1
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Jain SK, Sen AK. Coflowing aqueous and oil-based ferrofluid streams exposed to a magnetic field. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:6431-6439. [PMID: 39091207 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00550c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
We report the transition between stream and droplet regimes in a coflow of an aqueous stream and oil-based ferrofluid. The transition between stream and droplet regimes is typically attained by controlling the capillary numbers (Ca) of the phases. Remarkably, we experimentally evidence a transition between the regimes by adjusting the exposure of the system to a magnetic field, with Ca fixed. We represent the various regimes: stable coflow, interface deformation, and droplet generation, in terms of the magnetic bond number (Bom) and the ratio of capillary numbers of the phases (Car). The different regimes are a consequence of the interplay of the magnetic, viscous, and interfacial tension forces, represented by the two dimensionless numbers. We explain the regimes in terms of the magnetic pinch-off (τmp) and advection (τa) time scales: for τmp ≫ τa a stable coflow is observed, for τmp ∼ τa interface deformation is observed, and for τmp ≪ τa droplet breakup is observed. We study the interface deformation and droplet size from experiments and predict the same from theoretical scaling. We find the interface deformation increases and the droplet size decreases with increases in Bom and Car. The present study may find applications in magnetic field-assisted on-demand droplet generation in microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Jain
- Micro Nano Bio Fluidics Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai - 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - A K Sen
- Micro Nano Bio Fluidics Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai - 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
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2
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Ma L, Zhao X, Hou J, Huang L, Yao Y, Ding Z, Wei J, Hao N. Droplet Microfluidic Devices: Working Principles, Fabrication Methods, and Scale-Up Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301406. [PMID: 38594964 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Compared with the conventional emulsification method, droplets generated within microfluidic devices exhibit distinct advantages such as precise control of fluids, exceptional monodispersity, uniform morphology, flexible manipulation, and narrow size distribution. These inherent benefits, including intrinsic safety, excellent heat and mass transfer capabilities, and large surface-to-volume ratio, have led to the widespread applications of droplet-based microfluidics across diverse fields, encompassing chemical engineering, particle synthesis, biological detection, diagnostics, emulsion preparation, and pharmaceuticals. However, despite its promising potential for versatile applications, the practical utilization of this technology in commercial and industrial is extremely limited to the inherently low production rates achievable within a single microchannel. Over the past two decades, droplet-based microfluidics has evolved significantly, considerably transitioning from a proof-of-concept stage to industrialization. And now there is a growing trend towards translating academic research into commercial and industrial applications, primarily driven by the burgeoning demands of various fields. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in droplet-based microfluidics, covering the fundamental working principles and the critical aspect of scale-up integration from working principles to scale-up integration. Based on the existing scale-up strategies, the paper also outlines the future research directions, identifies the potential opportunities, and addresses the typical unsolved challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xiong Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Junsheng Hou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Yao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Ding
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jinjia Wei
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Nanjing Hao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
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3
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Wang R, He H, Tian J, Chodankar S, Hsiao BS, Rosén T. Solvent-Dependent Dynamics of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Process-Relevant Flow Fields. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:13319-13329. [PMID: 38859701 PMCID: PMC11210288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Flow-assisted alignment of anisotropic nanoparticles is a promising route for the bottom-up assembly of advanced materials with tunable properties. While aligning processes could be optimized by controlling factors such as solvent viscosity, flow deformation, and the structure of the particles themselves, it is necessary to understand the relationship between these factors and their effect on the final orientation. In this study, we investigated the flow of surface-charged cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with the shape of a rigid rod dispersed in water and propylene glycol (PG) in an isotropic tactoid state. In situ scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheo-optical flow-stop experiments were used to quantify the dynamics, orientation, and structure of the assigned system at the nanometer scale. The effects of both shear and extensional flow fields were revealed in a single experiment by using a flow-focusing channel geometry, which was used as a model flow for nanomaterial assembly. Due to the higher solvent viscosity, CNCs in PG showed much slower Brownian dynamics than CNCs in water and thus could be aligned at lower deformation rates. Moreover, CNCs in PG also formed a characteristic tactoid structure but with less ordering than CNCs in water owing to weaker electrostatic interactions. The results indicate that CNCs in water stay assembled in the mesoscale structure at moderate deformation rates but are broken up at higher flow rates, enhancing rotary diffusion and leading to lower overall alignment. Albeit being a study of cellulose nanoparticles, the fundamental interplay between imposed flow fields, Brownian motion, and electrostatic interactions likely apply to many other anisotropic colloidal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifu Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United
States
| | - HongRui He
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United
States
| | - Jiajun Tian
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United
States
| | - Shirish Chodankar
- National
Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11793-5000, United States
| | - Benjamin S. Hsiao
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United
States
| | - Tomas Rosén
- Department
of Fiber and Polymer Technology and Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Chen S, Wu Z, Zhang Q, Li Y, Yao H, Chen S, Xie T, Lin JM. Gravity-Oriented Microfluidic Device for Biocompatible End-to-End Fabrication of Cell-Laden Microgels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306725. [PMID: 38287726 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics are extensively utilized to generate monodisperse cell-laden microgels in biomedical applications. However, maintaining cell viability is still challenging due to overexposure to harsh conditions in subsequent procedures that recover the microgels from the oil phase. Here, a gravity-oriented microfluidic device for end-to-end fabrication of cell-laden microgels is reported, which integrates dispersion, gelation, and extraction into a continuous workflow. This innovative on-chip extraction, driven by native buoyancy and kinetically facilitated by pseudosurfactant, exhibits 100% retrieval efficiency for microgels with a wide range of sizes and stiffnesses. The viability of encapsulated cells is perfectly maintained at ≈98% with minimal variations within and between batches. The end-to-end fabrication remarkably enhances the biocompatibility and practicality of microfluidics-based cell encapsulation and is promising to be compatible with various applications ranging from single-cell analysis to clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulang Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zengnan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hongren Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tianze Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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Jung SH, Meyer F, Hörnig S, Bund M, Häßel B, Guerzoni LPB, De Laporte L, Ben Messaoud G, Centeno SP, Pich A. On-Chip Fabrication of Colloidal Suprastructures by Assembly and Supramolecular Interlinking of Microgels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2303444. [PMID: 37705132 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
In this report, a versatile method is demonstrated to create colloidal suprastructures by assembly and supramolecular interlinking of microgels using droplet-based microfluidics. The behavior of the microgels is systematically investigated to evaluate the influence of their concentration on their distribution between the continuous, the droplet phase, and the interface. At low concentrations, microgels are mainly localized at the water-oil interface whereas an excess of microgels results, following the complete coverage of the water-oil interface, in their distribution in the continuous phase. To stabilize the colloidal suprastructure, on-chip gelation is introduced by adding natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) in the water phase. TA forms interparticle linking between the poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) microgels by supramolecular interactions. The combination of supramolecular interlinking with the variation of the microgel concentration in microfluidic droplets enables on-chip fabrication of defined colloidal suprastructures with morphologies ranging from colloidosomes to colloidal supraballs. The obtained supracolloidal structures exhibit a pH-responsive behavior with a disintegration at alkaline conditions within a scale of seconds. The destabilization process results from the deprotonation of phenolic groups and destruction of hydrogen bonds with PVCL chains at higher pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Hyeong Jung
