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Li G, Xu C, Xu H, Gan L, Sun K, Yuan B. Tunable graphene oxide for the low-fouling electrochemical sensing of uric acid in human serum. Analyst 2023; 148:2553-2563. [PMID: 37157878 DOI: 10.1039/d3an00291h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have been reported to improve the selectivity of uric acid (UA) by eliminating the interference from other electroactive species that coexist in biological fluids. However, two main challenges associated with the nonenzymatic electrochemical detection of UA need to be overcome to achieve practical applications in biological samples. Those are the chemical fouling of electrodes caused by the oxidation product of UA and biofouling due to the non-specific absorption of biological macromolecules. It was found that the residual oxo-functional groups and defects on graphene played a crucial part in both electrocatalysis and anti-biofouling. Here, graphene oxide (GO) was tuned by electro-oxidation and electro-reduction and was investigated in antifouling and electrocatalytic performances for the electrochemical sensing of UA by using pristine GO, BSA bound GO, electro-reduction-treated GO and electro-oxidation-treated GO. The electro-oxidation-treated GO was explored in electrochemical sensing for the first time and exhibited the highest sensitivity and low fouling properties. Holey GO might be formed on the electrode surface by the electrochemical oxidation method in a mild and green solution without the use of an acid. The different electrode interfaces as well as the interaction with BSA were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemistry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Chunying Xu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Hui Xu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Green Energy Materials and Battery Cascade Utilization, School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huzhou College, Huzhou, 313000, P.R. China
| | - Liju Gan
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Kai Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, P. R. China
| | - Baiqing Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
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Characterization of Nanoparticle Adsorption on Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Microchannels. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21061978. [PMID: 33799754 PMCID: PMC7998103 DOI: 10.3390/s21061978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in various medicinal applications. Exosomes, bio-derived NPs, are promising biomarkers obtained through separation and concentration from body fluids. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microchannels are well-suited for precise handling of NPs, offering benefits such as high gas permeability and low cytotoxicity. However, the large specific surface area of NPs may result in nonspecific adsorption on the device substrate and thus cause sample loss. Therefore, an understanding of NP adsorption on microchannels is important for the operation of microfluidic devices used for NP handling. Herein, we characterized NP adsorption on PDMS-based substrates and microchannels by atomic force microscopy to correlate NP adsorptivity with the electrostatic interactions associated with NP and dispersion medium properties. When polystyrene NP dispersions were introduced into PDMS-based microchannels at a constant flow rate, the number of adsorbed NPs decreased with decreasing NP and microchannel zeta potentials (i.e., with increasing pH), which suggested that the electrostatic interaction between the microchannel and NPs enhanced their repulsion. When exosome dispersions were introduced into PDMS-based microchannels with different wettabilities at constant flow rates, exosome adsorption was dominated by electrostatic interactions. The findings obtained should facilitate the preconcentration, separation, and sensing of NPs by PDMS-based microfluidic devices.
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Zhai J, Li H, Wong AHH, Dong C, Yi S, Jia Y, Mak PI, Deng CX, Martins RP. A digital microfluidic system with 3D microstructures for single-cell culture. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:6. [PMID: 34567621 PMCID: PMC8433300 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-019-0109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the precise controllability of droplet samples in digital microfluidic (DMF) systems, their capability in isolating single cells for long-time culture is still limited: typically, only a few cells can be captured on an electrode. Although fabricating small-sized hydrophilic micropatches on an electrode aids single-cell capture, the actuation voltage for droplet transportation has to be significantly raised, resulting in a shorter lifetime for the DMF chip and a larger risk of damaging the cells. In this work, a DMF system with 3D microstructures engineered on-chip is proposed to form semi-closed micro-wells for efficient single-cell isolation and long-time culture. Our optimum results showed that approximately 20% of the micro-wells over a 30 × 30 array were occupied by isolated single cells. In addition, low-evaporation-temperature oil and surfactant aided the system in achieving a low droplet actuation voltage of 36V, which was 4 times lower than the typical 150 V, minimizing the potential damage to the cells in the droplets and to the DMF chip. To exemplify the technological advances, drug sensitivity tests were run in our DMF system to investigate the cell response of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and breast normal cells (MCF-10A) to a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, Cisplatin (Cis). The results on-chip were consistent with those screened in conventional 96-well plates. This novel, simple and robust single-cell trapping method has great potential in biological research at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhai
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haoran Li
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Science and Technology-ECE, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ada Hang-Heng Wong
