1
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Chapman M, Rajagopal V, Stewart A, Collins DJ. Critical review of single-cell mechanotyping approaches for biomedical applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3036-3063. [PMID: 38804123 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00978e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Accurate mechanical measurements of cells has the potential to improve diagnostics, therapeutics and advance understanding of disease mechanisms, where high-resolution mechanical information can be measured by deforming individual cells. Here we evaluate recently developed techniques for measuring cell-scale stiffness properties; while many such techniques have been developed, much of the work examining single-cell stiffness is impacted by difficulties in standardization and comparability, giving rise to large variations in reported mechanical moduli. We highlight the role of underlying mechanical theories driving this variability, and note opportunities to develop novel mechanotyping devices and theoretical models that facilitate convenient and accurate mechanical characterisation. Moreover, many high-throughput approaches are confounded by factors including cell size, surface friction, natural population heterogeneity and convolution of elastic and viscous contributions to cell deformability. We nevertheless identify key approaches based on deformability cytometry as a promising direction for further development, where both high-throughput and accurate single-cell resolutions can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Chapman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Vijay Rajagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alastair Stewart
- ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Graeme Clarke Institute University of Melbourne Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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2
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Reichel F, Goswami R, Girardo S, Guck J. High-throughput viscoelastic characterization of cells in hyperbolic microchannels. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2440-2453. [PMID: 38600866 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01061a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Extensive research has demonstrated the potential of cell viscoelastic properties as intrinsic indicators of cell state, functionality, and disease. For this, several microfluidic techniques have been developed to measure cell viscoelasticity with high-throughput. However, current microchannel designs introduce complex stress distributions on cells, leading to inaccuracies in determining the stress-strain relationship and, consequently, the viscoelastic properties. Here, we introduce a novel approach using hyperbolic microchannels that enable precise measurements under a constant extensional stress and offer a straightforward stress-strain relationship, while operating at a measurement rate of up to 100 cells per second. We quantified the stresses acting in the channels using mechanical calibration particles made from polyacrylamide (PAAm) and found that the measurement buffer, a solution of methyl cellulose and phosphate buffered saline, shows strain-thickening following a power law up to 200 s-1. By measuring oil droplets with varying viscosities, we successfully detected changes in the relaxation times of the droplets and our approach could be used to get the interfacial tension and viscosity of liquid-liquid droplet systems from the same measurement. We further applied this methodology to PAAm microgel beads, demonstrating the accurate recovery of Young's moduli and the near-ideal elastic behavior of the beads. To explore the influence of altered cell viscoelasticity, we treated HL60 human leukemia cells with latrunculin B and nocodazole, resulting in clear changes in cell stiffness while relaxation times were only minimally affected. In conclusion, our approach offers a streamlined and time-efficient solution for assessing the viscoelastic properties of large cell populations and other microscale soft particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Reichel
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany.
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruchi Goswami
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany.
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Girardo
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany.
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany.
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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3
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Lei X, Ye W, Safdarin F, Baghaei S. Microfluidics devices for sports: A review on technology for biomedical application used in fields such as biomedicine, drug encapsulation, preparation of nanoparticles, cell targeting, analysis, diagnosis, and cell culture. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102339. [PMID: 38432127 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102339] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, sports medicine, fluid dynamics, kinetic biomechanics, and microelectronics, to manipulate and control fluids and particles in micron-scale channels and chambers. These channels and chambers can be fabricated using different materials and methods to achieve various geometries and shapes. Microfluidics has numerous biomedical applications, such as drug encapsulation, nanoparticle preparation, cell targeting, analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of sports injuries in both professional and non-professional athletes. It can also be used in other fields, such as biological analysis, chemical synthesis, optics, and acceleration in the treatment of critical sports injuries. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of microfluidic technology, including its fabrication methods, current platform materials, and its applications in sports medicine. Biocompatible, biodegradable, and semi-crystalline polymers with unique mechanical and thermal properties are one of the promising materials in microfluidic technology. Despite the numerous advantages of microfluidic technology, further research and development are necessary. Although the technology offers benefits such as ease of operation and cost efficiency, it is still in its early stages. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential of microfluidic technology and highlights the need for continued research to fully exploit its potential in the biomedical field and sport applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Lei
- Graduate School of Wuhan Institute of Physical Education, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Weiwu Ye
- National Traditional Sports College of Harbin Sports University, Harbin 150008, China.
| | - F Safdarin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, lslamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Sh Baghaei
- Mechanical Engineering Department, lslamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
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4
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Barbosa F, Dueñas-Pamplona J, Abreu CS, Oliveira MSN, Lima RA. Numerical Model Validation of the Blood Flow through a Microchannel Hyperbolic Contraction. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1886. [PMID: 37893323 PMCID: PMC10608998 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of blood flow through hyperbolic contraction with a discrete phase model (DPM) was experimentally validated. For this purpose, the positions and velocities of red blood cells (RBCs) flowing in a microchannel with hyperbolic contraction were experimentally assessed using image analysis techniques, and were subsequently compared with the numerical results. The numerically and experimentally obtained velocity fields were in good agreement, with errors smaller than 10%. Additionally, a nearly constant strain rate was observed in the contraction region, which can be attributed to the quasilinear increase in the velocity along the hyperbolic contraction. Therefore, the numerical technique used was validated due to the close similarity between the numerically and experimentally obtained results. The tested CFD model can be used to optimize the microchannel design by minimizing the need to fabricate prototypes and evaluate them experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Barbosa
- Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (METRICS), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Jorge Dueñas-Pamplona
- Departamento de Ingeniería Energética, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Cristiano S. Abreu
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Physics Department, Porto Superior Engineering Institute, ISEP, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica S. N. Oliveira
- James Weir Fluids Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK;
| | - Rui A. Lima
- Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (METRICS), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Taneva SG, Todinova S, Andreeva T. Morphometric and Nanomechanical Screening of Peripheral Blood Cells with Atomic Force Microscopy for Label-Free Assessment of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14296. [PMID: 37762599 PMCID: PMC10531602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are complex, multifactorial disorders with significant social and economic impact in today's society. NDDs are predicted to become the second-most common cause of death in the next few decades due to an increase in life expectancy but also to a lack of early diagnosis and mainly symptomatic treatment. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, there are yet no reliable biomarkers identifying the complex pathways contributing to these pathologies. The development of new approaches for early diagnosis and new therapies, together with the identification of non-invasive and more cost-effective diagnostic biomarkers, is one of the main trends in NDD biomedical research. Here we summarize data on peripheral biomarkers, biofluids (cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma), and peripheral blood cells (platelets (PLTs) and red blood cells (RBCs)), reported so far for the three most common NDDs-Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PLTs and RBCs, beyond their primary physiological functions, are increasingly recognized as valuable sources of biomarkers for NDDs. Special attention is given to the morphological and nanomechanical signatures of PLTs and RBCs as biophysical markers for the three pathologies. Modifications of the surface nanostructure and morphometric and nanomechanical signatures of PLTs and RBCs from patients with AD, PD, and ALS have been revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM is currently experiencing rapid and widespread adoption in biomedicine and clinical medicine, in particular for early diagnostics of various medical conditions. AFM is a unique instrument without an analog, allowing the generation of three-dimensional cell images with extremely high spatial resolution at near-atomic scale, which are complemented by insights into the mechanical properties of cells and subcellular structures. Data demonstrate that AFM can distinguish between the three pathologies and the normal, healthy state. The specific PLT and RBC signatures can serve as biomarkers in combination with the currently used diagnostic tools. We highlight the strong correlation of the morphological and nanomechanical signatures between RBCs and PLTs in PD, ALS, and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefka G. Taneva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Acad. G. Bontchev” Str. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.T.); (T.A.)
