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Aghajanloo B, Hadady H, Ejeian F, Inglis DW, Hughes MP, Tehrani AF, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:331. [PMID: 38886776 PMCID: PMC11181607 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01707-6] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical attributes have emerged as novel markers, providing a reliable means to characterize cellular and subcellular fractions. Numerous studies have identified correlations between these factors and patients' medical status. However, the absence of a thorough overview impedes their applicability in contemporary state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells. Subsequently, the discussion broadens to encompass subcellular bioparticles, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched either from blood cells or other tissues. Notably, cell sizes vary significantly, from 2 μm for platelets to 25 μm for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enabling the development of size-based separation techniques, such as microfiltration, for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although cellular density is relatively constant among different circulating bioparticles, it allows for reliable density gradient centrifugation to isolate cells without altering their native state. Additionally, variations in EV surface charges (-6.3 to -45 mV) offer opportunities for electrophoretic and electrostatic separation methods. The distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells, compared to their normal counterparts, present an exceptional opportunity for diverse medical and biotechnological approaches. This review also aims to provide a holistic view of the current understanding of popular techniques in this domain that transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on early harvesting of malignant cells from body fluids, designing effective therapeutic options, cell targeting, and resonating with tissue and genetic engineering principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Aghajanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Science, Research and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Pycraft Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Ouyang D, Ye N, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Hu L, Chao S, Yarmush M, Tuner M, Li Y, Tang B. Label-free microfluidic chip for segregation and recovery of circulating leukemia cells: clinical applications in acute myeloid leukemia. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 26:3. [PMID: 38085348 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
We present a label-free microfluidic chip for the segregation of circulating leukemia cells (CLCs) from blood samples, with a focus on its clinical applications in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The microfluidic chip achieved an approximate capture efficiency of 92%. The study analyzed a comprehensive set of 66 blood specimens from AML patients in different disease stages, including newly diagnosed and relapsing cases, patients in complete remission, and those in partial remission. The results showed a significant difference in CLC counts between active disease stages and remission stages (p < 0.0001), with a proposed threshold of 5 CLCs to differentiate between the two. The microfluidic chip exhibited a sensitivity of 95.4% and specificity of 100% in predicting disease recurrence. Additionally, the captured CLCs were subjected to downstream molecular analysis using droplet digital PCR, allowing for the identification of genetic mutations associated with AML. Comparative analysis with bone marrow aspirate processing by FACS demonstrated the reliability and accuracy of the microfluidic chip in tracking disease burden, with highly agreement results obtained between the two methods. The non-invasive nature of the microfluidic chip and its ability to provide real-time insights into disease progression make it a promising tool for the proactive monitoring and personalized patient care of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Ouyang
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ningxin Ye
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Yue Jiang
- Medical Imaging Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Yiyang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Californiain , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuen Chao
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Martin Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Memet Tuner
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yonghua Li
- Department of Hematology, PLA General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou , Guangdong, 510010, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, South University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen , Guangdong, 518055, China.
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Rodríguez CF, Guzmán-Sastoque P, Gantiva-Diaz M, Gómez SC, Quezada V, Muñoz-Camargo C, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Low-cost inertial microfluidic device for microparticle separation: A laser-Ablated PMMA lab-on-a-chip approach without a cleanroom. HARDWAREX 2023; 16:e00493. [PMID: 38045919 PMCID: PMC10689937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although microparticles are frequently used in chemistry and biology, their effectiveness largely depends on the homogeneity of their particle size distribution. Microfluidic devices to separate and purify particles based on their size have been developed, but many require expensive cleanroom manufacturing processes. A cost-effective, passive microfluidic separator is presented, capable of efficiently sorting and purifying particles spanning the size range of 15 µm to 40 µm. Fabricated from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) substrates using laser ablation, this device circumvents the need for cleanroom facilities. Prior to fabrication, rigorous optimization of the device's design was carried out through computational simulations conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics. To gauge its performance, chitosan microparticles were employed as a test case. The results were notably promising, achieving a precision of 96.14 %. This quantitative metric underscores the device's precision and effectiveness in size-based particle separation. This low-cost and accessible microfluidic separator offers a pragmatic solution for laboratories and researchers seeking precise control over particle sizes, without the constraints of expensive manufacturing environments. This innovation not only mitigates the limitations tied to traditional cleanroom-based fabrication but also widens the horizons for various applications within the realms of chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian F. Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Paula Guzmán-Sastoque
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Mónica Gantiva-Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Saúl C. Gómez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Akh L, Jung D, Frantz W, Bowman C, Neu AC, Ding X. Microfluidic pumps for cell sorting. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051502. [PMID: 37736018 PMCID: PMC10511263 DOI: 10.1063/5.0161223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic cell sorting has shown promising advantages over traditional bulky cell sorting equipment and has demonstrated wide-reaching applications in biological research and medical diagnostics. The most important characteristics of a microfluidic cell sorter are its throughput, ease of use, and integration of peripheral equipment onto the chip itself. In this review, we discuss the six most common methods for pumping fluid samples in microfluidic cell sorting devices, present their advantages and drawbacks, and discuss notable examples of their use. Syringe pumps are the most commonly used method for fluid actuation in microfluidic devices because they are easily accessible but they are typically too bulky for portable applications, and they may produce unfavorable flow characteristics. Peristaltic pumps, both on- and off-chip, can produce reversible flow but they suffer from pulsatile flow characteristics, which may not be preferable in many scenarios. Gravity-driven pumping, and similarly hydrostatic pumping, require no energy input but generally produce low throughputs. Centrifugal flow is used to sort cells on the basis of size or density but requires a large external rotor to produce centrifugal force. Electroosmotic pumping is appealing because of its compact size but the high voltages required for fluid flow may be incompatible with live cells. Emerging methods with potential for applications in cell sorting are also discussed. In the future, microfluidic cell sorting methods will trend toward highly integrated systems with high throughputs and low sample volume requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Akh
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Diane Jung
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - William Frantz
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Corrin Bowman
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Anika C. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Akbari Z, Raoufi MA, Mirjalali S, Aghajanloo B. A review on inertial microfluidic fabrication methods. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051504. [PMID: 37869745 PMCID: PMC10589053 DOI: 10.1063/5.0163970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been significant interest in inertial microfluidics due to its high throughput, ease of fabrication, and no need for external forces. The focusing efficiency of inertial microfluidic systems relies entirely on the geometrical features of microchannels because hydrodynamic forces (inertial lift forces and Dean drag forces) are the main driving forces in inertial microfluidic devices. In the past few years, novel microchannel structures have been propounded to improve particle manipulation efficiency. However, the fabrication of these unconventional structures has remained a serious challenge. Although researchers have pushed forward the frontiers of microfabrication technologies, the fabrication techniques employed for inertial microfluidics have not been discussed comprehensively. This review introduces the microfabrication approaches used for creating inertial microchannels, including photolithography, xurography, laser cutting, micromachining, microwire technique, etching, hot embossing, 3D printing, and injection molding. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods have also been discussed. Then, the techniques are reviewed regarding resolution, structures, cost, and materials. This review provides a thorough insight into the manufacturing methods of inertial microchannels, which could be helpful for future studies to improve the harvesting yield and resolution by choosing a proper fabrication technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Akbari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Sheyda Mirjalali
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Behrouz Aghajanloo
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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