1
|
Forbes TP, Gillen JG, Feeney W, Ho J. Quality by Design Considerations for Drop-on-Demand Point-of-Care Pharmaceutical Manufacturing of Precision Medicine. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3268-3280. [PMID: 38661480 PMCID: PMC11262155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Distributed and point-of-care (POC) manufacturing facilities enable an agile pharmaceutical production paradigm that can respond to localized needs, providing personalized and precision medicine. These capabilities are critical for narrow therapeutic index drugs and pediatric or geriatric dosing, among other specialized needs. Advanced additive manufacturing, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and drop-on-demand (DoD) dispensing technologies have begun to expand into pharmaceutical production. We employed a quality by design (QbD) approach to identify critical quality attributes (CQAs), critical material attributes (CMAs), and critical process parameters (CPPs) of a POC pharmaceutical manufacturing paradigm. This theoretical framework encompasses the production of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) "inks" at a centralized facility, which are distributed to POC sites for DoD dispensing into/onto delivery vehicles (e.g., orodispersible films, capsules, single liquid dose vials). Focusing on the POC dispensing/dosing processes, QbD considerations and cause-and-effect analyses identified the dispensed API quantity and solid-state form (CQAs), as well as the nozzle diameter, system pressure channel, and number of drops dispensed (CPPs) for detailed investigation. Final assay quantification and content uniformity CQAs were measured from demonstrative levothyroxine sodium single-dose liquid vials of glycerin/water, meeting the standard acceptance values. Each POC facility is unlikely to maintain full quality control laboratory capabilities, requiring the development of appropriate atline or inline methods to ensure quality control. We developed control strategies, including atline ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) verification of the API ink prior to dispensing, inline drop counting during dispensing, intermediate atline-dispensed volume checks, and offline batch confirmation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P. Forbes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - John Greg Gillen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - William Feeney
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Johnny Ho
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rimmer MA, Twarog NR, Li Y, Shelat AA, Rankovic Z, Yang L. A high-throughput quality control method for assessing the serial dilution performance of dose-response plates with acoustic ejection mass spectrometry. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100115. [PMID: 37925158 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.10.007] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a streamlined method for evaluating the dilution ratio of drug dose-response plates created by automated liquid handlers in the early stages of drug discovery. The quantitative techniques commonly used for this purpose have restrictions due to their limited linear dynamic range and inaccuracies in assessing serial dilution performance. To address this challenge, we describe a method based on acoustic ejection mass spectrometry (AEMS). The method involves using standard compounds and an internal standard to evaluate each dilution point in quality control (QC) plates. The samples are transferred to a chromatography-free tandem mass spectrometry system through an acoustic source, enabling the analysis of one sample per three seconds from a microtiter plate. This approach provides precise, accurate, label-free, and rapid data acquisition to support high-throughput screening efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ashley Rimmer
- Analytical Technologies Center, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Nathaniel R Twarog
- Lead Discovery Informatics, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Analytical Technologies Center, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Anang A Shelat
- Lead Discovery Informatics, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Analytical Technologies Center, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.
| | - Lei Yang
- Analytical Technologies Center, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo Q, Zhang J, Li D, Yu H. Effect of Wettability on the Collision Behavior of Acoustically Excited Droplets. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:7408-7417. [PMID: 37186956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) is a noncontact technique for micro-liquid handling (usually nanoliters or picoliters) that is not restricted by nozzles and enables high-throughput liquid dispensing without sacrificing precision. It is widely regarded as the most advanced solution for liquid handling in large-scale drug screening. Stable coalescence of the acoustically excited droplets on the target substrate is a fundamental requirement during the application of the ADE system. However, it is challenging to investigate the collision behavior of nanoliter droplets flying upward during the ADE. In particular, the dependence of the droplet's collision behavior on substrate wettability and droplet velocity has yet to be thoroughly analyzed. In this paper, the kinetic processes of binary droplet collisions were investigated experimentally for different wettability substrate surfaces. Four states occur as the droplet collision velocity increases: coalescence after minor deformation, complete rebound, coalescence during rebound, and direct coalescence. For the hydrophilic substrate, there are wider ranges of Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re) in the complete rebound state. And with the decrease of the substrate wettability, the critical Weber and Reynolds numbers for the coalescence during rebound and the direct coalescence decrease. It is further revealed that the hydrophilic substrate is susceptible to droplet rebound because the sessile droplet has a larger radius of curvature and the viscous energy dissipation is greater. Besides, the prediction model of the maximum spreading diameter was established by modifying the droplet morphology in the complete rebound state. It is found that, under the same Weber and Reynolds numbers, droplet collisions on the hydrophilic substrate achieve a smaller maximum spreading coefficient and greater viscous energy dissipation, so the hydrophilic substrate is prone to droplet bounce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Son R, Lin YJ, Gill A, Chen S, Qi T, Choi D, Wen J, Lu Y, Lin NYC, Chiou PY. Rapid prototyping of functional acoustic devices using laser manufacturing. