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Sarıyer RM, Gill K, Needs SH, Hodge D, Reis NM, Jones CI, Edwards AD. Time- and distance-resolved robotic imaging of fluid flow in vertical microfluidic strips: a new technique for quantitative, multiparameter measurement of global haemostasis. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2023; 2:1623-1637. [PMID: 38013763 PMCID: PMC10633108 DOI: 10.1039/d3sd00162h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the complex processes of blood coagulation, haemostasis and thrombosis that are central to cardiovascular health and disease typically requires a choice between high-resolution low-throughput laboratory assays, or simpler less quantitative tests. We propose combining mass-produced microfluidic devices with open-source robotic instrumentation to enable rapid development of affordable and portable, yet high-throughput and performance haematological testing. A time- and distance-resolved fluid flow analysis by Raspberry Pi imaging integrated with controlled sample addition and illumination, enabled simultaneous tracking of capillary rise in 120 individual capillaries (∼160, 200 or 270 μm internal diameter), in 12 parallel disposable devices. We found time-resolved tracking of capillary rise in each individual microcapillary provides quantitative information about fluid properties and most importantly enables quantitation of dynamic changes in these properties following stimulation. Fluid properties were derived from flow kinetics using a pressure balance model validated with glycerol-water mixtures and blood components. Time-resolved imaging revealed fluid properties that were harder to determine from a single endpoint image or equilibrium analysis alone. Surprisingly, instantaneous superficial fluid velocity during capillary rise was found to be largely independent of capillary diameter at initial time points. We tested if blood function could be measured dynamically by stimulating blood with thrombin to trigger activation of global haemostasis. Thrombin stimulation slowed vertical fluid velocity consistent with a dynamic increase in viscosity. The dynamics were concentration-dependent, with highest doses reducing flow velocity faster (within 10 s) than lower doses (10-30 s). This open-source imaging instrumentation expands the capability of affordable microfluidic devices for haematological testing, towards high-throughput multi-parameter blood analysis needed to understand and improve cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüya Meltem Sarıyer
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
| | - Kirandeep Gill
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (CBio), University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Sarah H Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
| | - Daniel Hodge
- Reading School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading UK
| | - Nuno M Reis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (CBio), University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Chris I Jones
- Reading School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading UK
| | - Alexander D Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UB UK +44 (0)118 378 4253
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ UK
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2
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Needs SH, Pivetal J, Hayward J, Kidd SP, Lam H, Diep T, Gill K, Woodward M, Reis NM, Edwards AD. Moving microcapillary antibiotic susceptibility testing (mcAST) towards the clinic: unravelling kinetics of detection of uropathogenic E. coli, mass-manufacturing and usability for detection of urinary tract infections in human urine. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2023; 2:736-750. [PMID: 37216011 PMCID: PMC10197089 DOI: 10.1039/d2sd00138a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Innovation in infection based point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics is vital to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Several groups including our research team have in recent years successfully miniaturised phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) of isolated bacterial strains, providing validation that miniaturised AST can match conventional microbiological methods. Some studies have also shown the feasibility of direct testing (without isolation or purification), specifically for urinary tract infections, paving the way for direct microfluidic AST systems at PoC. As rate of bacteria growth is intrinsically linked to the temperature of incubation, transferring miniaturised AST nearer the patient requires building new capabilities in terms of temperature control at PoC, furthermore widespread clinical use will require mass-manufacturing of microfluidic test strips and direct testing of urine samples. This study shows for the first-time application of microcapillary antibiotic susceptibility testing (mcAST) directly from clinical samples, using minimal equipment and simple liquid handling, and with kinetics of growth recorded using a smartphone camera. A complete PoC-mcAST system was presented and tested using 12 clinical samples sent to a clinical laboratory for microbiological analysis. The test showed 100% accuracy for determining bacteria in urine above the clinical threshold (5 out of 12 positive) and achieved 95% categorical agreement for 5 positive urines tested with 4 antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim and cephalexin) within 6 h compared to the reference standard overnight AST method. A kinetic model is presented for metabolization of resazurin, demonstrating kinetics of degradation of resazurin in microcapillaries follow those observed for a microtiter plate, with time for AST dependent on the initial CFU ml-1 of uropathogenic bacteria in the urine sample. In addition, we show for the first time that use of air-drying for mass-manufacturing and deposition of AST reagents within the inner surface of mcAST strips matches results obtained with standard AST methods. These results take mcAST a step closer to clinical application, for example as PoC support for antibiotic prescription decisions within a day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