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Meyer
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Hörnig
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michelle Bund
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Häßel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ghazi Ben Messaoud
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Silvia P Centeno
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrij Pich
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, RD Geleen, 6167, The Netherlands
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6
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Orabi M, Lo JF. Emerging Advances in Microfluidic Hydrogel Droplets for Tissue Engineering and STEM Cell Mechanobiology. Gels 2023; 9:790. [PMID: 37888363 PMCID: PMC10606214 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100790] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel droplets are biodegradable and biocompatible materials with promising applications in tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, and clinical treatments. They represent a well-controlled microstructure to bridge the spatial divide between two-dimensional cell cultures and three-dimensional tissues, toward the recreation of entire organs. The applications of hydrogel droplets in regenerative medicine require a thorough understanding of microfluidic techniques, the biocompatibility of hydrogel materials, and droplet production and manipulation mechanisms. Although hydrogel droplets were well studied, several emerging advances promise to extend current applications to tissue engineering and beyond. Hydrogel droplets can be designed with high surface-to-volume ratios and a variety of matrix microstructures. Microfluidics provides precise control of the flow patterns required for droplet generation, leading to tight distributions of particle size, shape, matrix, and mechanical properties in the resultant microparticles. This review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic hydrogel droplet generation. First, the theoretical principles of microfluidics, materials used in fabrication, and new 3D fabrication techniques were discussed. Then, the hydrogels used in droplet generation and their cell and tissue engineering applications were reviewed. Finally, droplet generation mechanisms were addressed, such as droplet production, droplet manipulation, and surfactants used to prevent coalescence. Lastly, we propose that microfluidic hydrogel droplets can enable novel shear-related tissue engineering and regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joe F. Lo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA;
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7
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Whulanza Y, Nathani RC, Adimillenva K, Irwansyah R, Wahyu Nurhayati R, Utomo MS, Abdullah AH. Effect of Flow Rate Modulation on Alginate Emulsification in Multistage Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1828. [PMID: 37893265 PMCID: PMC10609249 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The encapsulation of stem cells into alginate microspheres is an important aspect of tissue engineering or bioprinting which ensures cell growth and development. We previously demonstrated the encapsulation of stem cells using the hanging drop method. However, this conventional process takes a relatively long time and only produces a small-volume droplet. Here, an experimental approach for alginate emulsification in multistage microfluidics is reported. By using the microfluidic method, the emulsification of alginate in oil can be manipulated by tuning the flow rate for both phases. Two-step droplet emulsification is conducted in a series of polycarbonate and polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic chips. Multistage emulsification of alginate for stem cell encapsulation has been successfully reported in this study under certain flow rates. Fundamental non-dimensional numbers such as Reynolds and capillary are used to evaluate the effect of flow rate on the emulsification process. Reynolds numbers of around 0.5-2.5 for alginate/water and 0.05-0.2 for oil phases were generated in the current study. The capillary number had a maximum value of 0.018 to ensure the formation of plug flow. By using the multistage emulsification system, the flow rates of each process can be tuned independently, offering a wider range of droplet sizes that can be produced. A final droplet size of 500-1000 µm can be produced using flow rates of 0.1-0.5 mL/h and 0.7-2.4 mL/h for the first stage and second stage, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Whulanza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
- Research Center for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Rithwik Chandur Nathani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Klaugusta Adimillenva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Ridho Irwansyah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Retno Wahyu Nurhayati
- Research Center for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | | | - Abdul Halim Abdullah
- Biomechanical & Clinical Engineering Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
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8
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Luo G, Zhang Y, Wang S, Lv X, Yang T, Wang J. Establishment and Validation of an Integrated Microfluidic Step Emulsification Chip Supporting Droplet Digital Nucleic Acid Analysis. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:888. [PMID: 37754123 PMCID: PMC10527055 DOI: 10.3390/bios13090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Uniform and stable droplet generation is critical for accurate and efficient digital nucleic acid analysis (dNAA). In this study, an integrated microfluidic step emulsification device with wide-range droplet generation capability, small device dimensions, convenient fabrication strategy, low contamination and high robustness was developed. A tree-shaped droplet generation nozzle distribution design was proposed to increase the uniformity of droplet generation by equating flow rates, and the flow field in the design was numerically simulated. Theoretical analysis and comparative experiments on droplet size were performed regarding the influences of nozzle dimensions and surface properties. With incubation and hydrophobic reagent treatment, droplets as small as 73.1 μm were generated with multiplex nozzles of 18 μm (h) × 80 μm (w). The droplets were then collected into a standard PCR tube and an on-chip monolayer droplet collection chamber, without manual transfer and sample contamination. The oil-to-sample volume ratio in the PCR tube was recorded during collection. In the end, the droplets generated and collected using the microfluidic device proved to be stable and uniform for nucleic acid amplification and detection. This study provides reliable characteristic information for the design and fabrication of a micro-droplet generation device, and represents a promising approach for the realization of a three-in-one dNAA device under a step emulsification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangyin Luo
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | | | - Shun Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Xinbei Lv
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Tianhang Yang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Jinxian Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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Yazdanparast S, Rezai P, Amirfazli A. Microfluidic Droplet-Generation Device with Flexible Walls. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1770. [PMID: 37763933 PMCID: PMC10536617 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Controlling droplet sizes is one of the most important aspects of droplet generators used in biomedical research, drug discovery, high-throughput screening, and emulsion manufacturing applications. This is usually achieved by using multiple devices that are restricted in their range of generated droplet sizes. In this paper, a co-flow microfluidic droplet-generation device with flexible walls was developed such that the width of the continuous (C)-phase channel around the dispersed (D)-phase droplet-generating needle can be adjusted on demand. This actuation mechanism allowed for the adjustment of the C-phase flow velocity, hence providing modulated viscous forces to manipulate droplet sizes in a single device. Two distinct droplet-generation regimes were observed at low D-phase Weber numbers, i.e., a dripping regime at high- and medium-channel widths and a plug regime at low-channel widths. The effect of channel width on droplet size was investigated in the dripping regime under three modes of constant C-phase flow rate, velocity, and Capillary number. Reducing the channel width at a constant C-phase flow rate had the most pronounced effect on producing smaller droplets. This effect can be attributed to the combined influences of the wall effect and increased C-phase velocity, leading to a greater impact on droplet size due to the intensified viscous force. Droplet sizes in the range of 175-913 µm were generated; this range was ~2.5 times wider than the state of the art, notably using a single microfluidic device. Lastly, an empirical model based on Buckingham's Pi theorem was developed to predict the size of droplets based on channel width and height as well as the C-phase Capillary and Reynolds numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Alidad Amirfazli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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10