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4327-4334. [PMID: 36285690 PMCID: PMC10122935 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00725h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic patterning of micro-particles has many important biomedical applications. However, fabrication of such microdevices is costly and labor-intensive. Among conventional fabrication methods, photo-lithography provides high resolution but is expensive and time consuming, and not ideal for rapid prototyping and testing for academic applications. In this work, we demonstrate a highly efficient method for rapid prototyping of acoustic patterning devices using laser manufacturing. With this method we can fabricate a newly designed functional acoustic device in 4 hours. The acoustic devices fabricated using this method can achieve sub-wavelength, complex and non-periodic patterning of microparticles and biological objects with a spatial resolution of 60 μm across a large active manipulation area of 10 × 10 mm2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Rosa Son
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Yen-Ju Lin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alexi Gill
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Shilin Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - Tong Qi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - David Choi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yunfeng Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - Neil Y C Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
| | - Pei-Yu Chiou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Okumura H, Sakai N, Murakami H, Mizuno N, Nakamura Y, Ueno G, Masunaga T, Kawamura T, Baba S, Hasegawa K, Yamamoto M, Kumasaka T. In situ crystal data-collection and ligand-screening system at SPring-8. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2022; 78:241-251. [PMID: 35647681 PMCID: PMC9158660 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x22005283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An in situ X-ray diffraction measurement system using a crystallization plate has been constructed at the SPring-8 protein crystallography beamline. Utilizing small-wedge measurements and incorporating a liquid dispenser to prepare protein–ligand complex crystals, this system will make ligand screening possible. In situ diffraction data collection using crystallization plates has been utilized for macromolecules to evaluate crystal quality without requiring additional sample treatment such as cryocooling. Although it is difficult to collect complete data sets using this technique due to the mechanical limitation of crystal rotation, recent advances in methods for data collection from multiple crystals have overcome this issue. At SPring-8, an in situ diffraction measurement system was constructed consisting of a goniometer for a plate, an articulated robot and plate storage. Using this system, complete data sets were obtained utilizing the small-wedge measurement method. Combining this system with an acoustic liquid handler to prepare protein–ligand complex crystals by applying fragment compounds to trypsin crystals for in situ soaking, binding was confirmed for seven out of eight compounds. These results show that the system functioned properly to collect complete data for structural analysis and to expand the capability for ligand screening in combination with a liquid dispenser.
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu C. Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry: Fundamentals and Applications in High-Throughput Drug Discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:775-787. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2084069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, ON, L4K 4V8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fuchs M, Radulescu C, Tang M, Mahesh A, Lavin D, Umbreen S, McKenna J, Smyth M, McColgan E, Molnar Z, Baxter C, Skvortsov T, Singh A, Rogan F, Miskelly J, Bridgett S, Fairley D, Simpson DA. Mini-XT, a miniaturized tagmentation-based protocol for efficient sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. J Transl Med 2022; 20:105. [PMID: 35241105 PMCID: PMC8892412 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2 to inform public health policy. By enabling definition of lineages it facilitates tracking of the global spread of the virus. The evolution of new variants can be monitored and knowledge of specific mutations provides insights into the mechanisms through which the virus increases transmissibility or evades immunity. To date almost 1 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been sequenced by members of the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium. To achieve similar feats in a more cost-effective and sustainable manner in future, improved high throughput virus sequencing protocols are required. We have therefore developed a miniaturized library preparation protocol with drastically reduced consumable use and costs. RESULTS We present the 'Mini-XT' miniaturized tagmentation-based library preparation protocol available on protocols.io ( https://doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bvntn5en ). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was amplified using the ARTIC nCov-2019 multiplex RT-PCR protocol and purified using a conventional liquid handling system. Acoustic liquid transfer (Echo 525) was employed to reduce reaction volumes and the number of tips required for a Nextera XT library preparation. