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Kim H, Kim S, Lim H, Chung AJ. Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1088-1120. [PMID: 38174732 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00622k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies. However, their application to solid tumors is limited, and they face challenges in safety, scalability, and cost. To enhance current CAR-T cell therapies, the integration of microfluidic technologies, harnessing their inherent advantages, such as reduced sample consumption, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, automation, and high scalability, has emerged as a powerful solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the step-by-step manufacturing process of CAR-T cells, identifies existing difficulties at each production stage, and discusses the successful implementation of microfluidics and related technologies in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, this review investigates the potential of microfluidics-based methodologies in advancing cell-based therapy across various applications, including solid tumors, next-generation CAR constructs, T-cell receptors, and the development of allogeneic "off-the-shelf" CAR products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suyeon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Zhang J, Ma J, Xu Y, Wu Y, Miao M. A fully automated Lab-on-a-Disc platform integrated a high-speed triggered siphon valve for PBMCs extraction. Talanta 2024; 268:125292. [PMID: 37857105 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125292] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) are isolated from peripheral blood and identified as any blood cell with a round nucleus that exhibits immune responses and undergoes immunophenotypic changes upon exposure to various pathophysiological stimuli. Obtaining high-recovery and clinical-grade PBMCs without decreasing cell viability and causing stress is crucial for disease diagnosis and successful immunotherapy. However, traditional manual PBMCs extraction methods rely on manual intervention with less recovery rate and reliability. In this study, we introduced a novel and efficient strategy for the fully automated extraction of PBMCs based on a Lab-on-a-Disk (LoaD) platform. The centrifugal chip used percoll as density gradient media (DGM) for separation and extraction on account of the density difference of cells in whole blood, without labeling and any additional extra cellular filtration or cell lysis steps. Above all, we proposed a high-speed triggered siphon valve, which was closed under the speed of cell sedimentation and subsequently opened by increasing speed to complete the extraction of PBMCs. It can avoid the problem that previous siphon valves rely on unstable hydrophilic surface treatment and prime under low/zero speed conditions. With valves and the clock channel integrated on the chip, users can achieve fully automated collection of PBMCs. Compared with the clinical laboratory results, the recovery rate of extracted PBMCs was 80 %. The experimental results prove that the high-speed triggered siphon valve improves the extraction efficiency of PBMCs. The robust chips, which are not only simple to manufacture and assemble but also stable and reliable to use, have great potential in biomedical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; Key Laboratory of Optical System Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; Key Laboratory of Optical System Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China
| | - Yang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; Key Laboratory of Optical System Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; GD Changguang Zhongke Bio Co., Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong, 528200, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; Key Laboratory of Optical System Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China; GD Changguang Zhongke Bio Co., Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong, 528200, China.
| | - Mingshu Miao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
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3
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Julius LA, Torres Delgado SM, Mishra R, Kent N, Carthy E, Korvink JG, Mager D, Ducrée J, Kinahan DJ. Programmable fluidic networks on centrifugal microfluidic discs. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1288:342159. [PMID: 38220291 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.342159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomedical diagnostic and lab automation solutions built on the Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) platform has great potential due to their independence from specialised micro-pumps and their ease of integration, through direct pipetting, with manual or automated workflows. However, a challenge for all microfluidic chips is their cost of manufacture when each microfluidic disc must be customized for a specific application. In this paper, we present centrifugal discs with programmable fluidic networks. RESULTS Based on dissolvable film valves, we present two technologies. The first, based on recently introduced pulse-actuated dissolvable film valves, is a centrifugal disc which, depending on how it is loaded, is configured to perform either six sequential reagent releases through one reaction chamber or three sequential reagent releases through two reaction chambers. In the second approach, we use the previously introduced electronic Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) wireless valve array, which can actuate up to 128 centrifugo-pneumatic dissolvable film valves in a pre-defined sequence. In this approach we present a disc which can deliver any one of 8 reagent washes to any one of four reaction chambers. We use identical discs to demonstrate the first four sequential washes through two reaction chambers and then two sequential washes through four reaction chambers. SIGNIFICANCE These programmable fluidic networks have the potential to allow a single disc architecture to be applied to multiple different assay types and so can offer a lower-cost and more integrated alternative to the standard combination of micro-titre plate and liquid handling robot. Indeed, it may even be possible to conduct multiple different assays concurrently. This can have the effect of reducing manufacturing costs and streamlining supply-chains and so results in a more accessible diagnostic platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes An Julius
- Fraunhofer Project Center at Dublin City University (FPC@DCU), Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Sarai M Torres Delgado
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Lepolshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Rohit Mishra
- Fraunhofer Project Center at Dublin City University (FPC@DCU), Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Nigel Kent
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Eadaoin Carthy
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jan G Korvink
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Lepolshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Dario Mager
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Lepolshafen, 76344, Germany
| | - Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - David J Kinahan
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; I-Form, The SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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4
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Carthy É, Hughes B, Higgins E, Early P, Merne C, Walsh D, Parle-McDermott A, Kinahan DJ. Automated solid phase DNA extraction on a lab-on-a-disc with two-degrees of freedom instrumentation. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1280:341859. [PMID: 37858565 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lab-on-a-disc (LoaD) technology has emerged as a transformative approach for point-of-care diagnostics and high-throughput testing. The promise of integrating multiple laboratory functions onto a single integrated platform has significant implications for healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. However, one of the primary challenges faced in the design and manufacture of LoaD devices is the integration of effective valving mechanisms. These valves are essential for fluid control and routing, but their intricacy often leads to complexities in design and increased vulnerability to failure. This emphasizes the need for improved designs and manufacturing processes without complex, integrated valving mechanisms. (96) RESULTS: We describe a fully automated biological workflow and reagent actuation on a LoaD device without an integrated valving system. The Two Degrees-of-Freedom (2DoF) custom centrifuge alters the centre of rotation, facilitating fluid flow direction changes on the microfluidic platform through a custom programmed interface. A novel 360-degree fluid manipulation approach via secondary planetary gear motion enabled sequential assay reagent actuation without embedded valve triggering, with the addition of infinite incubation times and efficient use of platform realty. The simplified LoaD platform uses clever design, with intermediate flow chambers to avoid cross contamination between reagent steps. Notably, the optimized LoaD platform demonstrated a two-fold DNA yield at higher HEK-293 cell concentrations compared to commercially available spin-column kits. This significantly simplified LoaD platform successfully automated a common, complex workflow without inhibiting DNA purification. (129) SIGNIFICANCE: This system exhibits the clever coupling of both 2DoF and centrifugal microfluidics to create an autonomous testing package capable of eradicating the need for complex valving systems to automate biological workflows on LoaDs. This automated system has outperformed commercially available DNA extraction kits for higher cell counts. The platform's elimination of valve requirements ensures unlimited sample incubation times and enhances reliability, making it a straightforward option for automated biological workflows, particularly in diagnostics. (73).