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Zhou X, Mao Y, Gu M, Cheng Z. WSCNet: Biomedical Image Recognition for Cell Encapsulated Microfluidic Droplets. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:821. [PMID: 37622907 PMCID: PMC10452702 DOI: 10.3390/bios13080821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic droplets accommodating a single cell as independent microreactors are frequently demanded for single-cell analysis of phenotype and genotype. However, challenges exist in identifying and reducing the covalence probability (following Poisson's distribution) of more than two cells encapsulated in one droplet. It is of great significance to monitor and control the quantity of encapsulated content inside each droplet. We demonstrated a microfluidic system embedded with a weakly supervised cell counting network (WSCNet) to generate microfluidic droplets, evaluate their quality, and further recognize the locations of encapsulated cells. Here, we systematically verified our approach using encapsulated droplets from three different microfluidic structures. Quantitative experimental results showed that our approach can not only distinguish droplet encapsulations (F1 score > 0.88) but also locate each cell without any supervised location information (accuracy > 89%). The probability of a "single cell in one droplet" encapsulation is systematically verified under different parameters, which shows good agreement with the distribution of the passive method (Residual Sum of Squares, RSS < 0.5). This study offers a comprehensive platform for the quantitative assessment of encapsulated microfluidic droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhen Cheng
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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11
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Shang Q, Wang H, Xiang X, Zhu C, Ma Y, Fu T. Formation of droplets of yield stress non-Newtonian fluids at T-junctions within parallelized microchannels. Chem Eng Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.118696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
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12
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Review of the role of surfactant dynamics in drop microfluidics. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 312:102844. [PMID: 36708604 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102844] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants are employed in microfluidic systems not just for drop stabilisation, but also to study local phenomena in industrial processes. On the scale of a single drop, these include foaming, emulsification and stability of foams and emulsions using statistically significant ensembles of bubbles or drops respectively. In addition, surfactants are often a part of a formulation in microfluidic drop reactors. In all these applications, surfactant dynamics play a crucial role and need to be accounted for. In this review, the effect of surfactant dynamics is considered on the level of standard microfluidic operations: drop formation, movement in channels and coalescence, but also on a more general level, considering the mechanisms controlling surfactant adsorption on time- and length-scales characteristic of microfluidics. Some examples of relevant calculations are provided. The advantages and challenges of the use of microfluidics to measure dynamic interfacial tension at short time-scales are discussed.
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13
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Phakoukaki YV, O'Shaughnessy P, Angeli P. Flow patterns of ionic liquid based aqueous biphasic systems in small channels. Chem Eng Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.118197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Bariki SG, Movahedirad S. A flow map for core/shell microdroplet formation in the co-flow Microchannel using ternary phase-field numerical model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22010. [PMID: 36539594 PMCID: PMC9768139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26648-3] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Core/shell microdroplets formation with uniform size is investigated numerically in the co-flow microchannel. The interface and volume fraction contour between three immiscible fluids are captured using a ternary phase-field model. Previous research has shown that the effective parameters of microdroplet size are the physical properties and velocity of the three phases. By adjusting these variables, five main flow patterns are observed in numerical simulations. A core/shell dripping/slug regime is observed when the inertia of the continuous phase breaks the flow of the core and shell phases and makes a droplet. In the slug regime, the continuous phase has less inertia, and the droplets that form are surrounded by the channel walls, while in the dripping regime, the shell phase fluid is surrounded by the continuous phase. An increase in continuous-fluid or shell-fluid flow rate leads to dripping to a jetting transition. When three immiscible liquids flow continuously and parallel to one another without dispersing, this is known as laminar flow. In the tubing regime, the core phase flows continuously in the channel's central region, the shell phase flows in the annulus formed by the core phase's central region, and the continuous phase flows between the shell phase fluid and channel walls. In order to discriminate between the aforementioned flow patterns using Weber and Capillary numbers and establish regime transition criteria based on these two dimensionless variables, a flow regime map is provided. Finally, a correlation for shell thickness using shell-to-core phase velocity ratio and conducting 51 CFD simulations was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Ghasemzade Bariki
- grid.411748.f0000 0001 0387 0587School of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114 Iran
| | - Salman Movahedirad
- grid.411748.f0000 0001 0387 0587School of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114 Iran
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15
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Kim HH, Cho Y, Baek D, Rho KH, Park SH, Lee S. Parallelization of Microfluidic Droplet Junctions for Ultraviscous Fluids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2205001. [PMID: 36310131 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205001] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The parallelization of multiple microfluidic droplet junctions has been successfully achieved so that the production throughput of the uniform microemulsions/particles has witnessed considerable progress. However, these advancements have been observed only in the case of a low viscous fluid (viscosity of 10-2 -10-3 Pa s). This study designs and fabricates a microfluidic device, enabling a uniform micro-emulsification of an ultraviscous fluid (viscosity of 3.5 Pa s) with a throughput of ≈330 000 droplets per hour. Multiple T-junctions of a dispersed oil phase, split from a single inlet, are connected into the single post-crossflow channel of a continuous water phase. In the proposed device, the continuous water phase undergoes a series circuit, wherein the resistances are continuously accumulated. The independent corrugations of the dispersed oil phase channel, under the theoretical guidance, compromise such increased resistances; the ratio of water to oil flow rates at each junction becomes consistent across T-junctions. Owing to the design being based on a fully 2D interconnection, single-step soft lithography is sufficient for developing the full device. This easy-to-craft architecture contrasts with the previous approach, wherein complicated 3D interconnections of the multiple junctions are involved, thereby facilitating the rapid uptake of high throughput droplet microfluidics for experts and newcomers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ho Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - YongDeok Cho
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjae Baek
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hun Rho
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hun Park
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwoo Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Energy Engineering, Department of Biomicrosystem Technology and KU Photonics Center, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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16
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Brun PT. Fluid-Mediated Fabrication of Complex Assemblies. JACS AU 2022; 2:2417-2425. [PMID: 36465550 PMCID: PMC9709784 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00427] [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] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This Perspective accounts for recent progress in the directed control of interfacial fluid flows harnessed to assemble architected soft materials. We are focusing on the paradigmatic problem of free-surface flows in curable elastomers. These elastomers are initially liquid and cure into elastic solids whose shape is imparted by concomitant and competing phenomena: flow-induced deformations and curing. Particular attention is given to the role of capillary forces in these systems. Originating from the cohesive nature of liquids and thus favoring smooth interfaces, capillary forces can also promote the destabilization of interfaces, e.g., into droplets. In turn, such mechanical instabilities tend to grow into regular patterns, e.g., forming hexagonal lattices. We discuss how the universality, robustness, and ultimate regularity of these out-of-equilibrium processes could serve as a basis for new fabrication paradigms, where instabilities are directed to generate target architected solids obtained without each element laid in place by direct mechanized intervention.
