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Tang T, Julian T, Ma D, Yang Y, Li M, Hosokawa Y, Yalikun Y. A review on intelligent impedance cytometry systems: Development, applications and advances. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1269:341424. [PMID: 37290859 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341424] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Impedance cytometry is a well-established technique for counting and analyzing single cells, with several advantages, such as convenience, high throughput, and no labeling required. A typical experiment consists of the following steps: single-cell measurement, signal processing, data calibration, and particle subtype identification. At the beginning of this article, we compared commercial and self-developed options extensively and provided references for developing reliable detection systems, which are necessary for cell measurement. Then, a number of typical impedance metrics and their relationships to biophysical properties of cells were analyzed with respect to the impedance signal analysis. Given the rapid advances of intelligent impedance cytometry in the past decade, this article also discussed the development of representative machine learning-based approaches and systems, and their applications in data calibration and particle identification. Finally, the remaining challenges facing the field were summarized, and potential future directions for each step of impedance detection were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Trisna Julian
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Doudou Ma
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan; Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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2
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Chen YS, Huang CH, Pai PC, Seo J, Lei KF. A Review on Microfluidics-Based Impedance Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13010083. [PMID: 36671918 PMCID: PMC9855525 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Electrical impedance biosensors are powerful and continuously being developed for various biological sensing applications. In this line, the sensitivity of impedance biosensors embedded with microfluidic technologies, such as sheath flow focusing, dielectrophoretic focusing, and interdigitated electrode arrays, can still be greatly improved. In particular, reagent consumption reduction and analysis time-shortening features can highly increase the analytical capabilities of such biosensors. Moreover, the reliability and efficiency of analyses are benefited by microfluidics-enabled automation. Through the use of mature microfluidic technology, complicated biological processes can be shrunk and integrated into a single microfluidic system (e.g., lab-on-a-chip or micro-total analysis systems). By incorporating electrical impedance biosensors, hand-held and bench-top microfluidic systems can be easily developed and operated by personnel without professional training. Furthermore, the impedance spectrum provides broad information regarding cell size, membrane capacitance, cytoplasmic conductivity, and cytoplasmic permittivity without the need for fluorescent labeling, magnetic modifications, or other cellular treatments. In this review article, a comprehensive summary of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is presented. The structure of this article is based on the different substrate material categorizations. Moreover, the development trend of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is discussed, along with difficulties and challenges that may be encountered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shih Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ching Pai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Jungmok Seo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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3
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Ebrahimifard R, Erfle P, Dietzel A, Garnweitner G. Backscattering-Based Discrimination of Microparticles Using an Optofluidic Multiangle Scattering Chip. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:17519-17527. [PMID: 35664585 PMCID: PMC9161266 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this research, we designed and fabricated an optofluidic chip for the detection and differentiation of single particles via the combination of backscattered (BSC) and forward-scattered (FSC) or side-scattered (SSC) light intensity. The high sensitivity of BSC light to the refractive index of the particles enabled an effective approach for the differentiation of individual particles based on the type of material. By recording BSC as well as FSC and SSC light intensities from single particles, transiting through the illumination zone in a microfluidic channel, the size and type of material could be detected simultaneously. The analysis of model samples of polystyrene (PS), as a primary microplastic particle, and silica microspheres showed substantially higher BSC signal values of PS because of a larger refractive index compared to the silica. The scatter plots correlating contributions of BSC (FSC-BSC and SSC-BSC) allowed a clear differentiation of PS and silica particles. To demonstrate the great potential of this methodology, two "real-life" samples containing different types of particles were tested as application examples. Commercial toothpaste and peeling gel products, as primary sources of microplastics into effluents, were analyzed via the optofluidic chip and compared to results from scanning electron microscopy. The scattering analysis of the complex samples enabled the detection and simultaneous differentiation of particles such as microplastics according to their differences in the refractive index via distinctive areas of high and low BSC signal values. Hence, the contribution of BSC light measurements in multiangle scattering of single particles realized in an optofluidic chip opens the way for the discrimination of single particles in a liquid medium in manifold fields of application ranging from environmental monitoring to cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ebrahimifard
- Institute
for Particle Technology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
- Laboratory
for Emerging Nanometrology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peer Erfle
- Institute
of Microtechnology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38092 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Dietzel
- Institute
of Microtechnology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38092 Braunschweig, Germany
- Laboratory
for Emerging Nanometrology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Georg Garnweitner
- Institute
for Particle Technology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
- Laboratory
for Emerging Nanometrology, Technische Universität
Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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4
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Abstract
Optofluidics represents the interaction of light and fluids on a chip that integrates microfluidics and optics, which provides a promising optical platform for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. Recent years have witnessed a substantial growth in optofluidic devices, including the integration of optical and fluidic control units, the incorporation of diverse photonic nanostructures, and new applications. All these advancements have enabled the implementation of optofluidics with improved performance. In this review, the recent advances of fabrication techniques and cutting-edge applications of optofluidic devices are presented, with a special focus on the developments of imaging and sensing. Specifically, the optofluidic based imaging techniques and applications are summarized, including the high-throughput cytometry, biochemical analysis, and optofluidic nanoparticle manipulation. The optofluidic sensing section is categorized according to the modulation approaches and the transduction mechanisms, represented by absorption, reflection/refraction, scattering, and plasmonics. Perspectives on future developments and promising avenues in the fields of optofluidics are also provided.
