1
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Dortaj H, Amani AM, Tayebi L, Azarpira N, Ghasemi Toudeshkchouei M, Hassanpour-Dehnavi A, Karami N, Abbasi M, Najafian-Najafabadi A, Zarei Behjani Z, Vaez A. Droplet-based microfluidics: an efficient high-throughput portable system for cell encapsulation. J Microencapsul 2024; 41:479-501. [PMID: 39077800 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2024.2382744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
One of the goals of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is restoring primary living tissue function by manufacturing a 3D microenvironment. One of the main challenges is protecting implanted non-autologous cells or tissues from the host immune system. Cell encapsulation has emerged as a promising technique for this purpose. It involves entrapping cells in biocompatible and semi-permeable microcarriers made from natural or synthetic polymers that regulate the release of cellular secretions. In recent years, droplet-based microfluidic systems have emerged as powerful tools for cell encapsulation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These systems offer precise control over droplet size, composition, and functionality, allowing for creating of microenvironments that closely mimic native tissue. Droplet-based microfluidic systems have extensive applications in biotechnology, medical diagnosis, and drug discovery. This review summarises the recent developments in droplet-based microfluidic systems and cell encapsulation techniques, as well as their applications, advantages, and challenges in biology and medicine. The integration of these technologies has the potential to revolutionise tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by providing a precise and controlled microenvironment for cell growth and differentiation. By overcoming the immune system's challenges and enabling the release of cellular secretions, these technologies hold great promise for the future of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh Dortaj
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Ashraf Hassanpour-Dehnavi
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Neda Karami
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Milad Abbasi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atefeh Najafian-Najafabadi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Zarei Behjani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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2
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Tang T, Zhao H, Shen S, Yang L, Lim CT. Enhancing single-cell encapsulation in droplet microfluidics with fine-tunable on-chip sample enrichment. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:3. [PMID: 38169721 PMCID: PMC10758392 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell encapsulation in droplet microfluidics is commonly hindered by the tradeoff between cell suspension density and on-chip focusing performance. In this study, we introduce a novel droplet microfluidic chip to overcome this challenge. The chip comprises a double spiral focusing unit, a flow resistance-based sample enrichment module with fine-tunable outlets, and a crossflow droplet generation unit. Utilizing a low-density cell/bead suspension (2 × 106 objects/mL), cells/beads are focused into a near-equidistant linear arrangement within the double spiral microchannel. The excess water phase is diverted while cells/beads remain focused and sequentially encapsulated in individual droplets. Focusing performance was assessed through numerical simulations and experiments at three flow rates (40, 60, 80 μL/min), demonstrating successful focusing at 40 and 80 μL/min for beads and cells, respectively. In addition, both simulation and experimental results revealed that the flow resistance at the sample enrichment module is adjustable by punching different outlets, allowing over 50% of the aqueous phase to be removed. YOLOv8n-based droplet detection algorithms realized the counting of cells/beads in droplets, statistically demonstrating single-cell and bead encapsulation rates of 72.2% and 79.2%, respectively. All the results indicate that this on-chip sample enrichment approach can be further developed and employed as a critical component in single-cell encapsulation in water-in-oil droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583 Singapore, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, 119077 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shaofei Shen
- Shanxi Key Lab for Modernization of TCVM, College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801 China
| | - Like Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583 Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, 636921 Singapore, Singapore
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3
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Gebreyesus ST, Muneer G, Huang CC, Siyal AA, Anand M, Chen YJ, Tu HL. Recent advances in microfluidics for single-cell functional proteomics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1726-1751. [PMID: 36811978 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01096h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell proteomics (SCP) reveals phenotypic heterogeneity by profiling individual cells, their biological states and functional outcomes upon signaling activation that can hardly be probed via other omics characterizations. This has become appealing to researchers as it enables an overall more holistic view of biological details underlying cellular processes, disease onset and progression, as well as facilitates unique biomarker identification from individual cells. Microfluidic-based strategies have become methods of choice for single-cell analysis because they allow facile assay integrations, such as cell sorting, manipulation, and content analysis. Notably, they have been serving as an enabling technology to improve the sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility of recently developed SCP methods. Critical roles of microfluidics technologies are expected to further expand rapidly in advancing the next phase of SCP analysis to reveal more biological and clinical insights. In this review, we will capture the excitement of the recent achievements of microfluidics methods for both targeted and global SCP, including efforts to enhance the proteomic coverage, minimize sample loss, and increase multiplexity and throughput. Furthermore, we will discuss the advantages, challenges, applications, and future prospects of SCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofani Tafesse Gebreyesus
