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Saito M, Arai F, Yamanishi Y, Sakuma S. Spatiotemporally controlled microvortices provide advanced microfluidic components. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2306182121. [PMID: 39102543 PMCID: PMC11331141 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306182121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Microvortices are emerging components that impart functionality to microchannels by exploiting inertia effects such as high shear stress, effective fluid diffusion, and large pressure loss. Exploring the dynamic generation of vortices further expands the scope of microfluidic applications, including cell stimulation, fluid mixing, and transport. Despite the crucial role of vortices' development within sub-millisecond timescales, previous studies in microfluidics did not explore the modulation of the Reynolds number (Re) in the range of several hundred. In this study, we modulated high-speed flows (54 < [Formula: see text] < 456) within sub-millisecond timescales using a piezo-driven on-chip membrane pump. By applying this method to microchannels with asymmetric geometries, we successfully controlled the spatiotemporal development of vortices, adjusting their behavior in response to oscillatory flow directions. These different vortices induced different pressure losses, imparting the microchannels with direction-dependent flow resistance, mimicking a diode-like behavior. Through precise control of vortex development, we managed to regulate this direction-dependent resistance, enabling the rectification of oscillatory flow resembling a diode and the ability to switch its rectification direction. This component facilitated bidirectional flow control without the need for mechanical valves. Moreover, we demonstrated its application in microfluidic cell pipetting, enabling the isolation of single cells. Consequently, based on modulating high-speed flow, our approach offers precise control over the spatiotemporal development of vortices in microstructures, thereby introducing innovative microfluidic functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka819-0395, Japan
| | - Fumihito Arai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku113-8656, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamanishi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka819-0395, Japan
| | - Shinya Sakuma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka819-0395, Japan
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Lu Y, Tan W, Mu S, Zhu G. Vortex-Enhanced Microfluidic Chip for Efficient Mixing and Particle Capturing Combining Acoustics with Inertia. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3859-3869. [PMID: 38318710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Vortex-based microfluidics has received significant attention for its unique characteristics of high efficiency, flexible control, and label-free properties for the past decades. Herein, we present a vortex-based acousto-inertial chip that allows both fluid and particle manipulation within a significantly wider flow range and lower excitation voltage. Composed of contraction-expansion array structures and vibrating microstructures combined with bubbles and sharp edges, such a configuration results in more vigorous vortical fluid motions. The overall improvement in device performance comes from the synergistic effect of acoustics and inertia, as well as the positive feedback loop formed by vibrating bubbles and sharp edges. We characterize flow patterns in the microchannels by fluorescence particle tracer experiments and uncover single- and double-vortex modes over a range of sample flow rates and excitation voltages. On this basis, the ability of rapid and efficient sample homogenization up to a flow rate of 200 μL/min under an excitation voltage of 15 Vpp is verified by a two-fluid fluorescence mixing experiment. Moreover, the recirculation motion of particles in microvortices is investigated by using a high-speed imaging system. We also quantitatively measure the particle velocity variation on the trajectory and illustrate the capturing mechanism, which results from the interaction of the microvortices, particle dynamics, and composite microstructure perturbations. Further utilizing the shear forces derived by microvortices, our acousto-inertial chip is demonstrated to lysis red blood cells (RBCs) in a continuous, reagent-free manner. The high controllability and multifunction of this technology allow for the development of multistep miniaturized "lab-on-chip" analytical systems, which could significantly broaden the application of microvortex technology in biological, chemical, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Lu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Wei Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shuoshuo Mu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Guorui Zhu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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Thurgood P, Hawke A, Low LS, Borg A, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Tube Oscillation Drives Transitory Vortices Across Microfluidic Barriers. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2301427. [PMID: 38161266 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Here, the generation of dynamic vortices across microscale barriers using the tube oscillation mechanism is demonstrated. Using a combination of high-speed imaging and computational flow dynamics, the cyclic formation, expansion, and collapse of vortices are studied. The dynamics of vortices across circular , triangular, and blade-shape barriers are investigated at different tube oscillation frequencies. The formation of an array of synchronous vortices across parallel blade-shaped barriers is demonstrated. The transient flows caused by these dynamic vortex arrays are harnessed for the rapid and efficient mixing of blood samples . A circular barrier scribed with a narrow orifice on its shoulder is used to facilitate the injection of liquid into the microfluidic channel, and its rapid mixing with the main flow through the dynamic vortices generated across the barrier. This approach facilitates the generation of vortices with desirable configurations, sizes, and dynamics in a highly controllable, programmable, and predictable manner while operating at low static flow rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Adam Hawke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lee Sheer Low
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Aimee Borg
