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Aggarwal D, de Campos RPS, Jemere AB, Bergren AJ, Pekas N. Integration of complementary split-ring resonators into digital microfluidics for manipulation and direct sensing of droplet composition. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:4461-4469. [PMID: 39207247 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00406j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates the integration of complementary split-ring resonators (CSSRs) with digital microfluidics (DMF) sample manipulation for passive, on-chip radio-frequency (RF) sensing. Integration is accomplished by having the DMF and the RF-sensing components share the same ground plane: by designing the RF-resonant openings directly into the ground plane of a DMF device, both droplet motion and sensing are achieved, adding a new on-board detection mode for use in DMF. The system was modelled to determine basic features and to balance various factors that need to be optimized to maintain both functionalities (DMF-enabled droplet movement and RF detection) on the same chip. Simulated and experimental results show good agreement. Using a portable measurement setup, the integrated CSSR sensor was used to effectively identify a series of DMF-generated drops of ethanol-water mixtures of different compositions by measuring the resonant frequency of the CSSR. In addition, we show that a binary solvent system (ethanol/water mixtures) results in consistent changes in the measured spectrum in response to changes in concentration, indicating that the sensor can distinguish not only between pure solvents from each other, but also between mixtures of varied compositions. We anticipate that this system can be refined further to enable additional applications and detection modes for DMF systems and other portable sensing platforms alike. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates that the integrated DMF-CSSR sensor provides a new platform for monitoring and characterization of liquids with high sensitivity and low consumption of materials, and opens the way for new and exciting applications of RF sensing in microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Aggarwal
- Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | - Abebaw B Jemere
- Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Adam Johan Bergren
- Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Nikola Pekas
- Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada.
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Wu C, Sun J, Yin B. Research on Integrated 3D Printing of Microfluidic Chips. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1302. [PMID: 37512613 PMCID: PMC10383598 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips have the advantages of miniaturization, integration, and portability, and are widely used in the early diagnosis of major diseases, personalized medical treatment, environmental detection, health quarantine, and other fields. The existing microfluidic chip manufacturing process is difficult to operate because of complex three-dimensional channels, complicated manufacturing steps, limited printing materials, the difficulty of operating the bonding process, and the need to purchase expensive new equipment. In this paper, an integrated molding method for microfluidic chips that integrates 3D printing and polymer dissolution technology is proposed. First, the channel mold of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is dissolved to complete the manufacturing of the microfluidic chip channel. The integrated 3D-forming method of microfluidic chips proposed in this paper can manufacture microchannels inside the microfluidic chip, avoid the bonding process, and eliminate the need for rapid alignment of microchannels, material modification, and other operations, thus improving the stability of the process. Finally, by comparing the microchannels made by PVA and HIPS, it is concluded that the quality of the microchannels made by HIPS is obviously better than that made by PVA. This paper provides a new idea for the fabrication of microfluidic chips and the application of HIPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Wu
- School of mechanical engineering, Yangzhou University, No. 196 West Huang Road, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Nantong Fuleda Vehicle Accessory Component Co., Ltd., Nantong 226005, China
- Jiangsu Tongshun Power Technology Co., Ltd., Nantong 226302, China
| | - Jiju Sun
- School of mechanical engineering, Yangzhou University, No. 196 West Huang Road, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Binfeng Yin
- School of mechanical engineering, Yangzhou University, No. 196 West Huang Road, Yangzhou 225127, China
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Harnsoongnoen S, Loutchanwoot P, Srivilai P. Sensing High 17β-Estradiol Concentrations Using a Planar Microwave Sensor Integrated with a Microfluidic Channel. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050541. [PMID: 37232902 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The global issue of pollution caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been gaining increasing attention. Among the EDCs of environmental concern, 17β-estradiol (E2) can produce the strongest estrogenic effects when it enters the organism exogenously through various routes and has the potential to cause harm, including malfunctions of the endocrine system and development of growth and reproductive disorders in humans and animals. Additionally, in humans, supraphysiological levels of E2 have been associated with a range of E2-dependent disorders and cancers. To ensure environmental safety and prevent potential risks of E2 to human and animal health, it is crucial to develop rapid, sensitive, low cost and simple approaches for detecting E2 contamination in the environment. A planar microwave sensor for E2 sensing is presented based on the integration of a microstrip transmission line (TL) loaded with a Peano fractal geometry with a narrow slot complementary split-ring resonator (PF-NSCSRR) and a microfluidic channel. The proposed technique offers a wide linear range for detecting E2, ranging from 0.001 to 10 mM, and can achieve high sensitivity with small sample volumes and simple operation methods. The proposed microwave sensor was validated through simulations and empirical measurements within a frequency range of 0.5-3.5 GHz. The E2 solution was delivered to the sensitive area of the sensor