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Emadzadeh K, Ghafarinia V. Development of a direct PMMA-PCB bonding method for low cost and rapid prototyping of microfluidic-based gas analysers. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22598-22605. [PMID: 39021459 PMCID: PMC11253792 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03039g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices requires low cost materials and simple fabrication methods. PMMA and PCB have been used separately for the fabrication of microfluidic devices in a wide range of applications. Although the combined use of PMMA and PCB can have considerable merits, few works have been reported on the direct bonding of these materials. In this work we have investigated the fabrication of microfluidic devices using PMMA and PCB for the analysis of gaseous samples. In order to yield a reliable direct bonding method, four parameters including temperature, pressure, solvent and patterned interface material were experimentally investigated. Results of testing various prototypes showed that a patterned interface of concentric rectangular copper rings exposed to solvent at room temperature and under moderate pressure provided better adhesion strength, sealing and durability. After successful development of the PMMA-PCB direct bonding process, sample prototypes were designed and fabricated to practically assess the combined advantages of two materials. Presented concepts include implementation of heater on a PCB, array of gas sensors coupled with microchannels, serpentine microchannel and fast evaporation of liquid sample using an SMD resistor. It has been shown that advantages of utilizing PMMA such as fabricating the channel easily and with low cost, can be combined with benefits of a PCB including simple sensor installation and the use of copper tracks and electronic components for gas flow modulation. Moreover, it is possible to implement channel, circuit and other electronic components such as microprocessors on a single device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoun Emadzadeh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
| | - Vahid Ghafarinia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
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2
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Hamza A, Navale A, Song Q, Bhagwat S, Kotz-Helmer F, Pezeshkpour P, Rapp BE. 3D printed microfluidic valve on PCB for flow control applications using liquid metal. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:14. [PMID: 38289398 PMCID: PMC10827904 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00697-z] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Direct 3D printing of active microfluidic elements on PCB substrates enables high-speed fabrication of stand-alone microdevices for a variety of health and energy applications. Microvalves are key components of microfluidic devices and liquid metal (LM) microvalves exhibit promising flow control in microsystems integrated with PCBs. In this paper, we demonstrate LM microvalves directly 3D printed on PCB using advanced digital light processing (DLP). Electrodes on PCB are coated by carbon ink to prevent alloying between gallium-based LM plug and copper electrodes. We used DLP 3D printers with in-house developed acrylic-based resins, Isobornyl Acrylate, and Diurethane Dimethacrylate (DUDMA) and functionalized PCB surface with acrylic-based resin for strong bonding. Valving seats are printed in a 3D caterpillar geometry with chamber diameter of 700 µm. We successfully printed channels and nozzles down to 90 µm. Aiming for microvalves for low-power applications, we applied square-wave voltage of 2 Vpp at a range of frequencies between 5 to 35 Hz. The results show precise control of the bistable valving mechanism based on electrochemical actuation of LMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hamza
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anagha Navale
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Qingchuan Song
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sagar Bhagwat
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frederik Kotz-Helmer
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pegah Pezeshkpour
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Bastian E Rapp
- Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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Krakos A, Cieślak A, Hartel E, Łabowska MB, Kulbacka J, Detyna J. 3D bio-printed hydrogel inks promoting lung cancer cell growth in a lab-on-chip culturing platform. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:349. [PMID: 37572169 PMCID: PMC10423169 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The results of a lab-on-chip (LOC) platform fabrication equipped with a hydrogel matrix is reported. A 3D printing technique was used to provide a hybrid, "sandwiched" type structure, including two microfluidic substrates of different origins. Special attention was paid to achieving uniformly bio-printed microfluidic hydrogel layers of a unique composition. Six different hydrogel inks were proposed containing sodium alginate, agar, chitosan, gelatin, methylcellulose, deionized water, or 0.9% NaCl, varying in proportions. All of them exhibited appropriate mechanical properties showing, e.g., the value of elasticity modulus as similar to that of biological tissues, such as skin. Utilizing our biocompatible, entirely 3D bio-printed structure, for the first time, a multi-drug-resistant lung cancer cell line (H69AR) was cultured on-chip. Biological validation of the device was performed qualitatively and quantitatively utilizing LIVE/DEAD assays and Presto blue staining. Although all bio-inks exhibited acceptable cell viability, the best results were obtained for the hydrogel composition including 3% sodium alginate + 7% gelatin + 90% NaCl (0.9%), reaching approximately 127.2% after 24 h and 105.4% after 48 h compared to the control group (100%). Further research in this area will focus on the microfluidic culture of the chosen cancer cell line (H69AR) and the development of novel drug delivery strategies towards appropriate in vivo models for chemotherapy and polychemotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Krakos
- Department of Microsystems, Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11/17, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Adrianna Cieślak
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Eliza Hartel
