1
|
Liu Y, Ji M, Zhang Y, Qiao X, Yu N, Ding C, Yang L, Feng R, Chou X, Geng W. A Novel Detachable, Reusable, and Versatile Acoustic Tweezer Manipulation Platform for Biochemical Analysis and Detection Systems. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1179. [PMID: 36551146 PMCID: PMC9775593 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional, integrated, and reusable operating platforms are highly sought after in biochemical analysis and detection systems. In this study, we demonstrated a novel detachable, reusable acoustic tweezer manipulation platform that is flexible and versatile. The free interchangeability of different detachable microchannel devices on the acoustic tweezer platform was achieved by adding a waveguide layer (glass) and a coupling layer (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer film). We designed and demonstrated the detachable multifunctional acoustic tweezer platform with three cell manipulation capabilities. In Demo I, the detachable acoustic tweezer platform is demonstrated to have the capability for parallel processing and enrichment of the sample. In Demo II, the detachable acoustic tweezer platform with capability for precise cell alignment is demonstrated. In Demo III, it was demonstrated that the detachable acoustic tweezer platform has the capability for the separation and purification of cells. Through experiments, our acoustic tweezer platform has good acoustic retention ability, reusability, and stability. More capabilities can be expanded in the future. It provides a simple, economical, and multifunctional reusable operating platform solution for biochemical analysis and detection systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukai Liu
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Miaomiao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science &Dynamic Measurement, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Xiaojun Qiao
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Nanxin Yu
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Chenxi Ding
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Lingxiao Yang
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Xiujian Chou
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Wenping Geng
- Science and Technology on Electronic Test and Measurement Laboratory, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duan J, Ji M, Zhang B. A Perturbed Asymmetrical Y-TypeSheathless Chip for Particle Control Based on Adjustable Tilted-Angle Traveling Surface Acoustic Waves (ataTSAWs). BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:611. [PMID: 36005007 PMCID: PMC9406206 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The precise control of target particles (20 µm) at different inclination angles θi is achieved by combining a perturbed asymmetric sheathless Y-type microchannel and a digital transducer (IDT). The offset single-row micropillar array with the buffer area can not only concentrate large and small particles in a fixed region of the flow channel, but also avoid the large deflection of some small particles at the end of the array. The addition of the buffer area can effectively improve the separation purity of the chip. By exploring the manufacturing process of the microchannel substrate, an adjustable tilted-angle scheme is proposed. The use of ataTSAW makes the acoustic field area in the microchannel have no corner effect region. Through experiments, when the signal source frequency was 33.6 MHz, and the flow rate was 20 µL/min, our designed chip could capture 20 µm particles when θi = 5°. The deflection of 20 µm particles can be realized when θi = 15°-45°. The precise dynamic separation of 20 µm particles can be achieved when θi = 25°-45°, and the separation purity and efficiency were 97% and 100%, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Binzhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science & Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen L, Chen Y, Feng YL, Zhu Y, Wang LQ, Hu S, Cheng P. Tumor circulome in the liquid biopsies for digestive tract cancer diagnosis and prognosis. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:2066-2080. [PMID: 32548136 PMCID: PMC7281040 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive tract cancer is one of the main diseases that endanger human health. At present, the early diagnosis of digestive tract tumors mainly depends on serology, imaging, endoscopy, and so on. Although tissue specimens are the gold standard for cancer diagnosis, with the rapid development of precision medicine in cancer, the demand for dynamic monitoring of tumor molecular characteristics has increased. Liquid biopsy involves the collection of body fluids via non-invasive approaches, and analyzes biological markers such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, circulating cell-free DNA, microRNAs, and exosomes. In recent years, liquid biopsy has become more and more important in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer in clinical practice due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, high specificity and it overcomes temporal-spatial heterogeneity. Therefore, this review summarizes the current evidence on liquid biopsies in digestive tract cancers in relation to diagnosis and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou 511400, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuan-Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Shulan Hospital, Hangzhou 310004, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li-Quan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shen Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Pu Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khetani S, Mohammadi M, Nezhad AS. Filter-based isolation, enrichment, and characterization of circulating tumor cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 115:2504-2529. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Khetani
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory; University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
- Center for BioEngineering Research and Education, University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
| | - Mehdi Mohammadi
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory; University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
- Center for BioEngineering Research and Education, University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
| | - Amir Sanati Nezhad
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory; University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