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Affiliation(s)
- Éadaoin Carthy
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Brian Hughes
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eimear Higgins
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Phil Early
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cian Merne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Walsh
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Parle-McDermott
- National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Kinahan
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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5
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Early PL, Kilcawley NA, McArdle NA, Renou M, Kearney SM, Mishra R, Dimov N, Glynn MT, Ducrée J, Kinahan DJ. Digital process control of multi-step assays on centrifugal platforms using high-low-high rotational-pulse triggered valving. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291165. [PMID: 37682949 PMCID: PMC10490917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their capability for comprehensive sample-to-answer automation, the interest in centrifugal microfluidic systems has greatly increased in industry and academia over the last quarter century. The main applications of these "Lab-on-a-Disc" (LoaD) platforms are in decentralised bioanalytical point-of-use / point-of-care testing. Due to the unidirectional and omnipresent nature of the centrifugal force, advanced flow control is key to coordinate multi-step / multi-reagent assay formats on the LoaD. Formerly, flow control was often achieved by capillary burst valves which require gradual increments of the spin speed of the system-innate spindle motor. Recent advanced introduced a flow control scheme called 'rotational pulse actuated valves'. In these valves the sequence of valve actuation is determined by the architecture of the disc while actuation is triggered by freely programmable upward spike (i.e. Low-High-Low (LHL)) in the rotational frequency. This paradigm shift from conventional 'analogue' burst valves to 'digital' pulsing significantly increases the number of sequential while also improving the overall robustness of flow control. In this work, we expand on these LHL valves by introducing High-Low-High (HLH) pulse-actuated (PA) valving which are actuated by 'downward' spike in the disc spin-rate. These HLH valves are particularly useful for high spin-rate operations such as centrifugation of blood. We introduce two different HLH architectures and then combine the most promising with LHL valves to implement the time-dependent liquid handling protocol underlying a common liver function test panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L. Early
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh A. Kilcawley
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh A. McArdle
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marine Renou
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- Telecom Physique Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sinéad M. Kearney
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rohit Mishra
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nikolay Dimov
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Macdara T. Glynn
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J. Kinahan
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Ducrée J. Systematic review of centrifugal valving based on digital twin modeling towards highly integrated lab-on-a-disc systems. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:104. [PMID: 34987859 PMCID: PMC8677742 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Current, application-driven trends towards larger-scale integration (LSI) of microfluidic systems for comprehensive assay automation and multiplexing pose significant technological and economical challenges to developers. By virtue of their intrinsic capability for powerful sample preparation, centrifugal systems have attracted significant interest in academia and business since the early 1990s. This review models common, rotationally controlled valving schemes at the heart of such "Lab-on-a-Disc" (LoaD) platforms to predict critical spin rates and reliability of flow control which mainly depend on geometries, location and liquid volumes to be processed, and their experimental tolerances. In absence of larger-scale manufacturing facilities during product development, the method presented here facilitates efficient simulation tools for virtual prototyping and characterization and algorithmic design optimization according to key performance metrics. This virtual in silico approach thus significantly accelerates, de-risks and lowers costs along the critical advancement from idea, layout, fluidic testing, bioanalytical validation, and scale-up to commercial mass manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Uddin R, Kinahan D, Ducrée J, Boisen A. Lab-on-a-disk extraction of PBMC and metered plasma from whole blood: An advanced event-triggered valving strategy. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:064102. [PMID: 34804316 PMCID: PMC8580574 DOI: 10.1063/5.0066128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a centrifugal microfluidic concept employing event-triggered valving for automated extraction of metered plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This "lab-on-a-disk" system has been developed for retrieving different density layers from a liquid column by "overflowing" the layers sequentially using the pressure exerted by a density-gradient liquid. Defined volumes of plasma and PBMCs were efficiently forwarded into designated microfluidic chambers as a sample preparation step prior to further downstream processing. Furthermore, the extracted PBMCs were counted directly on-disk using an automated optical unit by object-based image analysis, thus eliminating the requirement for the post-processing of the extracted PBMCs. This study is a direct continuation of our previous work1 where we demonstrated combined on-disk detection of C-reactive protein and quantification of PBMCs following on-disk extraction of plasma and PBMCs from a single blood sample using a centrifugo-pneumatic valving mechanism. However, the former valving technique featured limited PBMC extraction efficiency. Here, integrating the novel concept along with event-triggered valving mechanism, we eliminated the occurrence of a specific microfluidic effect, which led us to increase PBMC extraction efficiency to 88%. This extraction method has the potential to be utilized for efficiently separating multiple density layers from a liquid sample in relevant biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokon Uddin
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Kinahan
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jens Ducrée
- FPC@DCU—Fraunhofer Project Center at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
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8
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Moon BU, Clime L, Brassard D, Boutin A, Daoud J, Morton K, Veres T. An automated centrifugal microfluidic assay for whole blood fractionation and isolation of multiple cell populations using an aqueous two-phase system. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4060-4070. [PMID: 34604897 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00680k] [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
Fractionating whole blood and separating its constituent components one from another is an essential step in many clinical applications. Currently blood sample handling and fractionation processes remain a predominantly manual task that require well-trained operators to produce reliable and reproducible results. Herein, we demonstrate an advanced on-chip whole human blood fractionation and cell isolation process combining (i) an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) to create complex separation layers with (ii) a centrifugal microfluidic platform (PowerBlade) with active pneumatic pumping to control and automate the assay. We use a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX) mixture as the two-phase density gradient media and our automated centrifugal microfluidic platform to fractionate blood samples. Different densities of precisely tuned PEG-DEX solutions were tested to match each of the cell types typically targeted during blood fractionation applications. By employing specially designed microfluidic devices, we demonstrate the automation of the following steps: loading of a whole blood sample on-chip, layering of the blood on the ATPS solution, blood fractionation, precise radial repositioning of the fractionated layers, and finally extraction of multiple, selected fractionated components. Fractionation of up to six distinct layers is shown: platelet-rich plasma, buffy coat, PEG, DEX with neutrophils, red blood cells (RBCs) and high density gradient media (HDGM). Furthermore, through controlled dispensing of HDGM to the fractionation chamber, we show that each of the fractionated layers can be repositioned radially, on-the-fly, without disturbing the interfaces, allowing precise transfer of target fractions and cell types into external vials via a chip-to-world interface. Cell counting analysis and cell viability studies showed equivalence to traditional, manual methods. An overall cell viability greater than 90% of extracted cells demonstrates that the proposed approach is suitable for cell isolation applications. This proof-of-principle demonstration highlights the utility of the proposed system for automated whole blood fractionation and isolation for blood cell applications. We anticipate that the proposed approach will be a useful tool for many clinical applications such as standard cell isolation procedures and other bioanalytical assays (e.g., circulating tumor cells, and cell and gene therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Ui Moon
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Liviu Clime
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Daniel Brassard
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Alex Boutin
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Jamal Daoud
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Keith Morton
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Teodor Veres
- National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6Y4, Canada.