- Department of Microsystems, Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11/17, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Beata Łabowska
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jerzy Detyna
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-371, Wroclaw, Poland
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4
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Xu X, Wang F, Qin Z, Wen B. Electrowetting lattice Boltzmann method for micro- and nano-droplet manipulations. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:045305. [PMID: 37198769 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.045305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Electrowetting has become a widely used tool for manipulating tiny amounts of liquids on surfaces. This paper proposes an electrowetting lattice Boltzmann method for manipulating micro-nano droplets. The hydrodynamics with the nonideal effect is modeled by the chemical-potential multiphase model, in which the phase transition and equilibrium are directly driven by chemical potential. For electrostatics, droplets in the micro-nano scale cannot be considered as equipotential as macroscopic droplets due to the Debye screening effect. Therefore, we linearly discretize the continuous Poisson-Boltzmann equation in a Cartesian coordinate system, and the electric potential distribution is stabilized by iterative computations. The electric potential distribution of droplets at different scales suggests that the electric field can still penetrate micro-nano droplets even with the screening effect. The accuracy of the numerical method is verified by simulating the static equilibrium of the droplet under the applied voltage, and the results show the apparent contact angles agree very well with the Lippmann-Young equation. The microscopic contact angles present some obvious deviations due to the sharp decrease of electric field strength near the three-phase contact point. These are consistent with previously reported experimental and theoretical analyses. Then, the droplet migrations on different electrode structures are simulated, and the results show that droplet speed can be stabilized more quickly due to the more uniform force on the droplet in the closed symmetric electrode structure. Finally, the electrowetting multiphase model is applied to study the lateral rebound of droplets impacting on the electrically heterogeneous surface. The electrostatic force prevents the droplets from contracting on the side which is applied voltage, resulting in the lateral rebound and transport toward the side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China and Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-Source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China and Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-Source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Zhangrong Qin
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China and Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-Source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Binghai Wen
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China and Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-Source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
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Tzouvadaki I, Prodromakis T. Large-scale nano-biosensing technologies. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2023.1127363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale technologies have brought significant advancements to modern diagnostics, enabling unprecedented bio-chemical sensitivities that are key to disease monitoring. At the same time, miniaturized biosensors and their integration across large areas enabled tessellating these into high-density biosensing panels, a key capability for the development of high throughput monitoring: multiple patients as well as multiple analytes per patient. This review provides a critical overview of various nanoscale biosensing technologies and their ability to unlock high testing throughput without compromising detection resilience. We report on the challenges and opportunities each technology presents along this direction and present a detailed analysis on the prospects of both commercially available and emerging biosensing technologies.
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Skaltsounis P, Kokkoris G, Papaioannou TG, Tserepi A. Closed-Loop Microreactor on PCB for Ultra-Fast DNA Amplification: Design and Thermal Validation. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:172. [PMID: 36677232 PMCID: PMC9860919 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most common method used for nucleic acid (DNA) amplification. The development of PCR-performing microfluidic reactors (μPCRs) has been of major importance, due to their crucial role in pathogen detection applications in medical diagnostics. Closed loop (CL) is an advantageous type of μPCR, which uses a circular microchannel, thus allowing the DNA sample to pass consecutively through the different temperature zones, in order to accomplish a PCR cycle. CL μPCR offers the main advantages of the traditional continuous-flow μPCR, eliminating at the same time most of the disadvantages associated with the long serpentine microchannel. In this work, the performance of three different CL μPCRs designed for fabrication on a printed circuit board (PCB) was evaluated by a computational study in terms of the residence time in each thermal zone. A 3D heat transfer model was used to calculate the temperature distribution in the microreactor, and the residence times were extracted by this distribution. The results of the computational study suggest that for the best-performing microreactor design, a PCR of 30 cycles can be achieved in less than 3 min. Subsequently, a PCB chip was fabricated based on the design that performed best in the computational study. PCB constitutes a great substrate as it allows for integrated microheaters inside the chip, permitting at the same time low-cost, reliable, reproducible, and mass-amenable fabrication. The fabricated chip, which, at the time of this writing, is the first CL μPCR chip fabricated on a PCB, was tested by measuring the temperatures on its surface with a thermal camera. These results were then compared with the ones of the computational study, in order to evaluate the reliability of the latter. The comparison of the calculated temperatures with the measured values verifies the accuracy of the developed model of the microreactor. As a result of that, a total power consumption of 1.521 W was experimentally measured, only ~7.3% larger than the one calculated (1.417 W). Full validation of the realized CL μPCR chip will be demonstrated in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skaltsounis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kokkoris
