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Fan R, Wu J, Duan S, Jin L, Zhang H, Zhang C, Zheng A. Droplet-based microfluidics for drug delivery applications. Int J Pharm 2024; 663:124551. [PMID: 39106935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The microfluidic method primainly utilizes two incompatible liquids as continuous phase and dispersed phase respectively. It controls the formation of droplets by managing the microchannel structure and the flow rate ratio of the two phases. Droplet-based microfluidics is a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary research field encompassing physics, biochemistry, and Microsystems engineering. Droplet microfluidics offer a diverse and practical toolset that enables chemical and biological experiments to be conducted at high speeds and with greater efficiency compared to traditional instruments. The applications of droplet-based microfluidics are vast, including areas such as drug delivery, owing to its compatibility with numerous chemical and biological reagents and its ability to carry out various operations. This technology has been extensively researched due to its promising features. In this review, we delve into the materials used in droplet generation-based microfluidic devices, manufacturing techniques, methods for droplet generation in channels, and, finally, we summarize the applications of droplet generation-based microfluidics in drug delivery vectors, encompassing nanoparticles, microspheres, microcapsules, and hydrogel particles. We also discuss the challenges and future prospects of this technology across a wide array of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shuwei Duan
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lili Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Changhao Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Aiping Zheng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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2
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Al Abdullah S, Najm L, Ladouceur L, Ebrahimi F, Shakeri A, Al-Jabouri N, Didar TF, Dellinger K. Functional Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2023; 33:2302673. [PMID: 39309539 PMCID: PMC11415277 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202302673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia worldwide, whereby neuronal death or malfunction leads to cognitive impairment in the elderly population. AD is highly prevalent, with increased projections over the next few decades. Yet current diagnostic methods for AD occur only after the presentation of clinical symptoms. Evidence in the literature points to potential mechanisms of AD induction beginning before clinical symptoms start to present, such as the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) extracellular plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Biomarkers of AD, including Aβ 40, Aβ 42, and tau protein, amongst others, show promise for early AD diagnosis. Additional progress is made in the application of biosensing modalities to measure and detect significant changes in these AD biomarkers within patient samples, such as cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood, serum, or plasma. Herein, a comprehensive review of the emerging nano-biomaterial approaches to develop biosensors for AD biomarkers' detection is provided. Advances, challenges, and potential of electrochemical, optical, and colorimetric biosensors, focusing on nanoparticle-based (metallic, magnetic, quantum dots) and nanostructure-based biomaterials are discussed. Finally, the criteria for incorporating these emerging nano-biomaterials in clinical settings are presented and assessed, as they hold great potential for enhancing early-onset AD diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqer Al Abdullah
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
| | - Lubna Najm
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Liane Ladouceur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Nadine Al-Jabouri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Tohid F Didar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research (IIDR), 1280 Main St W, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kristen Dellinger
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
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Newman G, Leclerc A, Arditi W, Calzuola ST, Feaugas T, Roy E, Perrault CM, Porrini C, Bechelany M. Challenge of material haemocompatibility for microfluidic blood-contacting applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1249753. [PMID: 37662438 PMCID: PMC10469978 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1249753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological applications of microfluidics technology is beginning to expand beyond the original focus of diagnostics, analytics and organ-on-chip devices. There is a growing interest in the development of microfluidic devices for therapeutic treatments, such as extra-corporeal haemodialysis and oxygenation. However, the great potential in this area comes with great challenges. Haemocompatibility of materials has long been a concern for blood-contacting medical devices, and microfluidic devices are no exception. The small channel size, high surface area to volume ratio and dynamic conditions integral to microchannels contribute to the blood-material interactions. This review will begin by describing features of microfluidic technology with a focus on blood-contacting applications. Material haemocompatibility will be discussed in the context of interactions with blood components, from the initial absorption of plasma proteins to the activation of cells and factors, and the contribution of these interactions to the coagulation cascade and thrombogenesis. Reference will be made to the testing requirements for medical devices in contact with blood, set out by International Standards in ISO 10993-4. Finally, we will review the techniques for improving microfluidic channel haemocompatibility through material surface modifications-including bioactive and biopassive coatings-and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenyth Newman
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Leclerc
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France
- École Nationale Supérieure des Ingénieurs en Arts Chimiques et Technologiques, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - William Arditi
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
- Centrale Supélec, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Silvia Tea Calzuola
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
- UMR7648—LadHyx, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France
| | - Thomas Feaugas
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Eden Tech, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Mikhael Bechelany