| | - Jeremy Pivetal
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
| | - Jessica Hayward
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
| | - Stephen P Kidd
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Basingstoke RG24 9NA UK
| | - HoYin Lam
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Basingstoke RG24 9NA UK
| | - Tai Diep
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
| | - Kiran Gill
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
| | - Martin Woodward
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6DX UK
| | - Nuno M Reis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biosensors, Biodevices and Bioelectronics (C3Bio), University of Bath Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AY UK +44(0)1225 383 369
- Capillary Film Technology (CFT) Daux Road Billingshurst RH14 9SJ UK
| | - Alexander D Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus Reading RG6 6AD UK +44(0)7906014116 +44(0)118 378 4253
- Capillary Film Technology (CFT) Daux Road Billingshurst RH14 9SJ UK
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Diep TT, Needs SH, Bizley S, Edwards AD. Rapid Bacterial Motility Monitoring Using Inexpensive 3D-Printed OpenFlexure Microscopy Allows Microfluidic Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13111974. [PMID: 36422401 PMCID: PMC9699482 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic susceptibility testing is vital to tackle the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Inexpensive digital CMOS cameras can be converted into portable digital microscopes using 3D printed x-y-z stages. Microscopic examination of bacterial motility can rapidly detect the response of microbes to antibiotics to determine susceptibility. Here, we present a new simple microdevice-miniature microscope cell measurement system for multiplexed antibiotic susceptibility testing. The microdevice is made using melt-extruded plastic film strips containing ten parallel 0.2 mm diameter microcapillaries. Two different antibiotics, ceftazidime and gentamicin, were prepared in Mueller-Hinton agar (0.4%) to produce an antibiotic-loaded microdevice for simple sample addition. This combination was selected to closely match current standard methods for both antibiotic susceptibility testing and motility testing. Use of low agar concentration permits observation of motile bacteria responding to antibiotic exposure as they enter capillaries. This device fits onto the OpenFlexure 3D-printed digital microscope using a Raspberry Pi computer and v2 camera, avoiding need for expensive laboratory microscopes. This inexpensive and portable digital microscope platform had sufficient magnification to detect motile bacteria, yet wide enough field of view to monitor bacteria behavior as they entered antibiotic-loaded microcapillaries. The image quality was sufficient to detect how bacterial motility was inhibited by different concentrations of antibiotic. We conclude that a 3D-printed Raspberry Pi-based microscope combined with disposable microfluidic test strips permit rapid, easy-to-use bacterial motility detection, with potential for aiding detection of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai The Diep
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Sarah Helen Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Samuel Bizley
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Alexander D. Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
- Capillary Film Technology Ltd., Billingshurst RH14 9TF, UK
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Long MM, Diep TT, Needs SH, Ross MJ, Edwards AD. PiRamid: A compact Raspberry Pi imaging box to automate small-scale time-lapse digital analysis, suitable for laboratory and field use. HARDWAREX 2022; 12:e00377. [PMID: 36437840 PMCID: PMC9685356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00377] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Digital imaging permits the quantitation of many experiments, such as microbiological growth assays, but laboratory digital imaging systems can be expensive and too specialised. The Raspberry Pi camera platform makes automated, controlled imaging affordable with accessible customisation. When combined with open source software and open-source 3D printed hardware, the control over image quality and capture of this platform permits the rapid development of novel instrumentation. Here we present "PiRamid", a compact, portable, and inexpensive enclosure for autonomous imaging both in the laboratory and in the field. The modular three-piece 3D printed design makes it easy to incorporate different camera systems or lighting configurations (e.g., single wavelength LED for fluorescence). The enclosed design allows complete control of illumination unlike a conventional digital camera or smartphone, on a tripod or handheld, under ambient lighting. The stackable design permits rapid sample addition or camera focus adjustment, with a corresponding change in magnification and resolution. The entire unit is small enough to fit within a microbiological incubator, and cheap enough (∼£100) to scale out for larger parallel experiments. Simply, Python scripts fully automate illumination and image capture for small-scale experiments with an ∼110×85 mm area at 70-90 µm resolution. We demonstrate the versatility of PiRamid by capturing time-resolved, quantitative image data for a wide range of assays. Bacterial growth kinetics was captured for conventional microbiology (agar Petri dishes), 3D printed custom microbiology labware and microfluidic microbiology. To illustrate application beyond microbiology, we demonstrate time-lapse imaging of crystal growth and degradation of salad leaves. Minor modifications permit epi-illumination by addition of a LED ring to the camera module. We conclude that PiRamid permits inexpensive digital capture and quantitation of a wide range of experiments by time-lapse imaging to simplify both laboratory and field imaging.