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq. The final version of Mini-XT has been used to sequence 4384 SARS-CoV-2 samples from N. Ireland with a COG-UK QC pass rate of 97.4%. Sequencing quality was comparable and lineage calling consistent for replicate samples processed with full volume Nextera DNA Flex (333 samples) or using nanopore technology (20 samples). SNP calling between Mini-XT and these technologies was consistent and sequences from replicate samples paired together in maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees. CONCLUSIONS The Mini-XT protocol maintains sequence quality while reducing library preparation reagent volumes eightfold and halving overall tip usage from sample to sequence to provide concomitant cost savings relative to standard protocols. This will enable more efficient high-throughput sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates and future pathogen WGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fuchs
- Genomics Core Technology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Clara Radulescu
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Miao Tang
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Arun Mahesh
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Deborah Lavin
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Syed Umbreen
- Genomics Core Technology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - James McKenna
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Mark Smyth
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Eilís McColgan
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Zoltan Molnar
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Chris Baxter
- Genomics Core Technology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Aditi Singh
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Fiona Rogan
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Julia Miskelly
- Genomics Core Technology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Stephen Bridgett
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Derek Fairley
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - David A. Simpson
- The Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guo Q, Shao M, Su X, Zhang X, Yu H, Li D. Controllable Droplet Ejection of Multiple Reagents through Focused Acoustic Beams. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:14805-14812. [PMID: 34902972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) technology has revolutionized fluid handling with its contactless and fast fluid transfer. For precise droplet ejection and stable droplet coalescence at the target substrates for further detection, the input power of the ADE system needs to be adjusted. Currently, the existing power control method depends on scanning the source fluid wells one by one, which cannot afford precise and highly efficient droplet velocity adjustment, and the complicated operation caused by the repeated power evaluation processes for thousands of fluid transfers will waste much time. We propose a new method, which realizes the controllable ejection of multiple reagents by analyzing the effect of the product of kinematic viscosity and surface tension of the reagents on the droplet initial velocity. The experimental results obtained by ejecting dimethyl sulfoxide coincide well with the predicted results, and the relative error in the droplet initial velocity is mostly less than 8%. On the basis of the input power prediction method proposed in this paper, the ADE system is successfully constructed for continuous dispensing of polystyrene microspheres as cell surrogates, which provided an advanced liquid handling solution for research in biochemistry and other fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mengchuan Shao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiao Su
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shan L, Cui M, Meacham JM. Spray characteristics of an ultrasonic microdroplet generator with a continuously variable operating frequency. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 150:1300. [PMID: 34470276 DOI: 10.1121/10.0005908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Droplet spraying is utilized in diverse industrial processes and biomedical applications, including nanomaterial synthesis, biomaterial handling, and inhalation drug delivery. Ultrasonic droplet generators transfer energy into bulk liquids using acoustic waves to disrupt the free liquid surface into fine microdroplets. We previously established a method combining ultrasonic actuation, resonant operation, and acoustic wave focusing for efficient spraying of various liquids (e.g., low surface tension fuels, high viscosity inks, and suspensions of biological cells). The microfabricated device comprises a piezoelectric transducer, sample reservoir, and an array of acoustic horn structures terminated by microscale orifices. Orifice size roughly dictates droplet diameter, and a fixed reservoir height prescribes specific device resonant frequencies of operation. Here, we incorporate a continuously variable liquid reservoir height for dynamic adjustment of operating parameters to improve spray efficiency in real-time and potentially tune the droplet size. Computational modeling predicts the system harmonic response for a range of reservoir heights from 0.5 to 3 mm (corresponding to operating frequencies from ∼500 kHz to 2.5 MHz). Nozzle arrays with 10, 20, and 40 μm orifices are evaluated for spray uniformity and stability of the active nozzles, using model predictions to explain the experimental observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Shan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Mingyang Cui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - J Mark Meacham
