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Delgado P, Luna CA, Dissanayaka A, Oshinowo O, Waggoner JJ, Schley S, Fernandez T, Myers DR. An economical in-class sticker microfluidic activity develops student expertise in microscale physics and device manufacturing. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2176-2192. [PMID: 38328814 PMCID: PMC11019833 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00912b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Educating new students in miniaturization science remains challenging due to the non-intuitive behavior of microscale objects and specialized layer-by-layer assembly approaches. In our analysis of the existing literature, we noted that it remains difficult to have low cost activities that elicit deep learning. Furthermore, few activities have stated learning goals and measurements of effectiveness. To that end, we created a new educational activity that enables students to build and test microfluidic mixers, valves, and bubble generators in the classroom setting with inexpensive, widely-available materials. Although undergraduate and graduate engineering students are able to successfully construct the devices, our activity is unique in that the focus is not on successfully building and operating each device. Instead, it is to gain understanding about miniaturization science, device design, and construction so as to be able to do so independently. Our data show that the activity is appropriate for developing the conceptual understanding of graduate and advanced undergraduate students (n = 57), as well as makes a lasting impression on the students. We also report on observations related to student patterns of misunderstanding and how miniaturization science provides a unique opportunity for educational researchers to elicit and study misconceptions. More broadly, since this activity teaches participants a viable approach to creating microsystems and can be implemented in nearly any global setting, our work democratizes the education of miniaturization science. Noting the broad potential of point-of-care technologies in the global setting, such an activity could empower local experts to address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Delgado
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C Alessandra Luna
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anjana Dissanayaka
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jesse J Waggoner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara Schley
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Todd Fernandez
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - David R Myers
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Ehrlich K, Parker HE, McNicholl DK, Reid P, Reynolds M, Bussiere V, Crawford G, Deighan A, Garrett A, Kufcsák A, Norberg DR, Spennati G, Steele G, Szoor-McElhinney H, Jimenez M. Demonstrating the Use of Optical Fibres in Biomedical Sensing: A Collaborative Approach for Engagement and Education. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E402. [PMID: 31936827 PMCID: PMC7014119 DOI: 10.3390/s20020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates how research at the intersection of physics, engineering, biology and medicine can be presented in an interactive and educational way to a non-scientific audience. Interdisciplinary research with a focus on prevalent diseases provides a relatable context that can be used to engage with the public. Respiratory diseases are significant contributors to avoidable morbidity and mortality and have a growing social and economic impact. With the aim of improving lung disease understanding, new techniques in fibre-based optical endomicroscopy have been recently developed. Here, we present a novel engagement activity that resembles a bench-to-bedside pathway. The activity comprises an inexpensive educational tool (<$70) adapted from a clinical optical endomicroscopy system and tutorials that cover state-of-the-art research. The activity was co-created by high school science teachers and researchers in a collaborative way that can be implemented into any engagement development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katjana Ehrlich
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Helen E. Parker
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Duncan K. McNicholl
- Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Peter Reid
- College of Science and Engineering Engagement Team, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; (P.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Mark Reynolds
- College of Science and Engineering Engagement Team, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; (P.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Vincent Bussiere
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | | | | | - Alice Garrett
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | - András Kufcsák
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Dominic R. Norberg
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Giulia Spennati
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | - Gregor Steele
- Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), Dunfermline KY11 8UU, UK;
| | - Helen Szoor-McElhinney
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Melanie Jimenez
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
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Rackus DG, Riedel-Kruse IH, Pamme N. "Learning on a chip:" Microfluidics for formal and informal science education. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:041501. [PMID: 31431815 PMCID: PMC6697029 DOI: 10.1063/1.5096030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a technique for the handling of small volumes of liquids on the order of picoliters to nanoliters and has impact for miniaturized biomedical science and fundamental research. Because of its multi- and interdisciplinary nature (i.e., combining the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering), microfluidics offers much potential for educational applications, both at the university level as well as primary and secondary education. Microfluidics is also an ideal "tool" to enthuse and educate members of the general public about the interdisciplinary aspects of modern sciences, including concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects such as (bio)engineering, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Here, we provide an overview of approaches that have been taken to make microfluidics accessible for formal and informal learning. We also point out future avenues and desired developments. At the extreme ends, we can distinguish between projects that teach how to build microfluidic devices vs projects that make various microscopic phenomena (e.g., low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, microbiology) accessible to learners and the general public. Microfluidics also enables educators to make experiments low-cost and scalable, and thereby widely accessible. Our goal for this review is to assist academic researchers working in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies as well as educators with translating research from the laboratory into the lecture hall, teaching laboratory, or public sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius G. Rackus
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
