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Shebindu A, Kaveti D, Umutoni L, Kirk G, Burton MD, Jones CN. A Programmable Microfluidic Platform to Monitor Calcium Dynamics in Microglia during Inflammation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3750595. [PMID: 38234790 PMCID: PMC10793498 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3750595/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Calcium dynamics significantly influence microglial cell immune responses, regulating activation, migration, phagocytosis, and cytokine release. Understanding microglial calcium signaling is vital for insights into central nervous system immune responses and their impact on neuroinflammation. We introduce a calcium monitoring micro-total analysis system (CAM-μTAS) for quantifying calcium dynamics in microglia (BV2 cells) within defined cytokine microenvironments. The CAM-μTAS leverages the high efficiency pumping capabilities of programmable pneumatically actuated lifting gate microvalve arrays and the flow blocking capabilities of the Quake valve to deliver a cytokine treatment to microglia through a concentration gradient, therefore, biomimicking microglia response to neuroinflammation. Lifting gate microvalves precisely transfer a calcium indicator and culture medium to microglia cells, while the Quake valve controls the cytokine gradient. In addition, a method is presented for the fabrication of the device to incorporate the two valve systems. By automating the sample handling and cell culture using the lifting gate valves, we could perform media changes in 1.5 seconds. BV2 calcium transient latency to peak reveals location-dependent microglia activation based on cytokine and ATP gradients, contrasting non-gradient-based widely used perfusion systems. This device streamlines cell culture and quantitative calcium analysis, addressing limitations of existing perfusion systems in terms of sample size, setup time, and biomimicry. By harnessing advancements in microsystem technology to quantify calcium dynamics, we can construct simplified human models of neurological disorders, unravel the intricate mechanisms of cell-cell signaling, and conduct robust evaluations of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shebindu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390
| | - Durga Kaveti
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Linda Umutoni
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Gia Kirk
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Michael D. Burton
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Caroline N. Jones
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390
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2
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Estlack Z, Golozar M, Butterworth AL, Mathies RA, Kim J. Operation of a programmable microfluidic organic analyzer under microgravity conditions simulating space flight environments. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:41. [PMID: 37286631 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A programmable microfluidic organic analyzer was developed for detecting life signatures beyond Earth and clinical monitoring of astronaut health. Extensive environmental tests, including various gravitational environments, are required to confirm the functionality of this analyzer and advance its overall Technology Readiness Level. This work examines how the programmable microfluidic analyzer performed under simulated Lunar, Martian, zero, and hypergravity conditions during a parabolic flight. We confirmed that the functionality of the programmable microfluidic analyzer was minimally affected by the significant changes in the gravitational field, thus paving the way for its use in a variety of space mission opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Estlack
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Matin Golozar
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group and Chemistry Department, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Anna L Butterworth
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Richard A Mathies
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group and Chemistry Department, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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3
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Kincses A, Vigh JP, Petrovszki D, Valkai S, Kocsis AE, Walter FR, Lin HY, Jan JS, Deli MA, Dér A. The Use of Sensors in Blood-Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip Devices: Current Practice and Future Directions. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13030357. [PMID: 36979569 PMCID: PMC10046513 DOI: 10.3390/bios13030357] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The application of lab-on-a-chip technologies in in vitro cell culturing swiftly resulted in improved models of human organs compared to static culture insert-based ones. These chip devices provide controlled cell culture environments to mimic physiological functions and properties. Models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) especially profited from this advanced technological approach. The BBB represents the tightest endothelial barrier within the vasculature with high electric resistance and low passive permeability, providing a controlled interface between the circulation and the brain. The multi-cell type dynamic BBB-on-chip models are in demand in several fields as alternatives to expensive animal studies or static culture inserts methods. Their combination with integrated biosensors provides real-time and noninvasive monitoring of the integrity of the BBB and of the presence and concentration of agents contributing to the physiological and metabolic functions and pathologies. In this review, we describe built-in sensors to characterize BBB models via quasi-direct current and electrical impedance measurements, as well as the different types of biosensors for the detection of metabolites, drugs, or toxic agents. We also give an outlook on the future of the field, with potential combinations of existing methods and possible improvements of current techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Kincses
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
| | - Judit P. Vigh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Petrovszki
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valkai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
| | - Anna E. Kocsis
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
| | - Fruzsina R. Walter
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
| | - Hung-Yin Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan;
| | - Jeng-Shiung Jan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
| | - András Dér
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.K.); (J.P.V.); (D.P.); (S.V.); (A.E.K.); (F.R.W.)
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Das M, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Postnatal developmental expression of apelin receptor proteins and its role in juvenile mice testis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 224:106178. [PMID: 36108814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The expression of apelin system has been shown in the adult testis of rat and mice. It has also been emphasized that regulation of testicular activity in early stages is important to sustain normal testicular activity in adulthood. Since the expression of apelin receptor (APJ) has been shown in the adult testis, moreover, developmental expression of APJ and its role has not been explored yet. Thus, we have examined the testicular expression of APJ during postnatal stages with special reference to proliferation, apoptosis and hormone secretion in early postnatal stage. Postnatal analysis showed that circulating apelin was lowest at PND1 and maximum at PND42. Among testosterone, estrogen and androstenedione, only circulating testosterone showed a gradual increase from PND1 to PND42. Testicular expression of APJ was also developmenatly regulated from PND1 to PND42, revealing a positive correlation with circulating apelin, testosterone, and androstenedione. Immunohistochemical study showed that APJ was mainly confined to Leydig cells of early postnatal stages, whereas, seminiferous tubules at PND42 showed immunostaining in the round spermatids. APJ inhibition from PND14-PND20 by ML221 suppressed the testicular proliferation, increased apoptosis and increased estrogen secretion. However, expression of AR was down-regulated by ML221 treatment. Furthermore, ML221 decreased the abundance of p-Akt. In vitro study also showed that APJ antagonist, ML221 decreased AR expression. These results suggests that apelin signaling during early developmental stages might be required to stimulate the germ cell proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. Both in vivo and in vitro study have shown that expression of AR was regulated by apelin signaling. Since the first wave spermatogenesis involves proliferation and apoptosis, therefore, further study would be required to unravel the exact mechanism of apelin mediated regulation of testicular activity during early postnatal stages. In conclusion, the present results are an indicative of apelin mediated signaling during early postnatal stage for regulation of germ cell proliferation, apoptosis and AR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milirani Das
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India.