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Cheng Dong
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shuhong Yi
- Liver Transplantation Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwei Jia
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Science and Technology-ECE, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Pui-In Mak
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Science and Technology-ECE, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Rui P. Martins
- State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Faculty of Science and Technology-ECE, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- on leave from Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Liao Y, Zhou X, Fu Y, Xing D. Graphene Oxide as a Bifunctional Material toward Superior RNA Protection and Extraction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:30227-30234. [PMID: 30129746 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that graphene oxide (GO), a planar nanomaterial, is endowed with the capacity to immobilize short ssRNA via π-π stacking, thus enhancing its stability. However, whether large RNA molecules, such as total RNA, extracted from biological tissues can be protected using GO has not been investigated. It is usually believed that the protection of total RNA by GO is not effective because the lengths of total RNA, which range from a few to thousands of bases, are inclined to undergo desorption due to their complicated structure. Herein, the nanobiological effects of total RNA/GO are first investigated and demonstrate that the total RNA can be harbored on the surface of GO, thus resulting in a shield effect. This shield effect allows total RNA to highly resist RNase degradation and maintain RNA stability at room temperature up to 4 days, enabling the discovery of GO as the potential next-generation RNase nanoinhibitor. Furthermore, GO can be conjugated to nanomagnetic beads, defined as magnetic graphene oxide, enabling the rapid purification and protection of RNA from animal cells and tissues, whole blood, bacteria, and plant tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics , South China Normal University , Guangzhou 510631 , China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics , South China Normal University , Guangzhou 510631 , China
| | - Yu Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics , South China Normal University , Guangzhou 510631 , China
| | - Da Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics , South China Normal University , Guangzhou 510631 , China
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Zheng P, Wu N. Fluorescence and Sensing Applications of Graphene Oxide and Graphene Quantum Dots: A Review. Chem Asian J 2017; 12:2343-2353. [PMID: 28742956 PMCID: PMC5915373 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201700814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots are attractive fluorophores that are inexpensive, nontoxic, photostable, water-soluble, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. They find extensive applications in fluorescent biosensors and chemosensors, in which they serve as either fluorophores or quenchers. As fluorophores, they display tunable photoluminescence emission and the "giant red-edge effect". As quenchers, they exhibit a remarkable quenching efficiency through either electron transfer or Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. In this review, the origin of fluorescence and the mechanism of excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence of graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots are discussed. Sensor design strategies based on graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots are presented. The applications of these sensors in health care, the environment, agriculture, and food safety are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zheng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, PO Box 6106, Morgantown, WV 26506 (USA)
| | - Nianqiang Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, PO Box 6106, Morgantown, WV 26506 (USA)
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Latip EA, Coudron L, McDonnell MB, Johnston ID, McCluskey DK, Day R, Tracey MC. Protein droplet actuation on superhydrophobic surfaces: a new approach toward anti-biofouling electrowetting systems. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra10920b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-biofouling behaviour of an electrowetting device using off-the-shelf superhydrophobic materials is demonstrated through protein adsorption measurement and protein-laden droplet actuation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Coudron
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - M. B. McDonnell
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
- Dstl Porton Down
- Salisbury
| | - I. D. Johnston
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - D. K. McCluskey
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - R. Day
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
| | - M. C. Tracey
- School of Engineering and Technology
- University of Hertfordshire
- UK
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Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a droplet-based liquid-handling technology that has recently become popular for cell culture and analysis. In DMF, picoliter- to microliter-sized droplets are manipulated on a planar surface using electric fields, thus enabling software-reconfigurable operations on individual droplets, such as move, merge, split, and dispense from reservoirs. Using this technique, multistep cell-based processes can be carried out using simple and compact instrumentation, making DMF an attractive platform for eventual integration into routine biology workflows. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art in DMF cell culture, and describe design considerations, types of DMF cell culture, and cell-based applications of DMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonsus H C Ng
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Bingyu Betty Li
