, rapid mass transfer, and good biocompatibility. Reliable generation of all-aqueous droplets with accurate control over their size and size distribution is vital to meet the increasingly growing demands in emulsion-based applications. However, the ultra-low interfacial tension and large effective interfacial thickness of the water-water interface pose challenges for the generation and stabilization of uniform all-aqueous droplets, respectively. Microfluidics technology has emerged as a versatile platform for the precision generation of all-aqueous droplets with improved stability. This review aims to systematize the controllable generation of all-aqueous droplets and summarize various strategies to improve their stability with microfluidics. We first provide a comprehensive review on the recent progress of all-aqueous droplets generation with microfluidics by detailing the properties of all-aqueous systems, mechanisms of droplet formation, active and passive methods for droplet generation, and the property of droplets. We then review the various strategies used to improve the stability of all-aqueous droplets and discuss the fabrication of biomaterials using all-aqueous droplets as liquid templates. We envision that this review will benefit the future development of all-aqueous droplet generation and its applications in developing biomaterials, which will be useful for researchers working in the field of all-aqueous systems and those who are new and interested in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Li M, Li D, Song Y, Li D. Tunable particle/cell separation across aqueous two-phase system interface by electric pulse in microfluidics. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 612:23-34. [PMID: 34974255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.12.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Separations of particles and cells are indispensable in many microfluidic systems and have numerous applications in chemistry and biomedicine. The interface of aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) can act as a liquid filter. Under electric field stimuli, the selective transfer of targets across the liquid-liquid interface are expected for particles and cells separation. EXPERIMENTS The separations of particles and cells based on ATPS electrophoresis in a microfluidic chip were investigated. A systematical study of the mechanism of ATPS electrophoresis was performed first by employing polystyrene (PS) particles. Subsequently, the separations of particles and microalgae cells were demonstrated. FINDINGS The electrophoretic transfer of particles across the interface of ATPS is determined by multi-parameters, including the strength of electric pulse, particle size, zeta potential, and hydrophobicity of the particle. The continuous separations of particles/cells can be achieved through the controllable transfer of target particles/cells across the interface under electric pulses in a microfluidic chip. By simply turning the magnitude of the applied electric pulse, the technique is suitable for different purposes, for example, the separations of particles and cells, purification of cells, and viability identification of cells. This tunable separation approach opens opportunities in multidimensional particle and cell sorting for the fields of seed selection of microorganisms, environmental assessment, and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yongxin Song
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1.
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16
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Zhang Q, Chen J, Zhong Z, Li B, Gai H. Aqueous two-phase systems evolved double-layer film for enzymatic activity preservation: A universal protein storage strategy for paper based microdevice. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1197:339540. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Crowe CD, Keating CD. Microfluidic Control of Coexisting Chemical Microenvironments within Multiphase Water-in-Fluorocarbon Droplets. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:1811-1820. [PMID: 35090115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of aqueous polymer-based phase separation within water-in-oil emulsion droplets provides a powerful platform for exploring the impact of compartmentalization and preferential partitioning on biologically relevant solutes. By forming an emulsion, a bulk solution is converted into a large number of chemically isolated microscale droplets. Microfluidic techniques provide an additional level of control over the formation of such systems. This enables the selective production of multiphase droplets with desired solution compositions and specific characteristics, such as solute partitioning. Here, we demonstrate control over the chemical microenvironment by adjusting the composition to increase tie line length for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-dextran aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) encapsulated within multiphase water-in-fluorocarbon oil emulsion droplets. Through rational adjustment of microfluidic parameters alone, ATPS droplets containing differing compositions could be produced during the course of a single experiment, with the produced droplets demonstrating a controllable range of tie line lengths. This provided control over partitioning behavior for biologically relevant macromolecules such that the difference in local protein concentration between adjacent phases could be rationally tuned. This work illustrates a broadly applicable technique to rationally create emulsified multiphase aqueous systems of desired compositions through the adjustment of microfluidic parameters alone, allowing for easy and rapid screening of various chemical microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Crowe
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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18
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Badiye A, Kapoor N, Shukla RK. Detection and separation of proteins using micro/nanofluidics devices. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 186:59-84. [PMID: 35033290 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics is the technology or system wherein the behavior of fluids' is studied onto a miniaturized device composed of chambers and tunnels. In biological and biomedical sciences, microfluidic technology/system or device serves as an ultra-high-output approach capable of detecting and separating the biomolecules present even in trace quantities. Given the essential role of protein, the identification and quantification of proteins help understand the various living systems' biological function regulation. Microfluidics has enormous potential to enable biological investigation at the cellular and molecular level and maybe a fair substitution of the sophisticated instruments/equipment used for proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics analysis. The current advancement in microfluidic systems' development is achieving momentum and opening new avenues in developing innovative and hybrid methodologies/technologies. This chapter attempts to expound the micro/nanofluidic systems/devices for their wide-ranging application to detect and separate protein. It covers microfluidic chip electrophoresis, microchip gel electrophoresis, and nanofluidic systems as protein separation systems, while methods such as spectrophotometric, mass spectrometry, electrochemical detection, magneto-resistive sensors and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are discussed as proteins' detection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Badiye