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo Q, Su X, Zhang X, Shao M, Yu H, Li D. A review on acoustic droplet ejection technology and system. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:3010-3021. [PMID: 33710210 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02193h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The pace of change in chemical and biological research enabled by improved detection systems demands fundamental liquid handling and sample preparation changes. The acoustic droplet ejection (ADE)-based liquid handling method has the advantages of improving precision and data reproducibility, reducing costs, hands-on time, and eliminating waste. ADE gradually replaced traditional aspiration-and-dispense liquid-handling robots in applications such as synthetic biology, genotyping, personalized medicine, and next-generation sequencing. This review emphatically introduces the setup of the ADE system and the critical technologies of each part, including acoustic droplet generation, optimized design of the source fluid wells, droplet coalescence, and power control. The advantages and disadvantages of these technologies are discussed, and the future development of acoustic droplet ejection technology is also predicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Yuan D, Liu H, Yun G, Lu H, Li M, Guo J, Li W, Tang SY. Modular off-chip emulsion generator enabled by a revolving needle. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:4592-4599. [PMID: 33150901 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00939c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips have demonstrated unparalleled abilities in droplet generation, including precise control over droplet size and monodispersity. And yet, their rather complicated microfabrication process and operation can be a barrier for inexperienced researchers, which hinders microdroplets from unleashing their potential in broader fields of research. Here, we attempt to remove this barrier by developing an integrated and modular revolving needle emulsion generator (RNEG) to achieve high-throughput production of uniformly sized droplets in an off-chip manner. The RNEG works by driving a revolving needle to pinch the dispersed phase in a minicentrifuge tube. The system is constructed using modular components without involving any microfabrication, thereby enabling user-friendly operation. The RNEG is capable of producing microdroplets of various liquids with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometres. We further examine the principle of operation using numerical simulations and establish a simple model to predict the droplet size. Moreover, by integrating curing and centrifugation processes, the RNEG can produce hydrogel microparticles and transfer them from an oil phase into a water phase. Using this ability, we demonstrate the encapsulation and culture of single yeast cells within hydrogel microparticles. We envisage that the RNEG can become a versatile and powerful tool for high-throughput production of emulsions to facilitate diverse biological and chemical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Qianbin Zhao
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Dan Yuan
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Hangrui Liu
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Guolin Yun
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Hongda Lu
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2122, Australia
| | - Jinhong Guo
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610051, China
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Shi-Yang Tang
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu C, Van Berkel GJ, Cox DM, Covey TR. Operational Modes and Speed Considerations of an Acoustic Droplet Dispenser for Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2020; 92:15818-15826. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| | | | - David M. Cox
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| | - Thomas R. Covey
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Grand Research Challenges for Sustainable Industrial Biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1042-1050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
14
|
Wang Y, Shaabani S, Ahmadianmoghaddam M, Gao L, Xu R, Kurpiewska K, Kalinowska-Tluscik J, Olechno J, Ellson R, Kossenjans M, Helan V, Groves M, Dömling A. Acoustic Droplet Ejection Enabled Automated Reaction Scouting. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:451-457. [PMID: 30937372 PMCID: PMC6439453 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Miniaturization and acceleration of synthetic chemistry are critically important for rapid property optimization in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials research and development. However, in most laboratories organic synthesis is still performed on a slow, sequential, and material-consuming scale and not validated for multiple substrate combinations. Herein, we introduce fast and touchless acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) technology into small-molecule chemistry to transfer building blocks by nL droplets and to scout a newly designed isoquinoline synthesis. With each compound in a discrete well, 384 random derivatives were synthesized in an automated fashion, and their quality was monitored by SFC-MS and TLC-UV-MS analysis. We exemplify a pipeline of fast and efficient nmol scouting to mmol- and mol-scale synthesis for the discovery of a useful novel reaction with great scope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanze Wang
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maryam Ahmadianmoghaddam
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Li Gao
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruixue Xu
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Kurpiewska
- Department
of Crystal Chemistry and Crystal Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Kalinowska-Tluscik
- Department
of Crystal Chemistry and Crystal Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joe Olechno
- Labcyte
Inc., 170 Rose Orchard
Way, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Richard Ellson
- Labcyte
Inc., 170 Rose Orchard
Way, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Michael Kossenjans
- Hit