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9
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Shi Y, Ye P, Yang K, Meng J, Guo J, Pan Z, Zhao W, Guo J. Application of centrifugal microfluidics in immunoassay, biochemical analysis and molecular diagnosis. Analyst 2021; 146:5800-5821. [PMID: 34570846 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00629k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid diagnosis plays a vital role in daily life and is effective in reducing treatment costs and increasing curability, especially in remote areas with limited availability of resources. Among the various common methods of rapid diagnosis, centrifugal microfluidics has many unique advantages, such as less sample consumption, more precise valve control for sequential loading of samples, and accurately separated module design in a microfluidic network to minimize cross-contamination. Therefore, in recent years, centrifugal microfluidics has been extensively researched, and it has been found to play important roles in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Here, we review the latest developments in centrifugal microfluidic platforms in immunoassays, biochemical analyses, and molecular diagnosis, in recent years. In immunoassays, we focus on the application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); in biochemical analysis, we introduce the application of plasma and blood cell separation; and in molecular diagnosis, we highlight the application of nucleic acid amplification tests. Additionally, we discuss the characteristics of the methods under each platform as well as the enhancement of the corresponding performance parameters, such as the limit of detection, separation efficiency, etc. Finally, we discuss the limitations associated with the existing applications and potential breakthroughs that can be achieved in this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Shi
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Peng Ye
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Kuojun Yang
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jie Meng
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Zhixiang Pan
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
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10
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Regan B, O'Kennedy R, Collins D. Advances in point-of-care testing for cardiovascular diseases. Adv Clin Chem 2021; 104:1-70. [PMID: 34462053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a specific format of diagnostic testing that is conducted without accompanying infrastructure or sophisticated instrumentation. Traditionally, such rapid sample-to-answer assays provide inferior analytical performances to their laboratory counterparts when measuring cardiac biomarkers. Hence, their potentially broad applicability is somewhat bound by their inability to detect clinically relevant concentrations of cardiac troponin (cTn) in the early stages of myocardial injury. However, the continuous refinement of biorecognition elements, the optimization of detection techniques, and the fabrication of tailored fluid handling systems to manage the sensing process has stimulated the production of commercial assays that can support accelerated diagnostic pathways. This review will present the latest commercial POC assays and examine their impact on clinical decision-making. The individual elements that constitute POC assays will be explored, with an emphasis on aspects that contribute to economically feasible and highly sensitive assays. Furthermore, the prospect of POCT imparting a greater influence on early interventions for medium to high-risk individuals and the potential to re-shape the paradigm of cardiovascular risk assessments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Regan
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Richard O'Kennedy
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Research Complex, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - David Collins
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Design Optimization of Centrifugal Microfluidic “Lab-on-a-Disc” Systems towards Fluidic Larger-Scale Integration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11135839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing the degree of functional multiplexing while assuring operational reliability and manufacturability at competitive costs are crucial ingredients for enabling comprehensive sample-to-answer automation, e.g., for use in common, decentralized “Point-of-Care” or “Point-of-Use” scenarios. This paper demonstrates a model-based “digital twin” approach, which efficiently supports the algorithmic design optimization of exemplary centrifugo-pneumatic (CP) dissolvable-film (DF) siphon valves toward larger-scale integration (LSI) of well-established “Lab-on-a-Disc” (LoaD) systems. Obviously, the spatial footprint of the valves and their upstream laboratory unit operations (LUOs) have to fit, at a given radial position prescribed by its occurrence in the assay protocol, into the locally accessible disc space. At the same time, the retention rate of a rotationally actuated CP-DF siphon valve and, most challengingly, its band width related to unavoidable tolerances of experimental input parameters need to slot into a defined interval of the practically allowed frequency envelope. To accomplish particular design goals, a set of parametrized metrics is defined, which are to be met within their practical boundaries while (numerically) minimizing the band width in the frequency domain. While each LSI scenario needs to be addressed individually on the basis of the digital twin, a suite of qualitative design rules and instructive showcases structures are presented.