- Department of Forensic Science, Government Institute of Forensic Sciences, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neeti Kapoor
- Department of Forensic Science, Government Institute of Forensic Sciences, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ritesh K Shukla
- Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
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19
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Zhu P, Wang L. Microfluidics-Enabled Soft Manufacture of Materials with Tailorable Wettability. Chem Rev 2021; 122:7010-7060. [PMID: 34918913 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and wettability are interrelated and mutually reinforcing fields, experiencing synergistic growth. Surface wettability is paramount in regulating microfluidic flows for processing and manipulating fluids at the microscale. Microfluidics, in turn, has emerged as a versatile platform for tailoring the wettability of materials. We present a critical review on the microfluidics-enabled soft manufacture (MESM) of materials with well-controlled wettability and their multidisciplinary applications. Microfluidics provides a variety of liquid templates for engineering materials with exquisite composition and morphology, laying the foundation for precisely controlling the wettability. Depending on the degree of ordering, liquid templates are divided into individual droplets, one-dimensional (1D) arrays, and two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) assemblies for the modular fabrication of microparticles, microfibers, and monolithic porous materials, respectively. Future exploration of MESM will enrich the diversity of chemical composition and physical structure for wettability control and thus markedly broaden the application horizons across engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This review aims to systematize this emerging yet robust technology, with the hope of aiding the realization of its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liqiu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Liu G, Du T, Chen J, Hao X, Yang F, He H, Meng T, Wang Y. Microfluidic aqueous two-phase system-based nitrifying bacteria encapsulated colloidosomes for green and sustainable ammonium-nitrogen wastewater treatment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 342:126019. [PMID: 34571170 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A novel strategy was proposed for preparing micro-scale monodisperses nitrifying bacteria (NB) encapsulated Ca-Alg@CaCO3 colloidosomes by exploiting capillary microfluidic device, as an attempt to treat ammonium-nitrogen wastewater in an environment-friendly, efficient and repeatable manner based on the aqueous two-phase (ATPS) system. By complying with the spatial confined urease mediate biomineralization reactions, ATPS droplets (Dextran in Polyethylene glycol) containing urease, NB regent and alginate were used as templates to prepare 500 μm Ca-Alg@CaCO3 colloidosomes with 16.48 Mpa mechanical strength. The activity of NB encapsulated in the colloidosomes was high. The simulated wastewater treated with the colloidosomes achieved a high removal rate even at harsh temperature and pH value. In both simulated and real wastewater treatment, prolonged reuse times (216 h) with high removal rate (>90%, after being applied 72 h) were obtained by using Ca-Alg@CaCO3 colloidosomes, as compared with that (96 h) by using general alginate microbeads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Ting Du
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Jialin Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Xin Hao
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Feng Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Huatao He
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Tao Meng
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Yaolei Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China.
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21
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Vilabril S, Nadine S, Neves CMSS, Correia CR, Freire MG, Coutinho JAP, Oliveira MB, Mano JF. One-Step All-Aqueous Interfacial Assembly of Robust Membranes for Long-Term Encapsulation and Culture of Adherent Stem/Stromal Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100266. [PMID: 33764007 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic effectiveness and biological relevance of technologies based on adherent cells depend on platforms that enable long-term culture in controlled environments. Liquid-core capsules have been suggested as semipermeable moieties with spatial homogeneity due to the high mobility of all components in their core. The lack of cell-adhesive sites in liquid-core structures often hampers their use as platforms for stem cell-based technologies for long-term survival and cell-directed self-organization. Here, the one-step fast formation of robust polymeric capsules formed by interfacial complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in an all-aqueous environment, compatible with the simultaneous encapsulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and microcarriers, is described. The adhesion of umbilical cord MSCs to polymeric microcarriers enables their aggregation and culture for more than 21 days in capsules prepared either manually by dropwise addition, or by scalable electrohydrodynamic atomization, generating robust and stable capsules. Cell aggregation and secretion overtime can be tailored by providing cells with static or dynamic (bioreactor) environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vilabril
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Sara Nadine
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Catarina M. S. S. Neves
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Clara R. Correia
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Mara G. Freire
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - João A. P. Coutinho
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - Mariana B. Oliveira
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- CICECO ‐ Aveiro Institute of Materials Department of Chemistry University of Aveiro Aveiro 3810‐193 Portugal
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22