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ Montpellier, ENSCM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France
- Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait
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4
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Zhao H, Chen T, Wu T, Xie L, Ma Y, Sha J. Strategy based on multiplexed brush architectures for regulating the spatiotemporal immobilization of biomolecules. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 141:213092. [PMID: 36191539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Functional surfaces that enable both spatial and temporal control of biomolecules immobilization have attracted enormous attention for various fields including smart biointerface materials, high-throughput bioarrays, and fundamental research in the biosciences. Here, a flexible and promising method was presented for regulating the spatiotemporal arrangement of multiple biomolecules by constructing the topographically and chemically diverse polymer brushes patterned surfaces. A series of polymer brushes patterned surfaces, including antifouling brushes patterned surface, epoxy-presenting brushes patterned surface without and with antifouling background layer, were fabricated to control the spatial distribution of protein and cell adhesion through specific and nonspecific means. The fluorescence measurements demonstrated the effectiveness of spatially regulating the density of surface-immobilized protein through controlling the areal thickness of the poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brush patterns, leading to various complex patterns featuring well-defined biomolecule concentration gradients. Furthermore, a multiplexed surface bearing epoxy groups and azido groups with various areal densities was fabricated for regulating the spatiotemporal arrangement of different proteins, enabling binary biomolecules patterns with higher degrees of functionality and complexity. The presented strategy for the spatiotemporal control of biomolecules immobilization would boost the development of dynamic and multifunctional biosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Zhao
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linsheng Xie
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yulu Ma
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jin Sha
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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Shakeri A, Khan S, Jarad NA, Didar TF. The Fabrication and Bonding of Thermoplastic Microfluidics: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15186478. [PMID: 36143790 PMCID: PMC9503322 DOI: 10.3390/ma15186478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Various fields within biomedical engineering have been afforded rapid scientific advancement through the incorporation of microfluidics. As literature surrounding biological systems become more comprehensive and many microfluidic platforms show potential for commercialization, the development of representative fluidic systems has become more intricate. This has brought increased scrutiny of the material properties of microfluidic substrates. Thermoplastics have been highlighted as a promising material, given their material adaptability and commercial compatibility. This review provides a comprehensive discussion surrounding recent developments pertaining to thermoplastic microfluidic device fabrication. Existing and emerging approaches related to both microchannel fabrication and device assembly are highlighted, with consideration toward how specific approaches induce physical and/or chemical properties that are optimally suited for relevant real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Shadman Khan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Noor Abu Jarad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tohid F. Didar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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6
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Shakeri A, Yousefi H, Jarad NA, Kullab S, Al-Mfarej D, Rottman M, Didar TF. Contamination and carryover free handling of complex fluids using lubricant-infused pipette tips. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14486. [PMID: 36008518 PMCID: PMC9411573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18756-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-contamination of biological samples during handling and preparation, is a major issue in laboratory setups, leading to false-positives or false-negatives. Sample carryover residue in pipette tips contributes greatly to this issue. Most pipette tips on the market are manufactured with hydrophobic polymers that are able to repel high surface tension liquids, yet they lack in performance when low surface tension liquids and viscous fluids are involved. Moreover, hydrophobicity of pipette tips can result in hydrophobic adsorption of biomolecules, causing inaccuracies and loss in precision during pipetting. Here we propose the use of lubricant-infused surface (LIS) technology to achieve omniphobic properties in pipette tips. Using a versatile and simple design, the inner lumen of commercially available pipette tips was coated with a fluorosilane (FS) layer using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The presence of FS groups on the tips is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests. After lubrication of the tips through a fluorinated lubricant, the omniphobicity and repellent behaviour of the tips drastically enhanced which are revealed via static and hysteresis contact angle measurements. The repellency of the lubricant-infused pipette tips against physical adsorption is investigated through pipetting a food coloring dye as well as human blood samples and are compared to the untreated tips. The results show significantly less amount carryover residue when the lubricant-infused tips are utilized compared to commercially available ones. We also demonstrate the lubricant-infused tips reduce bacteria contamination of the inner lumen by 3 to 6-log (over 99%, depending on the tip size) after pipetting up and down the bacteria solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada.
| | - Hanie Yousefi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Noor Abu Jarad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 3L8, Canada
| | - Samer Kullab
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Dalya Al-Mfarej
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Martin Rottman
- Department of Microbiology and Innovative Biomarkers Platform, GH Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré (APHP), Garches, France
- Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation U1173, School of Medicine Simone Veil Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Montigny le Bx, France
| | - Tohid F Didar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 3L8, Canada.