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Gimsa J. Active, Reactive, and Apparent Power in Dielectrophoresis: Force Corrections from the Capacitive Charging Work on Suspensions Described by Maxwell-Wagner's Mixing Equation. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:738. [PMID: 34201745 PMCID: PMC8305549 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A new expression for the dielectrophoresis (DEP) force is derived from the electrical work in a charge-cycle model that allows the field-free transition of a single object between the centers of two adjacent cubic volumes in an inhomogeneous field. The charging work for the capacities of the volumes is calculated in the absence and in the presence of the object using the external permittivity and Maxwell-Wagner's mixing equation, respectively. The model provides additional terms for the Clausius-Mossotti factor, which vanish for the mathematical boundary transition toward zero volume fraction, but which can be interesting for narrow microfluidic systems. The comparison with the classical solution provides a new perspective on the notorious problem of electrostatic modeling of AC electrokinetic effects in lossy media and gives insight into the relationships between active, reactive, and apparent power in DEP force generation. DEP moves more highly polarizable media to locations with a higher field, making a DEP-related increase in the overall polarizability of suspensions intuitive. Calculations of the passage of single objects through a chain of cubic volumes show increased overall effective polarizability in the system for both positive and negative DEP. Therefore, it is proposed that DEP be considered a conditioned polarization mechanism, even if it is slow with respect to the field oscillation. The DEP-induced changes in permittivity and conductivity describe the increase in the overall energy dissipation in the DEP systems consistent with the law of maximum entropy production. Thermodynamics can help explain DEP accumulation of small objects below the limits of Brownian motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gimsa
- Department of Biophysics, University of Rostock, Gertrudenstr. 11A, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Schütt J, Sandoval Bojorquez DI, Avitabile E, Oliveros Mata ES, Milyukov G, Colditz J, Delogu LG, Rauner M, Feldmann A, Koristka S, Middeke JM, Sockel K, Fassbender J, Bachmann M, Bornhäuser M, Cuniberti G, Baraban L. Nanocytometer for smart analysis of peripheral blood and acute myeloid leukemia: a pilot study. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:6572-6581. [PMID: 32786943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02300] [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] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We realize an ultracompact nanocytometer for real-time impedimetric detection and classification of subpopulations of living cells. Nanoscopic nanowires in a microfluidic channel act as nanocapacitors and measure in real time the change of the amplitude and phase of the output voltage and, thus, the electrical properties of living cells. We perform the cell classification in the human peripheral blood (PBMC) and demonstrate for the first time the possibility to discriminate monocytes and subpopulations of lymphocytes in a label-free format. Further, we demonstrate that the PBMC of acute myeloid leukemia and healthy samples grant the label free identification of the disease. Using the algorithm based on machine learning, we generated specific data patterns to discriminate healthy donors and leukemia patients. Such a solution has the potential to improve the traditional diagnostics approaches with respect to the overall cost and time effort, in a label-free format, and restrictions of the complex data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schütt
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials and Institute for Materials Science, Dresden University of Technology, Budapesterstrasse 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Diana Isabel Sandoval Bojorquez
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Avitabile
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, via muroni 23, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sergio Oliveros Mata
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials and Institute for Materials Science, Dresden University of Technology, Budapesterstrasse 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gleb Milyukov
- Samsung R&D Institute Russia (SRR), 127018 Moscow, Russia
| | - Juliane Colditz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Lucia Gemma Delogu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, via muroni 23, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, via Ugo bassi 58, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Rauner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Feldmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Koristka
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Moritz Middeke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Sockel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Fassbender
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Digital Health (EKFZ), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
| | - Gianaurelio Cuniberti
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials and Institute for Materials Science, Dresden University of Technology, Budapesterstrasse 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Dresden Center for Computational Materials Science (DCMS), TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Digital Health (EKFZ), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
| | - Larysa Baraban
