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Concilia G, Lai A, Thurgood P, Pirogova E, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Investigating the mechanotransduction of transient shear stress mediated by Piezo1 ion channel using a 3D printed dynamic gravity pump. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:262-271. [PMID: 34931212 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00927c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems are widely used for studying the mechanotransduction of flow-induced shear stress in mechanosensitive cells. However, these studies are generally performed under constant flow rates, mainly, due to the deficiency of existing pumps for generating transient flows. To address this limitation, we have developed a unique dynamic gravity pump to generate transient flows in microfluidics. The pump utilises a motorised 3D-printed cam-lever mechanism to change the inlet pressure of the system in repeated cycles. 3D printing technology facilitates the rapid and low-cost prototyping of the pump. Customised transient flow patterns can be generated by modulating the profile, size, and rotational speed of the cam, location of the hinge along the lever, and the height of the syringe. Using this unique dynamic gravity pump, we investigated the mechanotransduction of shear stress in HEK293 cells stably expressing Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel under transient flows. The controllable, simple, low-cost, compact, and modular design of the pump makes it suitable for studying the mechanobiology of shear sensitive cells under transient flows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin Lai
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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2
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Thurgood P, Concilia G, Tran N, Nguyen N, Hawke AJ, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Generation of programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics using audio signals. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4672-4684. [PMID: 34739024 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00568e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Customised audio signals, such as musical notes, can be readily generated by audio software on smartphones and played over audio speakers. Audio speakers translate electrical signals into the mechanical motion of the speaker cone. Coupling the inlet tube to the speaker cone causes the harmonic oscillation of the tube, which in turn changes the velocity profile and flow rate. We employ this strategy for generating programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics. We show the generation of customised rib and vortex patterns through the application of multi-tone audio signals in water-based and whole blood samples. We demonstrate the precise capability to control the number and extent of the ribs and vortices by simply setting the frequency ratio of two- and three-tone audio signals. We exemplify potential applications of tube oscillation for studying the functional responses of circulating immune cells under pathophysiological shear rates. The system is programmable, compact, low-cost, biocompatible, and durable. These features make it suitable for a variety of applications across chemistry, biology, and physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Nhiem Tran
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adam J Hawke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Sekar NC, Chen S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:769-786. [PMID: 34777617 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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Ruvalcaba-Cardenas AD, Gomez RAR, Khoshmanesh K, Tovar-Lopez FJ. Magnetic actuation and deformation of a soft shuttle. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:034103. [PMID: 32477442 PMCID: PMC7237223 DOI: 10.1063/5.0008176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe the magnetic actuation of soft shuttles for open-top microfluidic applications. The system is comprised of two immiscible liquids, including glycerol as the soft shuttle and a suspension of iron powder in sucrose solution as the magnetic drop. Permanent magnets assembled on 3D printed motorized actuators were used for the actuation of the magnetic drop, enabling the glycerol shuttle to be propelled along customized linear, circular, and sinusoidal paths. The dynamics of the hybrid shuttle-magnetic drop system was governed by the magnetic force, the friction at the interface of the shuttle and the substrate, and the surface tension at the interface of the shuttle and the magnetic drop. Increasing the magnetic force leads to the localized deformation of the shuttle and eventually the full extraction of the magnetic drop. The versatility of the system was demonstrated through the propelling of the shuttle across a rough surface patterned with microfabricated barriers as well as taking advantage of the optical properties of the shuttle for the magnification and translation of microscale characters patterned on a planar surface. The integration of the system with current electrowetting actuation mechanisms enables the highly controlled motion of the magnetic drop on the surface of a moving shuttle. The simplicity, versatility, and controllability of the system provide opportunities for various fluid manipulation, sample preparation, and analysis for a range of chemical, biochemical, and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Daysi Ruvalcaba-Cardenas
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
| | | | - Khashayar Khoshmanesh
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
| | - Francisco J. Tovar-Lopez
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
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Thurgood P, Suarez SA, Chen S, Gilliam C, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Self-sufficient, low-cost microfluidic pumps utilising reinforced balloons. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2885-2896. [PMID: 31353384 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00618d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Here, we introduce a simple method for increasing the inflation pressure of self-sufficient pressure pumps made of latex balloons. Our method involves reinforcing the latex balloon with elastane fibres to restrict the expansion of the balloon and increase its inflation pressure. This allowed us to increase the operational inflation pressure of a latex balloon from 2.5 to 25 kPa. Proof-of-concept experiments show the suitability of the reinforced balloon for inducing lateral forces and recirculating flows, which are employed for hydrodynamic capturing of large human monocytes. We also demonstrate the ability for the rapid exchange of solutions in repeated cycles upon manual squeezing of the reinforced balloons. We also show the suitability of the reinforced balloon for studying the mechanobiology of human aortic endothelial cells under various shear stress levels. The simplicity, portability, affordability, hyper-elasticity and scalability of the reinforced balloon pumps make them suitable for a wide range of microfluidic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia and Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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Mohammed M, Thurgood P, Gilliam C, Nguyen N, Pirogova E, Peter K, Khoshmanesh K, Baratchi S. Studying the Response of Aortic Endothelial Cells under Pulsatile Flow Using a Compact Microfluidic System. Anal Chem 2019; 91:12077-12084. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mokhaled Mohammed