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7
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Theel EK, Schwaminger SP. Microfluidic Approaches for Affinity-Based Exosome Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169004. [PMID: 36012270 PMCID: PMC9409173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a subspecies of extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes have provided promising results in diagnostic and theranostic applications in recent years. The nanometer-sized exosomes can be extracted by liquid biopsy from almost all body fluids, making them especially suitable for mainly non-invasive point-of-care (POC) applications. To achieve this, exosomes must first be separated from the respective biofluid. Impurities with similar properties, heterogeneity of exosome characteristics, and time-related biofouling complicate the separation. This practical review presents the state-of-the-art methods available for the separation of exosomes. Furthermore, it is shown how new separation methods can be developed. A particular focus lies on the fabrication and design of microfluidic devices using highly selective affinity separation. Due to their compactness, quick analysis time and portable form factor, these microfluidic devices are particularly suitable to deliver fast and reliable results for POC applications. For these devices, new manufacturing methods (e.g., laminating, replica molding and 3D printing) that use low-cost materials and do not require clean rooms are presented. Additionally, special flow routes and patterns that increase contact surfaces, as well as residence time, and thus improve affinity purification are displayed. Finally, various analyses are shown that can be used to evaluate the separation results of a newly developed device. Overall, this review paper provides a toolbox for developing new microfluidic affinity devices for exosome separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike K. Theel
- Bioseparation Engineering Group, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Sebastian P. Schwaminger
- Bioseparation Engineering Group, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Suntornnond R, Ng WL, Huang X, Yeow CHE, Yeong WY. Improving printability of hydrogel-based bio-inks for thermal inkjet bioprinting applications via saponification and heat treatment processes. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5989-6000. [PMID: 35876487 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00442a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Material jetting bioprinting is a highly promising three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technique that facilitates drop-on-demand (DOD) deposition of biomaterials and cells at pre-defined positions with high precision and resolution. A major challenge that hinders the prevalent use of the material jetting bioprinting technique is due to its limited range of printable hydrogel-based bio-inks. As a proof-of-concept, further modifications were made to gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), a gold-standard bio-ink, to improve its printability in a thermal inkjet bioprinter (HP Inc. D300e Digital Dispenser). A two-step modification process comprising saponification and heat treatment was performed; the GelMA bio-ink was first modified via a saponification process under highly alkali conditions to obtain saponified GelMA (SP-GelMA), followed by heat treatment via an autoclaving process to obtain heat-treated SP-GelMA (HSP-GelMA). The bio-ink modification process was optimized by evaluating the material properties of the GelMA bio-inks via rheological characterization, the bio-ink crosslinking test, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and the material swelling ratio after different numbers of heat treatment cycles (0, 1, 2 and 3 cycles). Lastly, size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) was performed to determine the effect of heat treatment on the molecular weight of the bio-inks. In this work, the 4% H2SP-GelMA bio-inks (after 2 heat treatment cycles) demonstrated good printability and biocompatibility (in terms of cell viability and proliferation profile). Furthermore, thermal inkjet bioprinting of the modified hydrogel-based bio-ink (a two-step modification process comprising saponification and heat treatment) via direct/indirect cell patterning is a facile approach for potential fundamental cell-cell and cell-material interaction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratima Suntornnond
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 65 Nanyang Avenue, 637460, Singapore.
| | - Wei Long Ng
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 65 Nanyang Avenue, 637460, Singapore.
| | - Xi Huang
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 65 Nanyang Avenue, 637460, Singapore.
| | - Chuen Herh Ethan Yeow
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 65 Nanyang Avenue, 637460, Singapore.