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials and Institute for Materials Science, Dresden University of Technology, Budapesterstrasse 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Digital Health (EKFZ), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Dresden, Germany
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Mohan A, Gupta P, Nair AP, Prabhakar A, Saiyed T. A microfluidic flow analyzer with integrated lensed optical fibers. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:054104. [PMID: 33062113 PMCID: PMC7532020 DOI: 10.1063/5.0013250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rapid optical interrogation of flowing cells or particles is a powerful tool in the field of biomedical diagnostics. Determination of size and composition of fast-flowing cells, with diameters in the range of 2- 15 μ m , often require complex open-space optics and expensive high-speed cameras. In this work, a method to overcome these challenges by using a hydrodynamic flow-based microfluidic platform coupled with on-chip integrated fiber optics is reported. The lab-scale portable device developed uses a combination of on-chip lensed and non-lensed optical fibers for precision illumination. The narrow light beam produced by the lensed fiber ( f = 150 μ m ) enables precise optical analysis with high sensitivity. A planar arrangement of optical fibers at various angles facilitates multi-parametric analysis from a single point of interrogation. As proof of concept, the laboratory-scale portable bench-top prototype is used to measure fluorescence signals from CD4 immunostained cells and human blood samples. The performance of microfluidic flow analyzer is also compared to the conventional Guava® easyCyte 8HT flow cytometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai 600036, India
| | - P Gupta
- Discovery Innovation Accelerator, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - A P Nair
- Discovery Innovation Accelerator, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - A Prabhakar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai 600036, India
| | - T Saiyed
- Discovery Innovation Accelerator, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru 560065, India
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8
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Henslee EA. Review: Dielectrophoresis in cell characterization. Electrophoresis 2020; 41:1915-1930. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.202000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Henslee
- Department of Engineering Wake Forest University 455 Vine St. Winston‐Salem USA
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9
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Zagzag Y, Soddu MF, Hollingsworth AD, Grier DG. Holographic molecular binding assays. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1932. [PMID: 32029807 PMCID: PMC7005168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate that holographic particle characterization can directly detect binding of proteins to functionalized colloidal probe particles by monitoring the associated change in the particles' size. This label-free molecular binding assay uses in-line holographic video microscopy to measure the diameter and refractive index of individual probe spheres as they flow down a microfluidic channel. Pooling measurements on 104 particles yields the population-average diameter with an uncertainty smaller than 0.5 nm, which is sufficient to detect sub-monolayer coverage by bound proteins. We demonstrate this method by monitoring binding of NeutrAvidin to biotinylated spheres and binding of immunoglobulin G to spheres functionalized with protein A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Zagzag
- Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - M Francesca Soddu
- Department of Physics, City College of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Andrew D Hollingsworth
- Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - David G Grier
- Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
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10
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Ten-Second Electrophysiology: Evaluation of the 3DEP Platform for high-speed, high-accuracy cell analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19153. [PMID: 31844107 PMCID: PMC6915758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical correlates of the physiological state of a cell, such as membrane conductance and capacitance, as well as cytoplasm conductivity, contain vital information about cellular function, ion transport across the membrane, and propagation of electrical signals. They are, however, difficult to measure; gold-standard techniques are typically unable to measure more than a few cells per day, making widespread adoption difficult and limiting statistical reproducibility. We have developed a dielectrophoretic platform using a disposable 3D electrode geometry that accurately (r2 > 0.99) measures mean electrical properties of populations of ~20,000 cells, by taking parallel ensemble measurements of cells at 20 frequencies up to 45 MHz, in (typically) ten seconds. This allows acquisition of ultra-high-resolution (100-point) DEP spectra in under two minutes. Data acquired from a wide range of cells – from platelets to large cardiac cells - benchmark well with patch-clamp-data. These advantages are collectively demonstrated in a longitudinal (same-animal) study of rapidly-changing phenomena such as ultradian (2–3 hour) rhythmicity in whole blood samples of the common vole (Microtus arvalis), taken from 10 µl tail-nick blood samples and avoiding sacrifice of the animal that is typically required in these studies.