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Theodoros G. Papaioannou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Tserepi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center of Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou Ε’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
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7
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Goldsteen PA, Sabogal Guaqueta AM, Mulder PPMFA, Bos IST, Eggens M, Van der Koog L, Soeiro JT, Halayko AJ, Mathwig K, Kistemaker LEM, Verpoorte EMJ, Dolga AM, Gosens R. Differentiation and on axon-guidance chip culture of human pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral cholinergic neurons for airway neurobiology studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:991072. [PMID: 36386177 PMCID: PMC9651921 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.991072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway cholinergic nerves play a key role in airway physiology and disease. In asthma and other diseases of the respiratory tract, airway cholinergic neurons undergo plasticity and contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion. We currently lack human in vitro models for airway cholinergic neurons. Here, we aimed to develop a human in vitro model for peripheral cholinergic neurons using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology. hPSCs were differentiated towards vagal neural crest precursors and subsequently directed towards functional airway cholinergic neurons using the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Cholinergic neurons were characterized by ChAT and VAChT expression, and responded to chemical stimulation with changes in Ca2+ mobilization. To culture these cells, allowing axonal separation from the neuronal cell bodies, a two-compartment PDMS microfluidic chip was subsequently fabricated. The two compartments were connected via microchannels to enable axonal outgrowth. On-chip cell culture did not compromise phenotypical characteristics of the cells compared to standard culture plates. When the hPSC-derived peripheral cholinergic neurons were cultured in the chip, axonal outgrowth was visible, while the somal bodies of the neurons were confined to their compartment. Neurons formed contacts with airway smooth muscle cells cultured in the axonal compartment. The microfluidic chip developed in this study represents a human in vitro platform to model neuro-effector interactions in the airways that may be used for mechanistic studies into neuroplasticity in asthma and other lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. A. Goldsteen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - P. P. M. F. A. Mulder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - I. S. T. Bos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - M. Eggens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - L. Van der Koog
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - J. T. Soeiro
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - A. J. Halayko
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - K. Mathwig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - L. E. M. Kistemaker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Aquilo BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - E. M. J. Verpoorte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - A. M. Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: R. Gosens, ; A. M. Dolga,
| | - R. Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- GRIAC, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: R. Gosens, ; A. M. Dolga,
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Stoukatch S, Dupont F, Redouté JM. Device Processing Challenges for Miniaturized Sensing Systems Targeting Biological Fluids. BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS & DEVICES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9510362 DOI: 10.1007/s44174-022-00034-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a review of device processing technologies used in the fabrication of biomedical systems, and highlights the requirements of advanced manufacturing technology. We focus on biomedical systems that perform diagnostics of fluidic specimens, with analytes that are in the liquid phase. In the introduction, we define biomedical systems as well as their versatile applications and the essential current trends. The paper gives an overview of the most important biomolecules that typically must be detected or analyzed in several applications. The paper is structured as follows. First, the conventional architecture and construction of a biosensing system is introduced. We provide an overview of the most common biosensing methods that are currently used for the detection of biomolecules and its analysis. We present an overview of reported biochips, and explain the technology of biofunctionalization and detection principles, including their corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Next, we introduce microfluidics as a method for delivery of the specimen to the biochip sensing area. A special focus lies on material requirements and on manufacturing technology for fabricating microfluidic systems, both for niche and mass-scale production segments. We formulate requirements and constraints for integrating the biochips and microfluidic systems. The possible impacts of the conventional microassembly techniques and processing methods on the entire biomedical system and its specific parts are also described. On that basis, we explain the need for alternative microassembly technologies to enable the integration of biochips and microfluidic systems into fully functional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stoukatch
- Microsys Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Liege University, Seraing, Belgium
| | - F. Dupont
- Microsys Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Liege University, Seraing, Belgium
| | - J.-M. Redouté
- Microsys Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Liege University, Seraing, Belgium
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9
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Editorial for the Special Issue on Lab-on-PCB Devices. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071001. [PMID: 35888818 PMCID: PMC9316257 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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10