| | - Svetla Todinova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Acad. G. Bontchev” Str. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.T.); (T.A.)
| | - Tonya Andreeva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Acad. G. Bontchev” Str. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (S.T.); (T.A.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Reutlingen University, Alteburgstraße 150, D-72762 Reutlingen, Germany
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Abraham A, Virdi S, Herrero N, Bryant I, Nwakama C, Jacob M, Khaparde G, Jordan D, McCuddin M, McKinley S, Taylor A, Peeples C, Ekpenyong A. Microfluidic Microcirculation Mimetic for Exploring Biophysical Mechanisms of Chemotherapy-Induced Metastasis. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1653. [PMID: 37763816 PMCID: PMC10536821 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
There is rapidly emerging evidence from pre-clinical studies, patient samples and patient subpopulations that certain chemotherapeutics inadvertently produce prometastatic effects. Prior to this, we showed that doxorubicin and daunorubicin stiffen cells before causing cell death, predisposing the cells to clogging and extravasation, the latter being a step in metastasis. Here, we investigate which other anti-cancer drugs might have similar prometastatic effects by altering the biophysical properties of cells. We treated myelogenous (K562) leukemic cancer cells with the drugs nocodazole and hydroxyurea and then measured their mechanical properties using a microfluidic microcirculation mimetic (MMM) device, which mimics aspects of blood circulation and enables the measurement of cell mechanical properties via transit times through the device. We also quantified the morphological properties of cells to explore biophysical mechanisms underlying the MMM results. Results from MMM measurements show that nocodazole- and hydroxyurea-treated K562 cells exhibit significantly altered transit times. Nocodazole caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in transit times, implying a stiffening of cells. This work shows the feasibility of using an MMM to explore possible biophysical mechanisms that might contribute to chemotherapy-induced metastasis. Our work also suggests cell mechanics as a therapeutic target for much needed antimetastatic strategies in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Abraham
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Sukhman Virdi
- Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (S.V.); (I.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Nick Herrero
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Israel Bryant
- Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (S.V.); (I.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Chisom Nwakama
- Chemistry Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Megha Jacob
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Gargee Khaparde
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Destiny Jordan
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Mackenzie McCuddin
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Spencer McKinley
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Adam Taylor
- Biology Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.); (N.H.); (M.J.); (G.K.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Conner Peeples
- Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (S.V.); (I.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Andrew Ekpenyong
- Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (S.V.); (I.B.); (C.P.)
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7
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Barshtein G, Gural A, Arbell D, Barkan R, Livshits L, Pajic-Lijakovic I, Yedgar S. Red Blood Cell Deformability Is Expressed by a Set of Interrelated Membrane Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12755. [PMID: 37628935 PMCID: PMC10454903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) deformability, expressing their ability to change their shape, allows them to minimize their resistance to flow and optimize oxygen delivery to the tissues. RBC with reduced deformability may lead to increased vascular resistance, capillary occlusion, and impaired perfusion and oxygen delivery. A reduction in deformability, as occurs during RBC physiological aging and under blood storage, is implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse conditions with circulatory disorders and anemias. The change in RBC deformability is associated with metabolic and structural alterations, mostly uncharacterized. To bridge this gap, we analyzed the membrane protein levels, using mass spectroscopy, of RBC with varying deformability determined by image analysis. In total, 752 membrane proteins were identified. However, deformability was positively correlated with the level of only fourteen proteins, with a highly significant inter-correlation between them. These proteins are involved in membrane rafting and/or the membrane-cytoskeleton linkage. These findings suggest that the reduction of deformability is a programmed (not arbitrary) process of remodeling and shedding of membrane fragments, possibly mirroring the formation of extracellular vesicles. The highly significant inter-correlation between the deformability-expressing proteins infers that the cell deformability can be assessed by determining the level of a few, possibly one, of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Barshtein
- Department of Biochemistry, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Alexander Gural
- Blood Bank, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Dan Arbell
- Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Refael Barkan
- Department of Digital Medical Technologies, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel;
| | - Leonid Livshits
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | | | - Saul Yedgar
- Department of Biochemistry, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
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An L, Ji F, Zhao E, Liu Y, Liu Y. Measuring cell deformation by microfluidics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1214544. [PMID: 37434754 PMCID: PMC10331473 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1214544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an increasingly popular method for studying cell deformation, with various applications in fields such as cell biology, biophysics, and medical research. Characterizing cell deformation offers insights into fundamental cell processes, such as migration, division, and signaling. This review summarizes recent advances in microfluidic techniques for measuring cellular deformation, including the different types of microfluidic devices and methods used to induce cell deformation. Recent applications of microfluidics-based approaches for studying cell deformation are highlighted. Compared to traditional methods, microfluidic chips can control the direction and velocity of cell flow by establishing microfluidic channels and microcolumn arrays, enabling the measurement of cell shape changes. Overall, microfluidics-based approaches provide a powerful platform for studying cell deformation. It is expected that future developments will lead to more intelligent and diverse microfluidic chips, further promoting the application of microfluidics-based methods in biomedical research, providing more effective tools for disease diagnosis, drug screening, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling An
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Fenglong Ji
- School of Textile Materials and Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Enming Zhao
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
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9
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Saffari H, Hajiaghalou S, Hajari MA, Gourabi H, Fathi D, Fathi R. Design and fabrication of aspiration microfluidic channel for oocyte characterization. Talanta 2023; 254:124098. [PMID: 36462279 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development potential for oocytes can be predicted by their mechanical properties. One important parameter that is measured to calculate oocyte hardness is Cortical Tension (CT). In this work, for the first time, we present the design, simulation, and fabrication of a new aspiration microfluidic chip to measure the CT of oocytes and then predict their maturation capability in the Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage. This high-performance technique facilitates oocyte characterization and is a promising alternative to traditional methods such as MicroPipette Aspiration (MPA). The proposed technique involves considerably simpler operation, less specialized equipment, and less technical skill than MPA. The proposed microfluidic channel also promises faster measurements. It is shown that in order to completely continue the growth process of oocytes in GV stage, the CT should be in a certain range: very low or very high CTs lead to unsuccessful growth. The obtained results show that 79% of oocytes with the CT between 1.5 and 3 nN/μm reach the Metaphase II (MII) stage, whereas the growth for 78% of oocytes with the CT less than 1.5 nN/μm or higher than 3 nN/μm stops at the GV or Germinal Vesicle Break Down (GVBD) stages. Another property, kvis, that points to the viscous behavior of oocytes is also measured. It is seen that 80% of GV oocytes with the kvis values between 15 and 30 k Pa s/m reach the MII stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Saffari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - S Hajiaghalou
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - M A Hajari
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - D Fathi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran.