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Needs SH, Sirivisoot S, Jegouic S, Prommool T, Luangaram P, Srisawat C, Sriraksa K, Limpitikul W, Mairiang D, Malasit P, Avirutnan P, Puttikhunt C, Edwards AD. Smartphone multiplex microcapillary diagnostics using Cygnus: Development and evaluation of rapid serotype-specific NS1 detection with dengue patient samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010266. [PMID: 35389998 PMCID: PMC8989202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV) infection including DENV serotyping requires skilled labor and well-equipped settings. DENV NS1 lateral flow rapid test (LFT) provides simplicity but lacks ability to identify serotype. A simple, economical, point-of-care device for serotyping is still needed. We present a gravity driven, smartphone compatible, microfluidic device using microcapillary film (MCF) to perform multiplex serotype-specific immunoassay detection of dengue virus NS1. A novel device–termed Cygnus–with a stackable design allows analysis of 1 to 12 samples in parallel in 40 minutes. A sandwich enzyme immunoassay was developed to specifically detect NS1 of all four DENV serotypes in one 60-μl plasma sample. This test aims to bridge the gap between rapid LFT and laboratory microplate ELISAs in terms of sensitivity, usability, accessibility and speed. The Cygnus NS1 assay was evaluated with retrospective undiluted plasma samples from 205 DENV infected patients alongside 50 febrile illness negative controls. Against the gold standard RT-PCR, clinical sensitivity for Cygnus was 82% in overall (with 78, 78, 80 and 76% for DENV1-4, respectively), comparable to an in-house serotyping NS1 microplate ELISA (82% vs 83%) but superior to commercial NS1-LFT (82% vs 74%). Specificity of the Cygnus device was 86%, lower than that of NS1-microplate ELISA and NS1-LFT (100% and 98%, respectively). For Cygnus positive samples, identification of DENV serotypes DENV2-4 matched those by RT-PCR by 100%, but for DENV1 capillaries false positives were seen, suggesting an improved DENV1 capture antibody is needed to increase specificity. Overall performance of Cygnus showed substantial agreement to NS1-microplate ELISA (κ = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58–0.77) and NS1-LFT (κ = 0.71, 95%CI 0.63–0.80). Although further refinement for DENV-1 NS1 detection is needed, the advantages of multiplexing and rapid processing time, this Cygnus device could deliver point-of-care NS1 antigen testing including serotyping for timely DENV diagnosis for epidemic surveillance and outbreak prediction. Diagnosis of the important mosquito-transmitted dengue virus (DENV) requires laboratory assays to detect viral genome (RT-PCR), viral NS1 protein (immunoassay) or DENV specific antibodies. Current point-of-care NS1 tests cannot distinguish serotype, so laboratory tests are still essential to determine which of 4 DENV serotypes is present. Here we present a rapid serotype-specific NS1 test in a portable microfluidic format. Ten parallel 0.2 mm tubes inside a flat plastic ribbon perform multiplex NS1 immunoassays. A simple cassette delivers sample and reagents sequentially through the microcapillaries by gravity. By stacking cassettes, 12 tests could be performed in under 40 minutes, with results recorded by smartphone. When evaluated with 205 patients plus 50 control samples, and results compared to conventional RT-PCR, the sensitivity for DENV1 to 4 was 78%, 78%, 80%, and 76%, respectively, with specificity of 100% for DENV2-4. DENV1 showed some false positives due to cross-reactivity of the capture antibody. Serotyping performance with MCF-Cygnus devices showed substantial agreement to the serotyping-NS1 microplate ELISA. Therefore, these simple and portable microcapillary immunoassay devices could support dengue NS1 serotyping with potential benefits for near-patient diagnosis, real-time epidemic surveillance and outbreak mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Helen Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Sirintra Sirivisoot
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sophie Jegouic
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Tanapan Prommool
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Prasit Luangaram
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Srisawat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokwan Sriraksa
- Pediatric Department, Khon Kaen Hospital, Ministry of Health, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wannee Limpitikul
- Pediatric Department, Songkhla Hospital, Ministry of Health, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Dumrong Mairiang
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prida Malasit
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panisadee Avirutnan