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Ducrée J. Secure Air Traffic Control at the Hub of Multiplexing on the Centrifugo-Pneumatic Lab-on-a-Disc Platform. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:700. [PMID: 34203926 PMCID: PMC8232791 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060700] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fluidic larger-scale integration (LSI) resides at the heart of comprehensive sample-to-answer automation and parallelization of assay panels for frequent and ubiquitous bioanalytical testing in decentralized point-of-use/point-of-care settings. This paper develops a novel "digital twin" strategy with an emphasis on rotational, centrifugo-pneumatic flow control. The underlying model systematically connects retention rates of rotationally actuated valves as a key element of LSI to experimental input parameters; for the first time, the concept of band widths in frequency space as the decisive quantity characterizing operational robustness is introduced, a set of quantitative performance metrics guiding algorithmic optimization of disc layouts is defined, and the engineering principles of advanced, logical flow control and timing are elucidated. Overall, the digital twin enables efficient design for automating multiplexed bioassay protocols on such "Lab-on-a-Disc" (LoaD) systems featuring high packing density, reliability, configurability, modularity, and manufacturability to eventually minimize cost, time, and risk of development and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
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13
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Ma J, Wu Y, Liu Y, Ji Y, Yang M, Zhu H. Cell-sorting centrifugal microfluidic chip with a flow rectifier. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2129-2141. [PMID: 33928337 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00217a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Centrifugal microfluidic chips offer rapid, highly integrable and simultaneous multi-channel microfluidic control without relying on external pressure pumps and pipelines. Current centrifugal microfluidic chips mainly separate particles of differing density based on the sedimentation method. However, in some biological cells, the volume difference is more notable than the density difference. In particular, cancer cells are generally larger than normal cells. The instability of particle velocity caused by the non-steady flow of the fluid in the centrifugal microfluidic chip leads to low separation purity of particles of different sizes. Thus, we propose herein a centrifugal microfluidic chip with a flow rectifier that transforms the centrifugal non-steady flow into locally steady flow with continuous flow. This chip resolves the problems caused by particle sedimentation in the sample chamber and non-steady flow and greatly improves the recovery ratio and separation purity of target particles. Therefore, it can be used to separate particles of differing size. The experimental results show that the chip can separate an equal-volume mixture of 25 μm and 12 μm polystyrene particles diluted 50 times with a ratio of 1 : 6 and obtain a recovery ratio and separation purity better than 95% for the 25 μm particles. In addition, rare tumour cells are separated from high-concentration white blood cells (ratio 1 : 25) with a recovery ratio of 90.4% ± 2.4% and separation purity of 83.0% ± 3.8%. In conclusion, this chip is promising for sorting of various biological cells and has significant potential for use in biomedical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China. and School of optoelectronics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Yongshun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Yuan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China. and School of optoelectronics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongquan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Lu X, Tayebi M, Ai Y. A low-cost and high-throughput benchtop cell sorter for isolating white blood cells from whole blood. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:2281-2292. [PMID: 34010478 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The ability to isolate and purify white blood cells (WBCs) from mixed ensembles such as blood would benefit autologous cell-based therapeutics as well as diagnosis of WBC disorders. Current WBCs isolation methods have the limitations of low purity or requiring complex and expensive equipment. In addition, due to the overlap in size distribution between lymphocytes (i.e., a sub-population of WBCs) and red blood cells (RBCs), it is challenging to achieve isolation of entire WBCs populations. In this work, we developed an inertial microfluidics-based cell sorter, which enables size-based, high-throughput isolation, and enrichment of WBCs from RBC-lysed whole blood. Using the developed inertial microfluidic chip, the sorting resolution is sharpened within 2 μm, which achieved separation between 3 and 5 μm diameter particles. Thus, with the present cell sorter, a full population of WBCs can be isolated from RBC-lysed blood samples with recovery ratio of 92%, and merely 5% difference in the composition percentage of the three subpopulations of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes compared to the original sample. Furthermore, our cell sorter is designed to enable broad application of size-based inertial cell sorting by supplying a series of microchips with different sorting cutoff size. This strategy allows us to further enrich the lymphocytes population by twofold using another microchip with a cutoff size between 10 and 15 μm. With simplicity and efficiency, our cell sorter provides a powerful platform for isolating and sorting of WBCs and also envisions broad potential sorting applications for other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Lu
- Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
| | - Mahnoush Tayebi
- Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
| | - Ye Ai
- Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
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Henderson BD, Kinahan DJ, Rio J, Mishra R, King D, Torres-Delgado SM, Mager D, Korvink JG, Ducrée J. Siphon-Controlled Automation on a Lab-on-a-Disc Using Event-Triggered Dissolvable Film Valves. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11030073. [PMID: 33800811 PMCID: PMC8000095 DOI: 10.3390/bios11030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Within microfluidic technologies, the centrifugal microfluidic “Lab-on-a-Disc” (LoaD) platform offers great potential for use at the PoC and in low-resource settings due to its robustness and the ability to port and miniaturize ‘wet bench’ laboratory protocols. We present the combination of ‘event-triggered dissolvable film valves’ with a centrifugo-pneumatic siphon structure to enable control and timing, through changes in disc spin-speed, of the release and incubations of eight samples/reagents/wash buffers. Based on these microfluidic techniques, we integrated and automated a chemiluminescent immunoassay for detection of the CVD risk factor marker C-reactive protein displaying a limit of detection (LOD) of 44.87 ng mL−1 and limit of quantitation (LoQ) of 135.87 ng mL−1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Henderson
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; (B.D.H.); (J.R.)
| | - David J. Kinahan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland;
- National Center for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
- I-Form, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
- The Water Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jeanne Rio
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; (B.D.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Rohit Mishra
- Fraunhofer Project Center, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; (R.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Damien King
- Fraunhofer Project Center, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; (R.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Sarai M. Torres-Delgado
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.M.T.-D.); (D.M.); (J.G.K.)
| | - Dario Mager
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.M.T.-D.); (D.M.); (J.G.K.)
| | - Jan G. Korvink
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.M.T.-D.); (D.M.); (J.G.K.)
| | - Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; (B.D.H.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-700-5377
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Paul R, Ostermann E, Wei Q. Advances in point-of-care nucleic acid extraction technologies for rapid diagnosis of human and plant diseases. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 169:112592. [PMID: 32942143 PMCID: PMC7476893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Global health and food security constantly face the challenge of emerging human and plant diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Disease outbreaks such as SARS, MERS, Swine Flu, Ebola, and COVID-19 (on-going) have caused suffering, death, and economic losses worldwide. To prevent the spread of disease and protect human populations, rapid point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnosis of human and plant diseases play an increasingly crucial role. Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnosis reveals valuable information at the genomic level about the identity of the disease-causing pathogens and their pathogenesis, which help researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients to detect the presence of pathogens, track the spread of disease, and guide treatment more efficiently. A typical nucleic acid-based diagnostic test consists of three major steps: nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and amplicon detection. Among these steps, nucleic acid extraction is the first step of sample preparation, which remains one of the main challenges when converting laboratory molecular assays into POC tests. Sample preparation from human and plant specimens is a time-consuming and multi-step process, which requires well-equipped laboratories and skilled lab personnel. To perform rapid molecular diagnosis in resource-limited settings, simpler and instrument-free nucleic acid extraction techniques are required to improve the speed of field detection with minimal human intervention. This review summarizes the recent advances in POC nucleic acid extraction technologies. In particular, this review focuses on novel devices or methods that have demonstrated applicability and robustness for the isolation of high-quality nucleic acid from complex raw samples, such as human blood, saliva, sputum, nasal swabs, urine, and plant tissues. The integration of these rapid nucleic acid preparation methods with miniaturized assay and sensor technologies would pave the road for the "sample-in-result-out" diagnosis of human and plant diseases, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Paul
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Emily Ostermann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Qingshan Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA; Emerging Plant Disease and Global Food Security Cluster, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Abstract
Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) biosensors are increasingly a promising solution for many biosensing applications. In the search for a perfect match between point-of-care (PoC) microfluidic devices and biosensors, the LoaD platform has the potential to be reliable, sensitive, low-cost, and easy-to-use. The present global pandemic draws attention to the importance of rapid sample-to-answer PoC devices for minimising manual intervention and sample manipulation, thus increasing the safety of the health professional while minimising the chances of sample contamination. A biosensor is defined by its ability to measure an analyte by converting a biological binding event to tangible analytical data. With evolving manufacturing processes for both LoaDs and biosensors, it is becoming more feasible to embed biosensors within the platform and/or to pair the microfluidic cartridges with low-cost detection systems. This review considers the basics of the centrifugal microfluidics and describes recent developments in common biosensing methods and novel technologies for fluidic control and automation. Finally, an overview of current devices on the market is provided. This review will guide scientists who want to initiate research in LoaD PoC devices as well as providing valuable reference material to researchers active in the field.
