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Quantitative study for control of air–liquid segmented flow in a 3D-printed chip using a vacuum-driven system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8986. [PMID: 35643726 PMCID: PMC9148305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of droplets or bubbles in a microfluidic system is a significant topic requiring device miniaturization and a small volume of samples. Especially, a two-phase segmented flow can be applied to micro-mixing for chemical reactions and the treatment of heat and mass transfer. In this study, a flow of liquid slugs and bubbles was generated in a 3D-printed chip and controlled by a single pump creating a vacuum at the outlet. The pump and chip device were integrated to form a simple and portable system. The size and flow rate of liquid slugs, obtained through image processing techniques, were analyzed considering several parameters related to hydraulic resistance and pressure drop. In addition, the effect of segmentation on mixing was observed by measuring the intensity change using two different colored inks. The hydraulic resistance of air and liquid flows can be controlled by changing the tube length of air flow and the viscosity of liquid flow. Because the total pressure drop along the channel was produced using a single pump at the outlet of the channel, the size and flow rate of the liquid slugs showed a near linear relation depending on the hydraulic resistances. In contrast, as the total pressure varied with the flow rate of the pump, the size of the liquid slugs showed a nonlinear trend. This indicates that the frequency of the liquid slug formation induced by the squeezed bubble may be affected by several forces during the development of the liquid slugs and bubbles. In addition, each volume of liquid slug segmented by the air is within the range of 10–1 to 2 µL for this microfluidic system. The segmentation contributes to mixing efficiency based on the increased homogeneity factor of liquid. This study provides a new insight to better understand the liquid slug or droplet formation and predict the segmented flow based on the relationship between the resistance, flow rate, and pressure drop.
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2
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Xu L, Wang A, Li X, Oh KW. Passive micropumping in microfluidics for point-of-care testing. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:031503. [PMID: 32509049 PMCID: PMC7263483 DOI: 10.1063/5.0002169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Suitable micropumping methods for flow control represent a major technical hurdle in the development of microfluidic systems for point-of-care testing (POCT). Passive micropumping for point-of-care microfluidic systems provides a promising solution to such challenges, in particular, passive micropumping based on capillary force and air transfer based on the air solubility and air permeability of specific materials. There have been numerous developments and applications of micropumping techniques that are relevant to the use in POCT. Compared with active pumping methods such as syringe pumps or pressure pumps, where the flow rate can be well-tuned independent of the design of the microfluidic devices or the property of the liquids, most passive micropumping methods still suffer flow-control problems. For example, the flow rate may be set once the device has been made, and the properties of liquids may affect the flow rate. However, the advantages of passive micropumping, which include simplicity, ease of use, and low cost, make it the best choice for POCT. Here, we present a systematic review of different types of passive micropumping that are suitable for POCT, alongside existing applications based on passive micropumping. Future trends in passive micropumping are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Xu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic
Sciences, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of California San
Francisco, 1700 4th Street, Byers Hall 304, San Francisco, California
94158, USA
| | - Anyang Wang
- SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab),
Department of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New
York, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
| | - Xiangpeng Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic
Sciences, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of California San
Francisco, 1700 4th Street, Byers Hall 304, San Francisco, California
94158, USA
| | - Kwang W. Oh
- SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab),
Department of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New
York, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
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3
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Park J, Han DH, Park JK. Towards practical sample preparation in point-of-care testing: user-friendly microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1191-1203. [PMID: 32119024 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00047g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies offer a number of advantages for sample preparation in point-of-care testing (POCT), but the requirement for complicated external pumping systems limits their wide use. To facilitate sample preparation in POCT, various methods have been developed to operate microfluidic devices without complicated external pumping systems. In this review, we introduce an overview of user-friendly microfluidic devices for practical sample preparation in POCT, including self- and hand-operated microfluidic devices. Self-operated microfluidic devices exploit capillary force, vacuum-driven pressure, or gas-generating chemical reactions to apply pressure into microchannels, and hand-operated microfluidic devices utilize human power sources using simple equipment, including a syringe, pipette, or simply by using finger actuation. Furthermore, this review provides future perspectives to realize user-friendly integrated microfluidic circuits for wider applications with the integration of simple microfluidic valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhwan Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Shi B, Li Y, Wu D, Wu W. A handheld continuous-flow real-time fluorescence qPCR system with a PVC microreactor. Analyst 2020; 145:2767-2773. [PMID: 32095799 DOI: 10.1039/c9an01894h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has unique advantages of sensitivity, specificity and rapidity in pathogen detection, which makes it at the forefront of academia and application in molecular biology diagnosis. In this study, we proposed a hand-held real-time fluorescence qPCR system, which can be used for the quantitative analysis of nucleic acid molecules. For the first time, we use a PVC microreactor which improved the transmittance of the microreactor and made it easy to collect the fluorescence signal. In order to make it portable, the system adopted a passive syringe for sample injection and integrated temperature control and detection with a lithium battery for power supply. What's more, the fluorescence signal was captured by using a smartphone through an external automatic robotic arm. This real-time qPCR system can detect genomic DNA of the H7N9 avian influenza over four orders of magnitude of concentration from 107 to 104 copies per μL. In addition, it was verified that the fluorescence images obtained by this system were clearer than those obtained by a traditional system (using a PTFE spatial PCR microreactor) with two typical dyes and a probe tested-EvaGreen, SYBR Green and FAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuanming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China.