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Gebhard F, Hartmann J, Hardt S. Interaction of proteins with phase boundaries in aqueous two-phase systems under electric fields. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:3929-3936. [PMID: 33720237 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01921f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The electric-field driven transport of proteins across the liquid-liquid interface in an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is studied in a microfluidic device using fluorescence microscopy. An ATPS containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran is employed, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bovine γ-globulins (BγG) are considered as model proteins. It is shown that both proteins, initially in the dextran-rich phase, accumulate at the liquid-liquid interface, preferably close to the three-phase contact line between the two liquid phases and the microchannel wall. It is in these regions where the proteins penetrate into the PEG-rich phase. The transport resistance of the liquid-liquid interface is higher for BγG than for BSA, such that a much larger molar flux of BSA into the PEG phase is observed. This opens up the opportunity of separating different protein species by utilizing differences in the transport resistance at the interface. A mathematical model is developed, accounting for adsorption and desorption processes at the liquid-liquid interface. The underlying theoretical concept is that of an electrostatic potential minimum formed by superposing the applied electric field and the field due to the Donnan potential at the interface. A fit of the model parameters to the experimental data results in good agreement between theory and experiments, thereby corroborating the underlying picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Gebhard
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, Fachbereich Maschinenbau, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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23
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Peacock CJ, Lamont C, Sheen DA, Shen VK, Kreplak L, Frampton JP. Predicting the Mixing Behavior of Aqueous Solutions Using a Machine Learning Framework. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:11449-11460. [PMID: 33645207 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The most direct approach to determining if two aqueous solutions will phase-separate upon mixing is to exhaustively screen them in a pair-wise fashion. This is a time-consuming process that involves preparation of numerous stock solutions, precise transfer of highly concentrated and often viscous solutions, exhaustive agitation to ensure thorough mixing, and time-sensitive monitoring to observe the presence of emulsion characteristics indicative of phase separation. Here, we examined the pair-wise mixing behavior of 68 water-soluble compounds by observing the formation of microscopic phase boundaries and droplets of 2278 unique 2-component solutions. A series of machine learning classifiers (artificial neural network, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, and support vector classifier) were then trained on physicochemical property data associated with the 68 compounds and used to predict their miscibility upon mixing. Miscibility predictions were then compared to the experimental observations. The random forest classifier was the most successful classifier of those tested, displaying an average receiver operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.74. The random forest classifier was validated by removing either one or two compounds from the input data, training the classifier on the remaining data and then predicting the miscibility of solutions involving the removed compound(s) using the classifier. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the random forest classifier were 0.74, 0.80, and 0.51, respectively, when one of the two compounds to be examined was not represented in the training data. When asked to predict the miscibility of two compounds, neither of which were represented in the training data, the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity values for the random forest classifier were 0.70, 0.82 and 0.29, respectively. Thus, there is potential for this machine learning approach to improve the design of screening experiments to accelerate the discovery of aqueous two-phase systems for numerous scientific and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Peacock
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Connor Lamont
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - David A Sheen
- Chemical Informatics Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Vincent K Shen
- Chemical Informatics Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Laurent Kreplak
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - John P Frampton
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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24
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Li M, Li D. Electrically controllable cargo delivery with dextran-rich droplets. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 582:102-111. [PMID: 32814218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The controllable delivery of cargo is of great importance in many areas, ranging from medicine and materials science to food and cosmetic industries. To fulfil the requirements in different areas, the development of new methods for cargo delivery in a controllable manner is always essential. A novel technique of cargo delivery controlled by electric pulse was developed in this paper. In an aqueous two-phase system, the dextran-rich droplets were fabricated as droplet carriers in a continuous polyethylene glycol-rich phase. The loading and releasing of model cargos (polystyrene particles) across the surface of the droplet carriers under electric pulses were demonstrated in microfluidic chips. By controlling the amplitude of the applied electric pulses, the cargos with designed sizes were sorted and loaded into the droplet carriers; hence, the targeted delivery of cargos by size can be achieved. The exchange of cargos between droplet carriers under reversed electric pulses was also investigated, and the results indicated the flexibility of this method in cargo delivery. Moreover, possible application of this method to biological cargos was demonstrated by controlling the loading and releasing of yeast cells under electric pulses. With the advantages of easy operation and fast response, this approach provides a novel route for controllable cargo delivery with droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China; Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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25
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Pedro MDS, Oliveira LAF, Padilha CEDA, Santos ESD, Oliveira JAD, Souza DFDS. Effect of flow patterns on bovine serum albumin and ampicillin partitioning using aqueous two-phase systems in microdevice. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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26
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Souza Mesquita LM, Martins M, Pisani LP, Ventura SPM, Rosso VV. Insights on the use of alternative solvents and technologies to recover bio‐based food pigments. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2020; 20:787-818. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo M. Souza Mesquita