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Gul Muneer
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Asad Ali Siyal
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Mihir Anand
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Chen
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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4
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Abstract
Cell manipulation in droplets has emerged as one of the great successes of microfluidic technologies, with the development of single-cell screening. However, the droplet format has also served to go beyond single-cell studies, namely by considering the interactions between different cells or between cells and their physical or chemical environment. These studies pose specific challenges linked to the need for long-term culture of adherent cells or the diverse types of measurements associated with complex biological phenomena. Here we review the emergence of droplet microfluidic methods for culturing cells and studying their interactions. We begin by characterizing the quantitative aspects that determine the ability to encapsulate cells, transport molecules, and provide sufficient nutrients within the droplets. This is followed by an evaluation of the biological constraints such as the control of the biochemical environment and promoting the anchorage of adherent cells. This first part ends with a description of measurement methods that have been developed. The second part of the manuscript focuses on applications of these technologies for cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells while paying special attention to the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines on improving this relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gustave Ronteix
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Amselem
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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Taylor D, Verdon N, Lomax P, Allen RJ, Titmuss S. Tracking the stochastic growth of bacterial populations in microfluidic droplets. Phys Biol 2022; 19. [PMID: 35042205 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4c9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial growth in microfluidic droplets is relevant in biotechnology, in microbial ecology, and in understanding stochastic population dynamics in small populations. However, it has proved challenging to automate measurement of absolute bacterial numbers within droplets, forcing the use of proxy measures for population size. Here we present a microfluidic device and imaging protocol that allows high-resolution imaging of thousands of droplets, such that individual bacteria stay in the focal plane and can be counted automatically. Using this approach, we track the stochastic growth of hundreds of replicate Escherichia coli populations within droplets. {We find that, for early times, the statistics of the growth trajectories obey the predictions of the Bellman-Harris model, in which there is no inheritance of division time. Our approach should allow further testing of models for stochastic growth dynamics, as well as contributing to broader applications of droplet-based bacterial culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Taylor
- The University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy, JCMB, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Nia Verdon
- The University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy, JCMB, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Peter Lomax
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, King's Buildings, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Rosalind J Allen
- Theoretical Microbial Ecology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Buchaer Strasse 6, Jena, Thüringen, 07749, GERMANY
| | - Simon Titmuss
- The University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy, JCMB, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
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6
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Yu Z, Jin J, Shui L, Chen H, Zhu Y. Recent advances in microdroplet techniques for single-cell protein analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Del Giudice F, D'Avino G, Maffettone PL. Microfluidic formation of crystal-like structures. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2069-2094. [PMID: 34002182 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00144b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Crystal-like structures find application in several fields ranging from biomedical engineering to material science. For instance, droplet crystals are critical for high throughput assays and material synthesis, while particle crystals are important for particles and cell encapsulation, Drop-seq technologies, and single-cell analysis. Formation of crystal-like structures relies entirely on the possibility of manipulating with great accuracy the micrometer-size objects forming the crystal. In this context, microfluidic devices offer versatile tools for the precise manipulation of droplets and particles, thus enabling fabrication of crystal-like structures that form due to hydrodynamic interactions among droplets or particles. In this review, we aim at providing an holistic representation of crystal-like structure formation mediated by hydrodynamic interactions in microfluidic devices. We also discuss the physical origin of these hydrodynamic interactions and their relation to parameters such as device geometry, fluid properties, and flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Del Giudice
- System and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK.