device via a microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel with an area of 2.7 mm2 and sample value of 1.37 µL and measured by a proposed sensor. The injection of E2 into the channel resulted in changes in the transmission coefficient (S21) and resonance frequency (Fr), which can be used as an indicator of E2 levels in solution. The maximum quality factor of 114.89 and the maximum sensitivity based on S21 and Fr at a concentration of 0.01 mM were 1746.98 dB/mM and 40 GHz/mM, respectively. Upon comparing the proposed sensor with the original Peano fractal geometry with complementary split-ring (PF-CSRR) sensors without a narrow slot, several parameters were evaluated, including sensitivity, quality factor, operating frequency, active area, and sample volume. The results showed that the proposed sensor exhibited an increased sensitivity of 6.08% and had a 40.72% higher quality factor, while the operating frequency, active area, and sample volume showed decreases of 1.71%, 25%, and 28.27%, respectively. The materials under tests (MUTs) were analyzed and categorized into groups using principal component analysis (PCA) with a K-mean clustering algorithm. The proposed E2 sensor has a compact size and simple structure that can be easily fabricated with low-cost materials. With the small sample volume requirement, fast measurement with a wide dynamic range, and a simple protocol, this proposed sensor can also be applied to measure high E2 levels in environmental, human, and animal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supakorn Harnsoongnoen
- The Biomimicry for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, Environment and Energy Research Unit, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Panida Loutchanwoot
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Prayook Srivilai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
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Yang X, Guo C, Zhang M, Li Y, Ren M, Mao S, Dhakal R, Kim NY, Dong Z, Sun B, Yao Z. Ultrahigh-sensitivity multi-parameter tacrolimus solution detection based on an anchor planar millifluidic microwave biosensor. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:1765-1774. [PMID: 36880531 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00100h] [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
To detect drug concentration in tacrolimus solution, an anchor planar millifluidic microwave (APMM) biosensor is proposed. The millifluidic system integrated with the sensor enables accurate and efficient detection while eliminating interference caused by the fluidity of the tacrolimus sample. Different concentrations (10-500 ng mL-1) of the tacrolimus analyte were introduced into the millifluidic channel, where it completely interacts with the radio frequency patch electromagnetic field, thereby effectively and sensitively modifying the resonant frequency and amplitude of the transmission coefficient. Experimental results indicate that the sensor has an extremely low limit of detection (LoD) of 0.12 pg mL-1 and a frequency detection resolution (FDR) of 1.59 (MHz (ng mL-1)). The greater the FDR and the lower the LoD, the more the feasibility of a label-free biosensing method. Regression analysis revealed a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.992) between the concentration of tacrolimus and the frequency difference of the two resonant peaks of APMM. In addition, the difference in the reflection coefficient between the two formants was measured and calculated, and a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.998) was found between the difference and tacrolimus concentration. Five measurements were performed on each individual sample of tacrolimus to validate the biosensor's high repeatability. Consequently, the proposed biosensor is a potential candidate for the early detection of tacrolimus drug concentration levels in organ transplant recipients. This study presents a simple method for constructing microwave biosensors with high sensitivity and rapid response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Yang
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Chen Guo
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Department of Kidney Transplantation, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Yuanyue Li
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Mengna Ren
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Sui Mao
- Qingdao University, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Rajendra Dhakal
- Sejong University, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Nam-Young Kim
- Kwangwoon University, Department of Electronic Engineering, Seoul 01897, Korea
| | - Zhen Dong
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Department of Kidney Transplantation, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Bin Sun
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Zhao Yao
- Qingdao University, College of Micro & Nano Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Xie B, Gao Z, Wang C, Ali L, Muhammad A, Meng F, Qian C, Ding X, Adhikari KK, Wu Q. High-Sensitivity Liquid Dielectric Characterization Differential Sensor by 1-Bit Coding DGS. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 23:372. [PMID: 36616970 PMCID: PMC9823319 DOI: 10.3390/s23010372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents two devices to detect the liquid dielectric characterization. The differential method was used to enhance the robustness and reduce tolerance. A basic sensor based on defected ground structure (DGS) was designed and the optimization for the squares of the DGS via adaptive genetic algorithm was applied to enhance the performance of the microwave sensor, which was shown by the difference of the two resonant frequencies. Furthermore, the electric field distribution was enhanced. Glass microcapillary tubes were used to hold samples to provide an environment of non-invasive. The optimized device exhibited the sensitivity of 0.076, which is more than 1.52 times than the basic structure. It could be considered a sensitive and robust sensor with quick response time for liquid dielectric characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfang Xie
- School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Zhiqiang Gao
- School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Luqman Ali
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Azeem Muhammad
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Fanyi Meng