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11
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Lechago S, García-Meca C, Sánchez-Losilla N, Griol A, Martí J. High signal-to-noise ratio ultra-compact lab-on-a-chip microflow cytometer enabled by silicon optical antennas. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:25645-25656. [PMID: 30469663 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.025645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally demonstrate an all-silicon nanoantenna-based micro-optofluidic cytometer showing a combination of high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) > 14 dB and ultra-compact size. Thanks to the ultra-high directivity of the antennas (>150), which enables a state-of-the-art sub-micron resolution, we are able to avoid the use of the bulky devices typically employed to collimate light on chip (such as lenses or fibers). The nm-scale antenna cross section allows a dramatic reduction of the optical system footprint, from the mm-scale of previous approaches to a few µm2, yielding a notable reduction in the fabrication costs. This scheme paves the way to ultra-compact lab-on-a-chip devices that may enable new applications with potential impact on all branches of biological and health science.
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12
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Chiriacò MS, Bianco M, Nigro A, Primiceri E, Ferrara F, Romano A, Quattrini A, Furlan R, Arima V, Maruccio G. Lab-on-Chip for Exosomes and Microvesicles Detection and Characterization. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:E3175. [PMID: 30241303 PMCID: PMC6210978 DOI: 10.3390/s18103175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interest in extracellular vesicles and in particular microvesicles and exosomes, which are constitutively produced by cells, is on the rise for their huge potential as biomarkers in a high number of disorders and pathologies as they are considered as carriers of information among cells, as well as being responsible for the spreading of diseases. Current methods of analysis of microvesicles and exosomes do not fulfill the requirements for their in-depth investigation and the complete exploitation of their diagnostic and prognostic value. Lab-on-chip methods have the potential and capabilities to bridge this gap and the technology is mature enough to provide all the necessary steps for a completely automated analysis of extracellular vesicles in body fluids. In this paper we provide an overview of the biological role of extracellular vesicles, standard biochemical methods of analysis and their limits, and a survey of lab-on-chip methods that are able to meet the needs of a deeper exploitation of these biological entities to drive their use in common clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Bianco
- CNR NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Nigro
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Ferrara
- CNR NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
- STMicroelectronics, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Romano
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Arima
- CNR NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Maruccio
- CNR NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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Abstract
This critical review summarizes the developments in the integration of micro-optical elements with microfluidic platforms for facilitating detection and automation of bio-analytical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
- Chinese Academy of Science
- 518055 Shenzhen
- China
| | - Martin A. M. Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- 1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
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14
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15
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Hybrid Microfluidic Platform for Multifactorial Analysis Based on Electrical Impedance, Refractometry, Optical Absorption and Fluorescence. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7100181. [PMID: 30404355 PMCID: PMC6190102 DOI: 10.3390/mi7100181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a novel microfluidic platform for multifactorial analysis integrating four label-free detection methods: electrical impedance, refractometry, optical absorption and fluorescence. We present the rationale for the design and the details of the microfabrication of this multifactorial hybrid microfluidic chip. The structure of the platform consists of a three-dimensionally patterned polydimethylsiloxane top part attached to a bottom SU-8 epoxy-based negative photoresist part, where microelectrodes and optical fibers are incorporated to enable impedance and optical analysis. As a proof of concept, the chip functions have been tested and explored, enabling a diversity of applications: (i) impedance-based identification of the size of micro beads, as well as counting and distinguishing of erythrocytes by their volume or membrane properties; (ii) simultaneous determination of the refractive index and optical absorption properties of solutions; and (iii) fluorescence-based bead counting.
