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Sethia N, Rao JS, Khashim Z, Schornack AMR, Etheridge ML, Peterson QP, Finger EB, Bischof JC, Dutcher CS. On Chip Sorting of Stem Cell-Derived β Cell Clusters Using Traveling Surface Acoustic Waves. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40. [PMID: 38318799 PMCID: PMC10883307 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
There is a critical need for sorting complex materials, such as pancreatic islets of Langerhans, exocrine acinar tissues, and embryoid bodies. These materials are cell clusters, which have highly heterogeneous physical properties (such as size, shape, morphology, and deformability). Selecting such materials on the basis of specific properties can improve clinical outcomes and help advance biomedical research. In this work, we focused on sorting one such complex material, human stem cell-derived β cell clusters (SC-β cell clusters), by size. For this purpose, we developed a microfluidic device in which an image detection system was coupled to an actuation mechanism based on traveling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs). SC-β cell clusters of varying size (∼100-500 μm in diameter) were passed through the sorting device. Inside the device, the size of each cluster was estimated from their bright-field images. After size identification, larger clusters, relative to the cutoff size for separation, were selectively actuated using TSAW pulses. As a result of this selective actuation, smaller and larger clusters exited the device from different outlets. At the current sample dilutions, the experimental sorting efficiency ranged between 78% and 90% for a separation cutoff size of 250 μm, yielding sorting throughputs of up to 0.2 SC-β cell clusters/s using our proof-of-concept design. The biocompatibility of this sorting technique was also established, as no difference in SC-β cell cluster viability due to TSAW pulse usage was found. We conclude the proof-of-concept sorting work by discussing a few ways to optimize sorting of SC-β cell clusters for potentially higher sorting efficiency and throughput. This sorting technique can potentially help in achieving a better distribution of islets for clinical islet transplantation (a potential cure for type 1 diabetes). Additionally, the use of this technique for sorting islets can help in characterizing islet biophysical properties by size and selecting suitable islets for improved islet cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sethia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph Sushil Rao
- Division
of Solid Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Schulze
Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zenith Khashim
- Department
of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Anna Marie R. Schornack
- Department
of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Michael L. Etheridge
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Quinn P. Peterson
- Department
of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
- Center for
Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Erik B. Finger
- Division
of Solid Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - John C. Bischof
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Cari S. Dutcher
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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2
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Torres-Castro K, Jarmoshti J, Xiao L, Rane A, Salahi A, Jin L, Li X, Caselli F, Honrado C, Swami NS. Multichannel impedance cytometry downstream of cell separation by deterministic lateral displacement to quantify macrophage enrichment in heterogeneous samples. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201463. [PMID: 37706194 PMCID: PMC10497222 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The integration of on-chip biophysical cytometry downstream of microfluidic enrichment for inline monitoring of phenotypic and separation metrics at single-cell sensitivity can allow for active control of separation and its application to versatile sample sets. We present integration of impedance cytometry downstream of cell separation by deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) for enrichment of activated macrophages from a heterogeneous sample, without the problems of biased sample loss and sample dilution caused by off-chip analysis. This required designs to match cell/particle flow rates from DLD separation into the confined single-cell impedance cytometry stage, the balancing of flow resistances across the separation array width to maintain unidirectionality, and the utilization of co-flowing beads as calibrated internal standards for inline assessment of DLD separation and for impedance data normalization. Using a heterogeneous sample with un-activated and activated macrophages, wherein macrophage polarization during activation causes cell size enlargement, on-chip impedance cytometry is used to validate DLD enrichment of the activated subpopulation at the displaced outlet, based on the multiparametric characteristics of cell size distribution and impedance phase metrics. This hybrid platform can monitor separation of specific subpopulations from cellular samples with wide size distributions, for active operational control and enhanced sample versatility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Torres-Castro
- Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Javad Jarmoshti
- Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Li Xiao
- Orthopedics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Aditya Rane
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Armita Salahi
- Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Li Jin
- Orthopedics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Xudong Li
- Orthopedics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia-22904, USA