| | - R Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Lu N, Tay HM, Petchakup C, He L, Gong L, Maw KK, Leong SY, Lok WW, Ong HB, Guo R, Li KHH, Hou HW. Label-free microfluidic cell sorting and detection for rapid blood analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1226-1257. [PMID: 36655549 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00904h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blood tests are considered as standard clinical procedures to screen for markers of diseases and health conditions. However, the complex cellular background (>99.9% RBCs) and biomolecular composition often pose significant technical challenges for accurate blood analysis. An emerging approach for point-of-care blood diagnostics is utilizing "label-free" microfluidic technologies that rely on intrinsic cell properties for blood fractionation and disease detection without any antibody binding. A growing body of clinical evidence has also reported that cellular dysfunction and their biophysical phenotypes are complementary to standard hematoanalyzer analysis (complete blood count) and can provide a more comprehensive health profiling. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in microfluidic label-free separation of different blood cell components including circulating tumor cells, leukocytes, platelets and nanoscale extracellular vesicles. Label-free single cell analysis of intrinsic cell morphology, spectrochemical properties, dielectric parameters and biophysical characteristics as novel blood-based biomarkers will also be presented. Next, we will highlight research efforts that combine label-free microfluidics with machine learning approaches to enhance detection sensitivity and specificity in clinical studies, as well as innovative microfluidic solutions which are capable of fully integrated and label-free blood cell sorting and analysis. Lastly, we will envisage the current challenges and future outlook of label-free microfluidics platforms for high throughput multi-dimensional blood cell analysis to identify non-traditional circulating biomarkers for clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
| | - Hui Min Tay
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Chayakorn Petchakup
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Linwei He
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Lingyan Gong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Kay Khine Maw
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Sheng Yuan Leong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Wan Wei Lok
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Hong Boon Ong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
| | - Ruya Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - King Ho Holden Li
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
| | - Han Wei Hou
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Blk N3, Level 2, Room 86 (N3-02c-86), 639798, Singapore.
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, Nanyang Technological University, 65 Nanyang Drive, Block N3, 637460, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore
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11
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Salipante PF. Microfluidic techniques for mechanical measurements of biological samples. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011303. [PMID: 38505816 PMCID: PMC10903441 DOI: 10.1063/5.0130762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The use of microfluidics to make mechanical property measurements is increasingly common. Fabrication of microfluidic devices has enabled various types of flow control and sensor integration at micrometer length scales to interrogate biological materials. For rheological measurements of biofluids, the small length scales are well suited to reach high rates, and measurements can be made on droplet-sized samples. The control of flow fields, constrictions, and external fields can be used in microfluidics to make mechanical measurements of individual bioparticle properties, often at high sampling rates for high-throughput measurements. Microfluidics also enables the measurement of bio-surfaces, such as the elasticity and permeability properties of layers of cells cultured in microfluidic devices. Recent progress on these topics is reviewed, and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Salipante
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Polymers and Complex Fluids Group, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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12
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Amir S, Arathi A, Reshma S, Mohanan PV. Microfluidic devices for the detection of disease-specific proteins and other macromolecules, disease modelling and drug development: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123784. [PMID: 36822284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a revolutionary technology that has promising applications in the biomedical field.Integrating microfluidic technology with the traditional assays unravels the innumerable possibilities for translational biomedical research. Microfluidics has the potential to build up a novel platform for diagnosis and therapy through precise manipulation of fluids and enhanced throughput functions. The developments in microfluidics-based devices for diagnostics have evolved in the last decade and have been established for their rapid, effective, accurate and economic advantages. The efficiency and sensitivity of such devices to detect disease-specific macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids have made crucial impacts in disease diagnosis. The disease modelling using microfluidic systems provides a more prominent replication of the in vivo microenvironment and can be a better alternative for the existing disease models. These models can replicate critical microphysiology like the dynamic microenvironment, cellular interactions, and biophysical and biochemical cues. Microfluidics also provides a promising system for high throughput drug screening and delivery applications. However, microfluidics-based diagnostics still encounter related challenges in the reliability, real-time monitoring and reproducibility that circumvents this technology from being impacted in the healthcare industry. This review highlights the recent microfluidics developments for modelling and diagnosing common diseases, including cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory and autoimmune disorders, and its applications in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Amir
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - A Arathi
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - S Reshma
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - P V Mohanan
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum 695 012, Kerala, India.
