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Lesher-Pérez SC, Vasani V, So J, Takayama S. Forced air oscillations - pneumatic capacitance in microfluidic oscillators produces non-linear responses and emergent behaviors. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:4798-4807. [PMID: 39291593 PMCID: PMC11409223 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00455h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Pneumatic control mechanisms have long been integral to microfluidic systems, primarily using solenoid valves, pressurized gases, and vacuums to direct liquid flow. Despite advancements in liquid-driven self-regulated microfluidic circuits, gas-driven systems leveraging fluid compressibility remain underexplored. This study presents a mathematical and experimental investigation of gas-driven microfluidic circuits, focusing on forced-air oscillators. We derive and validate a first-principles model of microfluidic circuit elements operated under positive pressurization, using a 'molecular packets' analogy to elucidate compressibility effects. Our findings reveal that gas compressibility impacts circuit behavior, by acting similar to a large capacitor in the system, which inherently results in longer oscillation periods. As the syringe evacuates, the capacitance decreases, which in turn reduces the oscillation period. Experimental validation of our system demonstrates persistent behavior when using forced air to drive the microfluidic oscillators, this includes assessing devices with various PDMS membrane thicknesses, as well as evaluating device performance under different flow rates and syringe sizes. The forced air oscillators exhibited decreasing periods and capacitance over time, aligning with our theoretical predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vishwa Vasani
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jihye So
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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2
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Mudugamuwa A, Roshan U, Hettiarachchi S, Cha H, Musharaf H, Kang X, Trinh QT, Xia HM, Nguyen NT, Zhang J. Periodic Flows in Microfluidics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404685. [PMID: 39246195 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics, the science and technology of manipulating fluids in microscale channels, offers numerous advantages, such as low energy consumption, compact device size, precise control, fast reaction, and enhanced portability. These benefits have led to applications in biomedical assays, disease diagnostics, drug discovery, neuroscience, and so on. Fluid flow within microfluidic channels is typically in the laminar flow region, which is characterized by low Reynolds numbers but brings the challenge of efficient mixing of fluids. Periodic flows are time-dependent fluid flows, featuring repetitive patterns that can significantly improve fluid mixing and extend the effective length of microchannels for submicron and nanoparticle manipulation. Besides, periodic flow is crucial in organ-on-a-chip (OoC) for accurately modeling physiological processes, advancing disease understanding, drug development, and personalized medicine. Various techniques for generating periodic flows have been reported, including syringe pumps, peristalsis, and actuation based on electric, magnetic, acoustic, mechanical, pneumatic, and fluidic forces, yet comprehensive reviews on this topic remain limited. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of periodic flows in microfluidics, from fundamental mechanisms to generation techniques and applications. The challenges and future perspectives are also discussed to exploit the potential of periodic flows in microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amith Mudugamuwa
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Uditha Roshan
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Samith Hettiarachchi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Haotian Cha
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Hafiz Musharaf
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Xiaoyue Kang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Quang Thang Trinh
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Huan Ming Xia
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, P. R. China
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
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3
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Lockhart EJ, Horowitz LF, Rodríguez A, Zhu S, Nguyen T, Mehrabi M, Gujral TS, Folch A. Drug testing of monodisperse arrays of live microdissected tumors using a valved multiwell microfluidic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2683-2699. [PMID: 38651213 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00016a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer drug testing in animals is an extremely poor predictor of the drug's safety and efficacy observed in humans. Hence there is a pressing need for functional testing platforms that better predict traditional and immunotherapy responses in human, live tumor tissue or tissue constructs, and at the same time are compatible with the use of mouse tumor tissue to facilitate building more accurate disease models. Since many cancer drug actions rely on mechanisms that depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME), such platforms should also retain as much of the native TME as possible. Additionally, platforms based on miniaturization technologies are desirable to reduce animal use and sensitivity to human tissue scarcity. Present high-throughput testing platforms that have some of these features, e.g. based on patient-derived tumor organoids, require a growth step that alters the TME. On the other hand, microdissected tumors (μDTs) or "spheroids" that retain an intact TME have shown promising responses to immunomodulators acting on native immune cells. However, difficult tissue handling after microdissection has reduced the throughput of drug testing on μDTs, thereby constraining the inherent advantages of producing numerous TME-preserving units of tissue for drug testing. Here we demonstrate a microfluidic 96-well platform designed for drug treatment of hundreds of similarly-sized, cuboidal μDTs ("cuboids") produced from a single tumor sample. The platform organizes a monodisperse array of four cuboids per well in 384 hydrodynamic traps. The microfluidic device, entirely fabricated in thermoplastics, features 96 microvalves that fluidically isolate each well after the cuboid loading step for straightforward multi-drug testing. Since our platform makes the most of scarce tumor tissue, it can potentially be applied to human biopsies that preserve the human TME while minimizing animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J Lockhart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Lisa F Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Adán Rodríguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Songli Zhu
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Tran Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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4