| | | | - Carlos Honrado
- Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
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3
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Li W, Peng YF. Advances in microfluidic chips based on islet hormone-sensing techniques. World J Diabetes 2023; 14:17-25. [PMID: 36684385 PMCID: PMC9850799 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem resulting from islet dysfunction or insulin resistance. The mechanisms of islet dysfunction are still under investigation. Islet hormone secretion is the main function of islets, and serves an important role in the homeostasis of blood glucose. Elucidating the detailed mechanism of islet hormone secretome distortion can provide clues for the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to develop accurate, real-time, labor-saving, high-throughput, automated, and cost-effective techniques for the sensing of islet secretome. Microfluidic chips, an elegant platform that combines biology, engineering, computer science, and biomaterials, have attracted tremendous interest from scientists in the field of diabetes worldwide. These tiny devices are miniatures of traditional experimental systems with more advantages of time-saving, reagent-minimization, automation, high-throughput, and online detection. These features of microfluidic chips meet the demands of islet secretome analysis and a variety of chips have been designed in the past 20 years. In this review, we present a brief introduction of microfluidic chips, and three microfluidic chips-based islet hormone sensing techniques. We focus mainly on the theory of these techniques, and provide detailed examples based on these theories with the hope of providing some insights into the design of future chips or whole detection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou 234000, Anhui Province, China
| | - You-Fan Peng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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4
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Varhue WB, Rane A, Castellanos-Sanchez R, Peirce SM, Christ G, Swami NS. Perfusable cell-laden micropatterned hydrogels for delivery of spatiotemporal vascular-like cues to tissues. ORGANS-ON-A-CHIP 2022; 4:100017. [PMID: 36865345 PMCID: PMC9977322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ooc.2022.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The integration of vasculature at physiological scales within 3D cultures of cell-laden hydrogels for the delivery of spatiotemporal mass transport, chemical and mechanical cues, is a stepping-stone towards building in vitro tissue models that recapitulate in vivo cues. To address this challenge, we present a versatile method to micropattern adjoining hydrogel shells with a perfusable channel or lumen core, for enabling facile integration with fluidic control systems, on one hand, and to cell-laden biomaterial interfaces, on the other hand. This microfluidic imprint lithography methodology utilizes the high tolerance and reversible nature of the bond alignment process to lithographically position multiple layers of imprints within a microfluidic device for sequential filling and patterning of hydrogel lumen structures with single or multiple shells. Through fluidic interfacing of the structures, the ability to deliver physiologically relevant mechanical cues for recapitulating cyclical stretch on the hydrogel shell and shear stress on endothelial cells in the lumen are validated. We envision application of this platform for recapitulation of the bio-functionality and topology of micro-vasculatures, alongside the ability to deliver transport and mechanical cues, as needed for 3D culture to construct in vitro tissue models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter B. Varhue
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Aditya Rane
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | | | - Shayn M. Peirce
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - George Christ
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Corresponding author. University of Virginia, 351 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA. (N.S. Swami)
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5
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Huang X, Torres‐Castro K, Varhue W, Rane A, Rasin A, Swami NS. On‐chip microfluidic buffer swap of biological samples in‐line with downstream dielectrophoresis. Electrophoresis 2022; 43:1275-1282. [PMID: 35286736 PMCID: PMC9203925 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic cell enrichment by dielectrophoresis, based on biophysical and electrophysiology phenotypes, requires that cells be resuspended from their physiological media into a lower conductivity buffer for enhancing force fields and enabling the dielectric contrast needed for separation. To ensure that sensitive cells are not subject to centrifugation for resuspension and spend minimal time outside of their culture media, we present an on‐chip microfluidic strategy for swapping cells into media tailored for dielectrophoresis. This strategy transfers cells from physiological media into a 100‐fold lower conductivity media by using tangential flows of low media conductivity at 200‐fold higher flow rate versus sample flow to promote ion diffusion over the length of a straight channel architecture that maintains laminarity of the flow‐focused sample and minimizes cell dispersion across streamlines. Serpentine channels are used downstream from the flow‐focusing region to modulate hydrodynamic resistance of the central sample outlet versus flanking outlets that remove excess buffer, so that cell streamlines are collected in the exchanged buffer with minimal dilution in cell numbers and at flow rates that support dielectrophoresis. We envision integration of this on‐chip sample preparation platform prior to or post‐dielectrophoresis, in‐line with on‐chip monitoring of the outlet sample for metrics of media conductivity, cell velocity, cell viability, cell position, and collected cell numbers, so that the cell flow rate and streamlines can be tailored for enabling dielectrophoretic separations from heterogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhai Huang