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17
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Rojek K, Ćwiklińska M, Kuczak J, Guzowski J. Microfluidic Formulation of Topological Hydrogels for Microtissue Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16839-16909. [PMID: 36108106 PMCID: PMC9706502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has recently emerged as a powerful tool in generation of submillimeter-sized cell aggregates capable of performing tissue-specific functions, so-called microtissues, for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies. In this work, we review the most recent advances in the field, with particular focus on the formulation of cell-encapsulating microgels of small "dimensionalities": "0D" (particles), "1D" (fibers), "2D" (sheets), etc., and with nontrivial internal topologies, typically consisting of multiple compartments loaded with different types of cells and/or biopolymers. Such structures, which we refer to as topological hydrogels or topological microgels (examples including core-shell or Janus microbeads and microfibers, hollow or porous microstructures, or granular hydrogels) can be precisely tailored with high reproducibility and throughput by using microfluidics and used to provide controlled "initial conditions" for cell proliferation and maturation into functional tissue-like microstructures. Microfluidic methods of formulation of topological biomaterials have enabled significant progress in engineering of miniature tissues and organs, such as pancreas, liver, muscle, bone, heart, neural tissue, or vasculature, as well as in fabrication of tailored microenvironments for stem-cell expansion and differentiation, or in cancer modeling, including generation of vascularized tumors for personalized drug testing. We review the available microfluidic fabrication methods by exploiting various cross-linking mechanisms and various routes toward compartmentalization and critically discuss the available tissue-specific applications. Finally, we list the remaining challenges such as simplification of the microfluidic workflow for its widespread use in biomedical research, bench-to-bedside transition including production upscaling, further in vivo validation, generation of more precise organ-like models, as well as incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cells as a step toward clinical applications.
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18
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Zath GK, Sperling RA, Hoffman CW, Bikos DA, Abbasi R, Abate AR, Weitz DA, Chang CB. Rapid parallel generation of a fluorescently barcoded drop library from a microtiter plate using the plate-interfacing parallel encapsulation (PIPE) chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4735-4745. [PMID: 36367139 PMCID: PMC10016142 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00909a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In drop-based microfluidics, an aqueous sample is partitioned into drops using individual pump sources that drive water and oil into a drop-making device. Parallelization of drop-making devices is necessary to achieve high-throughput screening of multiple experimental conditions, especially in time-sensitive studies. Here, we present the plate-interfacing parallel encapsulation (PIPE) chip, a microfluidic chip designed to generate 50 to 90 μm diameter drops of up to 96 different conditions in parallel by interfacing individual drop makers with a standard 384-well microtiter plate. The PIPE chip is used to generate two types of optically barcoded drop libraries consisting of two-color fluorescent particle combinations: a library of 24 microbead barcodes and a library of 192 quantum dot barcodes. Barcoded combinations in the drop libraries are rapidly measured within a microfluidic device using fluorescence detection and distinct barcoded populations in the fluorescence drop data are identified using DBSCAN data clustering. Signal analysis reveals that particle size defines the source of dominant noise present in the fluorescence intensity distributions of the barcoded drop populations, arising from Poisson loading for microbeads and shot noise for quantum dots. A barcoded population from a drop library is isolated using fluorescence-activated drop sorting, enabling downstream analysis of drop contents. The PIPE chip can improve multiplexed high-throughput assays by enabling simultaneous encapsulation of barcoded samples stored in a microtiter plate and reducing sample preparation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Zath
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Ralph A Sperling
- Department of Physics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carter W Hoffman
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Dimitri A Bikos
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Reha Abbasi
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Adam R Abate
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David A Weitz
- Department of Physics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie B Chang
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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19
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Wang Z, Cao G, Bai Y, Wang P, Liu X, Wang X. Probing the generation mechanism of emulsion based on shearing actions between multiphase fluids in porous media. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Sahin MA, Werner H, Udani S, Di Carlo D, Destgeer G. Flow lithography for structured microparticles: fundamentals, methods and applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4007-4042. [PMID: 35920614 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00421f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Structured microparticles, with unique shapes, customizable sizes, multiple materials, and spatially-defined chemistries, are leading the way for emerging 'lab on a particle' technologies. These microparticles with engineered designs find applications in multiplexed diagnostics, drug delivery, single-cell secretion assays, single-molecule detection assays, high throughput cytometry, micro-robotics, self-assembly, and tissue engineering. In this article we review state-of-the-art particle manufacturing technologies based on flow-assisted photolithography performed inside microfluidic channels. Important physicochemical concepts are discussed to provide a basis for understanding the fabrication technologies. These photolithography technologies are compared based on the structural as well as compositional complexity of the fabricated particles. Particles are categorized, from 1D to 3D particles, based on the number of dimensions that can be independently controlled during the fabrication process. After discussing the advantages of the individual techniques, important applications of the fabricated particles are reviewed. Lastly, a future perspective is provided with potential directions to improve the throughput of particle fabrication, realize new particle shapes, measure particles in an automated manner, and adopt the 'lab on a particle' technologies to other areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akif Sahin
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, Munich 81675, Germany.
| | - Helen Werner
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, Munich 81675, Germany.
| | - Shreya Udani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Control and Manipulation of Microscale Living Objects, Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Einsteinstraße 25, Munich 81675, Germany.