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5
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A New Self-Activated Micropumping Mechanism Capable of Continuous-Flow and Real-Time PCR Amplification Inside 3D Spiral Microreactor. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10100685. [PMID: 31614591 PMCID: PMC6843785 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A self-activated micropump which is capable of stable velocity transport for a liquid to flow a given distance inside a 3D microchannel has been a dream of microfluidic scientists for a long time. A new self-activated pumping mechanism has been proposed in this paper. It is different from the authors’ previous research which relied on the fluid resistance of a quartz capillary tube or end-blocked gas-permeable silicone or a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) wall to automate the flow. In this research, an end-open stretched Teflon tube was utilized for passive transport for the first time. A new fluid transmission mode was adopted with the assistance of a cheaper easily accessible oil mixture to achieve stable continuous flow. Finally, this novel micropump has been applied to real-time continuous-flow polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), with an amplification efficiency similar to that of a commercial PCR cycler instrument.
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6
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Wu D, Shi B, Li B, Wu W. A Novel Self-Activated Mechanism for Stable Liquid Transportation Capable of Continuous-Flow and Real-time Microfluidic PCRs. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E350. [PMID: 31141967 PMCID: PMC6630683 DOI: 10.3390/mi10060350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The self-activated micropump capable of velocity-stable transport for both single-phased plug and double-phased droplet through long flow distance inside 3D microchannel is one dream of microfluidic scientists. While several types of passive micropumps have been developed based on different actuation mechanisms, until today, it is still one bottleneck to realize such a satisfied self-activated micropump for the stable delivery of both single and double-phased liquid inside long microchannel (e.g., several meters), due to the lack of innovative mechanism in previous methods. To solve this problem, in this article, we propose a new self-activated pumping mechanism. Herein, an end-opened gas-impermeable quartz capillary is utilized for passive transport. Mechanism of this micropump is systemically studied by both the mathematical modeling and the experimental verifications. Based on the flow assays, it totally confirmed a different pumping principle in this paper, as compared with our previous works. The R2 value of the overall flow rates inside the 3D microchannel is confirmed as high as 0.999, which is much more homogeneous than other passive pumping formats. Finally, this novel micropump is applied to continuous-flow real-time PCRs (both plug-type and microdroplet-type), with the amplification efficiency reaching 91.5% of the commercial PCR cycler instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bing Shi
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenming Wu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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7
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Wu D, Wu W. Battery Powered Portable Thermal Cycler for Continuous-Flow Polymerase Chain Reaction Diagnosis by Single Thermostatic Thermoelectric Cooler and Open-Loop Controller. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19071609. [PMID: 30987195 PMCID: PMC6479314 DOI: 10.3390/s19071609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Temperature control is the most important and fundamental part of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To date, there have been several methods to realize the periodic heating and cooling of the thermal-cycler system for continuous-flow PCR reactions, and three of them were widely used: the thermo-cycled thermoelectric cooler (TEC), the heating block, and the thermostatic heater. In the present study, a new approach called open-loop controlled single thermostatic TEC was introduced to control the thermal cycle during the amplification process. Differing from the former three methods, the size of this microdevice is much smaller, especially when compared to the microdevice used in the heating block method. Furthermore, the rising and cooling speed of this method is much rapider than that in a traditional TEC cycler, and is nearly 20-30% faster than a single thermostatic heater. Thus, a portable PCR system was made without any external heat source, and only a Teflon tube-wrapped TEC chip was used to achieve the continuous-flow PCR reactions. This provides an efficient way to reduce the size of the system and simplify it. In addition, through further experiments, the microdevice is not only found to be capable of amplification of a PCR product from Human papillomavirus type 49 (Genbank ref: X74480.1) and Rubella virus (RUBV), but also enables clinical diagnostics, such as a test for hepatitis B virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Wenming Wu
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130000, China.