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Estlack Z, Compton B, Razu ME, Kim J. A simple and reliable microfabrication process for a programmable microvalve array. MethodsX 2022; 9:101860. [PMID: 36187155 PMCID: PMC9519606 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe our reliable methodology for fabricating a complex programmable microvalve array (PMA) and its integration with a glass microcapillary electrophoresis chip. This methodology is applicable to any device that requires multilayered PDMS, multiple alignment processes, selective PDMS bonding, and multilayered integration with downstream sensing systems. Along with the detailed step-by-step process, we discuss essential quality assurance checks that can be performed throughout fabrication to assist in troubleshooting and maximizing chip yield.•Comprehensive instructions for designing and fabricating a programmable microvalve array.•Selective bonding of PDMS and glass by microcontact printing.•Numerous quality control procedures to boost chip yield.
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Yiannacou K, Sharma V, Sariola V. Programmable Droplet Microfluidics Based on Machine Learning and Acoustic Manipulation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:11557-11564. [PMID: 36099548 PMCID: PMC9520974 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Typical microfluidic devices are application-specific and have to be carefully designed to implement the necessary functionalities for the targeted application. Programmable microfluidic chips try to overcome this by offering reconfigurable functionalities, allowing the same chip to be used in multiple different applications. In this work, we demonstrate a programmable microfluidic chip for the two-dimensional manipulation of droplets, based on ultrasonic bulk acoustic waves and a closed-loop machine-learning-based control algorithm. The algorithm has no prior knowledge of the acoustic fields but learns to control the droplets on the fly. The manipulation is based on switching the frequency of a single ultrasonic transducer. Using this method, we demonstrate 2D transportation and merging of water droplets in oil and oil droplets in water, and we performed the chemistry that underlies the basis of a colorimetric glucose assay. We show that we can manipulate drops with volumes ranging from ∼200 pL up to ∼30 nL with our setup. We also demonstrate that our method is robust, by changing the system parameters and showing that the machine learning algorithm can still complete the manipulation tasks. In short, our method uses ultrasonics to flexibly manipulate droplets, enabling programmable droplet microfluidic devices.
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Van Volkenburg T, Benzing JS, Craft KL, Ohiri K, Kilhefner A, Irons K, Bradburne C. Microfluidic Chromatography for Enhanced Amino Acid Detection at Ocean Worlds. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:1116-1128. [PMID: 35984944 PMCID: PMC9508454 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing interest in the detection of biogenic signatures, such as amino acids, on icy moons and bodies within our solar system has led to the development of compact in situ instruments. Given the expected dilute biosignatures and high salinities of these extreme environments, purification of icy samples before analysis enables increased detection sensitivity. Herein, we outline a novel compact cation exchange method to desalinate proteinogenic amino acids in solution, independent of the type and concentration of salts in the sample. Using a modular microfluidic device, initial experiments explored operational limits of binding capacity with phenylalanine and three model cations, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. Phenylalanine recovery (94-17%) with reduced conductivity (30-200 times) was seen at high salt-to-amino-acid ratios between 25:1 and 500:1. Later experiments tested competition between mixtures of 17 amino acids and other chemistries present in a terrestrial ocean sample. Recoveries ranged from 11% to 85% depending on side chain chemistry and cation competition, with concentration shown for select high affinity amino acids. This work outlines a nondestructive amino acid purification device capable of coupling to multiple downstream analytical techniques for improved characterization of icy samples at remote ocean worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathleen L. Craft
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Korine Ohiri
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley Kilhefner
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen Irons
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Microvalve array fabrication using selective PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) bonding through Perfluorooctyl-trichlorosilane passivation for long-term space exploration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12398. [PMID: 35858972 PMCID: PMC9300634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16574-9] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve the versatility and robustness of microfluidic analytical devices for space exploration, a programmable microfluidic array (PMA) has been implemented to support a variety of missions. When designing a PMA, normally closed valves are advantageous to avoid cross contamination and leaking. However, a stable fabrication method is required to prevent these valves from sticking and bonding over time. This work presents how polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be bonded selectively using chemical passivation to overcome PDMS sticking issue during long-term space exploration. First, on a PDMS stamp, the vaporized perfluorooctyl-trichlorosilane (PFTCS) are deposited under − 80 kPa and 150 °C conditions. The PFTCS was then transferred onto PDMS or glass substrates by controlling temperature and time and 15 min at 150 °C provides the optimal PFTCS transfer for selective bonding. With these characterized parameters, we successfully demonstrated the fabrication of PMA to support long-term space missions. To estimate the stability of the stamped PFTCS, a PMA has been tested regularly for three years and no stiction or performance alteration was observed. A flight test has been done with a Cessaroni L1395 rocket for high g-force and vibration test and there is no difference on PMA performance after exposure of launch and landing conditions. This work shows promise as a simple and robust technique that will expand the stability and capability of PMA for space exploration.
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Cao J, Chande C, Köhler JM. Microtoxicology by microfluidic instrumentation: a review. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2600-2623. [PMID: 35678285 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00268j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microtoxicology is concerned with the toxic effects of small amounts of substances. This review paper discusses the application of small amounts of noxious substances for toxicological investigation in small volumes. The vigorous development of miniaturized methods in microfluidics over the last two decades involves chip-based devices, micro droplet-based procedures, and the use of micro-segmented flow for microtoxicological studies. The studies have shown that the microfluidic approach is particularly valuable for highly parallelized and combinatorial dose-response screenings. Accurate dosing and mixing of effector substances in large numbers of microcompartments supplies detailed data of dose-response functions by highly concentration-resolved assays and allows evaluation of stochastic responses in case of small separated cell ensembles and single cell experiments. The investigations demonstrate that very different biological targets can be studied using miniaturized approaches, among them bacteria, eukaryotic microorganisms, cell cultures from tissues of multicellular organisms, stem cells, and early embryonic states. Cultivation and effector exposure tests can be performed in small volumes over weeks and months, confirming that the microfluicial strategy is also applicable for slow-growing organisms. Here, the state of the art of miniaturized toxicology, particularly for studying antibiotic susceptibility, drug toxicity testing in the miniaturized system like organ-on-chip, environmental toxicology, and the characterization of combinatorial effects by two and multi-dimensional screenings, is discussed. Additionally, this review points out the practical limitations of the microtoxicology platform and discusses perspectives on future opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialan Cao
- Techn. Univ. Ilmenau, Dept. Phys. Chem. and Microreaction Technology, Institute for Micro- und Nanotechnologies/Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau, Germany.
| | - Charmi Chande
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA
| | - J Michael Köhler
- Techn. Univ. Ilmenau, Dept. Phys. Chem. and Microreaction Technology, Institute for Micro- und Nanotechnologies/Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau, Germany.