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13
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Zainal Abidin NA, Timofeeva M, Szydzik C, Akbaridoust F, Lav C, Marusic I, Mitchell A, Hamilton JR, Ooi AS, Nesbitt WS. A microfluidic method to investigate platelet mechanotransduction under extensional strain. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:100037. [PMID: 36846647 PMCID: PMC9944983 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blood platelets have evolved a complex mechanotransduction machinery to rapidly respond to hemodynamic conditions. A variety of microfluidic flow-based approaches have been developed to explore platelet mechanotransduction; however, these experimental models primarily focus on the effects of increased wall shear stress on platelet adhesion events and do not consider the critical effects of extensional strain on platelet activation in free flow. Objectives We report the development and application of a hyperbolic microfluidic assay that allows for investigation of platelet mechanotransduction under quasi-homogenous extensional strain rates in the absence of surface adhesions. Methods Using a combined computational fluid dynamic and experimental microfluidic approach, we explore 5 extensional strain regimes (geometries) and their effect on platelet calcium signal transduction. Results We demonstrate that in the absence of canonical adhesion, receptor engagement platelets are highly sensitive to both initial increase and subsequent decrease in extensional strain rates within the range of 747 to 3319/s. Furthermore, we demonstrate that platelets rapidly respond to the rate of change in extensional strain and define a threshold of ≥7.33 × 106/s/m, with an optimal range of 9.21 × 107 to 1.32 × 108/s/m. In addition, we demonstrate a key role of both the actin-based cytoskeleton and annular microtubules in the modulation of extensional strain-mediated platelet mechanotransduction. Conclusion This method opens a window onto a novel platelet signal transduction mechanism and may have potential diagnostic utility in the identification of patients who are prone to thromboembolic complications associated with high-grade arterial stenosis or are on mechanical circulatory support systems, for which the extensional strain rate is a predominant hemodynamic driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul A. Zainal Abidin
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mariia Timofeeva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Crispin Szydzik
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Farzan Akbaridoust
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chitrarth Lav
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Scuderia AlphaTauri F1, Bicester, UK
| | - Ivan Marusic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arnan Mitchell
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin R. Hamilton
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew S.H. Ooi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warwick S. Nesbitt
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Correspondence Warwick S. Nesbitt, The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
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14
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Grigorev GV, Lebedev AV, Wang X, Qian X, Maksimov GV, Lin L. Advances in Microfluidics for Single Red Blood Cell Analysis. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:117. [PMID: 36671952 PMCID: PMC9856164 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The utilizations of microfluidic chips for single RBC (red blood cell) studies have attracted great interests in recent years to filter, trap, analyze, and release single erythrocytes for various applications. Researchers in this field have highlighted the vast potential in developing micro devices for industrial and academia usages, including lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip systems. This article critically reviews the current state-of-the-art and recent advances of microfluidics for single RBC analyses, including integrated sensors and microfluidic platforms for microscopic/tomographic/spectroscopic single RBC analyses, trapping arrays (including bifurcating channels), dielectrophoretic and agglutination/aggregation studies, as well as clinical implications covering cancer, sepsis, prenatal, and Sickle Cell diseases. Microfluidics based RBC microarrays, sorting/counting and trapping techniques (including acoustic, dielectrophoretic, hydrodynamic, magnetic, and optical techniques) are also reviewed. Lastly, organs on chips, multi-organ chips, and drug discovery involving single RBC are described. The limitations and drawbacks of each technology are addressed and future prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii V. Grigorev
- Data Science and Information Technology Research Center, Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California in Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- School of Information Technology, Cherepovets State University, 162600 Cherepovets, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Lebedev
- Machine Building Department, Bauman Moscow State University, 105005 Moscow, Russia
| | - Xiaohao Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang Qian
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George V. Maksimov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Physical metallurgy Department, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education National Research Technological University “MISiS”, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liwei Lin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California in Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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15
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Taraconat P, Gineys JP, Isebe D, Nicoud F, Mendez S. Red blood cell rheology during a complete blood count: A proof of concept. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280952. [PMID: 36706122 PMCID: PMC9882912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Counting and sizing blood cells in hematological analyzers is achieved using the Coulter principle. The cells flow in a micro-aperture in which a strong electrical field is imposed, so that an electrical perturbation, called pulse, is measured each time a cell crosses the orifice. The pulses are expected to contain information on the shape and deformability of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), since recent studies state that RBCs rotate and deform in the micro-orifice. By implementing a dedicated numerical model, the present study sheds light on a variety of cells dynamics, which leads to different associated pulse signatures. Furthermore, simulations provide new insights on how RBCs shapes and mechanical properties affect the measured signals. Those numerical observations are confirmed by experimental assays. Finally, specific features are introduced for assessing the most relevant characteristics from the various pulse signatures and shown to highlight RBCs alterations induced by drugs. In summary, this study paves the way to a characterization of RBC rheology by routine hematological instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Taraconat
- Horiba Medical, Montpellier, France
- Institut Montpellierain Alexander Grothendieck, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (PT); (SM)
| | | | | | - Franck Nicoud
- Institut Montpellierain Alexander Grothendieck, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Mendez
- Institut Montpellierain Alexander Grothendieck, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (PT); (SM)
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16
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Stathoulopoulos A, Passos A, Balabani S. Flows of healthy and hardened RBC suspensions through a micropillar array. Med Eng Phys 2022; 107:103874. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2022.103874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Maia R, Carvalho V, Faria B, Miranda I, Catarino S, Teixeira S, Lima R, Minas G, Ribeiro J. Diagnosis Methods for COVID-19: A Systematic Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1349. [PMID: 36014271 PMCID: PMC9415914 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
At the end of 2019, the coronavirus appeared and spread extremely rapidly, causing millions of infections and deaths worldwide, and becoming a global pandemic. For this reason, it became urgent and essential to find adequate tests for an accurate and fast diagnosis of this disease. In the present study, a systematic review was performed in order to provide an overview of the COVID-19 diagnosis methods and tests already available, as well as their evolution in recent months. For this purpose, the Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to collect the data and three authors independently screened the references, extracted the main information, and assessed the quality of the included studies. After the analysis of the collected data, 34 studies reporting new methods to diagnose COVID-19 were selected. Although RT-PCR is the gold-standard method for COVID-19 diagnosis, it cannot fulfill all the requirements of this pandemic, being limited by the need for highly specialized equipment and personnel to perform the assays, as well as the long time to get the test results. To fulfill the limitations of this method, other alternatives, including biological and imaging analysis methods, also became commonly reported. The comparison of the different diagnosis tests allowed to understand the importance and potential of combining different techniques, not only to improve diagnosis but also for a further understanding of the virus, the disease, and their implications in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Maia