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8
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Jiang Y, Wu G, Li Y, Wu W. Diameter-definable tubing-microchips for applications in both continuous-flow and TEC-modulated on-chip qPCRs with reaction signal analyzed between different types of Teflon-polymers: PTFE and FEP. RSC Adv 2019; 9:2650-2656. [PMID: 35520483 PMCID: PMC9059869 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09773a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the tubing microfluidic system has attracted significant research interest because it waives complicated microfabrication machineries and bonding procedures during the manufacture of microchips; however, due to the limited dimensions in the market, the commercially available micro-tubes are generally fixed in diameters and are unmodifiable in radius; this makes it a challenge to obtain a randomly defined channel-dimension for a tubing microsystem. To solve this problem, herein, we proposed a novel and simple method to obtain a tubing-channel with gradually changed diameter. Both the tensile forces and spectrophotometric properties have been analyzed in this study for systemic characterization; as a proof-of-concept, the inner diameter (ID) of a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tube has been modified from 0.5 mm to 0.3 mm, and the FEP tube has been further applied to both the thermoelectric (TEC)-modulated on-chip polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and the continuous flow on-chip PCRs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an FEP tube with so small ID has been applied to on-chip qPCRs. Based on the comparison with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) regarding the fluorescence signal inside the tube, it can be verified that FEP has much better detection sensitivity than PTFE although these two materials are reckoned to be belonging to the same type of polymer family, generally referred to as Teflon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesChangchun130033China
| | - Guizhu Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University38 Tongyan RdTianjin 300350China
| | - Yuanming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesChangchun130033China
| | - Wenming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesChangchun130033China
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9
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Pham QN, Trinh KTL, Tran NKS, Park TS, Lee NY. Fabrication of 3D continuous-flow reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction microdevice integrated with on-chip fluorescence detection for semi-quantitative assessment of gene expression. Analyst 2018; 143:5692-5701. [PMID: 30318528 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01739e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) microdevice operated with minimal peripheral accessories, including a portable pump for semi-automated sample delivery and a single heater for temperature control, for performing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) integrated with a downstream fluorescence detection module for semi-quantitative assessment of gene expression. The microdevice was fabricated by wrapping a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube around a pre-designed polycarbonate mold to create a seamless microchannel for both the reverse transcription (RT) of RNA and the amplification of complementary DNA. In addition, a silicone tube, which underwent a two-step surface modification mediated by polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde coating, was connected at the outlet to capture amplicons downstream of the PTFE tube for on-site fluorescence detection. This fabrication method enabled continuous-flow RT-PCR (CF RT-PCR) using the 3D CF RT-PCR microdevice as a reactor, a single heater for the temperature control of both RT and PCR processes, and a disposable plastic syringe for semi-automated sample delivery. The microdevice was successfully implemented for the identification of the β-actin gene, a constitutively expressed gene in all cells, and the sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 gene, a potential pharmacological target gene in the diagnosis of cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. This portable integrated microdevice offers a potential approach towards preliminary studies of gene expression and identification of RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Nghia Pham
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Korea.