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A pneumatic random-access memory for controlling soft robots. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254524. [PMID: 34270580 PMCID: PMC8284813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumatically-actuated soft robots have advantages over traditional rigid robots in many applications. In particular, their flexible bodies and gentle air-powered movements make them more suitable for use around humans and other objects that could be injured or damaged by traditional robots. However, existing systems for controlling soft robots currently require dedicated electromechanical hardware (usually solenoid valves) to maintain the actuation state (expanded or contracted) of each independent actuator. When combined with power, computation, and sensing components, this control hardware adds considerable cost, size, and power demands to the robot, thereby limiting the feasibility of soft robots in many important application areas. In this work, we introduce a pneumatic memory that uses air (not electricity) to set and maintain the states of large numbers of soft robotic actuators without dedicated electromechanical hardware. These pneumatic logic circuits use normally-closed microfluidic valves as transistor-like elements; this enables our circuits to support more complex computational functions than those built from normally-open valves. We demonstrate an eight-bit nonvolatile random-access pneumatic memory (RAM) that can maintain the states of multiple actuators, control both individual actuators and multiple actuators simultaneously using a pneumatic version of time division multiplexing (TDM), and set actuators to any intermediate position using a pneumatic version of analog-to-digital conversion. We perform proof-of-concept experimental testing of our pneumatic RAM by using it to control soft robotic hands playing individual notes, chords, and songs on a piano keyboard. By dramatically reducing the amount of hardware required to control multiple independent actuators in pneumatic soft robots, our pneumatic RAM can accelerate the spread of soft robotic technologies to a wide range of important application areas.
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Sesen M, Rowlands CJ. Thermally-actuated microfluidic membrane valve for point-of-care applications. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:48. [PMID: 34567761 PMCID: PMC8433387 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has enabled low volume biochemistry reactions to be carried out at the point-of-care. A key component in microfluidics is the microfluidic valve. Microfluidic valves are not only useful for directing flow at intersections but also allow mixtures/dilutions to be tuned real-time and even provide peristaltic pumping capabilities. In the transition from chip-in-a-lab to lab-on-a-chip, it is essential to ensure that microfluidic valves are designed to require less peripheral equipment and that they are transportable. In this paper, a thermally-actuated microfluidic valve is presented. The valve itself is fabricated with off-the-shelf components without the need for sophisticated cleanroom techniques. It is shown that multiple valves can be controlled and operated via a power supply and an Arduino microcontroller; an important step towards transportable microfluidic devices capable of carrying out analytical assays at the point-of-care. It is been calculated that a single actuator costs less than $1, this highlights the potential of the presented valve for scaling out. The valve operation is demonstrated by adjusting the ratio of a water/dye mixture in a continuous flow microfluidic chip with Y-junction channel geometry. The power required to operate one microfluidic valve has been characterised both theoretically and experimentally. Cyclical operation of the valve has been demonstrated for 65 h with 585 actuations. The presented valve is capable of actuating rectangular microfluidic channels of 500 μm × 50 μm with an expected temperature increase of up to 5 °C. The fastest actuation times achieved were 2 s for valve closing (heating) and 9 s for valve opening (cooling).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhsincan Sesen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
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Shebindu A, Somaweera H, Estlack Z, Kim J, Kim J. A fully integrated isotachophoresis with a programmable microfluidic platform. Talanta 2021; 225:122039. [PMID: 33592763 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.122039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Conventional isotachophoresis (ITP) can be used for pre-concentration of a single analyte, but preconcentration of multiple analytes is time consuming due to handling and washing steps required for the extensive buffer optimization procedure. In this work, we present a programmable microfluidic platform (PMP) to demonstrate fully automated optimization of ITP of multiple analytes. By interfacing a PMP with ITP, buffer selection and repetitive ITP procedures were automated. Using lifting-gate microvalve technology, a PMP consisting of a two-dimensional microvalve array was designed and fabricated for seamless integration with an ITP chip. The microvalve array was used for basic liquid manipulation such as metering, mixing, selecting, delivering, and washing procedures to prime and run ITP. Initially, the performances of the PMP and ITP channel were validated individually by estimating volume per pumping cycle and preconcentrating Alexa Fluor 594 with appropriate trailing (TE) and leading (LE) buffers, respectively. After confirming basic functions, autonomous ITP was demonstrated using multiple analytes (Pacific blue, Alexa Fluor 594, and Alexa Fluor 488). The optimal buffer combination was was determined by performing multiple ITP runs with three different TEs (borate, HEPES, and phosphate buffers) and three different concentrations of Tris-HCl for the LE. We found that 40 mM borate and 100 mM Tris-HCl successfully preconcentrated all analytes during a single ITP run. The integrated PMP-ITP system can simplify overall buffer selection and validation procedures for various biological and chemical target samples. Furthermore, by incorporating analytical tools that interconnect with the PMP, it can provide high sample concentrations to aid in downstream analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shebindu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Himali Somaweera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Zachary Estlack
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | | | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Schuster B, Junkin M, Kashaf SS, Romero-Calvo I, Kirby K, Matthews J, Weber CR, Rzhetsky A, White KP, Tay S. Automated microfluidic platform for dynamic and combinatorial drug screening of tumor organoids. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5271. [PMID: 33077832 PMCID: PMC7573629 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technologies, such as organoids, are physiologically relevant models for basic and clinical applications. Automated microfluidics offers advantages in high-throughput and precision analysis of cells but is not yet compatible with organoids. Here, we present an automated, high-throughput, microfluidic 3D organoid culture and analysis system to facilitate preclinical research and personalized therapies. Our system provides combinatorial and dynamic drug treatments to hundreds of cultures and enables real-time analysis of organoids. We validate our system by performing individual, combinatorial, and sequential drug screens on human-derived pancreatic tumor organoids. We observe significant differences in the response of individual patient-based organoids to drug treatments and find that temporally-modified drug treatments can be more effective than constant-dose monotherapy or combination therapy in vitro. This integrated platform advances organoids models to screen and mirror real patient treatment courses with potential to facilitate treatment decisions for personalized therapy. The use of organoids in personalized medicine is promising but high throughput platforms are needed. Here the authors develop an automated, high-throughput, microfluidic 3D organoid culture system that allows combinatorial and dynamic drug treatments and real-time analysis of organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Schuster
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Michael Junkin
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sara Saheb Kashaf
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Isabel Romero-Calvo
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kori Kirby
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jonathan Matthews
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Christopher R Weber
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Andrey Rzhetsky
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kevin P White
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Tempus Labs, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
| | - Savaş Tay
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. .,Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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14