- Center for BioEngineering Research and Education, University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen A, Fu G, Xu Z, Sun Y, Chen X, Cheng KS, Neoh KH, Tang Z, Chen S, Liu M, Huang T, Dai Y, Wang Q, Jin J, Jin B, Han RPS. Detection of Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma via Microfluidic Immunoassay and Single-Cell DNA Copy-Number Alteration Analysis of Captured Urinary-Exfoliated Tumor Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4073-4085. [PMID: 29789419 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Chen
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghou Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yukun Sun
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kok Suen Cheng
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kuang Hong Neoh
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhewen Tang
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ming Liu
- HaploX Biotechnology, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Yun Dai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qibo Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baiye Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ray P S Han
- MSE Department, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Zhu HL, Tang ZW, Neoh KH, Ouyang DF, Cui H, Cheng HY, Ma RQ, Ye X, Han RP, Chang XH. Evaluation of Circulating Endometrial Cells as a Biomarker for Endometriosis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 130:2339-2345. [PMID: 28937041 PMCID: PMC5634086 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.215325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating endometrial cells (CECs) have been reported to be present in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis (EM), providing clear and specific evidence of the presence of ectopic lesions. In this study, we established a method with a high detection rate of CECs, assessed the diagnostic value of CECs for EM and compared with serum CA125, and proposed a hypothesis for the pathogenesis of EM from the new perspective of CECs. METHODS The participants were enrolled prospectively from October 2015 to July 2016. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 59 participants, and the blood cells were isolated for immunofluorescence staining via microfluidic chips. The cells that were positive for vimentin/cytokeratin and estrogen/progesterone receptor and negative for CD45 were identified as CECs. The serum CA125 level was tested with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS The detection rate of CECs reached 89.5% (17/19) in the EM group, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (15.0% [6/40], P < 0.001) and was independent of menstrual cycle phases. Furthermore, a positive CEC assay detected 4/5 cases of Stage I-II EM. In contrast, a positive CA125 test had limited value in detecting EM (13/19, 68.4%) and detected only one case of Stage I-II EM. CONCLUSION CECs are promising biomarkers for EM with great potential for a noninvasive diagnostic assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong-Lan Zhu
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Zhe-Wen Tang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kuang Hong Neoh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dong-Fang Ouyang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Heng Cui
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cheng
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Rui-Qiong Ma
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xue Ye
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ray Ps Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chang
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neoh KH, Hassan AA, Chen A, Sun Y, Liu P, Xu KF, Wong AS, Han RP. Rethinking liquid biopsy: Microfluidic assays for mobile tumor cells in human body fluids. Biomaterials 2018; 150:112-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
8
|
Chen S, Sun Y, Neoh KH, Chen A, Li W, Yang X, Han RPS. Microfluidic assay of circulating endothelial cells in coronary artery disease patients with angina pectoris. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181249. [PMID: 28704506 PMCID: PMC5509377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are widely reported as a promising biomarker of endothelial damage/dysfunction in coronary artery disease (CAD). The two popular methods of CEC quantification include the use of immunomagnetic beads separation (IB) and flow cytometry analysis (FC); however, they suffer from two main shortcomings that affect their diagnostic and prognostic responses: non-specific bindings of magnetic beads to non-target cells and a high degree of variability in rare cell identification, respectively. We designed a microfluidic chip with spatially staggered micropillars for the efficient harvesting of CECs with intact cellular morphology in an attempt to revisit the diagnostic goal of CEC counts in CAD patients with angina pectoris. Methods A label-free microfluidic assay that involved an in-situ enumeration and immunofluorescent identification (DAPI+/CD146+/VEGFR1+/CD45-) of CECs was carried out to assess the CEC count in human peripheral blood samples. A total of 55 CAD patients with angina pectoris [16 with chronic stable angina (CSA) and 39 with unstable angina (UA)], together with 15 heathy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study. Results CEC counts are significantly higher in both CSA and UA groups compared to the HC group [respective medians of 6.9, 10.0 and 1.5 cells/ml (p < 0.01)]. Further, a significant elevation of CEC count was observed in the three UA subgroups [low risk (5.3) vs. intermediate risk (10.8) vs. high risk (18.0) cells/ml, p < 0.001) classified in accordance to the TIMI NSTEMI/UA risk score system. From the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the AUCs for distinguishing CSA and UA from HC were 0.867 and 0.938, respectively. The corresponding sensitivities were 87.5% and 84.6% and the specificities were 66.7% and 86.7%, respectively. Conclusions Our microfluidic assay system is efficient and stable for CEC capture and enumeration. The results showed that the CEC count has the potential to be a promising clinical biomarker for the assessment of endothelial damage/dysfunction in CAD patients with angina pectoris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuiyu Chen
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Sun
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Anqi Chen
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiju Li
- Peking University Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Yang