| | - Gaetano D'Avino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Universitá degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Pier Luca Maffettone
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Universitá degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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8
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Jeyasountharan A, Shahrivar K, D’Avino G, Del Giudice F. Viscoelastic Particle Train Formation in Microfluidic Flows Using a Xanthan Gum Aqueous Solution. Anal Chem 2021; 93:5503-5512. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c05370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anoshanth Jeyasountharan
- Systems and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian
Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K
| | - Keshvad Shahrivar
- Systems and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian
Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K
| | - Gaetano D’Avino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Universitá degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Systems and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian
Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K
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9
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Yu J, Sun G, Lin NW, Vadanan SV, Lim S, Chen CH. Intelligent optofluidic analysis for ultrafast single bacterium profiling of cellulose production and morphology. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:626-633. [PMID: 31919490 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01105f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC), a renewable type of cellulose, has been used in the manufacture of foods, cosmetics, and biomedical products. To produce BC, a high-throughput single-bacterium measurement is necessary to identify the functional bacteria that can produce BC with sufficient amount and desirable morphology. In this study, a continuous-flow intelligent optofluidic device was developed to enable high-throughput single-bacterium profiling of BC. Single bacteria were incubated in agarose hydrogel particles to produce BC with varied densities and structures. An intelligent convolutional neural network (CNN) computational method was developed to analyze the scattering patterns of BC. The BC production and morphology were determined with a throughput of ∼35 bacteria per second. A total of ∼105 single-bacterium BC samples were characterized within 3 hours. The high flexibility of this approach facilitates high-throughput comprehensive single-cell production analysis for a range of applications in engineering biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575 Singapore
| | - Guoyun Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575 Singapore
| | - Nicholas Weikang Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575 Singapore
| | | | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637457 Singapore
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
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10
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Wei Y, Cheng G, Ho HP, Ho YP, Yong KT. Thermodynamic perspectives on liquid–liquid droplet reactors for biochemical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:6555-6567. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00541b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Liquid–liquid droplet reactors have garnered significant interest in biochemical applications by simulating thermodynamic systmes, ranging from closed systems, semi-closed/semi-open systems, to open systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong SAR
- China
| | - Guangyao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong SAR
- China
| | - Ho-Pui Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong SAR
- China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong SAR
- China
- Centre for Biomaterials
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore
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11
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Saad MG, Selahi A, Zoromba MS, Mekki L, El-Bana M, Dosoky NS, Nobles D, Shafik HM. A droplet-based gradient microfluidic to monitor and evaluate the growth of Chlorella vulgaris under different levels of nitrogen and temperatures. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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12
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Jesorka A, Põldsalu I, Gözen I. Microfluidic technology for investigation of protein function in single adherent cells. Methods Enzymol 2019; 628:145-172. [PMID: 31668227 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Instrumental techniques and associated methods for single cell analysis, designed to investigate and measure a broad range of cellular parameters in search of unique features, address key limitations of conventional cell-based assays with their ensemble average response. While many different single cell techniques exist for suspension cultures, which can process and characterize large numbers of individual cells in rapid succession, the access to surface-immobilized cells in typical 2D and 3D culture environments remains challenging. Open space microfluidics has created new possibilities in this area, allowing for exclusive access to single cells in adherent cultures, even at high confluency. In this chapter, we briefly review new microtechnologies for the investigation of protein function in single adherent cells, and present an overview over related recent applications of the multifunctional pipette (Biopen), a microfluidic multi-solution dispensing system that uses hydrodynamic confinement in open volume environments in order to establish a superfusion zone over selected single cells in adherent cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Irep Gözen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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13
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Recent Advances in Droplet-based Microfluidic Technologies for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10060412. [PMID: 31226819 PMCID: PMC6631694 DOI: 10.3390/mi10060412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, droplet-based microfluidic systems have been widely used in various biochemical and molecular biological assays. Since this platform technique allows manipulation of large amounts of data and also provides absolute accuracy in comparison to conventional bioanalytical approaches, over the last decade a range of basic biochemical and molecular biological operations have been transferred to drop-based microfluidic formats. In this review, we introduce recent advances and examples of droplet-based microfluidic techniques that have been applied in biochemistry and molecular biology research including genomics, proteomics and cellomics. Their advantages and weaknesses in various applications are also comprehensively discussed here. The purpose of this review is to provide a new point of view and current status in droplet-based microfluidics to biochemists and molecular biologists. We hope that this review will accelerate communications between researchers who are working in droplet-based microfluidics, biochemistry and molecular biology.