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Yan CS, Wang YN. Multi-parameter analysis using photovoltaic cell-based optofluidic cytometer. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 7:3585-3595. [PMID: 27699122 PMCID: PMC5030034 DOI: 10.1364/boe.7.003585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A multi-parameter optofluidic cytometer based on two low-cost commercial photovoltaic cells and an avalanche photodetector is proposed. The optofluidic cytometer is fabricated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and is capable of detecting side scattered (SSC), extinction (EXT) and fluorescence (FL) signals simultaneously using a free-space light transmission technique without the need for on-chip optical waveguides. The feasibility of the proposed device is demonstrated by detecting fluorescent-labeled polystyrene beads with sizes of 3 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm, respectively, and label-free beads with a size of 7.26 μm. The detection experiments are performed using both single-bead population samples and mixed-bead population samples. The detection results obtained using the SSC/EXT, EXT/FL and SSC/FL signals are compared with those obtained using a commercial flow cytometer. It is shown that the optofluidic cytometer achieves a high detection accuracy for both single-bead population samples and mixed-bead population samples. Consequently, the proposed device provides a versatile, straightforward and low-cost solution for a wide variety of point-of-care (PoC) cytometry applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Shun Yan
- Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Nan Wang
- Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
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17
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Zhang Y, Watts BR, Guo T, Zhang Z, Xu C, Fang Q. Optofluidic Device Based Microflow Cytometers for Particle/Cell Detection: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7040070. [PMID: 30407441 PMCID: PMC6189758 DOI: 10.3390/mi7040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Optofluidic devices combining micro-optical and microfluidic components bring a host of new advantages to conventional microfluidic devices. Aspects, such as optical beam shaping, can be integrated on-chip and provide high-sensitivity and built-in optical alignment. Optofluidic microflow cytometers have been demonstrated in applications, such as point-of-care diagnostics, cellular immunophenotyping, rare cell analysis, genomics and analytical chemistry. Flow control, light guiding and collecting, data collection and data analysis are the four main techniques attributed to the performance of the optofluidic microflow cytometer. Each of the four areas is discussed in detail to show the basic principles and recent developments. 3D microfabrication techniques are discussed in their use to make these novel microfluidic devices, and the integration of the whole system takes advantage of the miniaturization of each sub-system. The combination of these different techniques is a spur to the development of microflow cytometers, and results show the performance of many types of microflow cytometers developed recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Benjamin R Watts
- ArtIC Photonics, 260 Terence Matthews Cres, Ottawa, ON K2M 2C7, Canada.
| | - Tianyi Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Information and Communication Technologies, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada.
| | - Changqing Xu
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Qiyin Fang
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
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18
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Xun W, Feng J, Chang H. A Microflow Cytometer Based on a Disposable Microfluidic Chip With Side Scatter and Fluorescence Detection Capability. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2015; 14:850-6. [DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2015.2455073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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19
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Microfluidic impedance flow cytometry enabling high-throughput single-cell electrical property characterization. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:9804-30. [PMID: 25938973 PMCID: PMC4463619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16059804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews recent developments in microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for high-throughput electrical property characterization of single cells. Four major perspectives of microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for single-cell characterization are included in this review: (1) early developments of microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for single-cell electrical property characterization; (2) microfluidic impedance flow cytometry with enhanced sensitivity; (3) microfluidic impedance and optical flow cytometry for single-cell analysis and (4) integrated point of care system based on microfluidic impedance flow cytometry. We examine the advantages and limitations of each technique and discuss future research opportunities from the perspectives of both technical innovation and clinical applications.
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20
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Classification of Cells with Membrane Staining and/or Fixation Based on Cellular Specific Membrane Capacitance and Cytoplasm Conductivity. MICROMACHINES 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/mi6020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Grenvall C, Antfolk C, Bisgaard CZ, Laurell T. Two-dimensional acoustic particle focusing enables sheathless chip Coulter counter with planar electrode configuration. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:4629-37. [PMID: 25300357 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00982g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The field of cytometry has grown in scope and importance ever since the early 20th century with leaps in technology introducing the Coulter counter and the flow cytometer. Cytometry methods have brought about a revolution for the medical and biotechnology industry by providing fast and accurate analysis of cell and particle suspensions. Recent developments in the field aim at improving current cytometers and to provide miniaturized low-cost cytometry systems for point-of-care clinical diagnostics or research. In an attempt to address the need for particle positioning which is important for both impedance and optically based cytometers we present a microfluidic system which precisely positions cells and particles, using acoustic forces and subsequently performs measurements using an integrated and simple planar electrode Coulter-type impedance cytometer without the need for sheath flows. Data is presented to show how the acoustic method improves the accuracy of the impedance cytometer when prefocusing is employed to particles and cells (diluted whole blood). Confocal imaging and simulations support the findings and provide the basis for further improvements. The acoustophoretic prefocusing technique opens a path towards small, low cost cytometers while also providing an easy way to improve current systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Grenvall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Sweden.