- Peking University Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XY); (RPSH)
| | - Ray P. S. Han
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XY); (RPSH)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hao N, Zhang JX. Microfluidic Screening of Circulating Tumor Biomarkers toward Liquid Biopsy. SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15422119.2017.1320763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nanjing Hao
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - John X.J. Zhang
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen H, Cao B, Sun B, Cao Y, Yang K, Lin YS. Highly-sensitive capture of circulating tumor cells using micro-ellipse filters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:610. [PMID: 28377598 PMCID: PMC5428045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection, enumeration and characterization with microfluidic chips has critical significance in cancer prognosis offering a non-invasive “liquid biopsy”. Based on physical differences of size and deformability, we explore micro-ellipse filters consisting of microfuidic slits in series gradually narrowed. Slender tunnels sensitively capture tumor cells with slim chance to escape. Tumor cells could reside at capture sites organized by arrays of micro-ellipse microposts enduring less stress. Circular elliptical microstructures produce smooth flow minimally reducing any damage. “Air Suction” could extremely shorten capture. Capture efficiency comes out to be a robust yield of 90% and percentage obeys Gaussian distribution at various stages. With rare number accurately enumerated, micro-Ellipse filters have been tested high efficiently capturing tumor cells in both whole and lysed blood. To clinically validate the device, the microfluidic chip was utilized to identify and capture CTCs from metastatic breast, colon and non-small-cell lung (NSCLC) cancer patients. CTCs were detected positive in all samples with 4 patients having more than 20 CTCs. Those sensitive results are consistent with theoretical expectation. Efficient micro-ellipse filters enable clinical enumeration of metastasis, on-chip anti-cancer drug responses and biological molecular analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Chen
- Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China. .,Division of Nanobionic Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Baoshan Cao
- Department of chemotherapy and radiation sickness, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yapeng Cao
- Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Physics Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01854, USA
| | - Yu-Sheng Lin
- Division of Nanobionic Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiao LL, Liu Y, Chen S, Fu BM. Effects of flowing RBCs on adhesion of a circulating tumor cell in microvessels. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2016; 16:597-610. [PMID: 27738841 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-016-0839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the microvessel wall largely depends on the blood hydrodynamic conditions, one of which is the blood viscosity. Since blood is a non-Newtonian fluid, whose viscosity increases with hematocrit, in the microvessels at low shear rate. In this study, the effects of hematocrit, vessel size, flow rate and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation on adhesion of a CTC in the microvessels were numerically investigated using dissipative particle dynamics. The membrane of cells was represented by a spring-based network connected by elastic springs to characterize its deformation. RBC aggregation was modeled by a Morse potential function based on depletion-mediated assumption, and the adhesion of the CTC to the vessel wall was achieved by the interactions between receptors and ligands at the CTC and those at the endothelial cells forming the vessel wall. The results demonstrated that in the microvessel of [Formula: see text] diameter, the CTC has an increasing probability of adhesion with the hematocrit due to a growing wall-directed force, resulting in a larger number of receptor-ligand bonds formed on the cell surface. However, with the increase in microvessel size, an enhanced lift force at higher hematocrit detaches the initial adherent CTC quickly. If the microvessel is comparable to the CTC in diameter, CTC adhesion is independent of Hct. In addition, the velocity of CTC is larger than the average blood flow velocity in smaller microvessels and the relative velocity of CTC decreases with the increase in microvessel size. An increased blood flow resistance in the presence of CTC was also found. Moreover, it was found that the large deformation induced by high flow rate and the presence of aggregation promote the adhesion of CTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L L Xiao
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - S Chen
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - B M Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Meunier A, Hernández-Castro JA, Turner K, Li K, Veres T, Juncker D. Combination of Mechanical and Molecular Filtration for Enhanced Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells. Anal Chem 2016; 88:8510-7. [PMID: 27442305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been linked to cancer progression but are difficult to isolate, as they are very rare and heterogeneous, covering a range of sizes and expressing different molecular receptors. Filtration has emerged as a simple and powerful method to enrich CTCs but only captures cells above a certain size regardless of molecular characteristics. Here, we introduce antibody-functionalized microfilters to isolate CTCs based on both size and surface receptor expression. We present a 3D printed filtration cartridge with microfabricated polymer filters with 8, 10, 12, 15, or 20 μm-diameter pores. Pristine filters were used to optimize sample dilution, rinsing protocol, flow rate, and pore size, leading to >80% for the recovery of spiked cancer cells with very low white blood cell contamination (<1000). Then, filters were functionalized with antibodies against either epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the cartridges were used to enrich breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) and renal (786-O, A-498) cancer cells expressing various levels of EpCAM and EGFR. Cancer cells were spiked into human blood, and when using filters with antibodies specific to a molecular receptor expressed on a cell, efficiency was increased to >96%. These results suggest that filtration can be optimized to target specific CTC characteristics such as size and receptor expression and that a diverse range of CTCs may be captured using particular combinations of pore size, filtration parameters, and antibody functionalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Meunier