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10
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Li Y, Jiang Y, Wang K, Wu W. Passive Micropump for Highly Stable, Long-Termed, and Large Volume of Droplet Generation/Transport Inside 3D Microchannels Capable of Surfactant-Free and Droplet-Based Thermocycled Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reactions Based on a Single Thermostatic Heater. Anal Chem 2018; 90:11925-11932. [PMID: 30215252 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is still one key challenge for traditional passive micropumps (e.g., surface tension micropump, hydrostatic micropump, enzymatic micropump, degassed-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropump, etc.) to transport a large volume of two-phased fluid for a long period. Herein we propose a user-friendly and passive approach to realize the microdroplet generation by waiving expensive or complex equipment. The automation principle is systemically studied in this paper. It is affirmed that this micropump can continuously transport over 2000 μL of two-phased aqueous/oil microdroplets over a 4 m long 3D microchannel for 8 h. In addition, variations in flow rate are little within each hour-period, and the evaporation bubbles can be well suppressed under high temperature (95 °C). As a proof of this concept, the novel micropump is applied to droplet-based continuous flow real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), which only require several disposable syringes for oil/aqueous-phase storage, two 34 gauge needles for droplet generation, a Teflon tube for PCR amplification, and a single thermostatic heater for the thermal cycle. The results suggest this droplet generation method is acceptable for a house-made setup of microfluidic PCRs. Besides, the amplification efficiency of the droplet-based microcontinuous flow PCRs here is much higher than the plug-based microcontinuous flow PCRs in our previous work and reaches 91% of the commercial qPCR thermocycler for the target gene of Rubella virus (Rubv). Without expensive microfabrication instruments, this novel method is more accessible to nonprofessionals than previous reports and would extend the droplet-based applications to in-field and real-time analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics , Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun , 130033 Jilin China
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics , Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun , 130033 Jilin China
| | - Kangning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics , Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun , 130033 Jilin China
| | - Wenming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics , Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun , 130033 Jilin China.,State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems , Fudan University , Shanghai 200433 , China
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11
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Shi B, He G, Wu W. A PCR microreactor machinery with passive micropump and battery-powered heater for thermo-cycled amplifications of clinical-level and multiplexed DNA targets. Mikrochim Acta 2018; 185:467. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-018-3007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Lee NY. A review on microscale polymerase chain reaction based methods in molecular diagnosis, and future prospects for the fabrication of fully integrated portable biomedical devices. Mikrochim Acta 2018; 185:285. [PMID: 29736588 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-018-2791-9] [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: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of microfabrication technology and soft lithography, the lab-on-a-chip concept has emerged as a state-of-the-art miniaturized tool for conducting the multiple functions associated with micro total analyses of nucleic acids, in series, in a seamless manner with a miniscule volume of sample. The enhanced surface-to-volume ratio inside a microchannel enables fast reactions owing to increased heat dissipation, allowing rapid amplification. For this reason, PCR has been one of the first applications to be miniaturized in a portable format. However, the nature of the basic working principle for microscale PCR, such as the complicated temperature controls and use of a thermal cycler, has hindered its total integration with other components into a micro total analyses systems (μTAS). This review (with 179 references) surveys the diverse forms of PCR microdevices constructed on the basis of different working principles and evaluates their performances. The first two main sections cover the state-of-the-art in chamber-type PCR microdevices and in continuous-flow PCR microdevices. Methods are then discussed that lead to microdevices with upstream sample purification and downstream detection schemes, with a particular focus on rapid on-site detection of foodborne pathogens. Next, the potential for miniaturizing and automating heaters and pumps is examined. The review concludes with sections on aspects of complete functional integration in conjunction with nanomaterial based sensing, a discussion on future prospects, and with conclusions. Graphical abstract In recent years, thermocycler-based PCR systems have been miniaturized to palm-sized, disposable polymer platforms. In addition, operational accessories such as heaters and mechanical pumps have been simplified to realize semi-automatted stand-alone portable biomedical diagnostic microdevices that are directly applicable in the field. This review summarizes the progress made and the current state of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, South Korea.