- Department of Biosciences Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) Santos Brazil
- Department of Chemistry CICECO − Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago University of Aveiro Portugal
| | - Margarida Martins
- Department of Chemistry CICECO − Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago University of Aveiro Portugal
| | - Luciana P. Pisani
- Department of Biosciences Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) Santos Brazil
| | - Sónia P. M. Ventura
- Department of Chemistry CICECO − Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago University of Aveiro Portugal
| | - Veridiana V. Rosso
- Department of Biosciences Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) Santos Brazil
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27
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Ling SD, Geng Y, Chen A, Du Y, Xu J. Enhanced single-cell encapsulation in microfluidic devices: From droplet generation to single-cell analysis. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:061508. [PMID: 33381250 PMCID: PMC7758092 DOI: 10.1063/5.0018785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis to investigate cellular heterogeneity and cell-to-cell interactions is a crucial compartment to answer key questions in important biological mechanisms. Droplet-based microfluidics appears to be the ideal platform for such a purpose because the compartmentalization of single cells into microdroplets offers unique advantages of enhancing assay sensitivity, protecting cells against external stresses, allowing versatile and precise manipulations over tested samples, and providing a stable microenvironment for long-term cell proliferation and observation. The present Review aims to give a preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds to explore the field of single-cell encapsulation and analysis. A comprehensive and introductory overview of the droplet formation mechanism, fabrication methods of microchips, and a myriad of passive and active encapsulation techniques to enhance single-cell encapsulation efficiency were presented. Meanwhile, common methods for single-cell analysis, especially for long-term cell proliferation, differentiation, and observation inside microcapsules, are briefly introduced. Finally, the major challenges faced in the field are illustrated, and potential prospects for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Da Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - An Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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28
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Nan L, Cao Y, Yuan S, Shum HC. Oil-mediated high-throughput generation and sorting of water-in-water droplets. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:70. [PMID: 34567680 PMCID: PMC8433215 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets have demonstrated superior compatibility over conventional water-in-oil droplets for various biological assays. However, the ultralow interfacial tension hampers efficient and stable droplet generation, limiting further development and more extensive use of such approaches. Here, we present a simple strategy to employ oil as a transient medium for ATPS droplet generation. Two methods based on passive flow focusing and active pico-injection are demonstrated to generate water-water-oil double emulsions, achieving a high generation frequency of ~2.4 kHz. Through evaporation of the oil to break the double emulsions, the aqueous core can be released to form uniform-sized water-in-water droplets. Moreover, this technique can be used to fabricate aqueous microgels, and the introduction of the oil medium enables integration of droplet sorting to produce single-cell-laden hydrogels with a harvest rate of over 90%. We believe that the demonstrated high-throughput generation and sorting of ATPS droplets represent an important tool to advance droplet-based tissue engineering and single-cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Nan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
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29
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Dincau B, Dressaire E, Sauret A. Pulsatile Flow in Microfluidic Systems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1904032. [PMID: 31657131 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the current knowledge and applications of pulsatile flow in microfluidic systems. Elements of fluid dynamics at low Reynolds number are first described in the context of pulsatile flow. Then the practical applications in microfluidic processes are presented: the methods to generate a pulsatile flow, the generation of emulsion droplets through harmonic flow rate perturbation, the applications in mixing and particle separation, and the benefits of pulsatile flow for clog mitigation. The second part of the review is devoted to pulsatile flow in biological applications. Pulsatile flows can be used for mimicking physiological systems, to alter or enhance cell cultures, and for bioassay automation. Pulsatile flows offer unique advantages over a steady flow, especially in microfluidic systems, but also require some new physical insights and more rigorous investigation to fully benefit future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dincau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Emilie Dressaire
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Alban Sauret
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
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Guerrero J, Chang YW, Fragkopoulos AA, Fernandez-Nieves A. Capillary-Based Microfluidics-Coflow, Flow-Focusing, Electro-Coflow, Drops, Jets, and Instabilities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1904344. [PMID: 31663270 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Capillary-based microfluidics is a great technique to produce monodisperse and complex emulsions and particulate suspensions. In this review, the current understanding of drop and jet formation in capillary-based microfluidic devices for two primary flow configurations, coflow and flow-focusing is summarized. The experimental and theoretical description of fluid instabilities is discussed and conditions for controlled drop breakup in different modes of drop generation are provided. Current challenges in drop breakup with low interfacial tension systems and recent progress in overcoming drop size limitations using electro-coflow are addressed. In each scenario, the physical mechanisms for drop breakup are revisited, and simple scaling arguments proposed in the literature are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Guerrero
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Alexandros A Fragkopoulos
- Department of Dynamics of Complex Fluids, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alberto Fernandez-Nieves