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14
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Zhu HY, Ding SN. Dual-signal-amplified electrochemiluminescence biosensor for microRNA detection by coupling cyclic enzyme with CdTe QDs aggregate as luminophor. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 134:109-116. [PMID: 30965162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a dual-signal-amplified electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was proposed for the first time to detect microRNAs (miRNAs) based on cyclic enzyme and seeded-watermelon-like mesoporous nanospheres (mSiO2@CdTe@SiO2, mSQS NSs). mSQS NSs were successfully fabricated by inlaying the CdTe quantum dots (QDs) into the mesoporous silica (mSiO2) and future coating the surface with the silica layer. The obtained mSQS NSs contained tens of QDs and exhibited much stronger ECL signal than single QDs. The ECL biosensor achieved firstly signal amplification by using mSQS NSs to label the functional oligonucleotide probe (DNA-F) as enhanced ECL signal probes. Well-dispersed Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles were prepared as immobilization matrices to load hairpin-structured DNA probe (DNA-P). When the target miRNAs were present, hairpin DNA undertook conformation changes. Meanwhile, RNA/DNA duplexes was formed which cleaved by duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) to release miRNAs. Target miRNAs were cycled to hybridize with hairpin DNA, which achieved secondly signal amplification of the ECL biosensor. Thereafter, the complementarily parts between DNA-F and the rest DNA-P generated conjugates. The obtained conjugates would be collected on the surface of the electrode by effecting of magnet. Under the optimal conditions, the developed biosensor showed a wide linear range from 0.1 pM to 100 pM with a low detection limit of 33 fM (S/N = 3). The results of detection for the stability, specificity and reproducibility of ECL biosensor were outstanding. Simultaneously, the potential application of ECL biosensor was verified by using biosensor in serum sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yun Zhu
- Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Shou-Nian Ding
- Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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15
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Chatzimichail S, Supramaniam P, Ces O, Salehi-Reyhani A. Counting Proteins in Single Cells with Addressable Droplet Microarrays. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30035757 DOI: 10.3791/56110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Often cellular behavior and cellular responses are analyzed at the population level where the responses of many cells are pooled together as an average result masking the rich single cell behavior within a complex population. Single cell protein detection and quantification technologies have made a remarkable impact in recent years. Here we describe a practical and flexible single cell analysis platform based on addressable droplet microarrays. This study describes how the absolute copy numbers of target proteins may be measured with single cell resolution. The tumor suppressor p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer, with more than 50% of total cancer cases exhibiting a non-healthy p53 expression pattern. The protocol describes steps to create 10 nL droplets within which single human cancer cells are isolated and the copy number of p53 protein is measured with single molecule resolution to precisely determine the variability in expression. The method may be applied to any cell type including primary material to determine the absolute copy number of any target proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oscar Ces
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London
| | - Ali Salehi-Reyhani
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London;
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16
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Abstract
Quantification of single-cell proteomics provides key insights in the field of cellular heterogeneity. This chapter discusses the emerging techniques that are being used to measure the protein copy numbers at the single-cell level, which includes flow cytometry, mass cytometry, droplet cytometry, microengraving, and single-cell barcoding microchip. The advantages and limitations of each technique are compared, and future research opportunities are highlighted.