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Morbioli GG, Speller NC, Stockton AM. A practical guide to rapid-prototyping of PDMS-based microfluidic devices: A tutorial. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1135:150-174. [PMID: 33070852 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Micro total analytical systems (μTAS) are attractive to multiple fields that include chemistry, medicine and engineering due to their portability, low power usage, potential for automation, and low sample and reagent consumption, which in turn results in low waste generation. The development of fully-functional μTAS is an iterative process, based on the design, fabrication and testing of multiple prototype microdevices. Typically, microfabrication protocols require a week or more of highly-skilled personnel time in high-maintenance cleanroom facilities, which makes this iterative process cost-prohibitive in many locations worldwide. Rapid-prototyping tools, in conjunction with the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), enable rapid development of microfluidic structures at lower costs, circumventing these issues in conventional microfabrication techniques. Multiple rapid-prototyping methods to fabricate PDMS-based microfluidic devices have been demonstrated in literature since the advent of soft-lithography in 1998; each method has its unique advantages and drawbacks. Here, we present a tutorial discussing current rapid-prototyping techniques to fabricate PDMS-based microdevices, including soft-lithography, print-and-peel and scaffolding techniques, among other methods, specifically comparing resolution of the features, fabrication processes and associated costs for each technique. We also present thoughts and insights towards each step of the iterative microfabrication process, from design to testing, to improve the development of fully-functional PDMS-based microfluidic devices at faster rates and lower costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Colby Speller
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Amanda M Stockton
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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15
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Akbaridoust F, de Silva CM, Szydzik C, Mitchell A, Marusic I, Nesbitt WS. Experimental fluid dynamics characterization of a novel micropump-mixer. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:044116. [PMID: 32849975 PMCID: PMC7442494 DOI: 10.1063/5.0012240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The application of lab-on-a-chip systems to biomedical engineering and medical biology is rapidly growing. Reciprocating micropumps show significant promise as automated bio-fluid handling systems and as active reagent-to-sample mixers. Here, we describe a thorough fluid dynamic analysis of an active micro-pump-mixer designed for applications of preclinical blood analysis and clinical diagnostics in hematology. Using high-speed flow visualization and micro-particle image velocimetry measurements, a parametric study is performed to investigate the fluid dynamics of six discrete modes of micropump operation. With this approach, we identify an actuation regime that results in optimal sample flow rates while concomitantly maximizing reagent-to-sample mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. M. de Silva
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - C. Szydzik
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - A. Mitchell
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - I. Marusic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - W. S. Nesbitt
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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16
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Krenkova J, Dusa F, Cmelik R. Comparison of oligosaccharide labeling employing reductive amination and hydrazone formation chemistries. Electrophoresis 2020; 41:684-690. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Krenkova
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Brno Czech Republic
| | - Filip Dusa
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Brno Czech Republic
| | - Richard Cmelik
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Brno Czech Republic
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ding
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philip D. Howes
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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18
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Kim JA, Hong S, Rhee WJ. Microfluidic three-dimensional cell culture of stem cells for high-throughput analysis. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:803-816. [PMID: 31693013 PMCID: PMC6828593 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i10.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the recent advances in stem cell engineering have gained a great deal of attention due to their high potential in clinical research, the applicability of stem cells for preclinical screening in the drug discovery process is still challenging due to difficulties in controlling the stem cell microenvironment and the limited availability of high-throughput systems. Recently, researchers have been actively developing and evaluating three-dimensional (3D) cell culture-based platforms using microfluidic technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip and organoid-on-a-chip platforms, and they have achieved promising breakthroughs in stem cell engineering. In this review, we start with a comprehensive discussion on the importance of microfluidic 3D cell culture techniques in stem cell research and their technical strategies in the field of drug discovery. In a subsequent section, we discuss microfluidic 3D cell culture techniques for high-throughput analysis for use in stem cell research. In addition, some potential and practical applications of organ-on-a-chip or organoid-on-a-chip platforms using stem cells as drug screening and disease models are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Ah Kim
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, South Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
| | - Soohyun Hong
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, South Korea
- Program in Biomicro System Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Won Jong Rhee
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, South Korea
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, South Korea
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19
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Szydzik C, Brazilek RJ, Akbaridoust F, de Silva C, Moon M, Marusic I, Ooi ASH, Nandurkar HH, Hamilton JR, Mitchell A, Nesbitt WS. Active Micropump-Mixer for Rapid Antiplatelet Drug Screening in Whole Blood. Anal Chem 2019; 91:10830-10839. [PMID: 31343155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for scalable automated lab-on-chip systems incorporating precise hemodynamic control that can be applied to high-content screening of new more efficacious antiplatelet therapies. This paper reports on the development and characterization of a novel active micropump-mixer microfluidic to address this need. Using a novel reciprocating elastomeric micropump design, we take advantage of the flexible structural and actuation properties of this framework to manage the hemodynamics for on-chip platelet thrombosis assay on type 1 fibrillar collagen, using whole blood. By characterizing and harnessing the complex three-dimensional hemodynamics of the micropump operation in conjunction with a microvalve controlled reagent injection system we demonstrate that this prototype can act as a real-time assay of antiplatelet drug pharmacokinetics. In a proof-of-concept preclinical application, we utilize this system to investigate the way in which rapid dosing of human whole blood with isoform selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dose dependently modulate platelet thrombus dynamics. This modular system exhibits utility as an automated multiplexable assay system with applications to high-content chemical library screening of new antiplatelet therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin Szydzik
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia.,School of Engineering , RMIT University , 124 La Trobe Street , Melbourne , Victoria 3000 , Australia
| | - Rose J Brazilek
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia
| | - Farzan Akbaridoust
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , 124 La Trobe Street , Melbourne , Victoria 3000 , Australia.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Victoria 3010 , Australia
| | - Charitha de Silva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Victoria 3010 , Australia.,School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering , The University of New South Wales , Sydney , New South Wales 2052 , Australia
| | - Mitchell Moon
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia
| | - Ivan Marusic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Victoria 3010 , Australia
| | - Andrew S H Ooi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Victoria 3010 , Australia
| | - Harshal H Nandurkar
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia
| | - Justin R Hamilton
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia
| | - Arnan Mitchell
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , 124 La Trobe Street , Melbourne , Victoria 3000 , Australia
| | - Warwick S Nesbitt
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , 99 Commercial Road , Melbourne , Victoria 3004 , Australia.,School of Engineering , RMIT University , 124 La Trobe Street , Melbourne , Victoria 3000 , Australia
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20