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA-Institució Caalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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31
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Chao Y, Shum HC. Emerging aqueous two-phase systems: from fundamentals of interfaces to biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:114-142. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00466a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent advances of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs), particularly their interfaces, with a focus on biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchuang Chao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Hong Kong
- China
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32
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He Y, Guo S, Chen K, Zhang L, Li S, Yin S. Application of microchemical technology in mass transfer behavior contrastive research of rare earth extraction. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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33
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Qu F, Meng T, Dong Y, Sun H, Tang Q, Liu T, Wang Y. Aqueous Two-Phase Droplet-Templated Colloidosomes Composed of Self-Formed Particles via Spatial Confined Biomineralization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:35613-35621. [PMID: 31505927 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b15086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A facile and green approach is developed for fabricating colloidosomes with well-controlled size and structure from the microfluidic-generated aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) emulsion droplet. Unlike other methods that rely on self-assembly of externally added colloidal particles at the emulsion interface, urease-mediated biomineralization induced by "drainage" is introduced to form CaCO3 particles at the alginate emulsion interface for preparing Ca-alg@CaCO3 colloidosomes. Two types of bioactive molecules (bovine serum albumin and catalase) can be encapsulated with high efficiency (>85%) because of the partitioning effect of the ATPS and high viscosity of alginate solution. The encapsulated bioactive molecules can be controllably released by regulating the compactness of colloidosomes. Moreover, after being freeze-dried or dried at 37 °C, the activity of catalase in colloidosomes is obviously higher than that in alginate hydrogels, which confirms that the Ca-alg@CaCO3 structure has strong protection for inclusions. We believe that the biocompatible and controllable Ca-alg@CaCO3 colloidosomes possess great potential applications in bioencapsulation for foods, daily chemicals, and synthetic protocell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Qu
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Tao Meng
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Yuman Dong
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Hejia Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Qiming Tang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
| | - Yaolei Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering , Southwest Jiaotong University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610031 , P. R. China
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34
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De Lora JA, Fencl FA, Macias Gonzalez AD, Bandegi A, Foudazi R, Lopez GP, Shreve AP, Carroll NJ. Oil-Free Acoustofluidic Droplet Generation for Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Culture. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:4097-4105. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. De Lora
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
| | - Frank A. Fencl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
| | - Aidira D.Y. Macias Gonzalez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
| | - Alireza Bandegi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Reza Foudazi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Gabriel P. Lopez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
| | - Andrew P. Shreve
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
| | - Nick J. Carroll
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States
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35
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Separation efficiency of parallel flow microfluidic extractors with transport enhanced by electric field. Sep Purif Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2019.03.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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36
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37
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Choi D, Lee E, Kim SJ, Han M. Passive droplet generation in aqueous two-phase systems with a variable-width microchannel. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:4647-4655. [PMID: 31073554 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00469f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Passive droplet generation for an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was performed with a fracture-based variable microchannel. A jet of dextran-rich phase (DEX) in a polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-rich phase was created by focused flow. The width of the inlet channel could be varied over the range 1-10 μm via mechanical strain, which extended the range of operational back pressure. This enabled the spontaneous formation of DEX droplets with an ultralow surface tension of 12 μN m-1. The production of DEX droplets were examined with regard to driving pressure, flow rate, DEX/PEG concentration. The droplet properties are analyzed in terms of production rate (2-20 droplets per s), droplet diameter (10-100 μm), and diameter variance (5-20%). Controlling the inlet-channel width with other operating conditions widened the range of droplet properties. This simple and robust method significantly strengthened droplet-generation in microfluidics, especially for ATPS of low solute concentrations relevant to live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daeho Choi
- Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Korea.
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38