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Development of simple and efficient Lab-on-a-Disc platforms for automated chemical cell lysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11039. [PMID: 32632169 PMCID: PMC7338454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell lysis is the most important first step for molecular biology and diagnostic testing. Recently, microfluidic systems have attracted considerable attention due to advantages associated with automation, integration and miniaturization, especially in resource-limited settings. In this work, novel centrifugal microfluidic platforms with new configurations for chemical cell lysis are presented. The developed systems employ passive form of pneumatic and inertial forces for effective mixing of lysis reagents and cell samples as well as precise fluidic control. Characterizations of the developed Lab-on-a-Discs (LoaDs) have been conducted with dyed deionized (DI) waters and white blood cells (WBCs) to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed systems in terms of mixing, fluidic control and chemical cell lysis. By making comparison between the results of a well-established manual protocol for chemical cell lysis and the proposed chemical cell lysis discs, it has been proved that the developed systems are capable of realizing automated cell lysis with high throughput in terms of proper values of average DNA yield (ranging from 20.6 to 29.8 ng/µl) and purity (ranging from 1.873 to 1.907) as well as suitability of the released DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By considering the manual chemical lysis protocol as a reference, the efficiency of the LoaDs has been determined 95.5% and 91% for 10 min and 5 min lysis time, respectively. The developed LoaDs provide simple, efficient, and fully automated chemical cell lysis units, which can be easily integrated into operational on-disc elements to obtain sample-to answer settings systems.
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Abstract
We present a powerful and compact batch-mode mixing and dilution technique for centrifugal microfluidic platforms. Siphon structures are designed to discretize continuous flows into a sequence of droplets of volumes as low as 100 nL. Using a passive, self-regulating 4-step mechanism, discrete volumes of two fluids are alternatingly issued into a common intermediate chamber. At its base, a capillary valve acts as a fluidic shift register; a single droplet is held in place while two or more droplets merge and pass through the capillary stop. These merged droplets are advectively mixed as they pass through the capillary valve and into the receiving chamber. Mixing is demonstrated for various combinations of liquids such as aqueous solutions as well as saline solutions and human plasma. The mixing quality is assessed on a quantitative scale by using a colorimetric method based on the mixing of potassium thiocyanate and iron(III) chloride, and in the case of human plasma using a spectroscopic method. For instance, volumes of 5 µL have been mixed in less than 20 s. Single-step dilutions up to 1:5 of plasma in a standard phosphate buffer solution are also demonstrated. This work describes the preliminary development of the mixing method which has since been integrated into a commercially available microfluidic cartridge.
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Zhou J, Mukherjee P, Gao H, Luan Q, Papautsky I. Label-free microfluidic sorting of microparticles. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:041504. [PMID: 31832577 PMCID: PMC6906121 DOI: 10.1063/1.5120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive growth of the microfluidics field has triggered numerous advances in focusing, separating, ordering, concentrating, and mixing of microparticles. Microfluidic systems capable of performing these functions are rapidly finding applications in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields. Passive and label-free methods are one of the major categories of such systems that have received enormous attention owing to device operational simplicity and low costs. With new platforms continuously being proposed, our aim here is to provide an updated overview of the state of the art for passive label-free microparticle separation, with emphasis on performance and operational conditions. In addition to the now common separation approaches using Newtonian flows, such as deterministic lateral displacement, pinched flow fractionation, cross-flow filtration, hydrodynamic filtration, and inertial microfluidics, we also discuss separation approaches using non-Newtonian, viscoelastic flow. We then highlight the newly emerging approach based on shear-induced diffusion, which enables direct processing of complex samples such as untreated whole blood. Finally, we hope that an improved understanding of label-free passive sorting approaches can lead to sophisticated and useful platforms toward automation in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Prithviraj Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Qiyue Luan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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21
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Development of a Lab-on-a-Disk Platform with Digital Imaging for Identification and Counting of Parasite Eggs in Human and Animal Stool. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10120852. [PMID: 31817458 PMCID: PMC6952989 DOI: 10.3390/mi10120852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We present a lab-on-a-disk technology for fast identification and quantification of parasite eggs in stool. We introduce a separation and packing method of eggs contained in 1 g of stool, allowing for removal of commonly present solid particles, fat droplets and air bubbles. The separation is based on a combined gravitational and centrifugal flotation, with the eggs guided to a packed monolayer, enabling quantitation and identification of subtypes of the eggs present in a single field of view (FOV). The prototype was tested with stool samples from pigs and humans infected with intestinal parasites (soil-transmitted helminths eggs). The quality of the images created by this platform was appropriate for identification and quantification of egg types present in the sample.