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Wang C, Zhao S, Zhao X, Chen L, Tian Z, Chen X, Qin S. A novel wide-range microfluidic dilution device for drug screening. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:024105. [PMID: 30931077 PMCID: PMC6430636 DOI: 10.1063/1.5085865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic dilution chip is a crucial approach to perform gradient dilution of experimental samples in many biological investigations. In this study, we developed two serial wide-range dilution chips with dilution rates of 1:1 and 1:4 on the basis of the microfluidic oscillator by designing a series chamber, which was similar to a series circuit. The size of this chamber was adjusted and mixed with the neighboring air chamber to form dilution rates by oscillatory methods. We applied this microfluidic oscillator to estimate cellular kinetics and perform an acute oxidative stress test on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in order to further validate their effectiveness. We estimated the kinetic parameters of β-galactosidase, the biocatalyst responsible for the hydrolysis of lactose, and found out that K m was 602 ± 73 μM and k cat was 72 ± 12/s. In addition, our result of the study on acute oxidative stress of C. elegans using this novel chip was consistent with the result using 96-well plates. Overall, we believe that this novel chip can be applied to enzymatic reaction kinetics to evaluate accurately drug screening in bio-nematode models such as C. elegans. In summary, we have provided a novel microfluidic dilution chip that can form a wide range of sample concentration gradients. Our chip may facilitate drug screening, drug toxicology, and environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xianglong Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luan Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengan Tian
- Shanghai International Travel Medical Center, Shanghai 200335, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Shengying Qin
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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21
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Aksoy B, Besse N, Boom RJ, Hoogenberg BJ, Blom M, Shea H. Latchable microfluidic valve arrays based on shape memory polymer actuators. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:608-617. [PMID: 30662992 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01024b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We report arrays of latching microfluidic valves based on shape memory polymers (SMPs), and show their applications as reagent mixers and as peristaltic pumps. The valve design takes advantage of the SMP's multiple stable shapes and over a hundred-fold stiffness change with temperature to enable a) permanent zero-power latching in either open or closed positions (>15 h), as well as b) extended cyclic operation (>3000 cycles). The moving element in the valves consists of a tri-layer with a 50 μm thick central SMP layer, 25 μm thick patterned carbon-silicone (CB/PDMS) heaters underneath, and a 38 μm thick styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) impermeable film on top. Each valve of the array is individually addressable by synchronizing its integrated local Joule heating with a single external pressure supply. This architecture significantly reduces the device footprint and eliminates the need for multiplexing in microfluidic large scale integration (mLSI) systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekir Aksoy
- Soft Transducers Laboratory (LMTS), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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22
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Single-Layered Microfluidic Network-Based Combinatorial Dilution for Standard Simplex Lattice Design. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9100489. [PMID: 30424422 PMCID: PMC6215202 DOI: 10.3390/mi9100489] [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: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we presented a straightforward strategy to generate 15 combinations of three samples based on an experimental simplex lattice design using a single-layer microfluidic network. First, we investigated the performances of the plain structural and the groove structural combinatorial devices by computational simulation (CFD-ACE+). The simulated output concentrations were extremely close to the desirable values within an absolute error of less than 1%. Based on the simulated designs, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices were fabricated with soft lithography and tested with fluorescent dye (sodium salt). The mixing results for 15 combinations showed good performance, with an absolute error of less than 4%. We also investigated two liquid handling methods (bottom⁻up and top⁻down) for high-throughput screening and assay. The liquid-handling methods were successfully accomplished by adding the systematic structured groove sets on the mixing channels.
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23
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Cheng C, Nair AR, Thakur R, Fridman G. Normally closed plunger-membrane microvalve self-actuated electrically using a shape memory alloy wire. MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS 2018; 22:29. [PMID: 30555287 PMCID: PMC6291303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Various microfluidic architectures designed for in vivo and point-of-care diagnostic applications require larger channels, autonomous actuation, and portability. In this paper, we present a normally closed microvalve design capable of fully autonomous actuation for wide diameter microchannels (tens to hundreds of μm). We fabricated the multilayer plunger-membrane valve architecture using the silicone elastomer, poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and optimized it to reduce the force required to open the valve. A 50-μm Nitinol (NiTi) shape memory alloy wire is incorporated into the device and can operate the valve when actuated with 100-mA current delivered from a 3-V supply. We characterized the valve for its actuation kinetics using an electrochemical assay and tested its reliability at 1.5-s cycle duration for 1 million cycles during which we observed no operational degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojun Cheng
- Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Raviraj Thakur
- Otolaryngology HNS, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Gene Fridman
- Otolaryngology HNS, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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24
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Szydzik C, Gavela AF, Herranz S, Roccisano J, Knoerzer M, Thurgood P, Khoshmanesh K, Mitchell A, Lechuga LM. An automated optofluidic biosensor platform combining interferometric sensors and injection moulded microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:2793-2804. [PMID: 28682395 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00524e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A primary limitation preventing practical implementation of photonic biosensors within point-of-care platforms is their integration with fluidic automation subsystems. For most diagnostic applications, photonic biosensors require complex fluid handling protocols; this is especially prominent in the case of competitive immunoassays, commonly used for detection of low-concentration, low-molecular weight biomarkers. For this reason, complex automated microfluidic systems are needed to realise the full point-of-care potential of photonic biosensors. To fulfil this requirement, we propose an on-chip valve-based microfluidic automation module, capable of automating such complex fluid handling. This module is realised through application of a PDMS injection moulding fabrication technique, recently described in our previous work, which enables practical fabrication of normally closed pneumatically actuated elastomeric valves. In this work, these valves are configured to achieve multiplexed reagent addressing for an on-chip diaphragm pump, providing the sample and reagent processing capabilities required for automation of cyclic competitive immunoassays. Application of this technique simplifies fabrication and introduces the potential for mass production, bringing point-of-care integration of complex automated microfluidics into the realm of practicality. This module is integrated with a highly sensitive, label-free bimodal waveguide photonic biosensor, and is demonstrated in the context of a proof-of-concept biosensing assay, detecting the low-molecular weight antibiotic tetracycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Szydzik
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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25
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Jang LW, Razu ME, Jensen EC, Jiao H, Kim J. A fully automated microfluidic micellar electrokinetic chromatography analyzer for organic compound detection. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3558-3564. [PMID: 27507322 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00790b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An integrated microfluidic chemical analyzer utilizing micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) is developed using a pneumatically actuated Lifting-Gate microvalve array and a capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) chip. Each of the necessary liquid handling processes such as metering, mixing, transferring, and washing steps are performed autonomously by the microvalve array. In addition, a method is presented for automated washing of the high resistance CZE channel for device reuse and periodic automated in situ analyses. To demonstrate the functionality of this MEKC platform, amino acids and thiols are labeled and efficiently separated via a fully automated program. Reproducibility of the automated programs for sample labeling and periodic in situ MEKC analysis was tested and found to be equivalent to conventional sample processing techniques for capillary electrophoresis analysis. This platform enables simple, portable, and automated chemical compound analysis which can be used in challenging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Woon Jang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX79409, USA.