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Zou Y, Song J, You X, Yao J, Xie S, Jin M, Wang X, Yan Z, Zhou G, Shui L. Interfacial Complexation Induced Controllable Fabrication of Stable Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules Using All-Aqueous Droplet Microfluidics for Enzyme Release. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:21227-21238. [PMID: 31091079 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b02788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Water-in-water (w/w) emulsions are particularly advantageous for biomedical-related applications, such as cell encapsulation, bioreactors, biocompatible storage, and processing of biomacromolecules. However, due to ultralow interfacial tension, generation and stabilization of uniform w/w droplets are challenging. In this work, we report a strategy of creating stable and size-controllable w/w droplets that can quickly form polyelectrolyte microcapsules (PEMCs) in a microfluidic device. A three-phase (inner, middle, outer) aqueous system was applied to create a stream of inner phase, which could be broken into droplets via a mechanical perturbation frequency, with size determined by the stream diameter and vibration frequency. The interfacial complexation is formed via electrostatic interaction of polycations of poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) with polyanions of polystyrene sodium sulfate in the inner and outer phases. With addition of negatively charged silica nanoparticles, the stability, permeability, and mechanical strength of the PEMC shell could be well manipulated. Prepared PEMCs were verified by encapsulating fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran molecules and stimuli-triggered release by varying the pH value or osmotic pressure. A model enzyme, trypsin, was successfully encapsulated into PEMCs and released without impairing their catalytic activity. These results highlight its potential applications for efficient encapsulation, storage, delivery, and release of chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Song
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03 , 138634 Singapore
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39
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São Pedro MN, Azevedo AM, Aires-Barros MR, Soares RRG. Minimizing the Influence of Fluorescent Tags on IgG Partition in PEG-Salt Aqueous Two-Phase Systems for Rapid Screening Applications. Biotechnol J 2019; 14:e1800640. [PMID: 30957974 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201800640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) has been showing significant potential in the biopharmaceutical industry, allowing the selective separation of high-value proteins directly from unclarified cell culture supernatants. In this context, effective high-throughput screening tools are critical to perform a rapid empirical optimization of operating conditions. In particular, microfluidic ATPE screening devices, coupled with fluorescence microscopy to continuously monitor the partition of fluorophore-labeled proteins, have been recently demonstrated to provide short diffusion distances and rapid partition, using minimal reagent volumes. Nevertheless, the currently overlooked influence of the labeling procedure on partition must be carefully evaluated to validate the extrapolation of results to the unlabeled molecule. Here, three fluorophores with different global charge and reactivity selected to label immunoglobulin G (IgG) at degrees of labeling (DoL) ranging from 0.5 to 7.6. Labeling with BODIPY FL maleimide (DoL = 0.5), combined with tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP) to generate free thiol groups, is the most promising strategy to minimize the influence of the fluorophore on partition. In particular, the partition coefficient (Kp ) measured in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350-phosphate systems with and without the addition of NaCl using microtubes (batch) or microfluidic devices (continuous) is comparable to those quantified for the native protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana N São Pedro
- IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M Azevedo
- IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria R Aires-Barros
- IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ruben R G Soares
- IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,IN-Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029, Lisbon, Portugal
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40
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Forth J, Kim PY, Xie G, Liu X, Helms BA, Russell TP. Building Reconfigurable Devices Using Complex Liquid-Fluid Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1806370. [PMID: 30828869 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-fluid interfaces provide a platform both for structuring liquids into complex shapes and assembling dimensionally confined, functional nanomaterials. Historically, attention in this area has focused on simple emulsions and foams, in which surface-active materials such as surfactants or colloids stabilize structures against coalescence and alter the mechanical properties of the interface. In recent decades, however, a growing body of work has begun to demonstrate the full potential of the assembly of nanomaterials at liquid-fluid interfaces to generate functionally advanced, biomimetic systems. Here, a broad overview is given, from fundamentals to applications, of the use of liquid-fluid interfaces to generate complex, all-liquid devices with a myriad of potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Forth
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Paul Y Kim
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ganhua Xie
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, 120 Governors Drive, Conte Center for Polymer Research, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Xubo Liu
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Brett A Helms
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Thomas P Russell
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, 120 Governors Drive, Conte Center for Polymer Research, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
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41
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Abbasi N, Navi M, Nunes JK, Tsai SSH. Controlled generation of spiky microparticles by ionic cross-linking within an aqueous two-phase system. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:3301-3306. [PMID: 30849136 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm02315h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microparticles are used in a variety of different fields, such as drug delivery. Recently, non-spherical microparticle generation has become desirable. The high surface-to-volume ratio of non-spherical microparticles allows for enhanced targeting, and attachment to cells and tissue. Current non-spherical microparticle generation techniques require complicated setup, and utilizing natural micrograins, such as pollen grains, as non-spherical delivery vehicles, requires extensive post-processing. Here, we describe a unique and facile chemical synthesis approach, for controlled generation of pollen-like microparticles, based on ionic cross-linking of alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl2), within an all-biocompatible aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) of dextran (DEX) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Our technique controls the length of spikes that emerge on the surface of these microparticles. We anticipate that these pollen-like spiky microparticles may be used as drug delivery vehicles, and this new chemical synthesis approach may be used for generating other biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Abbasi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.