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Torres Delgado SM, Korvink JG, Mager D. The eLoaD platform endows centrifugal microfluidics with on-disc power and communication. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 117:464-473. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Sun Y, Sethu P. Low-stress Microfluidic Density-gradient Centrifugation for Blood Cell Sorting. Biomed Microdevices 2018; 20:77. [PMID: 30155743 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-018-0323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Density gradient centrifugation exploits density differences between different blood cells to accomplish separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from polymorphonuclear (PNM) cells, and erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs). While density gradient centrifugation offers a label-free alternative avoiding the use of harsh lysis buffers for blood cell isolation, it is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process during which blood cells are subject to high-levels of centrifugal force that can artifactually activate cells. To provide a low-stress alternative to this elegant method, we miniaturized and automated this process using microfluidics to ensure continuous PBMCs isolation from whole blood while avoiding the exposure to high-levels of centrifugal stress in a simple flow-through format. Within this device, a density gradient is established by exploiting laminar flow within microfluidic channels to layer a thin stream of blood over a larger stream of Ficoll. Using this approach we demonstrate successful isolation of PBMCs from whole blood with preservation of monocytes and different lymphocyte subpopulations similar to that seen with conventional density gradient centrifugation. Evaluation of activation status of PBMCs isolated using this technique shows that our approach achieves minimal isolation process induced activation of cells in comparison to conventional lysis or density gradient centrifugation. This simple, automated microfluidic density gradient centrifugation technique can potentially serve as tool for rapid and activation-free technique for isolation of PBMCs from whole blood for point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd, MCLM 290A, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd, MCLM 290A, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Palaniappan Sethu
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd, MCLM 290A, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd, MCLM 290A, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Miyazaki CM, Kinahan DJ, Mishra R, Mangwanya F, Kilcawley N, Ferreira M, Ducrée J. Label-free, spatially multiplexed SPR detection of immunoassays on a highly integrated centrifugal Lab-on-a-Disc platform. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 119:86-93. [PMID: 30103158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As a direct, label-free method, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) detection significantly reduces the needs for liquid handling and reagent storage compared to common enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), thus enabling comprehensive multiplexing of bioassays on microfluidic sample-to-answer systems. This paper describes a highly integrated centrifugal Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) platform for automating the full process chain extending between plasma extraction and subsequent aliquoting to five parallelized reaction channels for quantitative SPR detection by an inexpensive smartphone camera. The entire, multi-step / multi-reagent operation completes within less than 1 h. While the emphasis of this work is on the fluidic automation and parallelization by previously introduced, very robust event-triggered valving and buoyancy-driven centripetal pumping schemes, we successfully implement an immunoglobulin G (IgG) assay; by specific functionalization of the detection surfaces, the same disc layout can readily be customised for immunoassays panels from whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina M Miyazaki
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland; Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - David J Kinahan
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland
| | - Rohit Mishra
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland
| | - Faith Mangwanya
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland
| | - Niamh Kilcawley
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland
| | | | - Jens Ducrée
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland.
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25
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Torres Delgado SM, Kinahan DJ, Nirupa Julius LA, Mallette A, Ardila DS, Mishra R, Miyazaki CM, Korvink JG, Ducrée J, Mager D. Wirelessly powered and remotely controlled valve-array for highly multiplexed analytical assay automation on a centrifugal microfluidic platform. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 109:214-223. [PMID: 29567566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we present a wirelessly powered array of 128 centrifugo-pneumatic valves that can be thermally actuated on demand during spinning. The valves can either be triggered by a predefined protocol, wireless signal transmission via Bluetooth, or in response to a sensor monitoring a parameter like the temperature, or homogeneity of the dispersion. Upon activation of a resistive heater, a low-melting membrane (Parafilm™) is removed to vent an entrapped gas pocket, thus letting the incoming liquid wet an intermediate dissolvable film and thereby open the valve. The proposed system allows up to 12 heaters to be activated in parallel, with a response time below 3 s, potentially resulting in 128 actuated valves in under 30 s. We demonstrate, with three examples of common and standard procedures, how the proposed technology could become a powerful tool for implementing diagnostic assays on Lab-on-a-Disc. First, we implement wireless actuation of 64 valves during rotation in a freely programmable sequence, or upon user input in real time. Then, we show a closed-loop centrifugal flow control sequence for which the state of mixing of reagents, evaluated from stroboscopically recorded images, triggers the opening of the valves. In our last experiment, valving and closed-loop control are used to facilitate centrifugal processing of whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saraí M Torres Delgado
- Laboratory for Simulation, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, Freiburg im Breisgau 79110, Germany; Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - David J Kinahan
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Lourdes Albina Nirupa Julius
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Adam Mallette
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - David Sáenz Ardila
- Laboratory for Simulation, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, Freiburg im Breisgau 79110, Germany
| | - Rohit Mishra
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Celina M Miyazaki
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; Science and Technology Centre for Sustainability, Federal University of São Carlos, Campus Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Jan G Korvink
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Jens Ducrée
- FPC@DCU - Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Dario Mager
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
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26
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Wiederoder MS, Smith S, Madzivhandila P, Mager D, Moodley K, DeVoe DL, Land KJ. Novel functionalities of hybrid paper-polymer centrifugal devices for assay performance enhancement. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:054101. [PMID: 28966698 PMCID: PMC5595585 DOI: 10.1063/1.5002644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The presented work demonstrates novel functionalities of hybrid paper-polymer centrifugal devices for assay performance enhancement that leverage the advantages of both paper-based and centrifugal microfluidic platforms. The fluid flow is manipulated by balancing the capillary force of paper inserts with the centrifugal force generated by disc rotation to enhance the signal of a colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay for pathogenic E. coli. Low-cost centrifugation for pre-concentration of bacteria was demonstrated by sample sedimentation at high rotational speeds before supernatant removal by a paper insert via capillary force after deceleration. The live bacteria capture efficiency of the device was similar to a commercial centrifuge. This pre-concentrated sample when combined with gold nanoparticle immunoconjugate probes resulted in a detection limit that is 10× lower than a non-concentrated sample for a lateral flow immunoassay. Signal enhancement was also demonstrated through rotational speed variation to prevent the flow for on-device incubation and to reduce the flow rate, thus increasing the sample residence time for the improved capture of gold nanoparticle-bacteria complexes in an integrated paper microfluidic assay. Finally, multiple sequential steps including sample pre-concentration, filtration, incubation, target capture by an integrated paper microfluidic assay, silver enhancement and quenching, and index matching were completed within a single device. The detection limit was 105 colony forming units per ml, a 100× improvement over a similar paper-based lateral flow assay. The techniques utilize the advantages of paper-based microfluidic devices, while facilitating additional functionalities with a centrifugal microfluidic platform for detection performance enhancement in a low-cost, automated platform amenable to point-of-care environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Smith
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P Madzivhandila
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - D Mager
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - K Moodley
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - D L DeVoe
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - K J Land
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
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27