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21
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Chagot L, Quilodrán-Casas C, Kalli M, Kovalchuk NM, Simmons MJH, Matar OK, Arcucci R, Angeli P. Surfactant-laden droplet size prediction in a flow-focusing microchannel: a data-driven approach. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3848-3859. [PMID: 36106479 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00416j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The control of droplet formation and size using microfluidic devices is a critical operation for both laboratory and industrial applications, e.g. in micro-dosage. Surfactants can be added to improve the stability and control the size of the droplets by modifying their interfacial properties. In this study, a large-scale data set of droplet size was obtained from high-speed imaging experiments conducted on a flow-focusing microchannel where aqueous surfactant-laden droplets were generated in silicone oil. Three types of surfactants were used including anionic, cationic and non-ionic at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). To predict the final droplet size as a function of flow rates, surfactant type and concentration of surfactant, two data-driven models were built. Using a Bayesian regularised artificial neural network and XGBoost, these models were initially based on four inputs (flow rates of the two phases, interfacial tension at equilibrium and the normalised surfactant concentration). The mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) show that data-driven models are more accurate (MAPE = 3.9%) compared to semi-empirical models (MAPE = 11.4%). To overcome experimental difficulties in acquiring accurate interfacial tension values under some conditions, both models were also trained with reduced inputs by removing the interfacial tension. The results show again a very good prediction of the droplet diameter. Finally, over 10 000 synthetic data were generated, based on the initial data set, with a Variational Autoencoder (VAE). The high-fidelity of the extended synthetic data set highlights that this method can be a quick and low-cost alternative to study microdroplet formation in future lab on a chip applications, where experimental data may not be readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Chagot
- ThAMeS Multiphase, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, UK.
| | - César Quilodrán-Casas
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, UK.
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Maria Kalli
- ThAMeS Multiphase, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, UK.
| | | | | | - Omar K Matar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Rossella Arcucci
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, UK.
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Panagiota Angeli
- ThAMeS Multiphase, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, UK.
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22
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23
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Moreira A, Campos J, Miranda J. Characterization of gelatin microparticle production in a flow focusing microfluidic system. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Friedrich LM, Gunther RT, Seppala JE. Suppression of Filament Defects in Embedded 3D Printing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:32561-32578. [PMID: 35786823 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Embedded 3D printing enables the manufacture of soft, intricate structures. In the technique, a nozzle is embedded into a viscoelastic support bath and extrudes filaments or droplets. While embedded 3D printing expands the printable materials space to low-viscosity fluids, it also presents new challenges. Filament cross-sections can be tall and narrow, have sharp edges, and have rough surfaces. Filaments can also rupture or contract due to capillarity, harming print fidelity. Through digital image analysis of in situ videos of the printing process and images of filaments just after printing, we probe the effects of ink and support rheology, print speeds, and interfacial tension on defects in individual filaments. Using model materials, we determine that if both the ink and support are water-based, the local viscosity ratio near the nozzle controls the filament shape. If the ink is slightly more viscous than the support, a round, smooth filament is produced. If the ink is oil-based and the support is water-based, the capillary number, or the product of the ink speed and support viscosity divided by the interfacial tension, controls the filament shape. To suppress contraction and rupture, the capillary number should be high, even though this leads to trade-offs in roughness and roundness. Still, inks at nonzero interfacial tension can be advantageous, since they lead to much rounder and smoother filaments than inks at zero interfacial tension with equivalent viscosity ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Friedrich
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Ross T Gunther
- Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Jonathan E Seppala
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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25
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Universal self-scalings in a micro-co-flowing. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.117956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Tiemeijer BM, Tel J. Hydrogels for Single-Cell Microgel Production: Recent Advances and Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:891461. [PMID: 35782502 PMCID: PMC9247248 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.891461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell techniques have become more and more incorporated in cell biological research over the past decades. Various approaches have been proposed to isolate, culture, sort, and analyze individual cells to understand cellular heterogeneity, which is at the foundation of every systematic cellular response in the human body. Microfluidics is undoubtedly the most suitable method of manipulating cells, due to its small scale, high degree of control, and gentle nature toward vulnerable cells. More specifically, the technique of microfluidic droplet production has proven to provide reproducible single-cell encapsulation with high throughput. Various in-droplet applications have been explored, ranging from immunoassays, cytotoxicity assays, and single-cell sequencing. All rely on the theoretically unlimited throughput that can be achieved and the monodispersity of each individual droplet. To make these platforms more suitable for adherent cells or to maintain spatial control after de-emulsification, hydrogels can be included during droplet production to obtain “microgels.” Over the past years, a multitude of research has focused on the possibilities these can provide. Also, as the technique matures, it is becoming clear that it will result in advantages over conventional droplet approaches. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on how various types of hydrogels can be incorporated into different droplet-based approaches and provide novel and more robust analytic and screening applications. We will further focus on a wide range of recently published applications for microgels and how these can be applied in cell biological research at the single- to multicell scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. M. Tiemeijer
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - J. Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: J. Tel,
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27
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Zhang H, Zhang L, An C, Zhang Y, Shao F, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang Y, Ren C, Sun K, He W, Cheng F, Wang H, Weitz DA. Large-scale single-cell encapsulation in microgels through metastable droplet-templating combined with microfluidic-integration. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35593920 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Current techniques for the generation of cell-laden microgels are limited by numerous challenges, including poorly uncontrolled batch-to-batch variations, processes that are both labor- and time-consuming, the high expense of devices and reagents, and low production rates; this hampers the translation of laboratory findings to clinical applications. To address these challenges, we develop a droplet-based microfluidic strategy based on metastable droplet-templating and microchannel integration for the substantial large-scale production of single cell-laden alginate microgels. Specifically, we present a continuous processing method for microgel generation by introducing amphiphilic perfluoronated alcohols to obtain metastable emulsion droplets as sacrificial templates. In addition, to adapt to the metastable emulsion system, integrated microfluidic chips containing 80 drop-maker units are designed and optimized based on the computational fluid dynamics simulation. This strategy allows single cell encapsulation in microgels at a maximum production rate of 10 ml hr-1 of cell suspension while retaining cell viability and functionality. These results represent a significant advance toward using cell-laden microgels for clinical-relevant applications, including cell therapy, tissue regeneration and 3D bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Pierce Hall, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02138, UNITED STATES