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13
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Wu W. A pressure-driven gas-diffusion/permeation micropump for self-activated sample transport in an extreme micro-environment. Analyst 2018; 143:4819-4835. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an01120f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The pressure-driven gas-diffusion/permeation micropump is highlighted for stable microdroplet/liquid delivery under extreme conditions,e.g.high temperature, and a three-dimensional, long-distance and complex-topology microchannel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
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14
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Jiang Y, Du L, Li Y, Mu Q, Cui Z, Zhou J, Wu W. A novel mechanism for user-friendly and self-activated microdroplet generation capable of programmable control. Analyst 2018; 143:3798-3807. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an00035b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The real-time continuous-flow PCR inside a 3D spiral microchannel is realized by a novel self-activated microdroplet generation/transport mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
| | - Lin Du
- State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Yuanming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
| | - Quanquan Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
| | - Zhongxu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of ASIC and Systems
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Wenming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics
- Changchun Institute of Optics
- Fine Mechanics and Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Changchun
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15
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A portable microreactor with minimal accessories for polymerase chain reaction: application to the determination of foodborne pathogens. Mikrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-017-2451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Trinh KTL, Wu W, Lee NY. Fabrication of a 3D Teflon microdevice for energy free homogeneous liquid flow inside a long microchannel and its application to continuous-flow PCR. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra28765d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3D spiral PTFE microdevice was fabricated for performing continuous-flow PCR using a single heater and via semi-automated sample injection method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieu The Loan Trinh
- Department of BioNano Technology
- College of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
| | - Wenming Wu
- Department of BioNano Technology
- College of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology
- College of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
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17
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Han K, Yoon YJ, Shin Y, Park MK. Self-powered switch-controlled nucleic acid extraction system. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:132-141. [PMID: 26562630 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00891c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies have played a great role in revolutionizing the way in vitro medical diagnostics are conducted and transforming bulky and expensive laboratory instruments and labour-intensive tests into easy to use, cost-effective miniaturized systems with faster analysis time, which can be used for near-patient or point-of-care (POC) tests. Fluidic pumps and valves are among the key components for LOC systems; however, they often require on-line electrical power or batteries and make the whole system bulky and complex, therefore limiting its application to POC testing especially in low-resource setting. This is particularly problematic for molecular diagnostics where multi-step sample processing (e.g. lysing, washing, elution) is necessary. In this work, we have developed a self-powered switch-controlled nucleic acid extraction system (SSNES). The main components of SSNES are a powerless vacuum actuator using two disposable syringes and a switchgear made of PMMA blocks and an O-ring. In the vacuum actuator, an opened syringe and a blocked syringe are bound together and act as a working syringe and an actuating syringe, respectively. The negative pressure in the opened syringe is generated by a restoring force of the compressed air inside the blocked syringe and utilized as the vacuum source. The Venus symbol shape of the switchgear provides multiple functions including being a reagent reservoir, a push-button for the vacuum actuator, and an on-off valve. The SSNES consists of three sets of vacuum actuators, switchgears and microfluidic components. The entire system can be easily fabricated and is fully disposable. We have successfully demonstrated DNA extraction from a urine sample using a dimethyl adipimidate (DMA)-based extraction method and the performance of the DNA extraction has been confirmed by genetic (HRAS) analysis of DNA biomarkers from the extracted DNAs using the SSNES. Therefore, the SSNES can be widely used as a powerless and disposable system for DNA extraction and the syringe-based vacuum actuator would be easily utilized for diverse applications with various microchannels as a powerless fluidic pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsup Han
- Institute of Microelectronics, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, 117685, Singapore. and School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Yong-Jin Yoon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Yong Shin
- Institute of Microelectronics, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, 117685, Singapore. and Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Mi Kyoung Park
- Institute of Microelectronics, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, 117685, Singapore.