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Stanley AA, Roby ES, Keller SJ. High-speed fluidic processing circuits for dynamic control of haptic and robotic systems. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl3014. [PMID: 38569043 PMCID: PMC10990265 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl3014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluidic logic circuits simplify system design for soft robotics by eliminating bulky components while enabling operation in a range of hostile environments that are incompatible with electronics but at the expense of limited computational capabilities and response times on the order of seconds. This paper presents a four-terminal fluidic transistor optimized for fast switching times, reduced component count, low unit cost, and high reproducibility to achieve complex fluidic control circuits while maintaining flow rates of liters per minute. A ring oscillator using three fluidic transistors achieves oscillation frequencies up to a kilohertz with full signal propagation, tolerating billions of cycles without failure. Fundamental processor circuits like a full adder and a 3-bit analog-to-digital converter require just seven transistors each. A decode circuit drives a high-resolution soft haptic display with refresh times below the human perception threshold for latency, and an electronics-free control circuit performs closed-loop position control of a pneumatic actuator with disturbance rejection, demonstrating the value across domains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik S. Roby
- Meta Platforms Inc., Reality Labs Research, Redmond, WA, USA
| | - Sean J. Keller
- Meta Platforms Inc., Reality Labs Research, Redmond, WA, USA
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5
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Antunes GC, Malgaretti P, Harting J, Dietrich S. Pumping and Mixing in Active Pores. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:188003. [PMID: 36374705 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.188003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We show both numerically and analytically that a chemically patterned active pore can act as a micro- or nanopump for fluids, even if it is fore-aft symmetric. This is possible due to a spontaneous symmetry breaking which occurs when advection rather than diffusion is the dominant mechanism of solute transport. We further demonstrate that, for pumping and tuning the flow rate, a combination of geometrical and chemical inhomogeneities is required. For certain parameter values, the flow is unsteady, and persistent oscillations with a tunable frequency appear. Finally, we find that the flow exhibits convection rolls and hence promotes mixing in the low Reynolds number regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Antunes
- Max-Planck-Institut für Intelligente Systeme, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- IV. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Malgaretti
- Max-Planck-Institut für Intelligente Systeme, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- IV. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Harting
- Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department Chemie-und Bioingenieurwesen und Department Physik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fürther Straße 248, 90429 Nürnberg, Germany
| | - S Dietrich
- Max-Planck-Institut für Intelligente Systeme, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- IV. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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6
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Abstract
This review focuses on experimental work on nonlinear phenomena in microfluidics, which for the most part are phenomena for which the velocity of a fluid flowing through a microfluidic channel does not scale proportionately with the pressure drop. Examples include oscillations, flow-switching behaviors, and bifurcations. These phenomena are qualitatively distinct from laminar, diffusion-limited flows that are often associated with microfluidics. We explore the nonlinear behaviors of bubbles or droplets when they travel alone or in trains through a microfluidic network or when they assemble into either one- or two-dimensional crystals. We consider the nonlinearities that can be induced by the geometry of channels, such as their curvature or the bas-relief patterning of their base. By casting posts, barriers, or membranes─situated inside channels─from stimuli-responsive or flexible materials, the shape, size, or configuration of these elements can be altered by flowing fluids, which may enable autonomous flow control. We also highlight some of the nonlinearities that arise from operating devices at intermediate Reynolds numbers or from using non-Newtonian fluids or liquid metals. We include a brief discussion of relevant practical applications, including flow gating, mixing, and particle separations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Battat
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - David A Weitz
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States.,Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - George M Whitesides
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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7
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Li YJ, Zhang WJ, Zhan CL, Chen KJ, Xue CD, Wang Y, Chen XM, Qin KR. A microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:2264-2272. [PMID: 34278592 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Biological cells in vivo typically reside in a dynamic flowing microenvironment with extensive biomechanical and biochemical cues varying in time and space. These dynamic biomechanical and biochemical signals together act to regulate cellular behaviors and functions. Microfluidic technology is an important experimental platform for mimicking extracellular flowing microenvironment in vitro. However, most existing microfluidic chips for generating dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals require expensive, large peripheral pumps and external control systems, unsuitable for being placed inside cell incubators to conduct cell biology experiments. This study has developed a microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow. Further, based on the lumped-parameter and distributed-parameter models of multiscale fluid dynamics, the oscillatory flow field and the concentration field of biochemical factors has been simulated at the cell culture region within the designed microfluidic chip. Using the constructed experimental system, the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip has been validated by simulating biochemical factors with red dye. The simulation results demonstrate that dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals with adjustable period and amplitude can be generated at the cell culture chamber within the microfluidic chip. The amplitudes of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals is proportional to the pressure difference and inversely proportional to the flow resistance, while their periods are correlated positively with the flow capacity and the flow resistance. The experimental results reveal the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip. Conclusively, the proposed microfluidic generator based on autonomously oscillatory flow can generate dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals without peripheral pumps and external control systems. In addition to reducing the experimental cost, due to the tiny volume, it is beneficial to be integrated into cell incubators for cell biology experiments. Thus, the proposed microfluidic chip provides a novel experimental platform for cell biology investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jia Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Chen-Lin Zhan