Discovery, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, SE-43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Victoria Helan
- Hit
Discovery, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, SE-43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthew Groves
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Deusinglaan 1, 7313 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Colin B, Deprez B, Couturier C. High-Throughput DNA Plasmid Transfection Using Acoustic Droplet Ejection Technology. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 24:492-500. [PMID: 30290128 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218803064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Labcyte Echo acoustic liquid handler allows accurate droplet ejection at high speed from a source well plate to a destination plate. It has already been used in various miniaturized biological assays, such as quantitative PCR (q-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR (q-RT-PCR), protein crystallization, drug screening, cell dispensing, and siRNA transfection. However, no plasmid DNA transfection assay has been published so far using this dispensing technology. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the Echo 550 device to perform plasmid DNA transfection in 384-well plates. Due to the high throughput of this device, we simultaneously optimized the three main parameters of a transfection process: dilution of the transfection reagent, DNA amount, and starting DNA concentration. We defined a four-step protocol whose optimal settings allowed us to transfect HeLa cells with up to 90% efficiency and reach a co-expression of nearly 100% within transfected cells in co-transfection experiments. This fast, reliable, and automated protocol opens new ways to easily and rapidly identify optimal transfection settings for a given cell type. Furthermore, it permits easy software-based transfection control and multiplexing of plasmids distributed on wells of a source plate. This new development could lead to new array applications, such as human ORFeome protein expression or CRISPR-Cas9-based gene function validation in nonpooled screening strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Colin
- 1 Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, Lille, France
| | - Benoit Deprez
- 1 Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, Lille, France
| | - Cyril Couturier
- 1 Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Samara YN, Brennan HM, McCarthy L, Bollard MT, Laspina D, Wlodek JM, Campos SL, Natarajan R, Gofron K, McSweeney S, Soares AS, Leroy L. Using sound pulses to solve the crystal-harvesting bottleneck. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2018; 74:986-999. [PMID: 30289409 PMCID: PMC6173054 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798318011506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Crystal harvesting has proven to be difficult to automate and remains the rate-limiting step for many structure-determination and high-throughput screening projects. This has resulted in crystals being prepared more rapidly than they can be harvested for X-ray data collection. Fourth-generation synchrotrons will support extraordinarily rapid rates of data acquisition, putting further pressure on the crystal-harvesting bottleneck. Here, a simple solution is reported in which crystals can be acoustically harvested from slightly modified MiTeGen In Situ-1 crystallization plates. This technique uses an acoustic pulse to eject each crystal out of its crystallization well, through a short air column and onto a micro-mesh (improving on previous work, which required separately grown crystals to be transferred before harvesting). Crystals can be individually harvested or can be serially combined with a chemical library such as a fragment library.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin N. Samara
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria-RS, Brazil
| | - Haley M. Brennan
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
| | - Liam McCarthy
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Biology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Mary T. Bollard
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Biology, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17403, USA
| | - Denise Laspina
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Biology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Jakub M. Wlodek
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Stefanie L. Campos
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Ramya Natarajan
- Office of Educational Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Kazimierz Gofron
- Energy Sciences Directorate, NSLS II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
| | - Sean McSweeney
- Energy Sciences Directorate, NSLS II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
| | - Alexei S. Soares
- Energy Sciences Directorate, NSLS II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA
| | - Ludmila Leroy
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Small-molecule drug discovery can be viewed as a challenging multidimensional problem in which various characteristics of compounds - including efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety - need to be optimized in parallel to provide drug candidates. Recent advances in areas such as microfluidics-assisted chemical synthesis and biological testing, as well as artificial intelligence systems that improve a design hypothesis through feedback analysis, are now providing a basis for the introduction of greater automation into aspects of this process. This could potentially accelerate time frames for compound discovery and optimization and enable more effective searches of chemical space. However, such approaches also raise considerable conceptual, technical and organizational challenges, as well as scepticism about the current hype around them. This article aims to identify the approaches and technologies that could be implemented robustly by medicinal chemists in the near future and to critically analyse the opportunities and challenges for their more widespread application.