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22
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Tomaiuolo G. Biomechanical properties of red blood cells in health and disease towards microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:051501. [PMID: 25332724 PMCID: PMC4189537 DOI: 10.1063/1.4895755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) possess a unique capacity for undergoing cellular deformation to navigate across various human microcirculation vessels, enabling them to pass through capillaries that are smaller than their diameter and to carry out their role as gas carriers between blood and tissues. Since there is growing evidence that red blood cell deformability is impaired in some pathological conditions, measurement of RBC deformability has been the focus of numerous studies over the past decades. Nevertheless, reports on healthy and pathological RBCs are currently limited and, in many cases, are not expressed in terms of well-defined cell membrane parameters such as elasticity and viscosity. Hence, it is often difficult to integrate these results into the basic understanding of RBC behaviour, as well as into clinical applications. The aim of this review is to summarize currently available reports on RBC deformability and to highlight its association with various human diseases such as hereditary disorders (e.g., spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, ovalocytosis, and stomatocytosis), metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity), adenosine triphosphate-induced membrane changes, oxidative stress, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Microfluidic techniques have been identified as the key to develop state-of-the-art dynamic experimental models for elucidating the significance of RBC membrane alterations in pathological conditions and the role that such alterations play in the microvasculature flow dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Tomaiuolo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II , Piazzale Tecchio 80, Napoli 80125, Italy and CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate , Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, Napoli 80145, Italy
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23
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Spencer D, Elliott G, Morgan H. A sheath-less combined optical and impedance micro-cytometer. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:3064-73. [PMID: 24964908 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00224e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe a sheath-less micro-cytometer that measures four different parameters, namely fluorescence, large angle side scatter and dual frequency electrical impedance (electrical volume and opacity). The cytometer was benchmarked using both size and fluorescent bead standards and demonstrates excellent size accuracy (CVs ≤ 2.1%), sensitivity and dynamic range (3.5 orders of magnitude) at sample flow rates of 80 μL per minute. The cytometer was evaluated by analysing human blood, and a four part differential leukocyte assay for accurate CD4+ T-cell enumeration was demonstrated. The integration of impedance, fluorescence and side scatter into a single miniature cytometer platform provides the core information content of a classical cytometer in a highly compact, simple, portable and low cost format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Spencer
- Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK.
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24
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Zheng Y, Nguyen J, Wei Y, Sun Y. Recent advances in microfluidic techniques for single-cell biophysical characterization. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:2464-83. [PMID: 23681312 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50355k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical (mechanical and electrical) properties of living cells have been proven to play important roles in the regulation of various biological activities at the molecular and cellular level, and can serve as promising label-free markers of cells' physiological states. In the past two decades, a number of research tools have been developed for understanding the association between the biophysical property changes of biological cells and human diseases; however, technical challenges of realizing high-throughput, robust and easy-to-perform measurements on single-cell biophysical properties have yet to be solved. In this paper, we review emerging tools enabled by microfluidic technologies for single-cell biophysical characterization. Different techniques are compared. The technical details, advantages, and limitations of various microfluidic devices are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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25
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Zhao Y, Chen D, Luo Y, Li H, Deng B, Huang SB, Chiu TK, Wu MH, Long R, Hu H, Zhao X, Yue W, Wang J, Chen J. A microfluidic system for cell type classification based on cellular size-independent electrical properties. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:2272-2277. [PMID: 23640025 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc41361f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a microfluidic system enabling cell type classification based on continuous characterization of size-independent electrical properties (e.g., specific membrane capacitance (C(specific membrane)) and cytoplasm conductivity (σ(cytoplasm)). In this study, cells were aspirated continuously through a constriction channel, while cell elongation and impedance profiles at two frequencies (1 kHz and 100 kHz) were measured simultaneously. Based on a proposed distributed equivalent circuit model, 1 kHz impedance data were used to evaluate cellular sealing properties with constriction channel walls and 100 kHz impedance data were translated to C(specific membrane) and σ(cytoplasm). Two lung cancer cell lines of CRL-5803 cells (n(cell) = 489) and CCL-185 cells (n(cell) = 487) were used to evaluate this technique, producing a C(specific membrane) of 1.63 ± 0.52 μF cm(-2) vs. 2.00 ± 0.60 μF cm(-2), and σ(cytoplasm) of 0.90 ± 0.19 S m(-1)vs. 0.73 ± 0.17 S m(-1). Neural network-based pattern recognition was used to classify CRL-5803 and CCL-185 cells, producing success rates of 65.4% (C(specific membrane)), 71.4% (σ(cytoplasm)), and 74.4% (C(specific membrane) and σ(cytoplasm)), suggesting that these two tumor cell lines can be classified based on their electrical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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26