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (PA); (CH); (ADE)
| | - Chunya Puttikhunt
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (PA); (CH); (ADE)
| | - Alexander Daniel Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
- Capillary Film Technology Ltd, Billingshurst, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PA); (CH); (ADE)
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Needs SH, Saiprom N, Rafaque Z, Imtiaz W, Chantratita N, Runcharoen C, Thammachote J, Anun S, Peacock SJ, Ray P, Andrews S, Edwards AD. Miniaturised broth microdilution for simplified antibiotic susceptibility testing of Gram negative clinical isolates using microcapillary devices. Analyst 2022; 147:3558-3569. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an00305h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Miniaturised antibiotic susceptibility testing: 100 times smaller microcapillary broth microdilution gives equivalent result to standard microplate broth microdilution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natnaree Saiprom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Zara Rafaque
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Wajiha Imtiaz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, RG6 6DX, UK
| | - Narisara Chantratita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Chakkaphan Runcharoen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Jeeranan Thammachote
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical Technology Department, Bhuddhasothon Hospital, Chachoengsao, Thailand
| | - Suthatip Anun
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical Technology Department, Bhuddhasothon Hospital, Chachoengsao, Thailand
| | | | - Partha Ray
- The Nature Conservancy, Virginia, USA
- School of Agriculture Policy and Development, University of Reading, UK
| | - Simon Andrews
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, RG6 6DX, UK
| | - Alexander D. Edwards
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, RG6 6DX, UK
- CFT Ltd, Daux Road, Billingshurst, RH14 9SJ, UK
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Needs SH, Osborn HMI, Edwards AD. Counting bacteria in microfluidic devices: Smartphone compatible 'dip-and-test' viable cell quantitation using resazurin amplified detection in microliter capillary arrays. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 187:106199. [PMID: 33771524 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Viable bacterial cell counting is fundamental to analytical microbiology and agar plate colony counting remains common yet laborious and slow. Here, we demonstrate two methods for counting bacteria using commercially available microfluidic devices. We show that accurate viable cell counting is possible using simple and easy 'dip and test' arrays of microcapillaries. Colorimetric and fluorescent growth detection both permit viable cell counting in microcapillaries either by limiting dilution into multiple microfluidic compartments using a single endpoint measurement, or alternatively by quantifying growth kinetics. The microcapillary devices are compatible with conventional 96 well plates and multichannel pipettes, expanding each microplate row into 120 individual 1 or 2 μL samples. At limiting dilution, counting the proportion of positive compartments permitted accurate calculation of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (E. coli and S. saprophyticus) at concentrations down to as low as 10 CFU/mL with almost 1:1 agreement with agar plate colony counts over four orders of magnitude. A smartphone camera was sufficient to record endpoint images of resazurin growth detection both colorimetrically and fluorescently. Viable cell counting of E. coli and S. saprophyticus was also possible through recording growth kinetics and determining the time taken to detect resazurin conversion. However, only the limiting dilution method remained consistent in the presence of urine matrix, as some interference in growth rate was observed when bacteria were spiked into higher concentrations of normal urine to simulate urinary tract infection patient samples. However, with the limiting dilution counting method endpoint growth was always detected even in the presence of 90% urine matrix, suggesting that this method might permit bacterial pathogen counting directly in clinical samples without agar plating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Needs
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading RG6 6DX, UK.
| | - Helen M I Osborn
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading RG6 6DX, UK
| | - Alexander D Edwards
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading RG6 6DX, UK; Capillary Film Technology Ltd, Daux Road, Billingshurst RH14 9SJ, UK.