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University , 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4.,McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University , 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G1
| | - Javier Alejandro Hernández-Castro
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University , 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4.,McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University , 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G1.,National Research Council of Canada , 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 6Y4
| | - Kate Turner
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University , 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4.,McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University , 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G1
| | - Kebin Li
- National Research Council of Canada , 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 6Y4
| | - Teodor Veres
- National Research Council of Canada , 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 6Y4
| | - David Juncker
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University , 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4.,McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, McGill University , 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G1.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University , 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yoon Y, Kim S, Lee J, Choi J, Kim RK, Lee SJ, Sul O, Lee SB. Clogging-free microfluidics for continuous size-based separation of microparticles. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26531. [PMID: 27198601 PMCID: PMC4873827 DOI: 10.1038/srep26531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In microfluidic filtration systems, one of the leading obstacles to efficient, continuous operation is clogging of the filters. Here, we introduce a lateral flow microfluidic sieving (μ-sieving) technique to overcome clogging and to allow continuous operation of filter based microfluidic separation. A low frequency mechanical oscillation was added to the fluid flow, which made possible the release of aggregated unwanted polystyrene (PS) particles trapped between the larger target PS particles in the filter demonstrating continuous μ-sieving operation. We achieved collection of the target PS particles with 100% separation efficiency. Also, on average, more than 98% of the filtered target particles were retrieved after the filtration showing high retrieval rates. Since the oscillation was applied to the fluid but not to the microfluidic filter system, mechanical stresses to the system was minimized and no additional fabrication procedures were necessary. We also applied the μ-sieving technique to the separation of cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) from whole blood and showed that the fluidic oscillations prevented the filters from being blocked by the filtered cancer cells allowing continuous microfluidic separation with high efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousang Yoon
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Seonil Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Jusin Lee
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Jaewoong Choi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Rae-Kwon Kim
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Su-Jae Lee
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Onejae Sul
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| | - Seung-Beck Lee
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea.,Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang Universtiy, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vaidyanathan R, Dey S, Carrascosa LG, Shiddiky MJA, Trau M. Alternating current electrohydrodynamics in microsystems: Pushing biomolecules and cells around on surfaces. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:061501. [PMID: 26674299 PMCID: PMC4676781 DOI: 10.1063/1.4936300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrohydrodynamics (EHD) deals with the fluid motion induced by an electric field. This phenomenon originally developed in physical science, and engineering is currently experiencing a renaissance in microfluidics. Investigations by Taylor on Gilbert's theory proposed in 1600 have evolved to include multiple contributions including the promising effects arising from electric field interactions with cells and particles to influence their behaviour on electrode surfaces. Theoretical modelling of electric fields in microsystems and the ability to determine shear forces have certainly reached an advanced state. The ability to deftly manipulate microscopic fluid flow in bulk fluid and at solid/liquid interfaces has enabled the controlled assembly, coagulation, or removal of microstructures, nanostructures, cells, and molecules on surfaces. Furthermore, the ability of electrohydrodynamics to generate fluid flow using surface shear forces generated within nanometers from the surface and their application in bioassays has led to recent advancements in biomolecule, vesicle and cellular detection across different length scales. With the integration of Alternating Current Electrohydrodynamics (AC-EHD) in cellular and molecular assays proving to be highly fruitful, challenges still remain with respect to understanding the discrepancies between each of the associated ac-induced fluid flow phenomena, extending their utility towards clinical diagnostic development, and utilising them in tandem as a standard tool for disease monitoring. In this regard, this article will review the history of electrohydrodynamics, followed by some of the recent developments in the field including a new dimension of electrohydrodynamics that deals with the utilization of surface shear forces for the manipulation of biological cells or molecules on electrode surfaces. Recent advances and challenges in the use of electrohydrodynamic forces such as dielectrophoresis and ac electrosmosis for the detection of biological analytes are also reviewed. Additionally, the fundamental mechanisms of fluid flow using electrohydrodynamics forces, which are still evolving, are reviewed. Challenges and future directions are discussed from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and potential applications of these nanoscaled shear forces in diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan Vaidyanathan