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17
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Liu Y, Lu H. Microfluidics in systems biology-hype or truly useful? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 39:215-220. [PMID: 27267565 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systems biology often relies on large-scale measurements and model-building to understand how complex biological systems function. Microfluidic technology has been touted as a tool for high-throughput experiments and has been a valuable tool to some systems biology research. This review focuses on applications where microfluidics can enhance experimental sensitivity and throughput, particularly in recent development in single-cell analyses and analyses on multi-cellular or complex biological entities. We conclude that microfluidics is not necessarily always useful for systems biology, but when used appropriately can greatly enhance experimentalists' ability to measure and control, and thereby enhance the understanding of and expand the utility of biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, United States
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, United States.
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18
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Chaudhuri PK, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Jing T, Kenry, Lim CT. Microfluidics for research and applications in oncology. Analyst 2017; 141:504-24. [PMID: 26010996 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00382b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is currently one of the top non-communicable human diseases, and continual research and developmental efforts are being made to better understand and manage this disease. More recently, with the improved understanding in cancer biology as well as the advancements made in microtechnology and rapid prototyping, microfluidics is increasingly being explored and even validated for use in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. With inherent advantages such as small sample volume, high sensitivity and fast processing time, microfluidics is well-positioned to serve as a promising platform for applications in oncology. In this review, we look at the recent advances in the use of microfluidics, from basic research such as understanding cancer cell phenotypes as well as metastatic behaviors to applications such as the detection, diagnosis, prognosis and drug screening. We then conclude with a future outlook on this promising technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 138602 and School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Tengyang Jing
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 138602 and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575.
| | - Kenry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575. and NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411 and BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 138602
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19
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20
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Wen N, Zhao Z, Fan B, Chen D, Men D, Wang J, Chen J. Development of Droplet Microfluidics Enabling High-Throughput Single-Cell Analysis. Molecules 2016; 21:E881. [PMID: 27399651 PMCID: PMC6272933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21070881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews recent developments in droplet microfluidics enabling high-throughput single-cell analysis. Five key aspects in this field are included in this review: (1) prototype demonstration of single-cell encapsulation in microfluidic droplets; (2) technical improvements of single-cell encapsulation in microfluidic droplets; (3) microfluidic droplets enabling single-cell proteomic analysis; (4) microfluidic droplets enabling single-cell genomic analysis; and (5) integrated microfluidic droplet systems enabling single-cell screening. We examine the advantages and limitations of each technique and discuss future research opportunities by focusing on key performances of throughput, multifunctionality, and absolute quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wen
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Zhan Zhao
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Beiyuan Fan
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Deyong Chen
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Dong Men
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Junbo Wang
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Jian Chen
- Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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21
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Single cell multiplexed assay for proteolytic activity using droplet microfluidics. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 81:408-414. [PMID: 26995287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular enzymes interact in a post-translationally regulated fashion to govern individual cell behaviors, yet current platform technologies are limited in their ability to measure multiple enzyme activities simultaneously in single cells. Here, we developed multi-color Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based enzymatic substrates and use them in a microfluidics platform to simultaneously measure multiple specific protease activities from water-in-oil droplets that contain single cells. By integrating the microfluidic platform with a computational analytical method, Proteolytic Activity Matrix Analysis (PrAMA), we are able to infer six different protease activity signals from individual cells in a high throughput manner (~100 cells/experimental run). We characterized protease activity profiles at single cell resolution for several cancer cell lines including breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, lung cancer cell line PC-9, and leukemia cell line K-562 using both live-cell and in-situ cell lysis assay formats, with special focus on metalloproteinases important in metastasis. The ability to measure multiple proteases secreted from or expressed in individual cells allows us to characterize cell heterogeneity and has potential applications including systems biology, pharmacology, cancer diagnosis and stem cell biology.