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Wu W, Guijt RM, Silina YE, Koch M, Manz A. Plant leaves as templates for soft lithography. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra25890a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex microvascular venation patterns of natural leaves are replicated into PDMS replicas, which allows for a leakage-tight seal with a flat substrate despite the surface topography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- Mechatronics Department
- University of Saarland
- Germany
- KIST Europe GmbH
- Saarbrücken
| | - Rosanne M. Guijt
- School of Medicine and ACROSS
- University of Tasmania
- Hobart
- Australia
| | | | - Marcus Koch
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials
- Saarbrücken
- Germany
| | - Andreas Manz
- Mechatronics Department
- University of Saarland
- Germany
- KIST Europe GmbH
- Saarbrücken
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19
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Xu L, Lee H, Jetta D, Oh KW. Vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics utilizing the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:3962-79. [PMID: 26329518 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00716j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Suitable pumping methods for flow control remain a major technical hurdle in the path of biomedical microfluidic systems for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. A vacuum-driven power-free micropumping method provides a promising solution to such a challenge. In this review, we focus on vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics based on the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); degassed PDMS can restore air inside itself due to its high gas solubility or gas permeable nature. PDMS allows the transfer of air into a vacuum through it due to its high gas permeability. Therefore, it is possible to store or transfer air into or through the gas soluble or permeable PDMS in order to withdraw liquids into the embedded dead-end microfluidic channels. This article provides a comprehensive look at the physics of the gas solubility and permeability of PDMS, a systematic review of different types of vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics, and guidelines for designing solubility-based or permeability-based PDMS devices, alongside existing applications. Advanced topics and the outlook in using micropumping that utilizes the gas solubility or permeability of PDMS will be also discussed. We strongly recommend that microfluidics and lab-on-chip (LOC) communities harness vacuum energy to develop smart vacuum-driven microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Xu
- SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Laboratory), Department of Electrical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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Wu W, Wu J, Kim JH, Lee NY. Instantaneous room temperature bonding of a wide range of non-silicon substrates with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer mediated by a mercaptosilane. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2819-25. [PMID: 26014886 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00285k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper introduces an instantaneous and robust strategy for bonding a variety of non-silicon substrates such as thermoplastics, metals, an alloy, and ceramics to poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) irreversibly, mediated by one-step chemical modification using a mercaptosilane at room temperature followed by corona treatment to realize heterogeneous assembly also at room temperature. The mercapto functional group is one of the strongest nucleophiles, and it can instantaneously react with electrophiles of substrates, resulting in an alkoxysilane-terminated substrate at room temperature. In this way, prior oxidation of the substrate is dispensed with, and the alkoxysilane-terminated substrate can be readily oxidized and irreversibly bonded with oxidized PDMS at room temperature. A commercially available Tesla coil was used for surface oxidation, replacing a bulky and expensive plasma generator. Surface characterization was conducted by water contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. A total of fifteen non-silicon substrates including polycarbonate (PC), two types of poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyimide (PI), two types of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), brass, alumina (Al2O3), and zirconia (ZrO2) were bonded successfully with PDMS using this method, and the bond strengths of PDMS-PMMA, PDMS-PC, PDMS-PVC, PDMS-PET, PDMS-Al, and PDMS-Cu assemblies were measured to be approximately 335.9, 511.4, 467.3, 476.4, 282.2, and 236.7 kPa, respectively. The overall processes including surface modification followed by surface oxidation using corona treatment for bonding were realized within 12 to 17 min for most of the substrates tested except for ceramics which required 1 h for the bonding. In addition, large area (10 × 10 cm(2)) bonding was also successfully realized, ensuring the high reliability and stability of the introduced method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 461-701, Korea.
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Wu W, Manz A. Rapid manufacture of modifiable 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) microstructures for capillary force-driven fluidic velocity control. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra13407b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
2.5D multilevel microchannel as thin as 500 μm is fabricated through multi-layer-tape lithography. Capillary force-driven flow velocity increases from 0.03 μL s−1 to 0.39 μL s−1 as multilevel microchannel height increases from 100 μm to 400 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- Mechatronics Department
- University of Saarland
- Saarbrücken
- Germany
- KIST Europe
| | - Andreas Manz
- Mechatronics Department
- University of Saarland
- Saarbrücken
- Germany
- KIST Europe
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22
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Wu W, Trinh KTL, Zhang Y, Yoon Lee N. Portable plastic syringe as a self-actuated pump for long-distance uniform delivery of liquid inside a microchannel and its application for flow-through polymerase chain reaction on chip. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra15473h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A strategy for realizing self-actuated pumping with uniform flow rate over a long distance is introduced using hands-on operation of disposable syringe, and was applied for on-chip flow-through PCR inside a serpentine PMMA microchannel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Kieu The Loan Trinh