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Prasad A, Tran T, Gartia MR. Multiplexed Paper Microfluidics for Titration and Detection of Ingredients in Beverages. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E1286. [PMID: 30875737 PMCID: PMC6471555 DOI: 10.3390/s19061286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Food safety and access to systematic approaches for ensuring detection of food hazards is an important issue in most developing countries. With the arrival of paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) as a promising, rapid, easy-to-use, and low-cost analytical tool, we demonstrated a simple microfluidic-based titration study for the analysis of packaged fruit juices. Similar, to the titration experiments using traditional glassware in chemistry laboratories, in this study the titration experiments were developed using paper microfluidics for the analysis of several analytes such as pH, vitamin C, sugars, and preservatives present in the packaged fruit juices. The allergen found commonly in dairy based mixtures and the non-pathogenic biochemical component responsible for food spoilage in cider based fruit juices were also determined. The results obtained using paper microfluidics were compared with those obtained using a conventional spectrophotometric technique. Finally, a paper microfluidics based multiplexed sensor was developed for the analysis of common nutritional ingredients, an allergen, and a non-pathogenic byproduct present in packaged fruit juices on a single platform. Overall, the results presented in this study reveal that the proposed paper microfluidic assisted colorimetric multiplexed sensor offers a quick and reliable tool for on-spot routine analysis for food safety applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Prasad
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Tiffany Tran
- St. Jospeh's Academy, 3015 Broussard St, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
| | - Manas Ranjan Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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5
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Wietsma JJ, van der Veen JT, Buesink W, van den Berg A, Odijk M. Lab-on-a-Chip: Frontier Science in the Classroom. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2018; 95:267-275. [PMID: 30258250 PMCID: PMC6150665 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip technology is brought into the classroom through development of a lesson series with hands-on practicals. Students can discover the principles of microfluidics with different practicals covering laminar flow, micromixing, and droplet generation, as well as trapping and counting beads. A quite affordable novel production technique using scissor-cut and laser-cut lamination sheets is presented, which provides good insight into how scientific lab-on-a-chip devices are produced. In this way high school students can now produce lab-on-a-chip devices using lamination sheets and their own lab-on-a-chip design. We begin with a review of previous reports on the use of lab-on-a-chip technology in classrooms, followed by an overview of the practicals and projects we have developed with student safety in mind. We conclude with an educational scenario and some initial promising results for student learning outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jaap Wietsma
- Pre-U
/ ELAN Department of Teacher Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- E-mail:
| | - Jan T. van der Veen
- Pre-U
/ ELAN Department of Teacher Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred Buesink
- Micronit
Microfluidics B.V., Colosseum 15, 7521 PV Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS
Research Group, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Odijk
- BIOS
Research Group, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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Mélé P, Giboz J. Micro-injection molding of thermoplastic polymers: Proposal of a constitutive law as function of the aspect ratios. J Appl Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/app.45719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Mélé
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP*, LEPMI; Grenoble 38000 France
- Institute of Engineering, Université Grenoble Alpes; Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc; LEPMI Chambéry 73000 France
| | - Julien Giboz
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP*, LEPMI; Grenoble 38000 France
- Institute of Engineering, Université Grenoble Alpes; Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc; LEPMI Chambéry 73000 France
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7
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Zhang Y, Ge S, Yu J. Chemical and biochemical analysis on lab-on-a-chip devices fabricated using three-dimensional printing. Trends Analyt Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Morton JAS, Bridle H. Student-led microfluidics lab practicals: Improving engagement and learning outcomes. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:034117. [PMID: 27375822 PMCID: PMC4902809 DOI: 10.1063/1.4953448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has shown rapid growth in both research and development and offers significant commercialisation potential for biomedical and diagnostic applications in particular. However, there is a lack of awareness of microfluidics outside the field of study, and few dedicated educational programmes are available. While many topics incorporate microfluidics teaching, reported initiatives in the literature have not yet taken a problem based learning (PBL) approach to the delivery of practical sessions. The educational approaches already reported typically focus upon production and testing of pre-determined device designs for specific applications, using a "recipe" style of lab teaching. Here, we report on a newly designed lab section of a microfluidic teaching component utilising problem based learning (PBL) to involve the students in all aspects of design, manufacture, and performance characterisation of microfluidic solutions. Details of the lab design and development are given enabling others to replicate the lab structure described here or use it as a basis for the design of similar PBL microfluidics teaching labs. A key focus of the work has been the evaluation of the student experience, and the results of a survey indicate a high degree of student satisfaction and skills development due to the PBL approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A S Morton
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University , Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - H Bridle
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University , Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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Esfahani MMN, Tarn MD, Choudhury TA, Hewitt LC, Mayo AJ, Rubin TA, Waller MR, Christensen MG, Dawson A, Pamme N. Lab-on-a-chip workshop activities for secondary school students. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:011301. [PMID: 26865902 PMCID: PMC4744233 DOI: 10.1063/1.4940884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engage and inspire younger generations in novel areas of science is important for bringing new researchers into a burgeoning field, such as lab-on-a-chip. We recently held a lab-on-a-chip workshop for secondary school students, for which we developed a number of hands-on activities that explained various aspects of microfluidic technology, including fabrication (milling and moulding of microfluidic devices, and wax printing of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices, so-called μPADs), flow regimes (gradient formation via diffusive mixing), and applications (tissue analysis and μPADs). Questionnaires completed by the students indicated that they found the workshop both interesting and informative, with all activities proving successful, while providing feedback that could be incorporated into later iterations of the event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark D Tarn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Tahmina A Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Laura C Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley J Mayo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore A Rubin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew R Waller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Martin G Christensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Dawson
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
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