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22
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Development of Microfluidic Systems Enabling High-Throughput Single-Cell Protein Characterization. SENSORS 2016; 16:232. [PMID: 26891303 PMCID: PMC4801608 DOI: 10.3390/s16020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews recent developments in microfluidic systems enabling high-throughput characterization of single-cell proteins. Four key perspectives of microfluidic platforms are included in this review: (1) microfluidic fluorescent flow cytometry; (2) droplet based microfluidic flow cytometry; (3) large-array micro wells (microengraving); and (4) large-array micro chambers (barcode microchips). We examine the advantages and limitations of each technique and discuss future research opportunities by focusing on three key performance parameters (absolute quantification, sensitivity, and throughput).
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23
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Hümmer D, Kurth F, Naredi-Rainer N, Dittrich PS. Single cells in confined volumes: microchambers and microdroplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:447-58. [PMID: 26758781 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01314c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices capable of manipulating and guiding small fluid volumes open new methodical approaches in the fields of biology, pharmacy, and medicine. They have already proven their extraordinary value for cell analysis. The emergence of microfluidic platforms has paved the way to novel analytical strategies for the positioning, treatment and observation of living cells, for the creation of chemically defined liquid environments, and for tailoring biomechanical or physical conditions in small volumes. In this article, we particularly focus on two complementary approaches: (i) the isolation of cells in small chambers defined by microchannels and integrated valves and (ii) the encapsulation of cells in microdroplets. We review the advantages and limitations of both approaches and discuss their potential for single-cell analysis and related fields. Our intention is also to give a recommendation on which platform is most appropriate for a new question, i.e., a guideline to choose the most suitable platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hümmer
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - F Kurth
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - N Naredi-Rainer
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - P S Dittrich
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjin Hosic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shashi K. Murthy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail N. Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Novo P, Dell'Aica M, Janasek D, Zahedi RP. High spatial and temporal resolution cell manipulation techniques in microchannels. Analyst 2016; 141:1888-905. [DOI: 10.1039/c6an00027d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Reviewing latest developments on lab on chips for enhanced control of cells’ experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Novo
- Protein Dynamics Group
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS - e.V
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
| | - Margherita Dell'Aica
- Protein Dynamics Group
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS - e.V
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
| | - Dirk Janasek
- Protein Dynamics Group
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS - e.V
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
| | - René P. Zahedi
- Protein Dynamics Group
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS - e.V
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
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26
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Huang CW, Lin YT, Ding ST, Lo LL, Wang PH, Lin EC, Liu FW, Lu YW. Efficient SNP Discovery by Combining Microarray and Lab-on-a-Chip Data for Animal Breeding and Selection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 4:570-95. [PMID: 27600241 PMCID: PMC4996412 DOI: 10.3390/microarrays4040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic markers associated with economic traits have been widely explored for animal breeding. Among these markers, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) are gradually becoming a prevalent and effective evaluation tool. Since SNPs only focus on the genetic sequences of interest, it thereby reduces the evaluation time and cost. Compared to traditional approaches, SNP genotyping techniques incorporate informative genetic background, improve the breeding prediction accuracy and acquiesce breeding quality on the farm. This article therefore reviews the typical procedures of animal breeding using SNPs and the current status of related techniques. The associated SNP information and genotyping techniques, including microarray and Lab-on-a-Chip based platforms, along with their potential are highlighted. Examples in pig and poultry with different SNP loci linked to high economic trait values are given. The recommendations for utilizing SNP genotyping in nimal breeding are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Wei Huang
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Tsung Lin
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Torng Ding
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Ling Lo
- Department of Animal Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Hwa Wang
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - En-Chung Lin
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Fang-Wei Liu
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Wen Lu
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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27