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Thurgood P, Needham S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Dynamic Vortex Generation, Pulsed Injection, and Rapid Mixing of Blood Samples in Microfluidics Using the Tube Oscillation Mechanism. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3089-3097. [PMID: 36692453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe the generation of dynamic vortices in micro-scale cavities at low flow rates. The system utilizes a computer-controlled audio speaker to axially oscillate the inlet tube of the microfluidic system at desired frequencies and amplitudes. The oscillation of the tube induces transiently high flow rates in the system, which facilitates the generation of dynamic vortices inside the cavity. The size of the vortices can be modulated by varying the tube oscillation frequency or amplitude. The vortices can be generated in single or serial cavities and in a wide range of cavity sizes. We demonstrate the suitability of the tube oscillation mechanism for the pulsed injection of water-based solutions or whole blood into the cavity. The injection rate can be controlled by the oscillation characteristics of the tube, enabling the injection of liquids at ultralow flow rates. The dynamic vortices facilitate the rapid mixing of the injected liquid with the main flow. The controllability and versatility of this technology allow for the development of programmable inertial microfluidic systems for performing multistep biological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria3001, Australia
| | - Scott Needham
- Leading Technology Group, Camberwell, Victoria3124, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria3001, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria3004, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria3082, Australia
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Chen Y, Wu Z, Sutlive J, Wu K, Mao L, Nie J, Zhao XZ, Guo F, Chen Z, Huang Q. Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis targeting fetal nucleated red blood cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:546. [PMID: 36585678 PMCID: PMC9805221 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) aims to detect fetal-related genetic disorders before birth by detecting markers in the peripheral blood of pregnant women, holding the potential in reducing the risk of fetal birth defects. Fetal-nucleated red blood cells (fNRBCs) can be used as biomarkers for NIPD, given their remarkable nature of carrying the entire genetic information of the fetus. Here, we review recent advances in NIPD technologies based on the isolation and analysis of fNRBCs. Conventional cell separation methods rely primarily on physical properties and surface antigens of fNRBCs, such as density gradient centrifugation, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and magnetic-activated cell sorting. Due to the limitations of sensitivity and purity in Conventional methods, separation techniques based on micro-/nanomaterials have been developed as novel methods for isolating and enriching fNRBCs. We also discuss emerging methods based on microfluidic chips and nanostructured substrates for static and dynamic isolation of fNRBCs. Additionally, we introduce the identification techniques of fNRBCs and address the potential clinical diagnostic values of fNRBCs. Finally, we highlight the challenges and the future directions of fNRBCs as treatment guidelines in NIPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Chen
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Academy of Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- grid.411377.70000 0001 0790 959XDepartment of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Joseph Sutlive
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ke Wu
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Lu Mao
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Academy of Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Jiabao Nie
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA ,grid.261112.70000 0001 2173 3359Department of Biological Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Xing-Zhong Zhao
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States.
| | - Zi Chen
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Qinqin Huang
- The Research and Application Center of Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Fang Y, Zhu S, Cheng W, Ni Z, Xiang N. Efficient bioparticle extraction using a miniaturized inertial microfluidic centrifuge. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3545-3554. [PMID: 35989675 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00496h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conventional bioparticle extraction requires labor-intensive operation, and expensive and bulky centrifuges. Herein, we report a miniaturized centrifuge by cascading four paralleled inertial spiral channels with a two-stage serpentine channel, allowing for the efficient washing and acquisition of concentrated bioparticles from background fluids. First, the effects of channel size and flow rate on particle focusing dynamics and solution exchange performances are explored to enable the optimization and wide application of our device. Then, the integrated device is fabricated and tested experimentally. The results indicate that 10-20 μm particles can be washed from the original samples with increased concentrations and with recovery efficiencies of >93%. Finally, to verify its versatility, we use our miniaturized centrifuge to successfully change the culture medium for cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells, extract A549 lung cancer cells from a calcein-AM staining solution, purify white blood cells (WBCs) from lysed whole blood, and extract target cells from an unbonded magnetic microbead background. Compared with conventional centrifuges, our device has the advantages of simple fabrication, easy operation, and small footprint. More importantly, it offers outstanding capability for extracting bioparticles from various background fluids, and avoids bioparticle damage that may be caused by high-speed centrifugation. Therefore, we envision that our miniaturized centrifuge could be a promising alternative to traditional centrifuges in many applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Fang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design, and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Shu Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design, and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Weiqi Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design, and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design, and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design, and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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