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26
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Silva R, Bhatia S, Densmore D. A reconfigurable continuous-flow fluidic routing fabric using a modular, scalable primitive. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:2730-2741. [PMID: 27345339 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00477f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices, by definition, are required to move liquids from one physical location to another. Given a finite and frequently fixed set of physical channels to route fluids, a primitive design element that allows reconfigurable routing of that fluid from any of n input ports to any n output ports will dramatically change the paradigms by which these chips are designed and applied. Furthermore, if these elements are "regular" regarding their design, the programming and fabrication of these elements becomes scalable. This paper presents such a design element called a transposer. We illustrate the design, fabrication and operation of a single transposer. We then scale this design to create a programmable fabric towards a general-purpose, reconfigurable microfluidic platform analogous to the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) found in digital electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Silva
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
| | - Swapnil Bhatia
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Boston University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, USA. and Biological Design Center, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, USA
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27
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High-throughput screening approaches and combinatorial development of biomaterials using microfluidics. Acta Biomater 2016; 34:1-20. [PMID: 26361719 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
From the first microfluidic devices used for analysis of single metabolic by-products to highly complex multicompartmental co-culture organ-on-chip platforms, efforts of many multidisciplinary teams around the world have been invested in overcoming the limitations of conventional research methods in the biomedical field. Close spatial and temporal control over fluids and physical parameters, integration of sensors for direct read-out as well as the possibility to increase throughput of screening through parallelization, multiplexing and automation are some of the advantages of microfluidic over conventional, 2D tissue culture in vitro systems. Moreover, small volumes and relatively small cell numbers used in experimental set-ups involving microfluidics, can potentially decrease research cost. On the other hand, these small volumes and numbers of cells also mean that many of the conventional molecular biology or biochemistry assays cannot be directly applied to experiments that are performed in microfluidic platforms. Development of different types of assays and evidence that such assays are indeed a suitable alternative to conventional ones is a step that needs to be taken in order to have microfluidics-based platforms fully adopted in biomedical research. In this review, rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the literature on microfluidics, we aim to discuss developments in the field of microfluidics that can aid advancement of biomedical research, with emphasis on the field of biomaterials. Three important topics will be discussed, being: screening, in particular high-throughput and combinatorial screening; mimicking of natural microenvironment ranging from 3D hydrogel-based cellular niches to organ-on-chip devices; and production of biomaterials with closely controlled properties. While important technical aspects of various platforms will be discussed, the focus is mainly on their applications, including the state-of-the-art, future perspectives and challenges. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Microfluidics, being a technology characterized by the engineered manipulation of fluids at the submillimeter scale, offers some interesting tools that can advance biomedical research and development. Screening platforms based on microfluidic technologies that allow high-throughput and combinatorial screening may lead to breakthrough discoveries not only in basic research but also relevant to clinical application. This is further strengthened by the fact that reliability of such screens may improve, since microfluidic systems allow close mimicking of physiological conditions. Finally, microfluidic systems are also very promising as micro factories of a new generation of natural or synthetic biomaterials and constructs, with finely controlled properties.