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | | | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | | | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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Thurgood P, Baratchi S, Arash A, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Khoshmanesh K. Asynchronous generation of oil droplets using a microfluidic flow focusing system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10600. [PMID: 31332249 PMCID: PMC6646804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we show that long-term exposure of PDMS based microfluidic droplet generation systems to water can reverse their characteristics such that they generate oil-in-water droplets instead of water-in-oil droplets. The competition between two oil columns entering via the two side channels leads to asynchronous generation of oil droplets. We identify various modes of droplet generation, and study the size, gap and generation rate of droplets under different combinations of oil and water pressures. Oil droplets can also be generated using syringe pumps, various oil viscosities, and different combinations of immiscible liquids. We also demonstrate the ability to dynamically change the gap between the oil droplets from a few hundred microns to just a few microns in successive cycles using a latex balloon pressure pump. This method requires no special equipment or chemical treatments, and importantly can be reversed by long-term exposure of the PDMS surfaces to the ambient air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Aram Arash
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Tovar-Lopez F, Thurgood P, Gilliam C, Nguyen N, Pirogova E, Khoshmanesh K, Baratchi S. A Microfluidic System for Studying the Effects of Disturbed Flow on Endothelial Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:81. [PMID: 31111027 PMCID: PMC6499196 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial endothelium experience physical stress associated with blood flow and play a central role in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis in response to hemodynamic forces. Blood flow within vessels is generally laminar and streamlined. However, abrupt changes in the vessel geometry due to branching, sharp turns or stenosis can disturb the laminar blood flow, causing secondary flows in the form of vortices. Such disturbed flow patterns activate pro-inflammatory phenotypes in endothelial cells, damaging the endothelial layer and can lead to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Here, we report a microfluidic system with integrated ridge-shaped obstacles for generating controllable disturbed flow patterns. This system is used to study the effect of disturbed flow on the cytoskeleton remodeling and nuclear shape and size of cultured human aortic endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that the generated disturbed flow changes the orientation angle of actin stress fibers and reduces the nuclear size while increases the nuclear circularity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Levis M, Kumar N, Apakian E, Moreno C, Hernandez U, Olivares A, Ontiveros F, Zartman JJ. Microfluidics on the fly: Inexpensive rapid fabrication of thermally laminated microfluidic devices for live imaging and multimodal perturbations of multicellular systems. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:024111. [PMID: 31065310 PMCID: PMC6486393 DOI: 10.1063/1.5086671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices provide a platform for analyzing both natural and synthetic multicellular systems. Currently, substantial capital investment and expertise are required for creating microfluidic devices using standard soft-lithography. These requirements present barriers to entry for many nontraditional users of microfluidics, including developmental biology laboratories. Therefore, fabrication methodologies that enable rapid device iteration and work "out-of-the-box" can accelerate the integration of microfluidics with developmental biology. Here, we have created and characterized low-cost hybrid polyethylene terephthalate laminate (PETL) microfluidic devices that are suitable for cell and micro-organ culture assays. These devices were validated with mammalian cell lines and the Drosophila wing imaginal disc as a model micro-organ. First, we developed and tested PETLs that are compatible with both long-term cultures and high-resolution imaging of cells and organs. Further, we achieved spatiotemporal control of chemical gradients across the wing discs with a multilayered microfluidic device. Finally, we created a multilayered device that enables controllable mechanical loading of micro-organs. This mechanical actuation assay was used to characterize the response of larval wing discs at different developmental stages. Interestingly, increased deformation of the older wing discs for the same mechanical loading suggests that the compliance of the organ is increased in preparation for subsequent morphogenesis. Together, these results demonstrate the applicability of hybrid PETL devices for biochemical and mechanobiology studies on micro-organs and provide new insights into the mechanics of organ development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Levis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Nilay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Emily Apakian
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Cesar Moreno
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Ulises Hernandez
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Ana Olivares
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Fernando Ontiveros
- Biology Department, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York 14618, USA
| | - Jeremiah J. Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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Zhu JY, Nguyen N, Baratchi S, Thurgood P, Ghorbani K, Khoshmanesh K. Temperature-Controlled Microfluidic System Incorporating Polymer Tubes. Anal Chem 2019; 91:2498-2505. [PMID: 30592407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Here, we demonstrate a multilayered microfluidic system integrated with commercially available polymer tubes for controlling the temperature of the sample under various static and dynamic conditions. Highly controllable temperature profiles can be produced by modulating the flow rate or inlet temperature of the water passing through the tubes. Customised temperature gradients can be created across the length or width of a channel by mismatching the inlet temperature of the tubes. Temperature cycles can also be produced by repeatedly switching the tubes between hot and cold flasks. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate the utility of this system for studying the drug-induced calcium signaling of human monocytes under dynamic thermal conditions. The versatility and simplicity of our system provides opportunities for studying temperature-sensitive chemical, biochemical, and biological samples under various operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu Yang Zhu
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria 3083 , Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Kamran Ghorbani
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
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