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42
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Azizian P, Azarmanesh M, Dejam M, Mohammadi M, Shamsi M, Sanati-Nezhad A, Mohamad AA. Electrohydrodynamic formation of single and double emulsions for low interfacial tension multiphase systems within microfluidics. Chem Eng Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2018.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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43
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Crowe CD, Keating CD. Liquid-liquid phase separation in artificial cells. Interface Focus 2018; 8:20180032. [PMID: 30443328 PMCID: PMC6227770 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in biology is a recently appreciated means of intracellular compartmentalization. Because the mechanisms driving phase separations are grounded in physical interactions, they can be recreated within less complex systems consisting of only a few simple components, to serve as artificial microcompartments. Within these simple systems, the effect of compartmentalization and microenvironments upon biological reactions and processes can be studied. This review will explore several approaches to incorporating LLPS as artificial cytoplasms and in artificial cells, including both segregative and associative phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine D. Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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44
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Liu HT, Wang H, Wei WB, Liu H, Jiang L, Qin JH. A Microfluidic Strategy for Controllable Generation of Water-in-Water Droplets as Biocompatible Microcarriers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1801095. [PMID: 30091845 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201801095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics has been widely applied in functional microparticles fabricating, tissue engineering, and drug screening due to its high throughput and great controllability. However, most of the current droplet microfluidics are dependent on water-in-oil (W/O) systems, which involve organic reagents, thus limiting their broader biological applications. In this work, a new microfluidic strategy is described for controllable and high-throughput generation of monodispersed water-in-water (W/W) droplets. Solutions of polyethylene glycol and dextran are used as continuous and dispersed phases, respectively, without any organic reagents or surfactants. The size of W/W droplets can be precisely adjusted by changing the flow rate of dispersed and continuous phases and the valve switch cycle. In addition, uniform cell-laden microgels are fabricated by introducing the alginate component and rat pancreatic islet (β-TC6) cell suspension to the dispersed phase. The encapsulated islet cells retain high viability and the function of insulin secretion after cultivation for 7 days. The high-throughput droplet microfluidic system with high biocompatibility is stable, controllable, and flexible, which can boost various chemical and biological applications, such as bio-oriented microparticles synthesizing, microcarriers fabricating, tissue engineering, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen-Bo Wei
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jian-Hua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
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45
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Ruthven M, Ko KR, Agarwal R, Frampton JP. Microscopic evaluation of aqueous two-phase system emulsion characteristics enables rapid determination of critical polymer concentrations for solution micropatterning. Analyst 2018; 142:1938-1945. [PMID: 28487922 DOI: 10.1039/c7an00255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase systems have emerged as valuable tools for microscale analysis of cell growth and many other biotechnology applications. The most critical step in developing an aqueous two-phase system for a specific application is identifying the critical concentrations at which the polymer solutions phase-separate. Current techniques for determining these critical concentrations rely on laborious methods, highly specialized assays or computational methods that make this step difficult for non-specialists. To overcome these limitations, we present a simplified assay that uses only readily accessible laboratory instruments and consumables (e.g., multichannel micropipettes, 96-well plates and a simple compound microscope) to determine the critical concentrations of aqueous two-phase system-forming polymers. We demonstrate that formulations selected from phase diagrams that describe these critical concentrations can be applied for solution micropatterning of cells.
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46
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Zhao S, Tseng P, Grasman J, Wang Y, Li W, Napier B, Yavuz B, Chen Y, Howell L, Rincon J, Omenetto FG, Kaplan DL. Programmable Hydrogel Ionic Circuits for Biologically Matched Electronic Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1800598. [PMID: 29717798 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201800598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The increased need for wearable and implantable medical devices has driven the demand for electronics that interface with living systems. Current bioelectronic systems have not fully resolved mismatches between engineered circuits and biological systems, including the resulting pain and damage to biological tissues. Here, salt/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) aqueous two-phase systems are utilized to generate programmable hydrogel ionic circuits. High-conductivity salt-solution patterns are stably encapsulated within PEG hydrogel matrices using salt/PEG phase separation, which route ionic current with high resolution and enable localized delivery of electrical stimulation. This strategy allows designer electronics that match biological systems, including transparency, stretchability, complete aqueous-based connective interface, distribution of ionic electrical signals between engineered and biological systems, and avoidance of tissue damage from electrical stimulation. The potential of such systems is demonstrated by generating light-emitting diode (LED)-based displays, skin-mounted electronics, and stimulators that deliver localized current to in vitro neuron cultures and muscles in vivo with reduced adverse effects. Such electronic platforms may form the basis of future biointegrated electronic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Peter Tseng
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Jonathan Grasman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Wenyi Li
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Bradley Napier
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Burcin Yavuz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Laurel Howell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Javier Rincon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Fiorenzo G Omenetto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
- Department of Physics, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
- Silklab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4875, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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Vobecká L, Romanov A, Slouka Z, Hasal P, Přibyl M. Optimization of aqueous two-phase systems for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid in integrated microfluidic reactors-separators. N Biotechnol 2018; 47:73-79. [PMID: 29614323 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) were screened for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) catalyzed by penicillin acylase, followed by the extractive separation of 6-APA from the reaction mixture. The key point of this study was to find an ATPS exhibiting a large difference in the partition coefficients of the biocatalyst and reaction products. Several ATPSs based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)/phosphate, PEG/citrate, and PEG/dextran were tested. We found that an ATPS consisting of 15 wt% of PEG 4000, 10 wt% of phosphates, 75 wt% of water (pH value 8.0 after dissolution) provided optimal separation of 6-APA from the enzyme. While the 6-APA was mainly found in the top PEG phase, the free enzyme favored the bottom salt-rich phase. This ATPS also fulfils other important requirements: (i) high buffering capacity, reducing an undesirable pH decrease due to the dissociation of phenylacetic acid (the side product of the reaction), (ii) a relatively low cost of the ATPS components, (iii) the possibility of electrophoretic transport of fine droplets as well as the reaction products for both the acceleration of phase separation and the enhancement of 6-APA concentration in the product stream. Extraction experiments in microcapillary and batch systems showed that the transport of 6-APA formed in the salt-rich phase to the corresponding PEG phase could occur within 30 s. The experimental results described form a base of knowledge for the development of continuously operating integrated microfluidic reactors-separators driven by an electric field for the efficient production of 6-APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Vobecká