- Centre for Personalised NanoMedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), Corner College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shuvashis Dey
- Centre for Personalised NanoMedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), Corner College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Laura G Carrascosa
- Centre for Personalised NanoMedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), Corner College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Muhammad J A Shiddiky
- Centre for Personalised NanoMedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), Corner College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sajay BNG, Chang CP, Ahmad H, Khuntontong P, Wong CC, Wang Z, Puiu PD, Soo R, Rahman ARA. Microfluidic platform for negative enrichment of circulating tumor cells. Biomed Microdevices 2015; 16:537-48. [PMID: 24668439 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-014-9856-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Negative enrichment is the preferred approach for tumor cell isolation as it does not rely on biomarker expression. However, size-based negative enrichment methods suffer from well-known recovery/purity trade-off. Non-size based methods have a number of processing steps that lead to compounded cell loss due to extensive sample processing and handling which result in a low recovery efficiency. We present a method that performs negative enrichment in two steps from 2 ml of whole blood in a total assay processing time of 60 min. This negative enrichment method employs upstream immunomagnetic depletion to deplete CD45-positive WBCs followed by a microfabricated filter membrane to perform chemical-free RBC depletion and target cells isolation. Experiments of spiking two cell lines, MCF-7 and NCI-H1975, in the whole blood show an average of >90 % cell recovery over a range of spiked cell numbers. We also successfully recovered circulating tumor cells from 15 cancer patient samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhuvanendran Nair Gourikutty Sajay
- BioElectronics Programme, Institute of Microelectronics, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 1 Science Park Road, Singapore, 117528, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiao J, He W, Zhang Z, Zhang W, Cao Y, He R, Chen Y. PDMS micropillar-based microchip for efficient cancer cell capture. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra04353k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a micropillar-based microfluidic device for efficient and rapid cancer cell capture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Xiao
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Weiqi He
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Zhengtao Zhang
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Weiying Zhang
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Yiping Cao
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Rongxiang He
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
| | - Yong Chen
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education
- Jianghan University
- Wuhan 430056
- China
- Département de Chimie
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yan S, Zhang J, Chen H, Alici G, Du H, Zhu Y, Li W. Making a hydrophoretic focuser tunable using a diaphragm. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:064115. [PMID: 25587372 PMCID: PMC4290633 DOI: 10.1063/1.4903761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic diagnostic devices often require handling particles or cells with different sizes. In this investigation, a tunable hydrophoretic device was developed which consists of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab with hydrophoretic channel, a PDMS diaphragm with pressure channel, and a glass slide. The height of the hydrophoretic channel can be tuned simply and reliably by deforming the elastomeric diaphragm with pressure applied on the pressure channel. This operation allows the device to have a large operating range where different particles and complex biological samples can be processed. The focusing performance of this device was tested using blood cells that varied in shape and size. The hydrophoretic channel had a large cross section which enabled a throughput capability for cell focusing of ∼15 000 cells s(-1), which was more than the conventional hydrophoretic focusing and dielectrophoresis (DEP)-active hydrophoretic methods. This tunable hydrophoretic focuser can potentially be integrated into advanced lab-on-a-chip bioanalysis devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yan
- School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Huaying Chen
- CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship , Private Bag 10, Clayton South, Victoria 3169, Australia
| | | | - Haiping Du
- School of Electric, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | | | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Microfluidic device with integrated microfilter of conical-shaped holes for high efficiency and high purity capture of circulating tumor cells. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6052. [PMID: 25116599 PMCID: PMC7365311 DOI: 10.1038/srep06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood of cancer patients has major implications for metastatic detection and therapy analyses. Here we demonstrated a microfluidic device for high efficiency and high purity capture of CTCs. The key novelty of this approach lies on the integration of a microfilter with conical-shaped holes and a micro-injector with cross-flow components for size dependent capture of tumor cells without significant retention of non-tumor cells. Under conditions of constant flow rate, tumor cells spiked into phosphate buffered saline could be recovered and then cultured for further analyses. When tumor cells were spiked in blood of healthy donors, they could also be recovered at high efficiency and high clearance efficiency of white blood cells. When the same device was used for clinical validation, CTCs could be detected in blood samples of cancer patients but not in that of healthy donors. Finally, the capture efficiency of tumor cells is cell-type dependent but the hole size of the filter should be more closely correlated to the nuclei size of the tumor cells. Together with the advantage of easy operation, low-cost and high potential of integration, this approach offers unprecedented opportunities for metastatic detection and cancer treatment monitoring.