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Jie Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
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8
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Xia HM, Wu JW, Zheng JJ, Zhang J, Wang ZP. Nonlinear microfluidics: device physics, functions, and applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1241-1268. [PMID: 33877234 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01120g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The microfluidic flow is typically laminar due to the dominant viscous effects. At Reynolds numbers far below 1 (Re ≪ 1), the fluid inertia can be neglected. For the steady flow of incompressible Newtonian fluids, it approaches linear Stokes flow. At intermediate Re, there exists a weak-inertia flow regime where secondary flows such as Dean vortices are accessible for microfluidic manipulations. Apart from the fluid inertia, other nonlinear factors such as the non-Newtonian fluid properties, concurrent flow of dissimilar fluids, compliant fluidic structures and stimuli-responsive materials can also cause intriguing flow behaviours. Through proper designs, they can be applied for a variety of microfluidic components including mixers, valves, oscillators, stabilizers and auto-regulators etc., greatly enriching the microfluidic flow control and manipulation strategies. Due to its unique working characteristics and advantages, nonlinear microfluidics has increasingly attracted extensive attention. This review presents a systematic survey on this subject. The designs of typical nonlinear microfluidic devices, their working mechanisms, key applications, and the perspective of their future developments will be discussed. The nonlinear microfluidic techniques are believed to play an essential role in the next generation of highly-integrated, automated, and intelligent microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Xia
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China.
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9
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Thurgood P, Suarez SA, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Tunable Harmonic Flow Patterns in Microfluidic Systems through Simple Tube Oscillation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2003612. [PMID: 33006247 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202003612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Generation of tunable harmonic flows at low cost in microfluidic systems is a persistent and significant obstacle to this field, substantially limiting its potential to address major scientific questions and applications. This work introduces a simple and elegant way to overcome this obstacle. Harmonic flow patterns can be generated in microfluidic structures by simply oscillating the inlet tubes. Complex rib and vortex patterns can be dynamically modulated by changing the frequency and magnitude of tube oscillation and the viscosity of liquid. Highly complex rib patterns and synchronous vortices can be generated in serially connected microfluidic chambers. Similar dynamic patterns can be generated using whole or diluted blood samples without damaging the sample. This method offers unique opportunities for studying complex fluids and soft materials, chemical synthesis of various compounds, and mimicking harmonic flows in biological systems using compact, tunable, and low-cost devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia and Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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10
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Chen P, Li S, Guo Y, Zeng X, Liu BF. A review on microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment and its emerging application to cell analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:94-113. [PMID: 32674786 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal manipulation of extracellular chemical environments with simultaneous monitoring of cellular responses plays an essential role in exploring fundamental biological processes and expands our understanding of underlying mechanisms. Despite the rapid progress and promising successes in manipulation strategies, many challenges remain due to the small size of cells and the rapid diffusion of chemical molecules. Fortunately, emerging microfluidic technology has become a powerful approach for precisely controlling the extracellular chemical microenvironment, which benefits from its integration capacity, automation, and high-throughput capability, as well as its high resolution down to submicron. Here, we summarize recent advances in microfluidics manipulation of the extracellular chemical microenvironment, including the following aspects: i) Spatial manipulation of chemical microenvironments realized by convection flow-, diffusion-, and droplet-based microfluidics, and surface chemical modification; ii) Temporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments enabled by flow switching/shifting, moving/flowing cells across laminar flows, integrated microvalves/pumps, and droplet manipulation; iii) Spatiotemporal manipulation of chemical microenvironments implemented by a coupling strategy and open-space microfluidics; and iv) High-throughput manipulation of chemical microenvironments. Finally, we briefly present typical applications of the above-mentioned technical advances in cell-based analyses including cell migration, cell signaling, cell differentiation, multicellular analysis, and drug screening. We further discuss the future improvement of microfluidics manipulation of extracellular chemical microenvironments to fulfill the needs of biological and biomedical research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shunji Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiran Guo
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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11