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Violeta Carvalho
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- ALGORITMI, Production and Systems Department, School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Faria
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Inês Miranda
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Catarino
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Senhorinha Teixeira
- ALGORITMI, Production and Systems Department, School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui Lima
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- CEFT, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Graça Minas
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Ribeiro
- ALiCE, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Campus de Santa Apolónia, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Campus de Santa Apolónia, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Campus de Santa Apolónia, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
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18
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Besedina NA, Skverchinskaya EA, Shmakov SV, Ivanov AS, Mindukshev IV, Bukatin AS. Persistent red blood cells retain their ability to move in microcapillaries under high levels of oxidative stress. Commun Biol 2022; 5:659. [PMID: 35787676 PMCID: PMC9253111 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the key factors that leads to red blood cells (RBCs) aging, and impairs their biomechanics and oxygen delivery. It occurs during numerous pathological processes and causes anaemia, one of the most frequent side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Here, we used microfluidics to simulate the microcirculation of RBCs under oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide. Oxidative stress was expected to make RBCs more rigid, which would lead to decrease their transit velocity in microfluidic channels. However, single-cell tracking combined with cytological and AFM studies reveals cell heterogeneity, which increases with the level of oxidative stress. The data indicates that the built-in antioxidant defence system has a limit exceeding which haemoglobin oxidation, membrane, and cytoskeleton transformation occurs. It leads to cell swelling, increased stiffness and adhesion, resulting in a decrease in the transit velocity in microcapillaries. However, even at high levels of oxidative stress, there are persistent cells in the population with an undisturbed biophysical phenotype that retain the ability to move in microcapillaries. Developed microfluidic analysis can be used to determine RBCs' antioxidant capacity for the minimization of anaemia during cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander S Ivanov
- Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor V Mindukshev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton S Bukatin
- Department of Physics, Alferov University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. .,Institute for Analytical Instrumentation of the RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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19
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Geometry effect in multi-step crossflow microfluidic devices for red blood cells separation and deformability assessment. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 24:20. [PMID: 35670892 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The efficient separation of blood components using microfluidic systems can help to improve the detection and diagnosis of several diseases, such as malaria and diabetes. Therefore, a novel multi-step microfluidic device, based on passive crossflow filters was developed. Three different designs were proposed, fabricated and tested in order to evaluate the most suitable geometry to perform, simultaneously, blood cells separation and cell deformability measurements. All the proposed geometries include a main channel and three sequential separation steps, all comprised of symmetrical crossflow filters, with multiple rows of pillars, to reduce the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) flowing to the outlets of the microfluidic device (MD). Sets of hyperbolic constrictions located at the outlets allow the assessment of cells deformability. Based on the proposed geometries, the three correspondent MD were evaluated and compared, by measuring the RBCs velocities, the cell-free layer (CFL) effect through the microchannels and by quantifying the amount of RBCs at the outlets. The results suggest that the proposed MD 3 configuration was the most effective one for the desired application, due to the formation of a wider CFL. As a result, a minor amount of RBCs flow through the hyperbolic contraction at the third separation level of the device. Nevertheless, for all the proposed geometries, the existence of three separation levels shows that it is possible to achieve a highly efficient cell separation. If needed, such microdevices have the potential for further improvements by increasing the number of separation levels, aiming the total separation of blood cells from plasma.
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20
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21
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Label-free multi-step microfluidic device for mechanical characterization of blood cells: Diabetes type II. MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2022.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Fluid Flow and Structural Numerical Analysis of a Cerebral Aneurysm Model. FLUIDS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fluids7030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are dilations of the cerebral arteries and, in most cases, have no symptoms. However, it is a very serious pathology, with a high mortality rate after rupture. Several studies have been focused only on the hemodynamics of the flow within the IA. However, besides the effect of the flow, the development and rupture of the IA are also associated with a combination of other factors such as the wall mechanical behavior. Thus, the objective of this work was to analyze, in addition to the flow behavior, the biomechanical behavior of the aneurysm wall. For this, CFD simulations were performed for different Reynolds numbers (1, 100, 500 and 1000) and for two different rheological models (Newtonian and Carreau). Subsequently, the pressure values of the fluid simulations were exported to the structural simulations in order to qualitatively observe the deformations, strains, normal stresses and shear stress generated in the channel wall. For the structural simulations, a hyperelastic constitutive model (5-parameter Mooney–Rivlin) was used. The results show that with the increase in the Reynolds number (Re), the recirculation phenomenon is more pronounced, which is not seen for Re = 1. The higher the Re, the higher the strain, displacement, normal and shear stresses values.
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23
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Islam MN, Yost JW, Gagnon ZR. Microfluidic pressure in paper (μPiP): rapid prototyping and low-cost liquid handling for on-chip diagnostics. Analyst 2022; 147:587-596. [PMID: 35037668 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01676h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Paper-based microfluidics was initially developed for use in ultra-low-cost diagnostics powered passively by liquid wicking. However, there is significant untapped potential in using paper to internally guide porous microfluidic flows using externally applied pressure gradients. Here, we present a new technique for fabricating and utilizing low-cost polymer-laminated paper-based microfluidic devices using external pressure. Known as microfluidic pressure in paper (μPiP), devices fabricated by this technique are capable of sustaining a pressure gradient for use in precise liquid handling and manipulation applications similar to conventional microfluidic open-channel designs, but instead where fluid is driven directly through the porous paper structure. μPiP devices can be both rapidly prototyped or scalably manufactured and deployed at commercial scale with minimal time, equipment, and training requirements. We present an analysis of continuous pressure-driven flow in porous paper-based microfluidic channels and demonstrate broad applicability of this method in performing a variety of different liquid handling applications, including measuring red blood cell deformability and performing continuous free-flow DNA electrophoresis. This new platform offers a budget-friendly method for performing microfluidic operations for both academic prototyping and large-scale commercial device production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nazibul Islam
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, USA.
| | - Jarad W Yost
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, USA.
| | - Zachary R Gagnon
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, USA.