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexandr Romanov
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdeněk Slouka
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Hasal
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Přibyl
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
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Teixeira AG, Agarwal R, Ko KR, Grant‐Burt J, Leung BM, Frampton JP. Emerging Biotechnology Applications of Aqueous Two-Phase Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701036. [PMID: 29280350 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation between aqueous solutions containing two incompatible polymers, a polymer and a salt, or a polymer and a surfactant, has been exploited for a wide variety of biotechnology applications throughout the years. While many applications for aqueous two-phase systems fall within the realm of separation science, the ability to partition many different materials within these systems, coupled with recent advances in materials science and liquid handling, has allowed bioengineers to imagine new applications. This progress report provides an overview of the history and key properties of aqueous two-phase systems to lend context to how these materials have progressed to modern applications such as cellular micropatterning and bioprinting, high-throughput 3D tissue assembly, microscale biomolecular assay development, facilitation of cell separation and microcapsule production using microfluidic devices, and synthetic biology. Future directions and present limitations and design considerations of this adaptable and promising toolkit for biomolecule and cellular manipulation are further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyne G. Teixeira
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Rishima Agarwal
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Kristin Robin Ko
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Jessica Grant‐Burt
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Brendan M. Leung
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
- Department of Applied Oral Science Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - John P. Frampton
- School of Biomedical Engineering Dalhousie University 5981 University Avenue Halifax NS B3H 4R2 Canada
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Abbasi N, Navi M, Tsai SSH. Microfluidic Generation of Particle-Stabilized Water-in-Water Emulsions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:213-218. [PMID: 29231744 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we present a microfluidic platform that generates particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions. The water-in-water system that we use is based on an aqueous two-phase system of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX). DEX droplets are formed passively, in the continuous phase of PEG and carboxylated particle suspension at a flow-focusing junction inside a microfluidic device. As DEX droplets travel downstream inside the microchannel, carboxylated particles that are in the continuous phase partition to the interface of the DEX droplets due to their affinity to the interface of PEG and DEX. As the DEX droplets become covered with carboxylated particles, they become stabilized against coalescence. We study the coverage and stability of the emulsions, while tuning the concentration and the size of the carboxylated particles, downstream inside the reservoir of the microfluidic device. These particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions showcase good particle adsorption under shear, while being flowed through narrow microchannels. The intrinsic biocompatibility advantages of particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions make them a good alternative to traditional particle-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions. To illustrate a biotechnological application of this platform, we show a proof-of-principle of cell encapsulation using this system, which with further development may be used for immunoisolation of cells for transplantation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Abbasi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST)-A Partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Maryam Navi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST)-A Partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST)-A Partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
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Cui C, Zeng C, Wang C, Zhang L. Complex Emulsions by Extracting Water from Homogeneous Solutions Comprised of Aqueous Three-Phase Systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:12670-12680. [PMID: 29022717 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Multiple emulsions can be obtained by binary and ternary liquid phase separation. And the use of the aqueous two-phase system provides a simple route to prepare water-in-water-in-oil (W/W/O) or water-in-water-in-water (W/W/W) multiple emulsions. It is thus expected that we can fabricate more complex emulsions by using an aqueous three-phase system. Herein, we present a simple and versatile method to generate complex emulsions based on phase separation in homogeneous droplets made up of aqueous three-phase system: poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and dextran (DEX) through extracting water from droplets. We examine the formation process and the effect of mass ratio of each two components in the three phase system. Emulsion droplets with five types of morphologies, i.e., binary-core/shell, core/shell-single phase Janus, ellipsoid Janus, multicore-in-matrix and single core-double shell morphologies can be formed, depending on the mass ratio of each two components and modification of PEG with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. We observe transition of core/shell-single phase Janus to binary-core/shell and single core-double shell to core/shell-single phase Janus geometry with prolongation of extracting time, and obtain the geometry map for the formation of different shaped droplets. Due to different affinities of PEG, PVA and DEX to certain materials, we functionalize each compartment in the complex emulsion droplets, and apply the resulting droplet for glucose sensing and the construction of antibody-mediated targeting drug delivery. This emulsion generation method is simple and the choice for the component of the aqueous three-phase system is broad, which can be further extended to generate complex emulsions from aqueous multiphase systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering and College of Chemical Engineering and ‡College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , No. 5 Xin Mofan Road, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Changfeng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering and College of Chemical Engineering and ‡College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , No. 5 Xin Mofan Road, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering and College of Chemical Engineering and ‡College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , No. 5 Xin Mofan Road, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering and College of Chemical Engineering and ‡College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , No. 5 Xin Mofan Road, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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