| | - Chuanfeng An
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Shenzhen University, Laboratory of Regenerative Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518037, P.R. China, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518037, CHINA
| | - Fei Shao
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Yijie Gao
- Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated of Dalian Medical University, 42 Xuegong Street, Shahekou district, Dalian, Liaoning province, Dalian, Liaoning, 116033, CHINA
| | - Yonghao Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Hanting Li
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Changle Ren
- Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated of Dalian Medical University, 42 Xuegong Street, Shahekou district, Dalian, Liaoning province, Dalian, Liaoning, 116033, CHINA
| | - Kai Sun
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Wei He
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Fang Cheng
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Huanan Wang
- dalian university of technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, High-tech District, Dalian, 116024, P.R.China, Dalian, 116024, CHINA
| | - David A Weitz
- Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Pierce Hall, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02138, UNITED STATES
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28
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Deydier T, Bolognesi G, Vladisavljević GT. Scaled-up droplet generation in parallelised 3D flow focusing junctions. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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30
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Wang X, Pang Y, Ma Y, Ren Y, Liu Z. Thinning dynamics of the liquid thread at different stages in a rectangular cross junction. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yan Pang
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yilin Ma
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yanlin Ren
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
| | - Zhaomiao Liu
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Beijing University of Technology Beijing China
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31
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Zhang J, Shu S, Guan X, Yang N. Lattice Boltzmann simulation of drop splitting in a fractal tree-like microchannel. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Bogdan M, Montessori A, Tiribocchi A, Bonaccorso F, Lauricella M, Jurkiewicz L, Succi S, Guzowski J. Stochastic Jetting and Dripping in Confined Soft Granular Flows. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:128001. [PMID: 35394304 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.128001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We report new dynamical modes in confined soft granular flows, such as stochastic jetting and dripping, with no counterpart in continuum viscous fluids. The new modes emerge as a result of the propagation of the chaotic behavior of individual grains-here, monodisperse emulsion droplets-to the level of the entire system as the emulsion is focused into a narrow orifice by an external viscous flow. We observe avalanching dynamics and the formation of remarkably stable jets-single-file granular chains-which occasionally break, resulting in a non-Gaussian distribution of cluster sizes. We find that the sequences of droplet rearrangements that lead to the formation of such chains resemble unfolding of cancer cell clusters in narrow capillaries, overall demonstrating that microfluidic emulsion systems could serve to model various aspects of soft granular flows, including also tissue dynamics at the mesoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Bogdan
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrea Montessori
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Universit degli Studi Roma tre, via Vito Volterra 62, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Adriano Tiribocchi
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Bonaccorso
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics and National Institute for Nuclear Physics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Cracovia, 50, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lauricella
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leon Jurkiewicz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sauro Succi
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience at la Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, 17 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Jan Guzowski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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Guzowski J, Buda RJ, Costantini M, Ćwiklińska M, Garstecki P, Stone HA. From dynamic self-organization to avalanching instabilities in soft-granular threads. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:1801-1818. [PMID: 35166293 PMCID: PMC8889560 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01350e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We study the dynamics of threads of monodisperse droplets, including droplet chains and multi-chains, in which the droplets are interconnected by capillary bridges of another immiscible liquid phase. This system represents wet soft-granular matter - a class of granular materials in which the grains are soft and wetted by thin fluid films-with other examples including wet granular hydrogels or foams. In contrast to wet granular matter with rigid grains (e.g., wet sand), studied previously, the deformability of the grains raises the number of available metastable states and facilitates rearrangements which allow for reorganization and self-assembly of the system under external drive, e.g., applied via viscous forces. We use a co-flow configuration to generate a variety of unique low-dimensional regular granular patterns, intermediate between 1D and 2D, ranging from linear chains and chains with periodically occurring folds to multi-chains and segmented structures including chains of finite length. In particular, we observe that the partially folded chains self-organize via limit cycle of displacements and rearrangements occurring at a frequency self-adapted to the rate of build-up of compressive strain in the chain induced by the viscous forces. Upon weakening of the capillary arrest of the droplets, we observe spontaneous fluidization of the quasi-solid structures and avalanches of rearrangements. We identify two types of fluidization-induced instabilities and rationalize them in terms of a competition between advection and propagation. While we use aqueous droplets as the grains we demonstrate that the reported mechanisms of adaptive self-assembly apply to other types of soft granular systems including foams and microgels. We discuss possible application of the reported quasi-1D compartmentalized structures in tissue engineering, bioprinting and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guzowski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - R J Buda
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - M Costantini
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - M Ćwiklińska
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - P Garstecki
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - H A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, 08544 NJ, USA
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34
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Effect of surfactant addition and viscosity of the continuous phase on flow fields and kinetics of drop formation in a flow-focusing microfluidic device. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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35
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Siemenn AE, Shaulsky E, Beveridge M, Buonassisi T, Hashmi SM, Drori I. A Machine Learning and Computer Vision Approach to Rapidly Optimize Multiscale Droplet Generation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:4668-4679. [PMID: 35026110 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c19276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Generating droplets from a continuous stream of fluid requires precise tuning of a device to find optimized control parameter conditions. It is analytically intractable to compute the necessary control parameter values of a droplet-generating device that produces optimized droplets. Furthermore, as the length scale of the fluid flow changes, the formation physics and optimized conditions that induce flow decomposition into droplets also change. Hence, a single proportional integral derivative controller is too inflexible to optimize devices of different length scales or different control parameters, while classification machine learning techniques take days to train and require millions of droplet images. Therefore, the question is posed, can a single method be created that universally optimizes multiple length-scale droplets using only a few data points and is faster than previous approaches? In this paper, a Bayesian optimization and computer vision feedback loop is designed to quickly and reliably discover the control parameter values that generate optimized droplets within different length-scale devices. This method is demonstrated to converge on optimum parameter values using 60 images in only 2.3 h, 30× faster than previous approaches. Model implementation is demonstrated for two different length-scale devices: a milliscale inkjet device and a microfluidics device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Siemenn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Evyatar Shaulsky