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Sun Y, Sethu P. Microfluidic Adaptation of Density-Gradient Centrifugation for Isolation of Particles and Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:bioengineering4030067. [PMID: 28952546 PMCID: PMC5615313 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Density-gradient centrifugation is a label-free approach that has been extensively used for cell separations. Though elegant, this process is time-consuming (>30 min), subjects cells to high levels of stress (>350 g) and relies on user skill to enable fractionation of cells that layer as a narrow band between the density-gradient medium and platelet-rich plasma. We hypothesized that microfluidic adaptation of this technique could transform this process into a rapid fractionation approach where samples are separated in a continuous fashion while being exposed to lower levels of stress (<100 g) for shorter durations of time (<3 min). To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we designed a microfluidic density-gradient centrifugation device and constructed a setup to introduce samples and medium like Ficoll in a continuous, pump-less fashion where cells and particles can be exposed to centrifugal force and separated via different outlets. Proof-of-concept studies using binary mixtures of low-density polystyrene beads (1.02 g/cm3) and high-density silicon dioxide beads (2.2 g/cm3) with Ficoll–Paque (1.06 g/cm3) show that separation is indeed feasible with >99% separation efficiency suggesting that this approach can be further adapted for separation of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Palaniappan Sethu
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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28
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Yu ZTF, Joseph JG, Liu SX, Cheung MK, Haffey PJ, Kurabayashi K, Fu J. Centrifugal microfluidics for sorting immune cells from whole blood. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2017; 245:1050-1061. [PMID: 28966475 PMCID: PMC5619665 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2017.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Sorting and enumeration of immune cells from blood are critical operations involved in many clinical applications. Conventional methods for sorting and counting immune cells from blood, such as flow cytometry and hemocytometers, are tedious, inaccurate, and difficult for implementation for point-of-care (POC) testing. Herein we developed a microscale centrifugal technology termed Centrifugal Microfluidic Chip (CMC) capable of sorting immune cells from blood and in situ cellular analysis in a laboratory setting. Operation of the CMC entailed a blood specimen layered on a density gradient medium and centrifuged in microfluidic channels where immune cell subpopulations could rapidly be sorted into distinct layers according to their density differentials. We systematically studied effects of different blocking molecules for surface passivation of the CMC. We further demonstrated the applicability of CMCs for rapid separation of minimally processed human whole blood without affecting immune cell viability. Multi-color imaging and analysis of immune cell distributions and enrichment such as recovery and purity rates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were demonstrated using CMCs. Given its design and operation simplicity, portability, blood cell sorting efficiency, and in situ cellular analysis capability, the CMC holds promise for blood-based diagnosis and disease monitoring in POC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeta Tak For Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jophin George Joseph
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India 502285
| | - Shirley Xiaosu Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Mei Ki Cheung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Parker James Haffey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Katsuo Kurabayashi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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29
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Liu Y, Gill E, Shery Huang YY. Microfluidic on-chip biomimicry for 3D cell culture: a fit-for-purpose investigation from the end user standpoint. Future Sci OA 2017; 3:FSO173. [PMID: 28670465 PMCID: PMC5481809 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A plethora of 3D and microfluidics-based culture models have been demonstrated in the recent years with the ultimate aim to facilitate predictive in vitro models for pharmaceutical development. This article summarizes to date the progress in the microfluidics-based tissue culture models, including organ-on-a-chip and vasculature-on-a-chip. Specific focus is placed on addressing the question of what kinds of 3D culture and system complexities are deemed desirable by the biological and biomedical community. This question is addressed through analysis of a research survey to evaluate the potential use of microfluidic cell culture models among the end users. Our results showed a willingness to adopt 3D culture technology among biomedical researchers, although a significant gap still exists between the desired systems and existing 3D culture options. With these results, key challenges and future directions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
| | - Elisabeth Gill
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
| | - Yan Yan Shery Huang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
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30
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Zehnle S, Rombach M, Zengerle R, von Stetten F, Paust N. Network simulation-based optimization of centrifugo-pneumatic blood plasma separation. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:024114. [PMID: 28798850 PMCID: PMC5533477 DOI: 10.1063/1.4979044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Automated and robust separation of 14 μl of plasma from 40 μl of whole blood at a purity of 99.81% ± 0.11% within 43 s is demonstrated for the hematocrit range of 20%-60% in a centrifugal microfluidic polymer disk. At high rotational frequency, red blood cells (RBCs) within whole blood are concentrated in a radial outer RBC collection chamber. Simultaneously, plasma is concentrated in a radial inner pneumatic chamber, where a defined air volume is enclosed and compressed. Subsequent reduction of the rotational frequency to not lower than 25 Hz enables rapid transfer of supernatant plasma into a plasma collection chamber, with highly suppressed resuspension of red blood cells. Disk design and the rotational protocol are optimized to make the process fast, robust, and insusceptible for undesired cell resuspension. Numerical network simulation with lumped model elements is used to predict and optimize the fluidic characteristics. Lysis of the remaining red blood cells in the purified plasma, followed by measurement of the hemoglobin concentration, was used to determine plasma purity. Due to the pneumatic actuation, no surface treatment of the fluidic cartridge or any additional external means are required, offering the possibility for low-cost mass fabrication technologies, such as injection molding or thermoforming.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zehnle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Rombach
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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31
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Balter ML, Chen AI, Colinco CA, Gorshkov A, Bixon B, Martin V, Fromholtz A, Maguire TJ, Yarmush ML. Differential Leukocyte Counting via Fluorescent Detection and Image Processing on a Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2016; 8:8272-8279. [PMID: 28446924 PMCID: PMC5403153 DOI: 10.1039/c6ay02614a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Centrifugal microfluidics has received much attention in the last decade for the automation of blood testing at the point-of-care, specifically for the detection of chemistries, proteins, and nucleic acids. However, the detection of common blood cells on-disc, particularly leukocytes, remains a challenge. In this paper, we present two analytical methods for enumerating leukocytes on a centrifugal platform using a custom-built fluorescent microscope, acridine orange nuclear staining, and image processing techniques. In the first method, cell analysis is performed in glass capillary tubes; in the second, acrylic chips are used. A bulk-cell analysis approach is implemented in both cases where the pixel areas of fractionated lymphocyte/monocyte and granulocyte layers are correlated with cell counts. Generating standard curves using porcine blood sample controls, we observed strong linear fits to measured cell counts using both methods. Analyzing the pixel intensities of the fluorescing white cell region, we are able to differentiate lymphocytes from monocytes via pixel clustering, demonstrating the capacity to perform a 3-part differential. Finally, a discussion of pros and cons of the bulk-cell analysis approach concludes the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L. Balter
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alvin I. Chen
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - C. Amara Colinco
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alexander Gorshkov
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Brian Bixon
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Vincent Martin
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alexander Fromholtz
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Yarmush
- Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
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32
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Pishbin E, Eghbal M, Fakhari S, Kazemzadeh A, Navidbakhsh M. The Effect of Moment of Inertia on the Liquids in Centrifugal Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E215. [PMID: 30404391 PMCID: PMC6189857 DOI: 10.3390/mi7120215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The flow of liquids in centrifugal microfluidics is unidirectional and dominated by centrifugal and Coriolis forces (i.e., effective only at T-junctions). Developing mechanisms and discovering efficient techniques to propel liquids in any direction other than the direction of the centrifugal force has been the subject of a large number of studies. The capillary force attained by specific surface treatments, pneumatic energy, active and passive flow reciprocation and Euler force have been previously introduced in order to manipulate the liquid flow and push it against the centrifugal force. Here, as a new method, the moment of inertia of the liquid inside a chamber in a centrifugal microfluidic platform is employed to manipulate the flow and propel the liquid passively towards the disc center. Furthermore, the effect of the moment of inertia on the liquid in a rectangular chamber is evaluated, both in theory and experiments, and the optimum geometry is defined. As an application of the introduced method, the moment of inertia of the liquid is used in order to mix two different dyed deionized (DI) waters; the mixing efficiency is evaluated and compared to similar mixing techniques. The results show the potential of the presented method for pumping liquids radially inward with relatively high flow rates (up to 23 mm³/s) and also efficient mixing in centrifugal microfluidic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmail Pishbin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Iran University of Science and Technology, 1684613114 Tehran, Iran.