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Liu J, Xu Z, Shan Y, Huang X. Applications of microcapillary films in bioanalytical techniques. Analyst 2021; 146:1529-1537. [PMID: 33528470 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01945c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Microcapillary film (MCF) is an extruded plastic film with an array of parallel microcapillaries (30-500 μm) and it has wide potential applications in bioanalytical techniques as a microfluidic platform. With different surface modification strategies, an MCF combines the advantages of its structure and modified chemical properties to realize various bioanalytical functions. In this review, we begin by introducing the manufacturing process of MCFs, common materials used to produce MCFs, surface treatment approaches of inner surfaces, and a signal detection and readout system of the MCF platform. Then, we summarize some typical applications of MCFs, particularly in protein chromatography, Escherichia coli detection for urinary tract infections, prostate-specific antigen detection for prostate cancer and multiplex immunoassays. Finally, future perspectives of MCFs in bioanalytical techniques are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Liu
- Institute of Process Equipment, College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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Kaur A, Kapoor S, Bharti A, Rana S, Chaudhary GR, Prabhakar N. Gold‑platinum bimetallic nanoparticles coated 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) based electrochemical immunosensor for vitamin D estimation. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2020.114400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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10
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Hassan SU, Tariq A, Noreen Z, Donia A, Zaidi SZJ, Bokhari H, Zhang X. Capillary-Driven Flow Microfluidics Combined with Smartphone Detection: An Emerging Tool for Point-of-Care Diagnostics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E509. [PMID: 32708045 PMCID: PMC7459612 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) or near-patient testing allows clinicians to accurately achieve real-time diagnostic results performed at or near to the patient site. The outlook of POC devices is to provide quicker analyses that can lead to well-informed clinical decisions and hence improve the health of patients at the point-of-need. Microfluidics plays an important role in the development of POC devices. However, requirements of handling expertise, pumping systems and complex fluidic controls make the technology unaffordable to the current healthcare systems in the world. In recent years, capillary-driven flow microfluidics has emerged as an attractive microfluidic-based technology to overcome these limitations by offering robust, cost-effective and simple-to-operate devices. The internal wall of the microchannels can be pre-coated with reagents, and by merely dipping the device into the patient sample, the sample can be loaded into the microchannel driven by capillary forces and can be detected via handheld or smartphone-based detectors. The capabilities of capillary-driven flow devices have not been fully exploited in developing POC diagnostics, especially for antimicrobial resistance studies in clinical settings. The purpose of this review is to open up this field of microfluidics to the ever-expanding microfluidic-based scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammer-Ul Hassan
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Aamira Tariq
- Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zobia Noreen
- Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Donia
- Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Z J Zaidi
- Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Habib Bokhari
- Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Xunli Zhang
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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11
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Hassan SU, Zhang X. Design and Fabrication of Capillary-Driven Flow Device for Point-Of-Care Diagnostics. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2020; 10:bios10040039. [PMID: 32326641 PMCID: PMC7235737 DOI: 10.3390/bios10040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics enables the diagnosis and monitoring of patients from the clinic or their home. Ideally, POC devices should be compact, portable and operatable without the requirement of expertise or complex fluid mechanical controls. This paper showcases a chip-and-dip device, which works on the principle of capillary-driven flow microfluidics and allows analytes’ detection by multiple microchannels in a single microchip via smartphone imaging. The chip-and-dip device, fabricated with inexpensive materials, works by simply dipping the reagents-coated microchip consisting of microchannels into a fluidic sample. The sample is loaded into the microchannels via capillary action and reacts with the reagents to produce a colourimetric signal. Unlike dipstick tests, this device allows the loading of bacterial/pathogenic samples for antimicrobial testing. A single device can be coated with multiple reagents, and more analytes can be detected in one sample. This platform could be used for a wide variety of assays. Here, we show the design, fabrication and working principle of the chip-and-dip flow device along with a specific application consisting in the determination of β-lactamase activity and cortisol. The simplicity, robustness and multiplexing capability of the chip-and-dip device will allow it to be used for POC diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammer-ul Hassan
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (S.-u.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xunli Zhang
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (S.-u.H.); (X.Z.)