Collapse
|
18
|
Mastrangeli M, Zhou Q, Sariola V, Lambert P. Surface tension-driven self-alignment. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:304-327. [PMID: 27905611 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02078j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Surface tension-driven self-alignment is a passive and highly-accurate positioning mechanism that can significantly simplify and enhance the construction of advanced microsystems. After years of research, demonstrations and developments, the surface engineering and manufacturing technology enabling capillary self-alignment has achieved a degree of maturity conducive to a successful transfer to industrial practice. In view of this transition, a broad and accessible review of the physics, material science and applications of capillary self-alignment is presented. Statics and dynamics of the self-aligning action of deformed liquid bridges are explained through simple models and experiments, and all fundamental aspects of surface patterning and conditioning, of choice, deposition and confinement of liquids, and of component feeding and interconnection to substrates are illustrated through relevant applications in micro- and nanotechnology. A final outline addresses remaining challenges and additional extensions envisioned to further spread the use and fully exploit the potential of the technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mastrangeli
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Max Planck ETH Center for Learning Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Otaniementie 17, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Veikko Sariola
- Department of Automation Science and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Pierre Lambert
- Department of Bio, Electro And Mechanical Systems, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 165/56. Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Roselle C, Whitehouse D, Follmer T, Ansbro F, Bouaraphan S, Guan L, Wang SK, Shank-Retzlaff M, Verch T. Evaluation of a digital dispenser for direct curve dilutions in a vaccine potency assay. J Immunol Methods 2016; 442:20-28. [PMID: 28034712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dilutions are a common source of analytical error, both in terms of accuracy and precision, and a common source of analyst mistakes. When serial dilutions are used, errors compound, even when employing laboratory automation. Direct point dilutions instead of serial dilutions can reduce error but is often impractical as they require either large diluent volumes or very small sample volumes when performed with traditional liquid handling equipment. We evaluated preparation of dilution curves using a picoliter digital dispenser, the HP, Inc. / TECAN D300 which is capable of accurately delivering picoliter volumes directly into sample wells filled with assay diluent. Dilution linearity and variability of the direct dilutions were similar to or less than those generated with a traditional liquid handler as measured using a fluorophore assay and an ELISA used to measure vaccine potency. Minimum concentrations for detergent in the dispensed sample were identified but no correlation with detergent characteristics was observed. The tolerance to protein in the sample was evaluated as well with up to 5% BSA having no impact on dispense linearity and precision. We found the digital dispenser to reduce automation complexity while maintaining or improving assay performance in addition to facilitating complex plate lay-outs.
Collapse
|
20
|
Determination of equilibrium dissociation constants for recombinant antibodies by high-throughput affinity electrophoresis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39774. [PMID: 28008969 PMCID: PMC5180089 DOI: 10.1038/srep39774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High-quality immunoreagents enhance the performance and reproducibility of immunoassays and, in turn, the quality of both biological and clinical measurements. High quality recombinant immunoreagents are generated using antibody-phage display. One metric of antibody quality – the binding affinity – is quantified through the dissociation constant (KD) of each recombinant antibody and the target antigen. To characterize the KD of recombinant antibodies and target antigen, we introduce affinity electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) in a high-throughput format suitable for small volume samples. A microfluidic card comprised of free-standing polyacrylamide gel (fsPAG) separation lanes supports 384 concurrent EMSAs in 30 s using a single power source. Sample is dispensed onto the microfluidic EMSA card by acoustic droplet ejection (ADE), which reduces EMSA variability compared to sample dispensing using manual or pin tools. The KD for each of a six-member fragment antigen-binding fragment library is reported using ~25-fold less sample mass and ~5-fold less time than conventional heterogeneous assays. Given the form factor and performance of this micro- and mesofluidic workflow, we have developed a sample-sparing, high-throughput, solution-phase alternative for biomolecular affinity characterization.
Collapse
|
21
|
Naylor J, Rossi A, Brankin C, Hornigold DC. Automated Acoustic Dispensing for the Serial Dilution of Peptide Agonists in Potency Determination Assays. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27911362 DOI: 10.3791/54542] [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
As with small molecule drug discovery, screening for peptide agonists requires the serial dilution of peptides to produce concentration-response curves. Screening peptides affords an additional layer of complexity as conventional tip-based sample handling methods expose peptides to a large surface area of plasticware, providing an increased opportunity for peptide loss via adsorption. Preventing excessive exposure to plasticware reduces peptide loss via adherence to plastics and thus minimizes inaccuracies in potency prediction, and we have previously described the benefits of non-contact acoustic dispensing for in vitro high-throughput screening of peptide agonists1. Here we discuss a fully integrated automation solution for non-contact acoustic preparation of peptide serial dilutions in microtiter plates utilizing the example of screening for peptide agonists at the mouse glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Our methods allow for high-throughput cell-based assays to screen for agonists and are easily scalable to support increased sample throughput, or to allow for increased numbers of assay plate copies (e.g., for a panel of more target cell lines).
Collapse
|
22
|
Olechno J, Green C, Rasmussen L. Why a Special Issue on Acoustic Liquid Handling? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:1-3. [PMID: 26792898 DOI: 10.1177/2211068215619712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
23
|
Hadimioglu B, Stearns R, Ellson R. Moving Liquids with Sound. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:4-18. [DOI: 10.1177/2211068215615096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|