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Täuber S, von Lieres E, Grünberger A. Dynamic Environmental Control in Microfluidic Single-Cell Cultivations: From Concepts to Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906670. [PMID: 32157796 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic single-cell cultivation (MSCC) is an emerging field within fundamental as well as applied biology. During the last years, most MSCCs were performed at constant environmental conditions. Recently, MSCC at oscillating and dynamic environmental conditions has started to gain significant interest in the research community for the investigation of cellular behavior. Herein, an overview of this topic is given and microfluidic concepts that enable oscillating and dynamic control of environmental conditions with a focus on medium conditions are discussed, and their application in single-cell research for the cultivation of both mammalian and microbial cell systems is demonstrated. Furthermore, perspectives for performing MSCC at complex dynamic environmental profiles of single parameters and multiparameters (e.g., pH and O2 ) in amplitude and time are discussed. The technical progress in this field provides completely new experimental approaches and lays the foundation for systematic analysis of cellular metabolism at fluctuating environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Täuber
- Multiscale Bioengineering, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Eric von Lieres
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Alexander Grünberger
- Multiscale Bioengineering, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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12
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Lesher-Pérez SC, Zhang C, Takayama S. Capacitive coupling synchronizes autonomous microfluidic oscillators. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:1096-1103. [PMID: 29383730 PMCID: PMC5967620 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Even identically designed autonomous microfluidic oscillators have device-to-device oscillation variability that arises due to inconsistencies in fabrication, materials, and operation conditions. This work demonstrates, experimentally and theoretically, that with appropriate capacitive coupling these microfluidic oscillators can be synchronized. The size and characteristics of the capacitive coupling needed and the range of input flow rate differences that can be synchronized are also characterized. In addition to device-to-device variability, there is also within-device oscillation noise that arises. An additional advantage of coupling multiple fluidic oscillators together is that the oscillation noise decreases. The ability to synchronize multiple autonomous oscillators is also a first step towards enhancing their usefulness as tools for biochemical research applications where multiplicate experiments with identical temporal-stimulation conditions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Zhang Q, Zhang M, Djeghlaf L, Bataille J, Gamby J, Haghiri-Gosnet AM, Pallandre A. Logic digital fluidic in miniaturized functional devices: Perspective to the next generation of microfluidic lab-on-chips. Electrophoresis 2017; 38:953-976. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongdi Zhang
- Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies, CNRS UMR-9001, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; C2N France
| | - Ming Zhang
- Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies, CNRS UMR-9001, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; C2N France
| | - Lyas Djeghlaf
- Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies, CNRS UMR-9001, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; C2N France
| | - Jeanne Bataille
- Institut Galien Paris Sud, CNRS UMR-8612, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; Châtenay-Malabry France
| | - Jean Gamby
- Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies, CNRS UMR-9001, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; C2N France
| | - Anne-Marie Haghiri-Gosnet
- Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies, CNRS UMR-9001, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; C2N France
| | - Antoine Pallandre
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique, CNRS UMR-8000, Univ. Paris Sud; Université Paris-Saclay; Orsay France
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14
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Dang VB, Kim SJ. Modular fluidic resistors to enable widely tunable flow rate and fluidic switching period in a microfluidic oscillator. Electrophoresis 2017; 38:977-982. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Van Bac Dang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Konkuk University; Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Konkuk University; Seoul Republic of Korea
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15
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Dang VB, Kim SJ. Water-head-driven microfluidic oscillators for autonomous control of periodic flows and generation of aqueous two-phase system droplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:286-292. [PMID: 28001158 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00911e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Generating periodic flows with an oscillator driven only by water-head pressure has potential for the operation of microfluidic systems without any dynamic off-chip controllers. However, its operational characteristic is not well understood due to complex dynamic interactions of the microfluidic components. Here, we focus on the mechanism of a water-head-driven oscillator and analyze the functions of its flow-switching period (T) and flow rate (Q) in a wide range (0.1 s-5.9 h and 2 μL min-1-2 mL min-1). We show linear control of T and Q by their corresponding fluidic resistors even with the complex and nonlinear relation of the microfluidic components. This allows independent regulation of T and Q within their operational ranges but we found the two parameters mutually constrain their ranges via fluidic resistance. Also, we characterize the control of T by water-head pressure and present operational ranges of input water-head pressure decrease with increasing output water-head pressure. To show its utility, we apply the oscillator to generate droplets with low interfacial tension aqueous two-phase systems. Our study would be useful and provide the foundation for various functions of water-head-driven microfluidic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Bac Dang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Jin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Multiple independent autonomous hydraulic oscillators driven by a common gravity head. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7301. [PMID: 26073884 PMCID: PMC4470298 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-switching microfluidic circuits that are able to perform biochemical experiments in a parallel and autonomous manner similar to instruction-embedded electronics, are rarely implemented. Here, we present design principles and demonstrations for gravity-driven, integrated, microfluidic pulsatile flow circuits. With a common gravity-head as the only driving force, these fluidic oscillator arrays realize a wide range of periods (0.4 s – 2 h) and flow rates (0.10 – 63 μL min−1) with completely independent timing between the multiple oscillator sub-circuits connected in parallel. As a model application, we perform systematic, parallel analysis of endothelial cell elongation response to different fluidic shearing patterns generated by the autonomous microfluidic pulsed flow generation system.