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28
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Kim J, Stockton AM, Jensen EC, Mathies RA. Pneumatically actuated microvalve circuits for programmable automation of chemical and biochemical analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:812-9. [PMID: 26864083 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01397f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Programmable microfluidic platforms (PMPs) are enabling significant advances in the utility of microfluidics for chemical and biochemical analysis. Traditional microfluidic devices are analogous to application-specific devices--a new device is needed to implement each new chemical or biochemical assay. PMPs are analogous to digital electronic processors--all that is needed to implement a new assay is a change in the order of operations conducted by the device. In this review, we introduce PMPs based on normally-closed microvalves. We discuss recent applications of PMPs in diverse fields including genetic analysis, antibody-based biomarker analysis, and chemical analysis in planetary exploration. Prospects, challenges, and future concepts for this emerging technology will also be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Amanda M Stockton
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | | | - Richard A Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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29
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Linshiz G, Jensen E, Stawski N, Bi C, Elsbree N, Jiao H, Kim J, Mathies R, Keasling JD, Hillson NJ. End-to-end automated microfluidic platform for synthetic biology: from design to functional analysis. J Biol Eng 2016; 10:3. [PMID: 26839585 PMCID: PMC4736182 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-016-0024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Synthetic biology aims to engineer biological systems for desired behaviors. The construction of these systems can be complex, often requiring genetic reprogramming, extensive de novo DNA synthesis, and functional screening. Results Herein, we present a programmable, multipurpose microfluidic platform and associated software and apply the platform to major steps of the synthetic biology research cycle: design, construction, testing, and analysis. We show the platform’s capabilities for multiple automated DNA assembly methods, including a new method for Isothermal Hierarchical DNA Construction, and for Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformation. The platform enables the automated control of cellular growth, gene expression induction, and proteogenic and metabolic output analysis. Conclusions Taken together, we demonstrate the microfluidic platform’s potential to provide end-to-end solutions for synthetic biology research, from design to functional analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13036-016-0024-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Linshiz
- Fuels Synthesis and Technologies Divisions, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA ; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; DNA Synthesis Science Program, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 USA
| | - Erik Jensen
- Chemistry Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; HJ Science & Technology Inc., Berkeley, CA 94710 USA
| | - Nina Stawski
- Fuels Synthesis and Technologies Divisions, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA ; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Changhao Bi
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; Present address: Tianjin Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Nick Elsbree
- Fuels Synthesis and Technologies Divisions, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA ; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Hong Jiao
- HJ Science & Technology Inc., Berkeley, CA 94710 USA
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Chemistry Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; Present address: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA
| | - Richard Mathies
- Chemistry Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Jay D Keasling
- Fuels Synthesis and Technologies Divisions, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA ; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Nathan J Hillson
- Fuels Synthesis and Technologies Divisions, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA ; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA ; DNA Synthesis Science Program, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 USA
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30
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Gao Y, Tian J, Wu J, Cao W, Zhou B, Shen R, Wen W. Digital microfluidic programmable stencil (dMPS) for protein and cell patterning. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra17633j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterning biomolecules and cells on substrates is usually a prerequisite for biological analysis and cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Gao
- Environmental Science Programs
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
- Department of Physics
| | - Jingxuan Tian
- Department of Physics
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
| | - Jinbo Wu
- Materials Genome Institute
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai 200444
- PR China
| | - Wenbin Cao
- Department of Physics
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
| | - Bingpu Zhou
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- University of Macau
- Taipa
- PR China
| | - Rong Shen
- Institute of Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing
- PR China
| | - Weijia Wen
- Environmental Science Programs
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
- Department of Physics
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31
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Tani M, Kawano R, Kamiya K, Okumura K. Towards combinatorial mixing devices without any pumps by open-capillary channels: fundamentals and applications. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10263. [PMID: 26103562 PMCID: PMC4477624 DOI: 10.1038/srep10263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In chemistry, biology, medical sciences and pharmaceutical industries, many reactions have to be checked by transporting and mixing expensive liquids. For such purposes, microfluidics systems consisting of closed channels with external pumps have been useful. However, the usage has been limited because of high fabrication cost and need for a fixed setup. Here, we show that open-capillary channels, which can be fabricated outside a clean room on durable substrates and are washable and reusable, are considerably promising for micro-devices that function without pumps, as a result of detailed studies on the imbibition of open micro-channels. We find that the statics and dynamics of the imbibition follow simple scaling laws in a wide and practical range; although a precursor film obeying a universal dynamics appears in the vertical imbibition, it disappears in the horizontal mode to make the design of complex micro-channel geometry feasible. We fabricate micro open-channel devices without any pumps to express the green fluorescent protein (GFP) by transporting highly viscous solutions and to accomplish simultaneous chemical reactions for the Bromothymol blue (BTB) solution. We envision that open-capillary devices will become a simple and low-cost option to achieve microfluidic devices that are usable in small clinics and field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Tani
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Division of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho Koganei-shi Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
- Artificial Cell Membrane Systems Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Koki Kamiya
- Artificial Cell Membrane Systems Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Ko Okumura
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
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32
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Fan J, Li B, Xing S, Pan T. Reconfigurable microfluidic dilution for high-throughput quantitative assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2670-9. [PMID: 25994379 PMCID: PMC5876408 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00432b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a reconfigurable microfluidic dilution device for high-throughput quantitative assays, which can easily produce discrete logarithmic/binary concentration profiles ranging from 1 to 100-fold dilution in parallel from a fixed sample volume (e.g., 10 μL) without any assistance of continuous fluidic pump or robotic automation. The integrated dilution generation chip consists of switchable distribution and collection channels, metering reservoirs, reaction chambers, and pressure-activatable Laplace valves. Following the sequential loading of a sample, a diluent, and a detection reagent into their individual metering chambers, the top microfluidic layer can be reconfigured to collect the metered chemicals into the reaction chambers in parallel, where detection will be conducted. To facilitate mixing and reaction in the microchambers, two acoustic microstreaming actuation mechanisms have been investigated for easy integrability and accessibility. Furthermore, the microfluidic dilution generator has been characterized by both colorimetric and fluorescent means. A further demonstration of the generic usage of the quantitative dilution chip has utilized the commonly available bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay to analyse the protein concentrations of human tissue extracts. In brief, the microfluidic dilution generator offers a high-throughput high-efficiency quantitative analytical alternative to conventional quantitative assay platforms, by simple manipulation of a minute amount of chemicals in a compact microfluidic device with minimal equipment requirement, which can serve as a facile tool for biochemical and biological analyses in regular laboratories, point-of-care settings and low-resource environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhen Fan
- Micro-Nano Innovations (MiNI) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, USA.