| | - Wai Yee Yeong
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 65 Nanyang Avenue, 637460, Singapore. .,Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP), School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
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Shakeri A, Jarad NA, Khan S, F Didar T. Bio-functionalization of microfluidic platforms made of thermoplastic materials: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1209:339283. [PMID: 35569863 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As a result of their favorable physical and chemical characteristics, thermoplastics have garnered significant interest in the area of microfluidics. The moldable nature of these inexpensive polymers enables easy fabrication, while their durability and chemical stability allow for resistance to high shear stress conditions and functionalization, respectively. This review provides a comprehensive examination several commonly used thermoplastic polymers in the microfluidics space including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and copolymer (COC), polycarbonates (PC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polystyrene (PS), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyester. We describe various biofunctionalization strategies applied within thermoplastic microfluidic platforms and their resultant applications. Lastly, emerging technologies with a focus on applying recently developed microfluidic and biofunctionalization strategies into thermoplastic systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Noor Abu Jarad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shadman Khan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tohid F Didar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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10
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Yousefi H, Samani SE, Khan S, Prasad A, Shakeri A, Li Y, Filipe CDM, Didar TF. LISzyme Biosensors: DNAzymes Embedded in an Anti-biofouling Platform for Hands-free Real-Time Detection of Bacterial Contamination in Milk. ACS NANO 2022; 16:29-37. [PMID: 34872243 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nonspecific binding is a significant challenge associated with biosensors in complex food textures. To overcome this, we have developed LISzymes, which are DNAzymes incorporated in lubricant-infused surfaces (LISs). Using milk as a complex background matrix, we show that LISzyme biosensors are significantly more effective in preventing nonspecific binding compared to other commonly used "blocking" methods. The use of lubricant infusion to treat sensing surfaces results in a 4-fold increase in the signal-to-noise ratio obtained with the DNAzyme with respect to untreated surfaces, when detecting the presence of specific bacteria in milk. This is a striking improvement upon previous DNAzyme sensors. We also show that the use of LISs does not affect the DNAzyme's ability to effectively and specifically detect its target─a protein specifically produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli), in a complex sample matrix such as milk. LISzymes drastically improve DNAzyme performance, resulting in target detection associated with E. coli at concentrations as low as 250 CFU/mL in milk in less than an hour, which is currently not possible using other optical platforms. LISzymes are promising tools for the real-time monitoring of food contamination and may prove valuable within many other biosensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Yousefi
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
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11
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Sathish S, Shen AQ. Toward the Development of Rapid, Specific, and Sensitive Microfluidic Sensors: A Comprehensive Device Blueprint. JACS AU 2021; 1:1815-1833. [PMID: 34841402 PMCID: PMC8611667 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in nano/microfluidics have led to the miniaturization of surface-based chemical and biochemical sensors, with applications ranging from environmental monitoring to disease diagnostics. These systems rely on the detection of analytes flowing in a liquid sample, by exploiting their innate nature to react with specific receptors immobilized on the microchannel walls. The efficiency of these systems is defined by the cumulative effect of analyte detection speed, sensitivity, and specificity. In this perspective, we provide a fresh outlook on the use of important parameters obtained from well-characterized analytical models, by connecting the mass transport and reaction limits with the experimentally attainable limits of analyte detection efficiency. Specifically, we breakdown when and how the operational (e.g., flow rates, channel geometries, mode of detection, etc.) and molecular (e.g., receptor affinity and functionality) variables can be tailored to enhance the analyte detection time, analytical specificity, and sensitivity of the system (i.e., limit of detection). Finally, we present a simple yet cohesive blueprint for the development of high-efficiency surface-based microfluidic sensors for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of chemical and biochemical analytes, pertinent to a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Sathish
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate
University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Amy Q. Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate
University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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12
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Shakeri A, Khan S, Didar TF. Conventional and emerging strategies for the fabrication and functionalization of PDMS-based microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3053-3075. [PMID: 34286800 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00288k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging and multidisciplinary field that is of great interest to manufacturers in medicine, biotechnology, and chemistry, as it provides unique tools for the development of point-of-care diagnostics, organs-on-chip systems, and biosensors. Polymeric microfluidics, unlike glass and silicon, offer several advantages such as low-cost mass manufacturing and a wide range of beneficial material properties, which make them the material of choice for commercial applications and high-throughput systems. Among polymers used for the fabrication of microfluidic devices, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) still remains the most widely used material in academia due to its advantageous properties, such as excellent transparency and biocompatibility. However, commercialization of PDMS has been a challenge mostly due to the high cost of the current fabrication strategies. Moreover, specific surface modification and functionalization steps are required to tailor the surface chemistry of PDMS channels (e.g. biomolecule immobilization, surface hydrophobicity and antifouling properties) with respect to the desired application. While significant research has been reported in the field of PDMS microfluidics, functionalization of PDMS surfaces remains a critical step in the fabrication process that is difficult to navigate. This review first offers a thorough illustration of existing fabrication methods for PDMS-based microfluidic devices, providing several recent advancements in this field with the aim of reducing the cost and time for mass production of these devices. Next, various conventional and emerging approaches for engineering the surface chemistry of PDMS are discussed in detail. We provide a wide range of functionalization techniques rendering PDMS microchannels highly biocompatible for physical or covalent immobilization of various biological entities while preventing non-specific interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada.