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17
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Shin J, Park H, Dang VB, Kim CW, Kim SJ. Elastomeric microfluidic valve with low, constant opening threshold pressure. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra16696e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the realization of low, constant opening threshold pressures of an elastomeric valve by appropriate design and surface coating of the valve in a self-oscillating microfluidic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaemin Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Konkuk University
- Seoul 143-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Hobin Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Konkuk University
- Seoul 143-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Van Bac Dang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Konkuk University
- Seoul 143-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Wan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Design and Production Engineering
- Konkuk University
- Seoul 143-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Konkuk University
- Seoul 143-701
- Republic of Korea
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18
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Predictable Duty Cycle Modulation through Coupled Pairing of Syringes with Microfluidic Oscillators. MICROMACHINES 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/mi5041254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Bruhn BR, Schroeder TBH, Li S, Billeh YN, Wang KW, Mayer M. Osmosis-based pressure generation: dynamics and application. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91350. [PMID: 24614529 PMCID: PMC3948862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes osmotically-driven pressure generation in a membrane-bound compartment while taking into account volume expansion, solute dilution, surface area to volume ratio, membrane hydraulic permeability, and changes in osmotic gradient, bulk modulus, and degree of membrane fouling. The emphasis lies on the dynamics of pressure generation; these dynamics have not previously been described in detail. Experimental results are compared to and supported by numerical simulations, which we make accessible as an open source tool. This approach reveals unintuitive results about the quantitative dependence of the speed of pressure generation on the relevant and interdependent parameters that will be encountered in most osmotically-driven pressure generators. For instance, restricting the volume expansion of a compartment allows it to generate its first 5 kPa of pressure seven times faster than without a restraint. In addition, this dynamics study shows that plants are near-ideal osmotic pressure generators, as they are composed of many small compartments with large surface area to volume ratios and strong cell wall reinforcements. Finally, we demonstrate two applications of an osmosis-based pressure generator: actuation of a soft robot and continuous volume delivery over long periods of time. Both applications do not need an external power source but rather take advantage of the energy released upon watering the pressure generators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R. Bruhn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. H. Schroeder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Suyi Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yazan N. Billeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - K. W. Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael Mayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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20
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Pneumatic oscillator circuits for timing and control of integrated microfluidics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:18104-9. [PMID: 24145429 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1310254110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frequency references are fundamental to most digital systems, providing the basis for process synchronization, timing of outputs, and waveform synthesis. Recently, there has been growing interest in digital logic systems that are constructed out of microfluidics rather than electronics, as a possible means toward fully integrated laboratory-on-a-chip systems that do not require any external control apparatus. However, the full realization of this goal has not been possible due to the lack of on-chip frequency references, thus requiring timing signals to be provided from off-chip. Although microfluidic oscillators have been demonstrated, there have been no reported efforts to characterize, model, or optimize timing accuracy, which is the fundamental metric of a clock. Here, we report pneumatic ring oscillator circuits built from microfluidic valves and channels. Further, we present a compressible-flow analysis that differs fundamentally from conventional circuit theory, and we show the utility of this physically based model for the optimization of oscillator stability. Finally, we leverage microfluidic clocks to demonstrate circuits for the generation of phase-shifted waveforms, self-driving peristaltic pumps, and frequency division. Thus, pneumatic oscillators can serve as on-chip frequency references for microfluidic digital logic circuits. On-chip clocks and pumps both constitute critical building blocks on the path toward achieving autonomous laboratory-on-a-chip devices.
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