- Lab-on-a-disc Technology Center (LTC), Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Ahmadabad Mostoufi, Azadegan Highway, 3353136846 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Manouchehr Eghbal
- Lab-on-a-disc Technology Center (LTC), Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Ahmadabad Mostoufi, Azadegan Highway, 3353136846 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Fakhari
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Iran University of Science and Technology, 1684613114 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amin Kazemzadeh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mehdi Navidbakhsh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Iran University of Science and Technology, 1684613114 Tehran, Iran.
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33
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Kinahan DJ, Mangwanya F, Garvey R, Chung DWY, Lipinski A, Julius LAN, King D, Mohammadi M, Mishra R, Al-Ofi M, Miyazaki C, Ducrée J. Automation of Silica Bead-based Nucleic Acid Extraction on a Centrifugal Lab-on-a-Disc Platform. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/757/1/012013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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34
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Delgado SMT, Kinahan DJ, Sandoval FS, Julius LAN, Kilcawley NA, Ducrée J, Mager D. Fully automated chemiluminescence detection using an electrified-Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4002-4011. [PMID: 27713985 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00973e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Typical Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) platforms cannot make a continuous measurement while the disc is spinning; this drawback means that the disc usually must be stopped and aligned with a sensor. This can result in measurement errors in time-dependent assays along with inaccuracies due to liquid displacement and bubble formation in the absence of a stabilising centrifugal field. This paper presents a novel concept for a wirelessly electrified-Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) platform that allows continuous measurement of experimental parameters while the disc is spinning. This platform incorporates all the components needed for measurement within the rotating frame of reference, and bidirectional transmission of data outside this reference frame, thus allowing for online measurement independent of the rotation of the disc. The eLoaD platform is conceived in a modular manner whereby an interchangeable and non-disposable 'Application Disc' can be fitted to the eLoaD platform and so the system can be adapted for a range of optical, electrochemical and other measurement types. As an application example, optical readout, using the Application Disc fitted with a silicon photomultiplier, is demonstrated using a tagged chemiluminescent antibody, which is commonly used, for instance, in ELISA assays. The precision of the eLoaD platform is >94%, while its accuracy, when compared to a commercial benchtop luminometer, is higher than 96%. The modular design of this platform will permit extension of this technology to many other LoaD applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saraí M Torres Delgado
- Laboratory for Simulation, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, Freiburg im Breisgau 79110, Germany.
| | - David J Kinahan
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Fralett Suárez Sandoval
- Laboratory for Microactuators, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 102, Freiburg im Breisgau 79110, Germany
| | | | - Niamh A Kilcawley
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Dario Mager
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
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35
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Kinahan DJ, Renou M, Kurzbuch D, Kilcawley NA, Bailey É, Glynn MT, McDonagh C, Ducrée J. Baking Powder Actuated Centrifugo-Pneumatic Valving for Automation of Multi-Step Bioassays. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E175. [PMID: 30404349 PMCID: PMC6189914 DOI: 10.3390/mi7100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We report a new flow control method for centrifugal microfluidic systems; CO₂ is released from on-board stored baking powder upon contact with an ancillary liquid. The elevated pressure generated drives the sample into a dead-end pneumatic chamber sealed by a dissolvable film (DF). This liquid incursion wets and dissolves the DF, thus opening the valve. The activation pressure of the DF valve can be tuned by the geometry of the channel upstream of the DF membrane. Through pneumatic coupling with properly dimensioned disc architecture, we established serial cascading of valves, even at a constant spin rate. Similarly, we demonstrate sequential actuation of valves by dividing the disc into a number of distinct pneumatic chambers (separated by DF membranes). Opening these DFs, typically through arrival of a liquid to that location on a disc, permits pressurization of these chambers. This barrier-based scheme provides robust and strictly ordered valve actuation, which is demonstrated by the automation of a multi-step/multi-reagent DNA-based hybridization assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kinahan
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Marine Renou
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Telecom Physique Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasboug CS 10413, France.
| | - Dirk Kurzbuch
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Niamh A Kilcawley
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Éanna Bailey
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Macdara T Glynn
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Colette McDonagh
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Jens Ducrée
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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36
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Kinahan DJ, Early PL, Vembadi A, MacNamara E, Kilcawley NA, Glennon T, Diamond D, Brabazon D, Ducrée J. Xurography actuated valving for centrifugal flow control. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3454-9. [PMID: 27523628 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00568c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a novel instrument controlled valving scheme for centrifugal platforms which is based upon xurography. In a first approach, which is akin to previously presented event-triggered flow control, the valves are composed of a pneumatic chamber sealed by a dissolvable film (DF) and by a pierceable membrane. Liquid is initially prevented from wetting the DF by the counter pressure of a trapped gas. Via a channel, this pocket is pneumatically connected to a vent, sealed by the pierceable membrane, located on the top surface of the disc. By scouring the top surface of the disc, along a pre-defined track by a robotic knife-cutter, the trapped gas is released and so the liquid can wet and disintegrate the DF. In order to automate assay protocols without the need to integrate DFs, we extend this xurography-based flow control concept by selective venting of chambers subjected to pneumatic over-pressure or vacuum suction. Unlike most instrument controlled flow-control mechanisms, in this approach to valve actuation can occur during disc rotation. To demonstrate the potential of this flow control approach, we designed a disc architecture to automate the liquid handling as the backbone of a biplex liver assay panel. We demonstrate valve actuation during rotation, using the robotic arm, using this disc with visualisation via dyed water. We then demonstrate the biplex liver assay, using calibration reagent, by stopping the disc and manually piercing the membrane to actuate the same valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kinahan
- Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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