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Needs SH, Diep TT, Bull SP, Lindley-Decaire A, Ray P, Edwards AD. Exploiting open source 3D printer architecture for laboratory robotics to automate high-throughput time-lapse imaging for analytical microbiology. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224878. [PMID: 31743346 PMCID: PMC6863568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth in open-source hardware designs combined with the low-cost of high performance optoelectronic and robotics components has supported a resurgence of in-house custom lab equipment development. We describe a low cost (below $700), open-source, fully customizable high-throughput imaging system for analytical microbiology applications. The system comprises a Raspberry Pi camera mounted on an aluminium extrusion frame with 3D-printed joints controlled by an Arduino microcontroller running open-source Repetier Host Firmware. The camera position is controlled by simple G-code scripts supplied from a Raspberry Pi singleboard computer and allow customized time-lapse imaging of microdevices over a large imaging area. Open-source OctoPrint software allows remote access and control. This simple yet effective design allows high-throughput microbiology testing in multiple formats including formats for bacterial motility, colony growth, microtitre plates and microfluidic devices termed ‘lab-on-a-comb’ to screen the effects of different culture media components and antibiotics on bacterial growth. The open-source robot design allows customization of the size of the imaging area; the current design has an imaging area of ~420 × 300mm, which allows 29 ‘lab-on-a-comb’ devices to be imaged which is equivalent 3480 individual 1μl samples. The system can also be modified for fluorescence detection using LED and emission filters embedded on the PiCam for more sensitive detection of bacterial growth using fluorescent dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Needs
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Tai The Diep
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie P. Bull
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
| | | | - Partha Ray
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander D. Edwards
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
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Shakeri A, Imani SM, Chen E, Yousefi H, Shabbir R, Didar TF. Plasma-induced covalent immobilization and patterning of bioactive species in microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:3104-3115. [PMID: 31429455 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00364a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present a straightforward technique to create bio-functional microfluidic channels using CO2 plasma to induce both carboxylic and hydroxyl groups onto the channel surface. Consequently, not only does the surface allow for irreversible covalent bonding to an oxygen plasma treated PDMS for microfluidic device fabrication, but it also provides functionality for biomolecular immobilization. Furthermore, we demonstrate integration of this technique with microcontact printing to covalently micropattern functional biomolecules inside microfluidic channels. The bio-functionality and efficacy of the microcontact printed antibodies is demonstrated for both bioassays as well as patterning and culturing different cell lines. Results show that the introduced method can be an excellent candidate for cell culture studies in microfluidics. With the new printing method, full cell confluency (∼400 cells per mm2) was achieved after incubation for only 1 day, which is significantly greater than other conventional cell culture techniques inside microfluidic devices. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the endothelial cells functionality by stimulating von Willebrand Factor secretion under shear stress. This is done via perfusion of histamine through the channel and performing immunofluorescence labeling to observe the inflammatory response of the cells. The developed method eliminates the need for wet chemistry and significantly simplifies producing bio-functional chips which can be used for biosensing, organs-on-chips and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada.