Collapse
|
19
|
Vaidyanathan R, Shiddiky MJA, Rauf S, Dray E, Tay Z, Trau M. Tunable “Nano-Shearing”: A Physical Mechanism to Displace Nonspecific Cell Adhesion During Rare Cell Detection. Anal Chem 2014; 86:2042-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ac4032516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan Vaidyanathan
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sakandar Rauf
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Eloïse Dray
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zhikai Tay
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Matt Trau
- Australian Institute for
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Corner
College and Cooper Roads (Bldg 75), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hyun KA, Jung HI. Advances and critical concerns with the microfluidic enrichments of circulating tumor cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:45-56. [PMID: 23982141 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50582k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been widely recognized for their importance in clinical trials. While most enrichment methods for these cells have been conducted through the batch process due to their rarity in blood and the need for large sample volumes, the batch process leads to unavoidable cell loss. Given the heterogenetic features of CTCs, this cell loss may limit the validity of research that relies on the isolation of CTCs; such research includes cancer prognosis, diagnosis of minimal residual diseases, assessment of tumor sensitivity to anticancer drugs, and the personalization of anticancer therapies. Recent advances in microfluidic approaches have made it possible to enrich CTCs with a small degree of cell loss. In this review, we highlight several microfluidic-based positive and negative enrichment methods that are the subject of considerable research interest (e.g. EpCAM-dependent assay and EpCAM-independent assay) and suggest a microfluidic-based single cell analysis platform for the down-stream analysis of CTCs. We also discuss critical concerns and future directions for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-A Hyun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-no Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chung J, Issadore D, Ullal A, Lee K, Weissleder R, Lee H. Rare cell isolation and profiling on a hybrid magnetic/size-sorting chip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:54107. [PMID: 24404070 PMCID: PMC3790798 DOI: 10.1063/1.4821923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We present a hybrid magnetic/size-sorting (HMSS) chip for isolation and molecular analyses of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The chip employs both negative and positive cell selection in order to provide high throughput, unbiased CTC enrichment. Specifically, the system utilizes a self-assembled magnet to generate high magnetic forces and a weir-style structure for cell sorting. The resulting device thus can perform multiple functions, including magnetic depletion, size-selective cell capture, and on-chip molecular staining. With such capacities, the HMSS device allowed one-step CTC isolation and single cell detection from whole blood, tested with spiked cancer cells. The system further facilitated the study of individual CTCs for heterogeneity in molecular marker expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehoon Chung
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - David Issadore
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Adeeti Ullal
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Kyungheon Lee
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA ; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Hakho Lee
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xu X, Li Z, Nehorai A. Finite element simulations of hydrodynamic trapping in microfluidic particle-trap array systems. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2013; 7:54108. [PMID: 24404071 PMCID: PMC3790812 DOI: 10.1063/1.4822030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation is a powerful tool in the design and implementation of microfluidic systems, especially for systems that involve hydrodynamic behavior of objects such as functionalized microspheres, biological cells, or biopolymers in complex structures. In this work, we investigate hydrodynamic trapping of microspheres in a novel microfluidic particle-trap array device by finite element simulations. The accuracy of the time-dependent simulation of a microsphere's motion towards the traps is validated by our experimental results. Based on the simulation, we study the fluid velocity field, pressure field, and force and stress on the microsphere in the device. We further explore the trap array's geometric parameters and critical fluid velocity, which affect the microsphere's hydrodynamic trapping. The information is valuable for designing microfluidic devices and guiding experimental operation. Besides, we provide guidelines on the simulation set-up and release an openly available implementation of our simulation in one of the popular FEM softwares, COMSOL Multiphysics. Researchers may tailor the model to simulate similar microfluidic systems that may accommodate a variety of structured particles. Therefore, the simulation will be of particular interest to biomedical research involving cell or bead transport and migration, blood flow within microvessels, and drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Xu
- The Preston M. Green Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA
| | - Arye Nehorai
- The Preston M. Green Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|