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Zhao Y, Chen D, Li H, Luo Y, Deng B, Huang SB, Chiu TK, Wu MH, Long R, Hu H, Wang J, Chen J. A microfluidic system enabling continuous characterization of specific membrane capacitance and cytoplasm conductivity of single cells in suspension. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 43:304-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2012.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Park S, Moon HS, Lee DS, Kim HC, Chun H. High-throughput on-chip leukemia diagnosis. Int J Lab Hematol 2013; 35:480-90. [PMID: 23414350 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Advances in lab-on-a-chip technologies enabled programmable, reconfigurable, and scalable manipulation of a variety of laboratory procedures. Samples, reagents, and fluids can be precisely controlled; buffer temperature, pH, and concentration control systems as well as a variety of detection systems can be integrated on a small chip. These advantages have attracted attention in various fields of clinical application including leukemia diagnosis and research. A lot of research on lab-on-a-chip based diagnosis has been reported and the field is rapidly expanding. This review describes recent developments of lab-on-a-chip technologies as solutions to challenges for high-throughput leukemia diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Park
- Interdisciplinary Program, Bioengineering Major, Graduate School, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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28
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Tsaloglou MN, Laouenan F, Loukas CM, Monsalve LG, Thanner C, Morgan H, Ruano-López JM, Mowlem MC. Real-time isothermal RNA amplification of toxic marine microalgae using preserved reagents on an integrated microfluidic platform. Analyst 2013; 138:593-602. [DOI: 10.1039/c2an36464f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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29
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Watts BR, Zhang Z, Xu CQ, Cao X, Lin M. Integration of optical components on-chip for scattering and fluorescence detection in an optofluidic device. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2012; 3:2784-93. [PMID: 23162718 PMCID: PMC3493222 DOI: 10.1364/boe.3.002784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
An optofluidic device is demonstrated with photonic components integrated onto the chip for use in fluorescence and scatter detection and counting applications. The device is fabricated by integrating the optical and fluidic components in a single functional layer. Optical excitation on-chip is accomplished via a waveguide integrated with a system of lenses that reforms the geometry of the beam in the microfluidic channel into a specific shape that is more suitable for reliable detection. Separate counting tests by detecting fluorescence and scattered signals from 2.5 and 6.0 μm beads were performed and found to show detection reliability comparable to that of conventional means of excitation and an improvement over other microchip-based designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Watts
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
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30
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Wu TF, Mei Z, Lo YH. Optofluidic device for label-free cell classification from whole blood. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:3791-7. [PMID: 22875178 PMCID: PMC3472004 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40560a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrated a unique optofluidic lab-on-a-chip device that can measure optically encoded forward scattering signals. From the design of the spatial pattern, we can measure the position and velocity of each cell in the flow and generate a 2-D cell distribution plot over the cross section of the channel. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the cell distribution is highly sensitive to its size and stiffness. The latter is an important biomarker for cell classification and our method offers a simple and unequivocal method to classify cells by their size and stiffness. We have proved the concept using live and fixed HeLa cells. Due to the stiffness and size difference of neutrophils compared to other types of white blood cells, we have demonstrated detection of neutrophils from other blood cells. Finally, we have performed the test using 5 μL of human blood. In a greatly simplified blood preparation process, skipping the usual steps of anticoagulation, centrifuge, antibody labelling or staining, filtering, etc., we have demonstrated that our device and detection principle can count neutrophils in whole human blood. Our system is compact, inexpensive and simple to fabricate and operate, having a commodity laser diode and a Si PIN photoreceiver as the main pieces of hardware. Although the results are still preliminary, the studies indicate that this optofluidic device holds promise to be a point-of-care and home care device to measure neutrophil concentration, which is the key indicator of the immune functions for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Feng Wu
- Materials Science Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0418, USA.
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