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Tseng HY, Lizama JH, Alvarado NAS, Hou HH. Lab-on-PCB: One step away from the accomplishment of μTAS? BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031302. [PMID: 35761964 PMCID: PMC9233562 DOI: 10.1063/5.0091228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The techniques, protocols, and advancements revolving around printed circuit boards (PCBs) have been gaining sustained attention in the realm of micro-total analysis systems (μTAS) as more and more efforts are devoted to searching for standardized, highly reliable, and industry-friendly solutions for point-of-care diagnostics. In this Perspective, we set out to identify the current state in which the field of μTAS finds itself, the challenges encountered by researchers in the implementation of these technologies, and the potential improvements that can be targeted to meet the current demands. We also line up some trending innovations, such as 3D printing and wearable devices, along with the development of lab-on-PCB to increase the possibility of multifunctional biosensing activities propelled by integrated microfluidic networks for a wider range of applications, anticipating to catalyze the full potential of μTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Yang Tseng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Jose H. Lizama
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Noel A. S. Alvarado
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Han Hou
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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11
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Perdigones F, Quero JM. Printed Circuit Boards: The Layers’ Functions for Electronic and Biomedical Engineering. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030460. [PMID: 35334752 PMCID: PMC8952574 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the fabrication opportunities that Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) offer for electronic and biomedical engineering. Historically, PCB substrates have been used to support the components of the electronic devices, linking them using copper lines, and providing input and output pads to connect the rest of the system. In addition, this kind of substrate is an emerging material for biomedical engineering thanks to its many interesting characteristics, such as its commercial availability at a low cost with very good tolerance and versatility, due to its multilayer characteristics; that is, the possibility of using several metals and substrate layers. The alternative uses of copper, gold, Flame Retardant 4 (FR4) and silver layers, together with the use of vias, solder masks and a rigid and flexible substrate, are noted. Among other uses, these characteristics have been using to develop many sensors, biosensors and actuators, and PCB-based lab-on chips; for example, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification devices for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In addition, several applications of these devices are going to be noted in this paper, and two tables summarizing the layers’ functions are included in the discussion: the first one for metallic layers, and the second one for the vias, solder mask, flexible and rigid substrate functions.
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12
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Digital Microfluidic qPCR Cartridge for SARS-CoV-2 Detection. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020196. [PMID: 35208320 PMCID: PMC8874717 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) tests capable of individual health monitoring, transmission reduction, and contact tracing are especially important in a pandemic such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We develop a disposable POC cartridge that can be mass produced to detect the SARS-CoV-2 N gene through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) based on digital microfluidics (DMF). Several critical parameters are studied and improved, including droplet volume consistency, temperature uniformity, and fluorescence intensity linearity on the designed DMF cartridge. The qPCR results showed high accuracy and efficiency for two primer-probe sets of N1 and N2 target regions of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene on the DMF cartridge. Having multiple droplet tracks for qPCR, the presented DMF cartridge can perform multiple tests and controls at once.
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13
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Urbano-Gámez JD, Valdés-Sánchez L, Aracil C, de la Cerda B, Perdigones F, Plaza Reyes Á, Díaz-Corrales FJ, Relimpio López I, Quero JM. Biocompatibility Study of a Commercial Printed Circuit Board for Biomedical Applications: Lab-on-PCB for Organotypic Retina Cultures. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1469. [PMID: 34945319 PMCID: PMC8707730 DOI: 10.3390/mi12121469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Printed circuit board (PCB) technology is well known, reliable, and low-cost, and its application to biomedicine, which implies the integration of microfluidics and electronics, has led to Lab-on-PCB. However, the biocompatibility of the involved materials has to be examined if they are in contact with biological elements. In this paper, the solder mask (PSR-2000 CD02G/CA-25 CD01, Taiyo Ink (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China) of a commercial PCB has been studied for retinal cultures. For this purpose, retinal explants have been cultured over this substrate, both on open and closed systems, with successful results. Cell viability data shows that the solder mask has no cytotoxic effect on the culture allowing the application of PCB as the substrate of customized microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Finally, a comparative study of the biocompatibility of the 3D printer Uniz zSG amber resin has also been carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús David Urbano-Gámez
- Electronic Technology Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Seville, Avda. de los Descubrimientos sn, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (F.P.); (J.M.Q.)
| | - Lourdes Valdés-Sánchez
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Centre (CABIMER), Avda. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain; (L.V.-S.); (Á.P.R.); (F.J.D.-C.)