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Matthew Beveridge
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tonio Buonassisi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sara M Hashmi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Iddo Drori
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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36
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Lacroix A, Hayert M, Bosc V, Menut P. Batch versus microfluidic emulsification processes to produce whey protein microgel beads from thermal or acidic gelation. J FOOD ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2021.110738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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37
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Liu Y, Zhang T, Lv L, Chen Y, Tang S. Flow Behavior in a Counter-Current Mini-Channel Extractor. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c03297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- MOE’s Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization and Cleaning Process of Phosphate Resource, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- MOE’s Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization and Cleaning Process of Phosphate Resource, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Li Lv
- MOE’s Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization and Cleaning Process of Phosphate Resource, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yanxiao Chen
- MOE’s Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization and Cleaning Process of Phosphate Resource, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shengwei Tang
- MOE’s Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Utilization and Cleaning Process of Phosphate Resource, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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38
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Cui K, Huang K. Controlling flow patterns and its evolution behavior in microchannel for intensified separation of rare-earth and Al(III) ions: Hints from the hydrodynamics parameters. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.119401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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39
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Hydrodynamic characterization of continuous flow of Pickering droplets with solid nanoparticles in microchannel reactors. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Ribeiro de Souza L, Al-Tabbaa A. High throughput production of microcapsules using microfluidics for self-healing of cementitious materials. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4652-4659. [PMID: 34734612 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00569c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Capsule-based self-healing of cementitious materials is an effective way of healing cracks, significantly extending the life of structures, without imposing changes due to the incorporation of capsules into products during mixing. The methodologies currently being used for the development of capsules with a liquid core as a healing agent yield a wide range of sizes and shell thicknesses for the microcapsules, preventing a detailed assessment and optimisation of the microcapsule size and its effects. Uniquely, microfluidic technology offers precise control over the size and shell thickness through the formation of double emulsions. The drawback is that only small quantities of material can be typically produced. Here, by using paralleled junctions in a microfluidic device, high throughput production of materials was achieved, focusing for the first time on self-healing of cementitious materials. A microfluidic chip was assembled with 4 channels in parallel and selected hydrophobicity for the formation of the double emulsions. A coefficient of variation below 2.5% was observed for the 4 junctions, demonstrating the formation of monodisperse capsules. The control over the size and shell thickness by adjusting the flow rates was demonstrated, yielding capsules with an outer diameter of 615-630 μm and a shell thickness varying between 50 and 127 μm. By using triethanolamine as a surfactant, capsules with an aqueous core were produced. Furthermore, by selecting PEA, an acrylate with low tensile strength, the capsules embedded in the cement paste were successfully triggered to release the healing agent by crack formation. Capsules were successfully produced continuously for 7 h, with inner and outer diameters of 500 ± 31 μm and 656 ± 9 μm at a production rate of ∼13 g h-1 and a yield of around 80%. With these results and considering up to 6 chips in parallel, the production rate could be up to 1.5 kg per day. This demonstrates the huge potential of the microfluidic device with unique features to produce sufficiently large quantities of microcapsules for laboratory-scale assessment of self-healing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abir Al-Tabbaa
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK.
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41
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3D-printed microfluidic device for monodisperse emulsions preparation. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-01782-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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42
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43
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Hemachandran E, Hoque SZ, Laurell T, Sen AK. Reversible Stream Drop Transition in a Microfluidic Coflow System via On Demand Exposure to Acoustic Standing Waves. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:134501. [PMID: 34623851 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.134501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transition between stream and droplet regimes in a coflow is typically achieved by adjusting the capillary numbers (Ca) of the phases. Remarkably, we experimentally evidence a reversible transition between the two regimes by controlling exposure of the system to acoustic standing waves, with Ca fixed. By satisfying the ratio of acoustic radiation force to the interfacial tension force, Ca_{ac}>1, experiments reveal a reversible stream drop transition for Ca<1, and stream relocation for Ca≥1. We explain the phenomenon in terms of the pinching, advection, and relocation timescales and a transition between convective and absolute instability from a linear stability analysis [P. Guillot et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 104502 (2007)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.99.104502].
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hemachandran
- Fluid Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 600036 Chennai, India
| | - S Z Hoque
- Fluid Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 600036 Chennai, India
| | - T Laurell
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden
| | - A K Sen
- Fluid Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 600036 Chennai, India
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44
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Hydrodynamics of Liquid-Liquid Flows in Micro Channels and Its Influence on Transport Properties: A Review. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14196066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hydrodynamics plays a major role in transport of heat and mass transfer in microchannels. This includes flow patterns and flow regimes in which the micro-channels are operated. The flow patterns have a major impact the transport properties. Another important aspect is the pressure drop in micro-channels. In the present review, the experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies covering all the above aspects have been covered. The effect of geometrical parameters like shape of channel, channel size, material of construction of channels; operating parameters like flow velocity, flow ratio and fluid properties have been presented and analyzed. Experimental and analytical work of different pressure drop models has also been presented. All the literature related to influence of flow patterns on transport properties like volumetric mass transfer coefficients (VMTC) and heat transfer coefficients (HTC) have been presented and analyzed. It is found that most works in Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) systems have been carried out in slug flow and T-junctions. Models for coupled systems of flow and mass transfer have been presented and works carried out for different coupled systems have been listed. CFD simulations match experimental results within 20% deviations in quantitative and qualitative predictions of flow phenomena for most research articles referred in this review. There is a disparity in prediction of a generalized regime map and a generalized regime map for prediction of flow patterns for various systems would need the help of Artificial Intelligence.