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Karina Torres‐Castro
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Walter Varhue
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Aditya Rane
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Ahmed Rasin
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
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6
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Torres-Castro K, Azimi MS, Varhue WB, Honrado C, Peirce SM, Swami NS. Biophysical quantification of reorganization dynamics of human pancreatic islets during co-culture with adipose-derived stem cells. Analyst 2022; 147:2731-2738. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an00222a] [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
Reorganization dynamics of human islets during co-culture with adipose stem cells depends on islet size and the heterogeneity can be assessed based on biomechanical opacity of individual islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Torres-Castro
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Azimi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Walter B. Varhue
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Carlos Honrado
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Shayn M. Peirce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
| | - Nathan S. Swami
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia-22904, USA
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7
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Su SH, Song Y, Newstead MW, Cai T, Wu M, Stephens A, Singer BH, Kurabayashi K. Ultrasensitive Multiparameter Phenotyping of Rare Cells Using an Integrated Digital-Molecular-Counting Microfluidic Well Plate. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101743. [PMID: 34170616 PMCID: PMC8349899 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Integrated microfluidic cellular phenotyping platforms provide a promising means of studying a variety of inflammatory diseases mediated by cell-secreted cytokines. However, immunosensors integrated in previous microfluidic platforms lack the sensitivity to detect small signals in the cellular secretion of proinflammatory cytokines with high precision. This limitation prohibits researchers from studying cells secreting cytokines at low abundance or existing at a small population. Herein, the authors present an integrated platform named the "digital Phenoplate (dPP)," which integrates digital immunosensors into a microfluidic chip with on-chip cell assay chambers, and demonstrates ultrasensitive cellular cytokine secretory profile measurement. The integrated sensors yield a limit of detection as small as 0.25 pg mL-1 for mouse tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Each on-chip cell assay chamber confines cells whose population ranges from ≈20 to 600 in arrayed single-cell trapping microwells. Together, these microfluidic features of the dPP simultaneously permit precise counting and image-based cytometry of individual cells while performing parallel measurements of TNF-α released from rare cells under multiple stimulant conditions for multiple samples. The dPP platform is broadly applicable to the characterization of cellular phenotypes demanding high precision and high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiuan-Haur Su
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yujing Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael W Newstead
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tao Cai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - MengXi Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew Stephens
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Benjamin H Singer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katsuo Kurabayashi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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8
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Sokolowska P, Janikiewicz J, Jastrzebska E, Brzozka Z, Dobrzyn A. Combinations of regenerative medicine and Lab-on-a-chip systems: New hope to restoring the proper function of pancreatic islets in diabetes. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 167:112451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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9
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Salahi A, Varhue WB, Farmehini V, Hyler AR, Schmelz EM, Davalos RV, Swami NS. Self-aligned microfluidic contactless dielectrophoresis device fabricated by single-layer imprinting on cyclic olefin copolymer. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:3881-3889. [PMID: 32372273 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The trapping and deflection of biological cells by dielectrophoresis (DEP) at field non-uniformities in a microfluidic device is often conducted in a contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) mode, wherein the electrode channel is in a different layer than the sample channel, so that field penetration through the interceding barrier causes DEP above critical cut-off frequencies. In this manner, through physical separation of the electrode and sample channels, it is possible to spatially modulate electric fields with no electrode-induced damage to biological cells in the sample channel. However, since this device requires interlayer alignment of the electrode to sample channel and needs to maintain a thin interceding barrier (~ 15 μm) over the entire length over which DEP is needed (~ 1 cm), variations in alignment and microstructure fidelity cause wide variations in cDEP trapping level and frequency response across devices. We present a strategy to eliminate interlayer alignment by fabricating self-aligned electrode and sample channels, simultaneously with the interceding barrier layer (14-μm width and 50-μm depth), using a single-layer imprint and bond process on cyclic olefin copolymer. Specifically, by designing support structures, we preserve fidelity of the high aspect ratio insulating posts in the sample channel and the interceding barrier between the sample and electrode channels over the entire device footprint (~ 1 cm). The device operation is validated based on impedance measurements to quantify field penetration through the interceding barrier and by DEP trapping measurements. The presented fabrication strategy can eventually improve cDEP device manufacturing protocols to enable more reproducible DEP performance. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Salahi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Walter B Varhue
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Vahid Farmehini
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | | | - Eva M Schmelz
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA. .,Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
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Farmehini V, Varhue W, Salahi A, Hyler AR, Cemazar J, V Davalos R, Swami NS. On-Chip Impedance for Quantifying Parasitic Voltages During AC Electrokinetic Trapping. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 67:1664-1671. [PMID: 31545705 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2942572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing the effectiveness of microfluidic device structures for enabling electrokinetic or acoustic trapping requires imaging of model particles within each device under the requisite force fields. To avoid the need for extensive microscopy, the use of valuable biological samples, and reliance on a trained operator to assess efficacy of trapping, we explore electrical means to identify device geometry variations that are responsible for the poor trapping. RESULTS Using the example of AC electrokinetic trapping over an insulated channel in a contact-less dielectrophoresis mode, we present an on-chip method to acquire impedance spectra on the microfluidic device for quantifying the parasitic voltage drops. CONCLUSION Based on the parasitic voltage drops, device geometries can be designed to maximize fraction of the applied voltage that is available for dielectrophoretic manipulation and the measured on-chip impedance can rapidly inform downstream decisions on particle manipulation.
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11
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Bowers DT, Song W, Wang LH, Ma M. Engineering the vasculature for islet transplantation. Acta Biomater 2019; 95:131-151. [PMID: 31128322 PMCID: PMC6824722 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The microvasculature in the pancreatic islet is highly specialized for glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Although pancreatic islet transplantation is a potentially life-changing treatment for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, a lack of blood perfusion reduces viability and function of newly transplanted tissues. Functional vasculature around an implant is not only necessary for the supply of oxygen and nutrients but also required for rapid insulin release kinetics and removal of metabolic waste. Inadequate vascularization is particularly a challenge in islet encapsulation. Selectively permeable membranes increase the barrier to diffusion and often elicit a foreign body reaction including a fibrotic capsule that is not well vascularized. Therefore, approaches that aid in the rapid formation of a mature and robust vasculature in close proximity to the transplanted cells are crucial for successful islet transplantation or other cellular therapies. In this paper, we review various strategies to engineer vasculature for islet transplantation. We consider properties of materials (both synthetic and naturally derived), prevascularization, local release of proangiogenic factors, and co-transplantation of vascular cells that have all been harnessed to increase vasculature. We then discuss the various other challenges in engineering mature, long-term functional and clinically viable vasculature as well as some emerging technologies developed to address them. The benefits of physiological glucose control for patients and the healthcare system demand vigorous pursuit of solutions to cell transplant challenges. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Insulin-dependent diabetes affects more than 1.25 million people in the United States alone. Pancreatic islets secrete insulin and other endocrine hormones that control glucose to normal levels. During preparation for transplantation, the specialized islet blood vessel supply is lost. Furthermore, in the case of cell encapsulation, cells are protected within a device, further limiting delivery of nutrients and absorption of hormones. To overcome these issues, this review considers methods to rapidly vascularize sites and implants through material properties, pre-vascularization, delivery of growth factors, or co-transplantation of vessel supporting cells. Other challenges and emerging technologies are also discussed. Proper vascular growth is a significant component of successful islet transplantation, a treatment that can provide life-changing benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Bowers
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Long-Hai Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Minglin Ma
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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