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - M Dean Chamberlain
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; .,The Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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Freire SLS, Thorne N, Wutkowski M, Dao S. Taking advantage of reduced droplet-surface interaction to optimize transport of bioanalytes in digital microfluidics. J Vis Exp 2014:e52091. [PMID: 25407533 DOI: 10.3791/52091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF), a technique for manipulation of droplets, is a promising alternative for the development of "lab-on-a-chip" platforms. Often, droplet motion relies on the wetting of a surface, directly associated with the application of an electric field; surface interactions, however, make motion dependent on droplet contents, limiting the breadth of applications of the technique. Some alternatives have been presented to minimize this dependence. However, they rely on the addition of extra chemical species to the droplet or its surroundings, which could potentially interact with droplet moieties. Addressing this challenge, our group recently developed Field-DW devices to allow the transport of cells and proteins in DMF, without extra additives. Here, the protocol for device fabrication and operation is provided, including the electronic interface for motion control. We also continue the studies with the devices, showing that multicellular, relatively large, model organisms can also be transported, arguably unaffected by the electric fields required for device operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio L S Freire
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences;
| | - Nathaniel Thorne
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
| | - Michael Wutkowski
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
| | - Selina Dao
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences
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Lapierre F, Coffinier Y, Boukherroub R, Thomy V. Electro-(de)wetting on superhydrophobic surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:13346-13351. [PMID: 24088024 DOI: 10.1021/la4026848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Usually, electrowetting on superhydrophobic surfaces (EWOSS) is generated by application of an alternating current signal and often leads to droplet impalement into the structuration. To avoid this phenomenon, superhydrophobic surfaces must show robustness to high pressure. Otherwise, an external energy has to be applied to dewet the droplet from the structuration. We present, in this article, an original approach to actuate liquid droplets via a modulated EWOSS signal (MEWOSS). This technique allows the dewetting of the droplet due to periodic vibrations induced by the electrowetting actuation. In that case, it is possible to investigate a larger range of superhydrophobic surfaces under EWOSS without droplet impalement. Three different superhydrophobic surfaces, showing different degrees of impalement under EWOSS, are investigated and compared using this MEWOSS technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lapierre
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN), UMR CNRS 8520, University Lille1 , F-59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Freire SLS, Tanner B. Additive-free digital microfluidics. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:9024-30. [PMID: 23758672 DOI: 10.1021/la401616j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics, a technique for manipulation of droplets, is becoming increasingly important for the development of miniaturized platforms for laboratory processes. Despite the enthusiasm, droplet motion is frequently hindered by the desorption of proteins or other analytes to surfaces. Current approaches to minimize this unwanted surface fouling involve the addition of extra species to the droplet or its surroundings, which might be problematic depending on the droplet content. Here, a new strategy is introduced to move droplets containing cells and other analytes on solid substrates, without extra moieties; in particular, droplets with bovine serum albumin could be moved at a concentration 2000 times higher than previously reported (without additives). This capability is achieved by using a soot-based superamphiphobic surface combined with a new device geometry, which favors droplet rolling. Contrasting with electrowetting, wetting forces are not required for droplet motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio L S Freire
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.
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Jebrail MJ, Assem N, Mudrik JM, Dryden MD, Lin K, Yudin AK, Wheeler AR. Combinatorial Synthesis of Peptidomimetics Using Digital Microfluidics. J Flow Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1556/jfc-d-12-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Jebrail MJ, Bartsch MS, Patel KD. Digital microfluidics: a versatile tool for applications in chemistry, biology and medicine. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:2452-63. [PMID: 22699371 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40318h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) has recently emerged as a popular technology for a wide range of applications. In DMF, nanoliter to microliter droplets containing samples and reagents can be manipulated to carry out a range of discrete fluidic operations simply by applying a series of electrical potentials to an array of patterned electrodes coated with a hydrophobic insulator. DMF is distinct from microchannel-based fluidics as it allows for precise control over multiple reagent phases (liquids and solids) in heterogeneous systems with no need for complex networks of connections, microvalves, or pumps. In this review, we discuss the most recent developments in this technology with particular attention to the potential benefits and outstanding challenges for applications in chemistry, biology, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mais J Jebrail
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
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