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33
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Xu K, Begley MR, Landers JP. Simultaneous metering and dispensing of multiple reagents on a passively controlled microdevice solely by finger pressing. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:867-876. [PMID: 25490702 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01319k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we report a novel design of a passively controlled, finger-driven microfluidic circuit for the metering and delivery (MaD) of a liquid reagent. The proposed design modularized the fluidic circuit for a single reagent's MaD so that it can be multiplexed conveniently for the MaD of an arbitrary number of reagents solely by finger pressing. The microdevice has comparable accuracy with pipettes and we have demonstrated its applicability in the preparation of biochemical assays. The proposed design of the modularized, structurally "stackable" fluidic circuit provides a reference in designing future single-pressure-source-driven, passively controlled multi-liquid handling microfluidic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerui Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, McCormick Road, P.O. Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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Parks JW, Olson MA, Kim J, Ozcelik D, Cai H, Carrion R, Patterson JL, Mathies RA, Hawkins AR, Schmidt H. Integration of programmable microfluidics and on-chip fluorescence detection for biosensing applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:054111. [PMID: 25584111 PMCID: PMC4290670 DOI: 10.1063/1.4897226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe the integration of an actively controlled programmable microfluidic sample processor with on-chip optical fluorescence detection to create a single, hybrid sensor system. An array of lifting gate microvalves (automaton) is fabricated with soft lithography, which is reconfigurably joined to a liquid-core, anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) silicon chip fabricated with conventional microfabrication. In the automaton, various sample handling steps such as mixing, transporting, splitting, isolating, and storing are achieved rapidly and precisely to detect viral nucleic acid targets, while the optofluidic chip provides single particle detection sensitivity using integrated optics. Specifically, an assay for detection of viral nucleic acid targets is implemented. Labeled target nucleic acids are first captured and isolated on magnetic microbeads in the automaton, followed by optical detection of single beads on the ARROW chip. The combination of automated microfluidic sample preparation and highly sensitive optical detection opens possibilities for portable instruments for point-of-use analysis of minute, low concentration biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Parks
- School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz , Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - M A Olson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | | | - D Ozcelik
- School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz , Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - H Cai
- School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz , Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - R Carrion
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical Research Institute , 7620 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78227, USA
| | - J L Patterson
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical Research Institute , 7620 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78227, USA
| | - R A Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley , Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - A R Hawkins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - H Schmidt
- School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz , Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
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36
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Automated long-term monitoring of parallel microfluidic operations applying a machine vision-assisted positioning method. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:608184. [PMID: 25133248 PMCID: PMC4124227 DOI: 10.1155/2014/608184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As microfluidics has been applied extensively in many cell and biochemical applications, monitoring the related processes is an important requirement. In this work, we design and fabricate a high-throughput microfluidic device which contains 32 microchambers to perform automated parallel microfluidic operations and monitoring on an automated stage of a microscope. Images are captured at multiple spots on the device during the operations for monitoring samples in microchambers in parallel; yet the device positions may vary at different time points throughout operations as the device moves back and forth on a motorized microscopic stage. Here, we report an image-based positioning strategy to realign the chamber position before every recording of microscopic image. We fabricate alignment marks at defined locations next to the chambers in the microfluidic device as reference positions. We also develop image processing algorithms to recognize the chamber positions in real-time, followed by realigning the chambers to their preset positions in the captured images. We perform experiments to validate and characterize the device functionality and the automated realignment operation. Together, this microfluidic realignment strategy can be a platform technology to achieve precise positioning of multiple chambers for general microfluidic applications requiring long-term parallel monitoring of cell and biochemical activities.
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Culbertson CT, Mickleburgh TG, Stewart-James SA, Sellens KA, Pressnall M. Micro total analysis systems: fundamental advances and biological applications. Anal Chem 2014; 86:95-118. [PMID: 24274655 PMCID: PMC3951881 DOI: 10.1021/ac403688g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom G. Mickleburgh
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | | | - Kathleen A. Sellens
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Melissa Pressnall
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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Um E, Rogers ME, Stone HA. Combinatorial generation of droplets by controlled assembly and coalescence. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:4674-4680. [PMID: 24132051 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50957e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We describe a microfluidic system for generating a sequence of liquid droplets of multiple concentrations in a single experimental condition. The series of final droplets has the combination of the compositions varying periodically, with polydispersity of the size less than 8%. By utilizing the design of the microchannel geometry and the passive control of three immiscible fluids (oil, water, and air) including generation, breakup, separation and coalescence of droplets, we can change the system to generate diverse sets of combination of materials. The device can be used for testing different concentration of materials in picoliter volumes and developing a new way to deliver dynamic signals of chemicals with microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eujin Um
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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40
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Liu B, Zhang B, Chen G, Yang H, Tang D. Metal sulfide-functionalized DNA concatamer for ultrasensitive electronic monitoring of ATP using a programmable capillary-based aptasensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 53:390-8. [PMID: 24201002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A new flow-through electrochemical aptasensor was designed for ultrasensitive monitoring of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by coupling microvalve-programmable capillary column with CdS-functionalized DNA concatamer for signal amplification. Initially, a layer of primary DNA-conjugated polyacrylamide hydrogel was covalently linked onto the internal surface of capillary column, and then an automated sequenctial injection format with a syringe pump was employed for development of the programmable capillary-based aptasensor. In the presence of target DNA aptamer, the immobilized primary DNA hybridized with partial bases of the aptamer. The excess aptamer fregment could trigger the formation of DNA concatamer between auxiliary DNA1 and CdS-labeled auxiliary DNA2. Upon target ATP introduction, a specific ATP-aptamer reaction was excuated, thereby resulting in the release of CdS-functionalized DNA concatamer from the capillary. Subsenquent anodic stripping voltammetric detection of cadmium released under acidic conditions from the released CdS nanoparticles could be conducted in a homemade detection cell. Under optimal conditions, the dynamic concentration range spanned from 0.1 pM to 10nM ATP with a detection limit of 0.06 pM ATP. The electrochemical aptasensor showed good reproducibility, selectivity, and stability. In addition, the methodology was evaluated for the analysis of ATP spiked serum samples, and the recoveries was 81-140%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety, Ministry of Education & Fujian Province, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
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41
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Araci IE, Brisk P. Recent developments in microfluidic large scale integration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 25:60-8. [PMID: 24484882 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2002, Thorsen et al. integrated thousands of micromechanical valves on a single microfluidic chip and demonstrated that the control of the fluidic networks can be simplified through multiplexors [1]. This enabled realization of highly parallel and automated fluidic processes with substantial sample economy advantage. Moreover, the fabrication of these devices by multilayer soft lithography was easy and reliable hence contributed to the power of the technology; microfluidic large scale integration (mLSI). Since then, mLSI has found use in wide variety of applications in biology and chemistry. In the meantime, efforts to improve the technology have been ongoing. These efforts mostly focus on; novel materials, components, micromechanical valve actuation methods, and chip architectures for mLSI. In this review, these technological advances are discussed and, recent examples of the mLSI applications are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Emre Araci
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Philip Brisk
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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42
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Kim J, Jensen EC, Stockton AM, Mathies RA. Universal Microfluidic Automaton for Autonomous Sample Processing: Application to the Mars Organic Analyzer. Anal Chem 2013; 85:7682-8. [DOI: 10.1021/ac303767m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United
States
| | - Erik C. Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United
States
| | - Amanda M. Stockton
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United
States
| | - Richard A. Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United
States
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