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Barbosa AI, Barreto AS, Reis NM. Transparent, Hydrophobic Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Offers Rapid, Robust, and Irreversible Passive Adsorption of Diagnostic Antibodies for Sensitive Optical Biosensing. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:2780-2790. [PMID: 35030812 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Current literature data is scarce and somehow contradictory in respect to the suitability of "nonstick" fluoropolymer surfaces for immobilization of biomolecules. We have previously shown empirically that transparent Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) offers rapid and sensitive optical biosensing of clinically relevant biomarkers. This study shows for the first time a comprehensive experimental analysis of passive adsorption of diagnostic IgG antibodies on actual Teflon FEP microfluidic strips. Full equilibrium isotherms and kinetics for passive adsorption were studied and modeled employing a protein titration method using hundreds of multibore microfluidic strips for a range of temperatures, pH, ionic strengths, and inner diameters, using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibody systems. Results were benchmarked against other plastic hydrophobic and glass hydrophilic capillary surfaces. For the first time, it was shown quantitatively that the hydrophobicity of fluoropolymer surfaces encourages the passive adsorption of diagnostic antibodies for biosensing and is insensitive to the temperature of incubation and to ionic buffer strength. The mass of captured antigen increased with increasing antibody surface coverage up to ∼400 ng/cm2, with an optimal adsorbed antibody activity for 45-69% of full monolayer coverage, matching results of other biosensing surfaces. The equilibrium was reached fast, within 5-10 min, and surprisingly both the kinetics and equilibrium of antibody adsorption were dependent on the inner diameter of microcapillaries. This is a novel and relevant result that will generally impact on the design of miniaturized microfluidic biosensing devices. The antibody surface densities obtained with hydrophobic plastic surfaces were 2- to 4-fold lower than for a hydrophilic, glass surface, however the former presented a monolayered adsorption with a higher level of irreversibility, as shown by the adsorption and desorption rates around 1 order of magnitude smaller than for glass, which is highly desirable for biosensing with surface-coated biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Barbosa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
| | - Augusto Sampaio Barreto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
| | - Nuno Miguel Reis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
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Ortiz R, Stuckey DC, Steele TW. Rapid EC50 determination of hydrophobic toxicants in continuous droplet biomicrofluidics. MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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A dual-signal readout enzyme-free immunosensor based on hybridization chain reaction-assisted formation of copper nanoparticles for the detection of microcystin-LR. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 126:151-159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Fang X, Zheng Y, Duan Y, Liu Y, Zhong W. Recent Advances in Design of Fluorescence-Based Assays for High-Throughput Screening. Anal Chem 2019; 91:482-504. [PMID: 30481456 PMCID: PMC7262998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Fang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yongzan Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yaokai Duan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Wenwan Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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Marcuello C, Foulon L, Chabbert B, Molinari M, Aguié-Béghin V. Langmuir-Blodgett Procedure to Precisely Control the Coverage of Functionalized AFM Cantilevers for SMFS Measurements: Application with Cellulose Nanocrystals. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:9376-9386. [PMID: 30037232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments with functionalized tips are currently one of the most powerful tools to locally measure adhesion forces via single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) measurements. The main difficulty is to precisely control the attachment of biomolecules to the cantilever. Different chemistry procedures have been developed including the use of spacer molecules. Even if a process works well for small biomolecules such as antibodies, issues remain regarding nanoparticles or larger objects such as cellulose nanocrystals because it is difficult to precisely control their coverage and homogeneity. In this work, an original procedure based on the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique was implemented for lever functionalization with cellulose nanocrystals and compared with classical chemical strategies. LB shows to be almost 6.0-fold more efficient than chemical procedure in terms of cellulose nanocrystals coverage attachment. Moreover, the LB technology provides advantage of not requiring linker molecules, which could have detrimental effects such as overestimation of the interaction force. The structural characterization and SMFS measurements of lignocellulosic polymers show that this strategy enables the precise control of the lever coverage, which improves the accuracy of the adhesion measurements. Such methodology is expected to strongly impact the AFM tip/tipless functionalization and SMFS measurements in different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Marcuello
- FARE Laboratory , INRA, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , 51100 , Reims , France
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences LRN EA4682 , Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , 51100 , Reims , France
| | - Laurence Foulon
- FARE Laboratory , INRA, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , 51100 , Reims , France
| | - Brigitte Chabbert
- FARE Laboratory , INRA, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , 51100 , Reims , France
| | - Michael Molinari
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences LRN EA4682 , Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , 51100 , Reims , France
- CBMN, CNRS UMR 5248, IPB, Université de Bordeaux, 33607 , Pessac , France
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