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24
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Low-Cost Multifunctional Vacuum Chamber for Manufacturing PDMS Based Composites. MACHINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/machines10020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the best known elastomers and has been used in several areas of activity, due to its excellent characteristics and properties, such as biocompatibility, flexibility, optical transparency and chemical stability. Furthermore, PDMS modified with other materials promotes the desired changes to broaden its range of applications in various fields of science. However, the heating, mixing and degassing steps of the manufacturing process have not received much attention in recent years when it comes to blending with solid materials. For instance, PDMS has been extensively studied in combination with waxes, which are frequently in a solid state at room temperature and as a result the interaction and manufacturing process are extremely complex and can compromise the desired material. Thus, in this work it is proposed a multifunctional vacuum chamber (MVC) with the aim to improve and accelerate the manufacturing process of PDMS composites combined with additives, blends and different kinds of solid materials. The MVC developed in this work allows to control the mixing speed parameters, temperature control and internal pressure. In addition, it is a low cost equipment and can be used for other possible modifications with different materials and processes with the ability to control those parameters. As a result, samples fabricated by using the MVC can achieve a time improvement over 133% at the heating and mixing step and approximately 200% at the last degassing step. Regarding the complete manufacturing process, it is possible to achieve an improvement over 150%, when compared with the conventional manufacturing process. When compared to maximum tensile strength, specimens manufactured using the MVC have shown a 39% and 65% improvement in maximum strain. The samples have also shown a 9% improvement in transparency at room temperature and 12% at a temperature of about 75 °C. It should be noted that the proposed MVC can be used for other blends and manufacturing processes where it is desirable to control the temperature, agitation speed and pressure.
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Miranda I, Souza A, Sousa P, Ribeiro J, Castanheira EMS, Lima R, Minas G. Properties and Applications of PDMS for Biomedical Engineering: A Review. J Funct Biomater 2021; 13:2. [PMID: 35076525 PMCID: PMC8788510 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an elastomer with excellent optical, electrical and mechanical properties, which makes it well-suited for several engineering applications. Due to its biocompatibility, PDMS is widely used for biomedical purposes. This widespread use has also led to the massification of the soft-lithography technique, introduced for facilitating the rapid prototyping of micro and nanostructures using elastomeric materials, most notably PDMS. This technique has allowed advances in microfluidic, electronic and biomedical fields. In this review, an overview of the properties of PDMS and some of its commonly used treatments, aiming at the suitability to those fields' needs, are presented. Applications such as microchips in the biomedical field, replication of cardiovascular flow and medical implants are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Miranda
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal; (I.M.); (P.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Andrews Souza
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal;
| | - Paulo Sousa
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal; (I.M.); (P.S.); (G.M.)
| | - João Ribeiro
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Campus de Santa Apolónia, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal;
| | - Elisabete M. S. Castanheira
- Centre of Physics of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Rui Lima
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal;
- CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Graça Minas
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal; (I.M.); (P.S.); (G.M.)
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Ariati R, Sales F, Souza A, Lima RA, Ribeiro J. Polydimethylsiloxane Composites Characterization and Its Applications: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13234258. [PMID: 34883762 PMCID: PMC8659928 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the most promising elastomers due its remarkable proprieties such as good thermal stability, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, flexibility, low cost, ease of use, chemically inertia, hyperplastic characteristics, and gas permeability. Thus, it can be used in areas such as microfluidic systems, biomedical devices, electronic components, membranes for filtering and pervaporation, sensors, and coatings. Although pure PDMS has low mechanical properties, such as low modulus of elasticity and strength, it can be improved by mixing the PDMS with other polymers and by adding particles or reinforcements. Fiber-reinforced PDMS has proved to be a good alternative to manufacturing flexible displays, batteries, wearable devices, tactile sensors, and energy harvesting systems. PDMS and particulates are often used in the separation of liquids from wastewater by means of porosity followed by hydrophobicity. Waxes such as beeswax and paraffin have proved to be materials capable of improving properties such as the hydrophobic, corrosion-resistant, thermal, and optical properties of PDMS. Finally, when blended with polymers such as poly (vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate), PDMS becomes a highly efficient alternative for membrane separation applications. However, to the best of our knowledge there are few works dedicated to the review and comparison of different PDMS composites. Hence, this review will be focused on PDMS composites, their respective applications, and properties. Generally, the combination of elastomer with fibers, particles, waxes, polymers, and others it will be discussed, with the aim of producing a review that demonstrates the wide applications of this material and how tailored characteristics can be reached for custom applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronaldo Ariati
- ESTiG, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (R.A.); (F.S.); (J.R.)
| | - Flaminio Sales
- ESTiG, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (R.A.); (F.S.); (J.R.)
| | - Andrews Souza
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Rui A. Lima
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - João Ribeiro
- ESTiG, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (R.A.); (F.S.); (J.R.)
- CIMO, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal
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Méndez-Mora L, Cabello-Fusarés M, Ferré-Torres J, Riera-Llobet C, Krishnevskaya E, Trejo-Soto C, Payán-Pernía S, Hernández-Rodríguez I, Morales-Indiano C, Alarcón T, Vives-Corrons JL, Hernandez-Machado A. Blood Rheological Characterization of β-Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia Using Front Microrheometry. Front Physiol 2021; 12:761411. [PMID: 34744796 PMCID: PMC8566979 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.761411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to develop a hematocrit-independent method for the detection of beta-thalassemia trait (β-TT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), through the rheological characterization of whole blood samples from different donors. The results obtained herein are the basis for the development of a front microrheometry point-of-care device for the diagnosis and clinical follow-up of β-TT patients suffering hematological diseases and alterations in the morphology of the red blood cell (RBC). The viscosity is calculated as a function of the mean front velocity by detecting the sample fluid-air interface advancing through a microfluidic channel. Different viscosity curves are obtained for healthy donors, β-TT and IDA samples. A mathematical model is introduced to compare samples of distinct hematocrit, classifying the viscosity curve patterns with respect to the health condition of blood. The viscosity of the fluid at certain shear rate values varies depending on several RBC factors such as shape and size, hemoglobin (Hb) content, membrane rigidity and hematocrit concentration. Blood and plasma from healthy donors are used as reference. To validate their potential clinical value as a diagnostic tool, the viscosity results are compared to those obtained by the gold-standard method for RBC deformability evaluation, the Laser-Optical Rotational Red Cell Analyzer (LoRRCA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Méndez-Mora
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Josep Ferré-Torres
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Riera-Llobet