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Li KC, Ding ST, Lin EC, Wang LA, Lu YW. Melting analysis on microbeads in rapid temperature-gradient inside microchannels for single nucleotide polymorphisms detection. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:064109. [PMID: 25553186 PMCID: PMC4247367 DOI: 10.1063/1.4902907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A continuous-flow microchip with a temperature gradient in microchannels was utilized to demonstrate spatial melting analysis on microbeads for clinical Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping on animal genomic DNA. The chip had embedded heaters and thermometers, which created a rapid and yet stable temperature gradient between 60 °C and 85 °C in a short distance as the detection region. The microbeads, which served as mobile supports carrying the target DNA and fluorescent dye, were transported across the temperature gradient. As the surrounding temperature increased, the fluorescence signals of the microbeads decayed with this relationship being acquired as the melting curve. Fast DNA denaturation, as a result of the improved heat transfer and thermal stability due to scaling, was also confirmed. Further, each individual microbead could potentially bear different sequences and pass through the detection region, one by one, for a series of melting analysis, with multiplex, high-throughput capability being possible. A prototype was tested with target DNA samples in different genotypes (i.e., wild and mutant types) with a SNP location from Landrace sows. The melting temperatures were obtained and compared to the ones using a traditional tube-based approach. The results showed similar levels of SNP discrimination, validating our proposed technique for scanning homozygotes and heterozygotes to distinguish single base changes for disease research, drug development, medical diagnostics, agriculture, and animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan-Chien Li
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Torng Ding
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - En-Chung Lin
- Department of Animal Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Lon Alex Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yen-Wen Lu
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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28
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Yu J, Tao D, Ng EX, Drum CL, Liu AQ, Chen CH. Real-time measurement of thrombin generation using continuous droplet microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:052108. [PMID: 25332735 PMCID: PMC4189542 DOI: 10.1063/1.4894747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin, which has the leading role in the blood coagulation cascade, is an important biomarker in hemostasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. In this study, a measurement system capable of continuously monitoring individual thrombin generation using droplet microfluidic technology is manipulated. The thrombin generation assay based on fluogenic substrate is performed within the droplets and the thrombin generation curve of plasma sample activated by tissue factor is measured in real-time to reflect the sample conditions dynamically. The injection of the inhibitor of thrombin generation is developed to assay the inhibited curve which relates to thrombin self-inhibition in biological systems. This microfluidic system is integrated with the microdialysis probe, which is useful to connect to the living animals for future in vivo real time thrombin measurements for rapid CVD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore 117575
| | - Ding Tao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228
| | - Ee Xing Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore 117575
| | - Chester L Drum
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228
| | - Ai Qun Liu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 639798
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29
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Ramji R, Wang M, Bhagat AAS, Tan Shao Weng D, Thakor NV, Teck Lim C, Chen CH. Single cell kinase signaling assay using pinched flow coupled droplet microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:034104. [PMID: 24926389 PMCID: PMC4032411 DOI: 10.1063/1.4878635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics has shown potential in high throughput single cell assays by encapsulating individual cells in water-in-oil emulsions. Ordering cells in a micro-channel is necessary to encapsulate individual cells into droplets further enhancing the assay efficiency. This is typically limited due to the difficulty of preparing high-density cell solutions and maintaining them without cell aggregation in long channels (>5 cm). In this study, we developed a short pinched flow channel (5 mm) to separate cell aggregates and to form a uniform cell distribution in a droplet-generating platform that encapsulated single cells with >55% encapsulation efficiency beating Poisson encapsulation statistics. Using this platform and commercially available Sox substrates (8-hydroxy-5-(N,N-dimethylsulfonamido)-2-methylquinoline), we have demonstrated a high throughput dynamic single cell signaling assay to measure the activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in lung cancer cells triggered by cell surface ligand binding. The phosphorylation of the substrates resulted in fluorescent emission, showing a sigmoidal increase over a 12 h period. The result exhibited a heterogeneous signaling rate in individual cells and showed various levels of drug resistance when treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Ramji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575
| | | | | | - Nitish V Thakor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575 ; Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology, Singapore 117456
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575 ; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575 ; Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology, Singapore 117456
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