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xumin Ding
- School of Instrumentation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Kishor Kumar Adhikari
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
| | - Qun Wu
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
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Loutchanwoot P, Harnsoongnoen S. Microwave Microfluidic Sensor for Detection of High Equol Concentrations in Aqueous Solution. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2022; 16:244-251. [PMID: 35196242 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2022.3153459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a Peano fractal geometry complementary split ring resonator (PFCSRR) loaded microstrip transmission line with a microfluidic channel for equol (EQ) sensing in a high and wide range of concentrations in aqueous solution. The proposed sensor was designed based on a CSRR loaded microstrip line with a Peano fractal in the center of a CSRR and validated through simulation and experiment. The microfluidic channel was fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and installed to cover the sensing area. The free space, empty microfluidic channels, deionized (DI) water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and various concentrations of EQ were measured by a microwave sensor through sample-filled microfluidic channels. Detection of high levels of EQ was in the concentration range of 0.01 mM - 100 mM. The materials under test (MUTs) were measured in the frequency range of 1.0 GHz-3.5 GHz based on the magnitude of the transmission coefficient (S21) and resonance frequency (Fr) at room temperature. The S21 and Fr were recorded and analyzed by logarithmic concentrations of EQ for the determinant of the correlations between EQ concentration and S21 and Fr. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were used to analyze and classify groups of MUTs.
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RFID-Based Microwave Biosensor for Non-Contact Detection of Glucose Solution. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11120480. [PMID: 34940237 PMCID: PMC8699373 DOI: 10.3390/bios11120480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increasing number of diabetic patients, early monitoring of glucose levels is particularly important; therefore, glucose biosensors have attracted enormous attention from researchers. In this paper, we propose a glucose microwave biosensor based on RFID and achieve a non-contact measurement of the concentration of glucose solutions. The Reader is a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR), and the Tag is comprised of a squared spiral capacitor (SSC). A polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic quantitative cavity with a volume of 1.56 μL is integrated on the Tag to ensure that the glucose solution can be accurately set to the sensitive area and fully contacted with the electromagnetic flux. Because the SSC exhibits different capacitances when it contacts glucose solutions of different concentrations, changing the resonant frequency of the CSRR, we can use the relationship to characterize the biosensing response. Measurement results show that bare CSRR and RFID-based biosensors have achieved sensitivities of 0.31 MHz/mg·dL−1 and 10.27 kHz/mg·dL−1, and detection limits of 13.79 mg/dL and 1.19 mg/dL, respectively, and both realize a response time of less than 1 s. Linear regression analysis of the abovementioned biosensors showed an excellent linear relationship. The proposed design provides a feasible solution for microwave biosensors aiming for the non-contact measurement of glucose concentration.
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Microwave Planar Resonant Solutions for Glucose Concentration Sensing: A Systematic Review. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11157018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of glucose concentration finds interesting potential applications in both industry and biomedical contexts. Among the proposed solutions, the use of microwave planar resonant sensors has led to remarkable scientific activity during the last years. These sensors rely on the changes in the dielectric properties of the medium due to variations in the glucose concentration. These devices show electrical responses dependent on the surrounding dielectric properties, and therefore the changes in their response can be related to variations in the glucose content. This work shows an up-to-date review of this sensing approach after more than one decade of research and development. The attempts involved are sorted by the sensing parameter, and the computation of a common relative sensitivity to glucose is proposed as general comparison tool. The manuscript also discusses the key points of each sensor category and the possible future lines and challenges of the sensing approach.
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Microfluidic Modules Integrated with Microwave Components-Overview of Applications from the Perspective of Different Manufacturing Technologies. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21051710. [PMID: 33801309 PMCID: PMC7958350 DOI: 10.3390/s21051710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The constant increase in the number of microfluidic-microwave devices can be explained by various advantages, such as relatively easy integration of various microwave circuits in the device, which contains microfluidic components. To achieve the aforementioned solutions, four trends of manufacturing appear—manufacturing based on epoxy-glass laminates, polymer materials (mostly common in use are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polymethyl 2-methylpropenoate (PMMA)), glass/silicon substrates, and Low-Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCCs). Additionally, the domains of applications the microwave-microfluidic devices can be divided into three main fields—dielectric heating, microwave-based detection in microfluidic devices, and the reactors for microwave-enhanced chemistry. Such an approach allows heating or delivering the microwave power to the liquid in the microchannels, as well as the detection of its dielectric parameters. This article consists of a literature review of exemplary solutions that are based on the above-mentioned technologies with the possibilities, comparison, and exemplary applications based on each aforementioned technology.
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