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45
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Wu J, Yadavali S, Lee D, Issadore DA. Scaling up the throughput of microfluidic droplet-based materials synthesis: A review of recent progress and outlook. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 8:031304. [PMID: 34484549 PMCID: PMC8293697 DOI: 10.1063/5.0049897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed tremendous progress in the development of microfluidic chips that generate micrometer- and nanometer-scale materials. These chips allow precise control over composition, structure, and particle uniformity not achievable using conventional methods. These microfluidic-generated materials have demonstrated enormous potential for applications in medicine, agriculture, food processing, acoustic, and optical meta-materials, and more. However, because the basis of these chips' performance is their precise control of fluid flows at the micrometer scale, their operation is limited to the inherently low throughputs dictated by the physics of multiphasic flows in micro-channels. This limitation on throughput results in material production rates that are too low for most practical applications. In recent years, however, significant progress has been made to tackle this challenge by designing microchip architectures that incorporate multiple microfluidic devices onto single chips. These devices can be operated in parallel to increase throughput while retaining the benefits of microfluidic particle generation. In this review, we will highlight recent work in this area and share our perspective on the key unsolved challenges and opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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46
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Ma H, Zhao Q, Yao C, Zhao Y, Chen G. Effect of fluid viscosities on the liquid-liquid slug flow and pressure drop in a rectangular microreactor. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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47
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Yuan H, Tian J, Chao Y, Chien YS, Luo RH, Guo JY, Li S, Chou YJ, Shum HC, Chen CF. Hand-Powered Microfluidics for Parallel Droplet Digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2868-2874. [PMID: 34156242 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Droplet digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (ddLAMP) is an important assay for pathogen detection due to its high accuracy, specificity, and ability to quantify nucleic acids. However, performing ddLAMP requires expensive instrumentation and the need for highly trained personnel with expertise in microfluidics. To make ddLAMP more accessible, a ddLAMP assay is developed, featuring significantly decreased operational difficulty and instrumentation requirements. The proposed assay consists of three simplified steps: (1) droplet generation step, in which a LAMP mixture can be emulsified just by manually pulling a syringe connected to a microfluidic device. In this step, for the first time, we verify that highly monodispersed droplets can be generated with unstable flow rates or pressures, allowing untrained personnel to operate the microfluidic device and perform ddLAMP assay; (2) heating step, in which the droplets are isothermally heated in a water bath, which can be found in most laboratories; and (3) result analysis step, in which the ddLAMP result can be determined using only a fluorescence microscopy and an open-source analyzing software. Throughout the process, no droplet microfluidic expertise or equipment is required. More importantly, the proposed system enables multiple samples to be processed simultaneously with a detection limit of 10 copies/μL. The test is simple and intuitive to operate in most laboratories for multi-sample detection, significantly enhancing the accessibility and detection throughput of the ddLAMP technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yuan
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Jingxuan Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Youchuang Chao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Yuh-Shiuan Chien
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Hao Luo
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yu Guo
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518009, China
| | - Yi-Ju Chou
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chien-Fu Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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48
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Comparison of surfactant mass transfer with drop formation times from dynamic interfacial tension measurements in microchannels. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 605:204-213. [PMID: 34329974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.06.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic interfacial tension was studied experimentally during drop formation in a flow-focusing microchannel. A low viscosity silicone oil (4.6 mPa s) was the continuous phase and a mixture of 48% w/w water and 52% w/w glycerol was the dispersed phase. An anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS), a cationic (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB) and a non-ionic (Triton™ X-100, TX100) surfactant were added in the dispersed phase, at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). For SDS and DTAB the drop size against continuous phase flowrate curves initially decreased with surfactant concentration and then collapsed to a single curve at concentrations above CMC. For TX100 the curves only collapsed at surfactant concentrations 8.6 times the CMC. From the collapsed curves a correlation of drop size with capillary number was derived, which was used to calculate the dynamic interfacial tension at times as low as 3 ms. The comparison of the surfactant mass transport and adsorption times to the interface against the drop formation times indicated that surfactant adsorption also contributes to the time required to reach equilibrium interfacial tension. Criteria were proposed for drop formation times to ensure that equilibrium interfacial tension has been reached and does not affect the drop formation.
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49
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Liu H, Piper JA, Li M. Rapid, Simple, and Inexpensive Spatial Patterning of Wettability in Microfluidic Devices for Double Emulsion Generation. Anal Chem 2021; 93:10955-10965. [PMID: 34323465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion (DE) encapsulation has been widely used as a promising platform technology for various applications in the fields of food, cosmetics, pharmacy, chemical engineering, materials science, and synthetic biology. Unfortunately, DEs formed by conventional emulsion generation approaches in most cases are highly polydisperse, making them less desirable for quantitative assays, controlled biomaterial synthesis, and entrapped ingredient release. Microfluidic devices can generate monodisperse DEs with controllable size, morphology, and production rate, but these generally require multistep fabrication processes and use of different solvents or bulky external instrumentation to pattern channel wettability. To overcome these limitations, we propose a rapid, simple, and inexpensive method to spatially pattern wettability in microfluidic devices for the continuous generation of monodisperse DEs. This is achieved by applying corona-plasma treatment to a select zone of the microchannel surface aided by a custom-designed corona resistance microchannel to strictly confine the plasma-treatment zone in a single polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device. The properties of PDMS channel surfaces and key microchannel regions for DE generation are characterized under different levels of treatment. The size, shell thickness, and number of inner cores of generated DEs are shown to be highly controllable by tuning the phase flow rate ratios. Using DEs as templates, we successfully achieve a one-step generation and collection of gelatin microgels. Additionally, we demonstrate the biological capability of generated DEs by flow cytometric screening of the encapsulation and growth of yeast cells within DEs. We expect that the proposed approach will be widely used to create microfluidic devices with more complex wettability patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangrui Liu
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - James A Piper
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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50
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Rosén T, Hsiao BS, Söderberg LD. Elucidating the Opportunities and Challenges for Nanocellulose Spinning. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2001238. [PMID: 32830341 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Man-made continuous fibers play an essential role in society today. With the increase in global sustainability challenges, there is a broad spectrum of societal needs where the development of advanced biobased fibers could provide means to address the challenges. Biobased regenerated fibers, produced from dissolved cellulose are widely used today for clothes, upholstery, and linens. With new developments in the area of advanced biobased fibers, it would be possible to compete with high-performance synthetic fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers as well as to provide unique functionalities. One possible development is to fabricate fibers by spinning filaments from nanocellulose, Nature's nanoscale high-performance building block, which will require detailed insights into nanoscale assembly mechanisms during spinning, as well as knowledge regarding possible functionalization. If successful, this could result in a new class of man-made biobased fibers. This work aims to identify the progress made in the field of spinning of nanocellulose filaments, as well as outline necessary steps for efficient fabrication of such nanocellulose-based filaments with controlled and predictable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Rosén
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, S-100 44, Sweden
| | - Benjamin S Hsiao
- Chemistry Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-3400, USA
| | - L Daniel Söderberg
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, S-100 44, Sweden
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