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Krishnevskaya
- Red Cell Pathology and Hematopoietic Disorders (Rare Anemias) Unit, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Claudia Trejo-Soto
- Instituto de Física, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Salvador Payán-Pernía
- Red Blood Cell Disorders Unit, Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS/CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Rodríguez
- Hematology Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain
| | - Cristian Morales-Indiano
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Tomas Alarcón
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joan-Lluis Vives-Corrons
- Red Cell Pathology and Hematopoietic Disorders (Rare Anemias) Unit, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Aurora Hernandez-Machado
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Carvalho V, Rodrigues RO, Lima RA, Teixeira S. Computational Simulations in Advanced Microfluidic Devices: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12101149. [PMID: 34683199 PMCID: PMC8539624 DOI: 10.3390/mi12101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Numerical simulations have revolutionized research in several engineering areas by contributing to the understanding and improvement of several processes, being biomedical engineering one of them. Due to their potential, computational tools have gained visibility and have been increasingly used by several research groups as a supporting tool for the development of preclinical platforms as they allow studying, in a more detailed and faster way, phenomena that are difficult to study experimentally due to the complexity of biological processes present in these models—namely, heat transfer, shear stresses, diffusion processes, velocity fields, etc. There are several contributions already in the literature, and significant advances have been made in this field of research. This review provides the most recent progress in numerical studies on advanced microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices, and how these studies can be helpful in enhancing our insight into the physical processes involved and in developing more effective OoC platforms. In general, it has been noticed that in some cases, the numerical studies performed have limitations that need to be improved, and in the majority of the studies, it is extremely difficult to replicate the data due to the lack of detail around the simulations carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Carvalho
- MEtRICs, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ALGORITMI, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Raquel O. Rodrigues
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Rui A. Lima
- MEtRICs, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- CEFT, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Senhorinha Teixeira
- ALGORITMI, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
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Foster KM, Papavassiliou DV, O’Rear EA. Elongational Stresses and Cells. Cells 2021; 10:2352. [PMID: 34572002 PMCID: PMC8471242 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid forces and their effects on cells have been researched for quite some time, especially in the realm of biology and medicine. Shear forces have been the primary emphasis, often attributed as being the main source of cell deformation/damage in devices like prosthetic heart valves and artificial organs. Less well understood and studied are extensional stresses which are often found in such devices, in bioreactors, and in normal blood circulation. Several microfluidic channels utilizing hyperbolic, abrupt, or tapered constrictions and cross-flow geometries, have been used to isolate the effects of extensional flow. Under such flow cell deformations, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and a variety of other cell types have been examined. Results suggest that extensional stresses cause larger deformation than shear stresses of the same magnitude. This has further implications in assessing cell injury from mechanical forces in artificial organs and bioreactors. The cells' greater sensitivity to extensional stress has found utility in mechanophenotyping devices, which have been successfully used to identify pathologies that affect cell deformability. Further application outside of biology includes disrupting cells for increased food product stability and harvesting macromolecules for biofuel. The effects of extensional stresses on cells remains an area meriting further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edgar A. O’Rear
- Department of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (K.M.F.); (D.V.P.)
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Combining microfluidics with machine learning algorithms for RBC classification in rare hereditary hemolytic anemia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13553. [PMID: 34193899 PMCID: PMC8245545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining microfluidics technology with machine learning represents an innovative approach to conduct massive quantitative cell behavior study and implement smart decision-making systems in support of clinical diagnostics. The spleen plays a key-role in rare hereditary hemolytic anemia (RHHA), being the organ responsible for the premature removal of defective red blood cells (RBCs). The goal is to adapt the physiological spleen filtering strategy for in vitro study and monitoring of blood diseases through RBCs shape analysis. Then, a microfluidic device mimicking the slits of the spleen red pulp area and video data analysis are combined for the characterization of RBCs in RHHA. This microfluidic unit is designed to evaluate RBC deformability by maintaining them fixed in planar orientation, allowing the visual inspection of RBC’s capacity to restore their original shape after crossing microconstrictions. Then, two cooperative learning approaches are used for the analysis: the majority voting scheme, in which the most voted label for all the cell images is the class assigned to the entire video; and the maximum sum of scores to decide the maximally scored class to assign. The proposed platform shows the capability to discriminate healthy controls and patients with an average efficiency of 91%, but also to distinguish between RHHA subtypes, with an efficiency of 82%.
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31
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Sadek SH, Rubio M, Lima R, Vega EJ. Blood Particulate Analogue Fluids: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:2451. [PMID: 34065125 PMCID: PMC8126041 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics has proven to be an extraordinary working platform to mimic and study blood flow phenomena and the dynamics of components of the human microcirculatory system. However, the use of real blood increases the complexity to perform these kinds of in vitro blood experiments due to diverse problems such as coagulation, sample storage, and handling problems. For this reason, interest in the development of fluids with rheological properties similar to those of real blood has grown over the last years. The inclusion of microparticles in blood analogue fluids is essential to reproduce multiphase effects taking place in a microcirculatory system, such as the cell-free layer (CFL) and Fähraeus-Lindqvist effect. In this review, we summarize the progress made in the last twenty years. Size, shape, mechanical properties, and even biological functionalities of microparticles produced/used to mimic red blood cells (RBCs) are critically exposed and analyzed. The methods developed to fabricate these RBC templates are also shown. The dynamic flow/rheology of blood particulate analogue fluids proposed in the literature (with different particle concentrations, in most of the cases, relatively low) is shown and discussed in-depth. Although there have been many advances, the development of a reliable blood particulate analogue fluid, with around 45% by volume of microparticles, continues to be a big challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Hassan Sadek
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de los Materiales and Instituto de Computación Científica Avanzada (ICCAEx), Universidad de Extremadura, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain; (S.H.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Manuel Rubio
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de los Materiales and Instituto de Computación Científica Avanzada (ICCAEx), Universidad de Extremadura, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain; (S.H.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Rui Lima
- MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
- Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emilio José Vega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de los Materiales and Instituto de Computación Científica Avanzada (ICCAEx), Universidad de Extremadura, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain; (S.H.S.); (M.R.)