| | - Shadman Khan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tohid F Didar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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Salva ML, Rocca M, Niemeyer CM, Delamarche E. Methods for immobilizing receptors in microfluidic devices: A review. MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2021.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Zhang P, Chang KC, Abate AR. Precision ejection of microfluidic droplets into air with a superhydrophobic outlet. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1484-1491. [PMID: 33656500 PMCID: PMC8189694 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01327g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Dispensing micron-scale droplets from a suspended nozzle is important for applications in bioprinting, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical formulation. Here, we describe a general approach to eject droplets from microfluidic devices using superhydrophobic patterning; this facilitates release of wetted fluids, allowing droplets to break contact with channel surfaces and travel along regular paths to achieve a printing accuracy of ∼3 μm. We demonstrate the utility of the approach by using it to print droplets of varied composition from a microfluidic mixing device. Our approach is compatible with common fabrication techniques making it applicable to devices configured for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kai-Chun Chang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Adam R Abate
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Imani SM, Maclachlan R, Chan Y, Shakeri A, Soleymani L, Didar TF. Hierarchical Structures, with Submillimeter Patterns, Micrometer Wrinkles, and Nanoscale Decorations, Suppress Biofouling and Enable Rapid Droplet Digitization. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2004886. [PMID: 33230941 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202004886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Liquid repellant surfaces have been shown to play a vital role for eliminating thrombosis on medical devices, minimizing blood contamination on common surfaces as well as preventing non-specific adhesion. Herein, an all solution-based, easily scalable method for producing liquid repellant flexible films, fabricated through nanoparticle deposition and heat-induced thin film wrinkling that suppress blood adhesion, and clot formation is reported. Furthermore, superhydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces are combined onto the same substrate using a facile streamlined process. The patterned superhydrophobic/hydrophilic surfaces show selective digitization of droplets from various solutions with a single solution dipping step, which provides a route for rapid compartmentalization of solutions into virtual wells needed for high-throughput assays. This rapid solution digitization approach is demonstrated for detection of Interleukin 6. The developed liquid repellant surfaces are expected to find a wide range of applications in high-throughput assays and blood contacting medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Imani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Roderick Maclachlan
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Yuting Chan
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Tohid F Didar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada
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Berlanda SF, Breitfeld M, Dietsche CL, Dittrich PS. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Technology for Bioanalysis and Diagnostics. Anal Chem 2020; 93:311-331. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon F. Berlanda
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Breitfeld
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudius L. Dietsche
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra S. Dittrich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Sathish S, Ishizu N, Shen AQ. Air Plasma-Enhanced Covalent Functionalization of Poly(methyl methacrylate): High-Throughput Protein Immobilization for Miniaturized Bioassays. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:46350-46360. [PMID: 31722179 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b14631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Miniaturized systems, such as integrated microarray and microfluidic devices, are constantly being developed to satisfy the growing demand for sensitive and high-throughput biochemical screening platforms. Owing to its recyclability, and robust mechanical and optical properties, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has become the most sought after material for the large-scale fabrication of these platforms. However, the chemical inertness of PMMA entails the use of complex chemical surface treatments for covalent immobilization of proteins. In addition to being hazardous and incompatible for large-scale operations, conventional biofunctionalization strategies pose high risks of compromising the biomolecular conformations, as well as the stability of PMMA. By exploiting radio frequency (RF) air plasma and standard 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry in tandem, we demonstrate a simple yet scalable PMMA functionalization strategy for covalent immobilization (chemisorption) of proteins, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), while preserving the structural integrities of the proteins and PMMA. The surface density of chemisorbed GFP is shown to be highly dependent on the air plasma energy, initial GFP concentration, and buffer pH, where a maximum GFP surface density of 4 × 10-7 mol/m2 is obtained, when chemisorbed on EDC-NHS-activated PMMA exposed to 27 kJ of air plasma, at pH 7.4. Furthermore, antibody-binding studies validate the preserved biofunctionality of the chemisorbed GFP molecules. Finally, the coupled air plasma and EDC-NHS PMMA biofunctionalization strategy is used to fabricate microfluidic antibody assay devices to detect clinically significant concentrations of Chlamydia trachomatis specific antibodies. By coupling our scalable and tailored air plasma-enhanced PMMA biofunctionalization strategy with microfluidics, we elucidate the potential of fabricating sensitive, reproducible, and sustainable high-throughput protein screening systems, without the need for harsh chemicals and complex instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Sathish
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit , Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University , 1919-1 Tancha , Onna-son, Kunigami-gun , Okinawa 904-0495 , Japan
| | - Noriko Ishizu
- Mechanical Engineering and Microfabrication Support Section , Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University , 1919-1 Tancha , Onna-son, Kunigami-gun , Okinawa 904-0495 , Japan
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit , Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University , 1919-1 Tancha , Onna-son, Kunigami-gun , Okinawa 904-0495 , Japan
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