| | - Carmen Aracil
- Electronic Technology Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Seville, Avda. de los Descubrimientos sn, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (F.P.); (J.M.Q.)
| | - Berta de la Cerda
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Centre (CABIMER), Avda. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain; (L.V.-S.); (Á.P.R.); (F.J.D.-C.)
| | - Francisco Perdigones
- Electronic Technology Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Seville, Avda. de los Descubrimientos sn, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (F.P.); (J.M.Q.)
| | - Álvaro Plaza Reyes
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Centre (CABIMER), Avda. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain; (L.V.-S.); (Á.P.R.); (F.J.D.-C.)
| | - Francisco J. Díaz-Corrales
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Centre (CABIMER), Avda. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain; (L.V.-S.); (Á.P.R.); (F.J.D.-C.)
| | - Isabel Relimpio López
- RETICS Oftared, Carlos III Institute of Health (Spain), Ministry of Health RD16/0008/0010, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Avda. Dr. Fedriani, 3, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - José Manuel Quero
- Electronic Technology Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Seville, Avda. de los Descubrimientos sn, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.U.-G.); (F.P.); (J.M.Q.)
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14
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Mirzajani H, Cheng C, Vafaie RH, Wu J, Chen J, Eda S, Aghdam EN, Ghavifekr HB. Optimization of ACEK-enhanced, PCB-based biosensor for highly sensitive and rapid detection of bisphenol a in low resource settings. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 196:113745. [PMID: 34753078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a low-cost and easy-to-use capacitive biosensor employing printed-circuit-board (PCB)-based technique for electrode fabrication and a specific alternative current (AC) signal for AC Electrokinetics (ACEK) effect excitation. Fast, accurate, and highly sensitive detection and quantification of bisphenol A (BPA) was achieved. An easy characterization of the biofunctionalization process is introduced by measuring interfacial capacitance which is simple and superior to most of methods currently in use. The frequency and amplitude of the AC signal used for capacitive interrogation were optimized to achieve maximum interfacial capacitance and maximum sensitivity. To evaluate the performance of the developed biosensor, its operation was compared with in-house microfabricated and commercially available electrodes. The limit-of-detection (LOD) obtained using the PCB-based electrodes was found to be at least one order of magnitude lower than that obtained with the commercial and in-house microfabricated electrodes. The linear range for BPA detection was wide from 1 fM to 10 pM with an LOD of 109.5 aM and sample to result in 20s. The biosensor operation was validated by spike-and-recovery tests of BPA using commercial food samples. Thus, the platform has a potential as an on-site detection of bisphenol A in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Mirzajani
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1520 Middle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37966, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey; Sahand University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics Research Lab., Tabriz, Iran
| | - Cheng Cheng
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1520 Middle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37966, USA; School of Engineering and Computer Science, Morehead State University, 150 University Blvd., Morehead, KY, 40351, USA
| | | | - Jayne Wu
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1520 Middle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37966, USA.
| | - Jiangang Chen
- The University of Tennessee, Department of Public Health, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Shigotoshi Eda
- University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Esmaeil Najafi Aghdam
- Sahand University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics Research Lab., Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Badri Ghavifekr
- Sahand University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics Research Lab., Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Semi-Automatic Lab-on-PCB System for Agarose Gel Preparation and Electrophoresis for Biomedical Applications. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12091071. [PMID: 34577715 PMCID: PMC8467303 DOI: 10.3390/mi12091071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, a prototype of a semi-automatic lab-on-PCB for agarose gel preparation and electrophoresis is developed. The dimensions of the device are 38 × 34 mm2 and it includes a conductivity sensor for detecting the TAE buffer (Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer), a microheater for increasing the solubility of the agarose, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor for controlling the temperature, a light dependent resistor (LDR) sensor for measuring the transparency of the mixture, and two electrodes for performing the electrophoresis. The agarose preparation functions are governed by a microcontroller. The device requires a PMMA structure to define the wells of the agarose gel, and to release the electrodes from the agarose. The maximum voltage and current that the system requires are 40 V to perform the electrophoresis, and 1 A for activating the microheater. The chosen temperature for mixing is 80 ∘C, with a mixing time of 10 min. In addition, the curing time is about 30 min. This device is intended to be integrated as a part of a larger lab-on-PCB system for DNA amplification and detection. However, it can be used to migrate DNA amplified in conventional thermocyclers. Moreover, the device can be modified for preparing larger agarose gels and performing electrophoresis.
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