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32
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Li Z, Yang X, Zhang Q, Yang W, Zhang H, Liu L, Liang W. Non-invasive acquisition of mechanical properties of cells via passive microfluidic mechanisms: A review. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:031501. [PMID: 34178202 PMCID: PMC8205512 DOI: 10.1063/5.0052185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The demand to understand the mechanical properties of cells from biomedical, bioengineering, and clinical diagnostic fields has given rise to a variety of research studies. In this context, how to use lab-on-a-chip devices to achieve accurate, high-throughput, and non-invasive acquisition of the mechanical properties of cells has become the focus of many studies. Accordingly, we present a comprehensive review of the development of the measurement of mechanical properties of cells using passive microfluidic mechanisms, including constriction channel-based, fluid-induced, and micropipette aspiration-based mechanisms. This review discusses how these mechanisms work to determine the mechanical properties of the cell as well as their advantages and disadvantages. A detailed discussion is also presented on a series of typical applications of these three mechanisms to measure the mechanical properties of cells. At the end of this article, the current challenges and future prospects of these mechanisms are demonstrated, which will help guide researchers who are interested to get into this area of research. Our conclusion is that these passive microfluidic mechanisms will offer more preferences for the development of lab-on-a-chip technologies and hold great potential for advancing biomedical and bioengineering research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Xieliu Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenfeng Liang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
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Visualization and Measurements of Blood Cells Flowing in Microfluidic Systems and Blood Rheology: A Personalized Medicine Perspective. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040249. [PMID: 33256123 PMCID: PMC7712771 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemorheological alterations in the majority of metabolic diseases are always connected with blood rheology disturbances, such as the increase of blood and plasma viscosity, cell aggregation enhancement, and reduction of the red blood cells (RBCs) deformability. Thus, the visualizations and measurements of blood cells deformability flowing in microfluidic devices (point-of-care devices) can provide vital information to diagnose early symptoms of blood diseases and consequently to be used as a fast clinical tool for early detection of biomarkers. For instance, RBCs rigidity has been correlated with myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, among other blood diseases. In order to better understand the blood cells behavior in microfluidic devices, rheological properties analysis is gaining interest by the biomedical committee, since it is strongly dependent on the interactions and mechanical cells proprieties. In addition, the development of blood analogue fluids capable of reproducing the rheological properties of blood and mimic the RBCs behavior at in vitro conditions is crucial for the design, performance and optimization of the microfluidic devices frequently used for personalized medicine. By combining the unique features of the hemorheology and microfluidic technology for single-cell analysis, valuable advances in personalized medicine for new treatments and diagnosis approach can be achieved.
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Liu Y, Zografos K, Fidalgo J, Duchêne C, Quintard C, Darnige T, Filipe V, Huille S, du Roure O, Oliveira MSN, Lindner A. Optimised hyperbolic microchannels for the mechanical characterisation of bio-particles. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:9844-9856. [PMID: 32996949 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01293a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The transport of bio-particles in viscous flows exhibits a rich variety of dynamical behaviour, such as morphological transitions, complex orientation dynamics or deformations. Characterising such complex behaviour under well controlled flows is key to understanding the microscopic mechanical properties of biological particles as well as the rheological properties of their suspensions. While generating regions of simple shear flow in microfluidic devices is relatively straightforward, generating straining flows in which the strain rate is maintained constant for a sufficiently long time to observe the objects' morphologic evolution is far from trivial. In this work, we propose an innovative approach based on optimised design of microfluidic converging-diverging channels coupled with a microscope-based tracking method to characterise the dynamic behaviour of individual bio-particles under homogeneous straining flow. The tracking algorithm, combining a motorised stage and a microscopy imaging system controlled by external signals, allows us to follow individual bio-particles transported over long-distances with high-quality images. We demonstrate experimentally the ability of the numerically optimised microchannels to provide linear velocity streamwise gradients along the centreline of the device, allowing for extended consecutive regions of homogeneous elongation and compression. We selected three test cases (DNA, actin filaments and protein aggregates) to highlight the ability of our approach for investigating dynamics of objects with a wide range of sizes, characteristics and behaviours of relevance in the biological world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- PMMH, CNRS, ESPCI Paris PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75005, Paris, France.
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Faivre M, Renoux C, Bessaa A, Da Costa L, Joly P, Gauthier A, Connes P. Mechanical Signature of Red Blood Cells Flowing Out of a Microfluidic Constriction Is Impacted by Membrane Elasticity, Cell Surface-to-Volume Ratio and Diseases. Front Physiol 2020; 11:576. [PMID: 32595519 PMCID: PMC7303906 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that Red Blood Cells (RBCs) have been intensively studied in the past 50 years to characterize mechanical phenotypes associated with both healthy and pathological states, only ektacytometry (i.e., laser diffractometry) is currently used by hematologists to screen for RBC membrane disorders. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic tools able to perform analysis at the scale of a single cell, over a statistically relevant population, would provide important complementary information. But these new diagnostic tools would have to be able to discriminate between different disorders causing a change in RBCs mechanical properties. We evaluated the mechanical response of artificially rigidified RBCs flowing through a microfluidic constriction. The geometry consists in a 50 μm wide channel with a succession of 14 tooth-like patterns, each composed of a 5 μm wide and 10 μm long constriction, associated with a 25 μm wide and 10 μm long enlargement. RBCs deformability was altered using two chemical treatments, known to affect RBCs membrane surface area and membrane deformability, lysolecithine (LPC) and diamide, respectively. Differences between samples were highlighted by the representation of the inverse of the shape recovery time (1/τ r ), versus the extension at the exit of the constriction, D out . The results demonstrate that our approach is able to provide a direct signature of RBCs membrane composition and architecture, as it allows discriminating the effect of changes in RBCs membrane surface area from changes in RBCs membrane deformability. Finally, in order to evaluate the potential of our microsystem to detect pathological cells, we have performed preliminary experiments on patients with Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS) or Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Faivre
- Université de Lyon, Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon INL-UMR 5270 CNRS, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Céline Renoux
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Equipe “Biologie Vasculaire et du Globule Rouge”, UCBL1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
- Biochimie des Pathologies Érythrocytaires, Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Est, HCL, Bron, France
| | - Amel Bessaa
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Equipe “Biologie Vasculaire et du Globule Rouge”, UCBL1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Lydie Da Costa
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Service d’Hématologie Biologique, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Université Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1149, CRI, Faculté de Médecine Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Joly
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Equipe “Biologie Vasculaire et du Globule Rouge”, UCBL1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
- Biochimie des Pathologies Érythrocytaires, Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Est, HCL, Bron, France
| | - Alexandra Gauthier
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Equipe “Biologie Vasculaire et du Globule Rouge”, UCBL1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
- Institut d’Hématologie et d’Oncologie Pédiatrique (IHOP), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Connes
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Equipe “Biologie Vasculaire et du Globule Rouge”, UCBL1, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence (Labex) GR-Ex, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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36
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Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro/Nano Devices for Blood Analysis. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10100708. [PMID: 31635320 PMCID: PMC6843807 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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