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Republic of Korea
- Gil Medical Center
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Wu W, Trinh KTL, Lee NY. Flow-through polymerase chain reaction inside a seamless 3D helical microreactor fabricated utilizing a silicone tube and a paraffin mold. Analyst 2015; 140:1416-20. [DOI: 10.1039/c4an01675k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Seamless 3D helical silicone tube microreactors were fabricated for performing flow-through PCR employing a single hot plate and a portable micropump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wu
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
| | | | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
- Gachon Medical Research Institute
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Pressure-driven one-step solid phase-based on-chip sample preparation on a microfabricated plastic device and integration with flow-through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2013; 936:88-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wang YN, Tsai CH, Fu LM, Lin Liou LK. Microfluidic rectifier based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane and its application to a micropump. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:44118. [PMID: 24404051 PMCID: PMC3758359 DOI: 10.1063/1.4818905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A microfluidic rectifier incorporating an obstructed microchannel and a PDMS membrane is proposed. During forward flow, the membrane deflects in the upward direction; thereby allowing the fluid to pass over the obstacle. Conversely, during reverse flow, the membrane seals against the obstacle, thereby closing the channel and preventing flow. It is shown that the proposed device can operate over a wide pressure range by increasing or decreasing the membrane thickness as required. A microfluidic pump is realized by integrating the rectifier with a simple stepper motor mechanism. The experimental results show that the pump can achieve a vertical left height of more than 2 m. Moreover, it is shown that a maximum flow rate of 6.3 ml/min can be obtained given a membrane thickness of 200 μm and a motor velocity of 80 rpm. In other words, the proposed microfluidic rectifier not only provides an effective means of preventing reverse flow but also permits the realization of a highly efficient microfluidic pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Nan Wang
- Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiung Tsai
- Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Ming Fu
- Graduate Institute of Materials Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Kai Lin Liou
- Graduate Institute of Materials Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
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26
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Gong MM, Macdonald BD, Vu Nguyen T, Van Nguyen K, Sinton D. Field tested milliliter-scale blood filtration device for point-of-care applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:44111. [PMID: 24404044 PMCID: PMC3752026 DOI: 10.1063/1.4817792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a low cost and equipment-free blood filtration device capable of producing plasma from blood samples with mL-scale capacity and demonstrate its clinical application for hepatitis B diagnosis. We report the results of in-field testing of the device with 0.8-1 ml of undiluted, anticoagulated human whole blood samples from patients at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam. Blood cell counts demonstrate that the device is capable of filtering out 99.9% of red and 96.9% of white blood cells, and the plasma collected from the device contains lower red blood cell counts than plasma obtained from a centrifuge. Biochemistry and immunology testing establish the suitability of the device as a sample preparation unit for testing alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), urea, hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B "e" antibody (HBe Ab), and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs Ab). The device provides a simple and practical front-end sample processing method for point-of-care microfluidic diagnostics, enabling sufficient volumes for multiplexed downstream tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M Gong
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Brendan D Macdonald
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4, Canada
| | - Trung Vu Nguyen
- National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 78 Giai Phong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam ; Department of Microbiology, Hanoi Medical University, 1 Ton That Tung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam ; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, 1 Ton That Tung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Kinh Van Nguyen
- National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 78 Giai Phong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
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27
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Gong MM, Macdonald BD, Vu Nguyen T, Sinton D. Hand-powered microfluidics: A membrane pump with a patient-to-chip syringe interface. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2012; 6:44102. [PMID: 24143160 PMCID: PMC3487897 DOI: 10.1063/1.4762851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present an on-chip hand-powered membrane pump using a robust patient-to-chip syringe interface. This approach enables safe sample collection, sample containment, integrated sharps disposal, high sample volume capacity, and controlled downstream flow with no electrical power requirements. Sample is manually injected into the device via a syringe and needle. The membrane pump inflates upon injection and subsequently deflates, delivering fluid to downstream components in a controlled manner. The device is fabricated from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silicone, using CO2 laser micromachining, with a total material cost of ∼0.20 USD/device. We experimentally demonstrate pump performance for both deionized (DI) water and undiluted, anticoagulated mouse whole blood, and characterize the behavior with reference to a resistor-capacitor electrical circuit analogy. Downstream output of the membrane pump is regulated, and scaled, by connecting multiple pumps in parallel. In contrast to existing on-chip pumping mechanisms that typically have low volume capacity (∼5 μL) and sample volume throughput (∼1-10 μl/min), the membrane pump offers high volume capacity (up to 240 μl) and sample volume throughput (up to 125 μl/min).
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M Gong
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
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