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Partipilo G, Bowman EK, Palmer EJ, Gao Y, Ridley RS, Alper HS, Keitz BK. Single-Cell Phenotyping of Extracellular Electron Transfer via Microdroplet Encapsulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598847. [PMID: 38915652 PMCID: PMC11195189 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Electroactive organisms contribute to metal cycling, pollutant removal, and other redox-driven environmental processes. Studying this phenomenon in high-throughput is challenging since extracellular reduction cannot easily be traced back to its cell of origin within a mixed population. Here, we describe the development of a microdroplet emulsion system to enrich EET-capable organisms. We validated our system using the model electroactive organism S. oneidensis and describe the tooling of a benchtop microfluidic system for oxygen-limited processes. We demonstrated enrichment of EET-capable phenotypes from a mixed wild-type and EET-knockout population. As a proof-of-concept application, bacteria were collected from iron sedimentation from Town Lake (Austin, TX) and subjected to microdroplet enrichment. We observed an increase in EET-capable organisms in the sorted population that was distinct when compared to a population enriched in a bulk culture more closely akin to traditional techniques for discovering EET-capable bacteria. Finally, two bacterial species, C. sakazakii and V. fessus not previously shown to be electroactive, were further cultured and characterized for their ability to reduce channel conductance in an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) and to reduce soluble Fe(III). We characterized two bacterial species not previously shown to exhibit electrogenic behavior. Our results demonstrate the utility of a microdroplet emulsions for identifying putative EET-capable bacteria and how this technology can be leveraged in tandem with existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Partipilo
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Emily K. Bowman
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Emma J. Palmer
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Yang Gao
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Rodney S. Ridley
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Hal S. Alper
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
| | - Benjamin K. Keitz
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712
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2
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Sharma V, Mottafegh A, Joo JU, Kang JH, Wang L, Kim DP. Toward microfluidic continuous-flow and intelligent downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2861-2882. [PMID: 38751338 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01097j] [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
Biopharmaceuticals have emerged as powerful therapeutic agents, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune and genetic disorders. These biotherapeutics pave the way for precision medicine with their unique and targeted capabilities. The production of high-quality biologics entails intricate manufacturing processes, including cell culture, fermentation, purification, and formulation, necessitating specialized facilities and expertise. These complex processes are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of biotherapeutics prior to clinical approval. Consequently, these drugs undergo extensive purification unit operations to achieve high purity by effectively removing impurities and contaminants. The field of personalized precision medicine necessitates the development of novel and highly efficient technologies. Microfluidic technology addresses unmet needs by enabling precise and compact separation, allowing rapid, integrated and continuous purification modules. Moreover, the integration of intelligent biomanufacturing systems with miniaturized devices presents an opportunity to significantly enhance the robustness of complex downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals, with the benefits of automation and advanced control. This allows seamless data exchange, real-time monitoring, and synchronization of purification steps, leading to improved process efficiency, data management, and decision-making. Integrating autonomous systems into biopharmaceutical purification ensures adherence to regulatory standards, such as good manufacturing practice (GMP), positioning the industry to effectively address emerging market demands for personalized precision nano-medicines. This perspective review will emphasize on the significance, challenges, and prospects associated with the adoption of continuous, integrated, and intelligent methodologies in small-scale downstream processing for various types of biologics. By utilizing microfluidic technology and intelligent systems, purification processes can be enhanced for increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance, shaping the future of biopharmaceutical production and enabling the development of personalized and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Sharma
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Amirreza Mottafegh
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Un Joo
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Ho Kang
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Pyo Kim
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Qin S, Zhang Y, Shi M, Miao D, Lu J, Wen L, Bai Y. In-depth organic mass cytometry reveals differential contents of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid at the single-cell level. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4387. [PMID: 38782922 PMCID: PMC11116506 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48865-2] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive single-cell metabolic profiling is critical for revealing phenotypic heterogeneity and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. However, single-cell metabolomics remains challenging because of the limited metabolite coverage and inability to discriminate isomers. Herein, we establish a single-cell metabolomics platform for in-depth organic mass cytometry. Extended single-cell analysis time guarantees sufficient MS/MS acquisition for metabolite identification and the isomers discrimination while online sampling ensures the high-throughput of the method. The largest number of identified metabolites (approximately 600) are achieved in single cells and fine subtyping of MCF-7 cells is first demonstrated by an investigation on the differential levels of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid among clusters. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals differences in the expression of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid downstream antioxidative stress genes, such as metallothionein 2 (MT2A), while a fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay confirms the positive relationship between 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and target proteins; these results suggest that the heterogeneity of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid provides cancer cells with different ability to resist surrounding oxidative stress. Our method paves the way for deep single-cell metabolome profiling and investigations on the physiological and pathological processes that occur during cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Qin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingying Shi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Daiyu Miao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiansen Lu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovative Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovative Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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4
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Ravi Kumar R, Ndiaye MM, Haddad I, Vinh J, Verdier Y. ChipFilter: Microfluidic-Based Comprehensive Sample Preparation Methodology for Microbial Consortia. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:869-880. [PMID: 38353246 PMCID: PMC10913871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00288] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The metaproteomic approach is an attractive way to describe a microbiome at the functional level, allowing the identification and quantification of proteins across a broad dynamic range as well as the detection of post-translational modifications. However, it remains relatively underutilized, mainly due to technical challenges that should be addressed, including the complexity of extracting proteins from heterogeneous microbial communities. Here, we show that a ChipFilter microfluidic device coupled to a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) setup can be successfully used for the identification of microbial proteins. Using cultures of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we have shown that it is possible to directly lyse the cells and digest the proteins in the ChipFilter to allow the identification of a higher number of proteins and peptides than that by standard protocols, even at low cell density. The peptides produced are overall longer after ChipFilter digestion but show no change in their degree of hydrophobicity. Analysis of a more complex mixture of 17 species from the gut microbiome showed that the ChipFilter preparation was able to identify and estimate the amounts of 16 of these species. These results show that ChipFilter can be used for the proteomic study of microbiomes, particularly in the case of a low volume or cell density. The mass spectrometry data have been deposited on the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the data set identifier PXD039581.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjith
Kumar Ravi Kumar
- Spectrométrie de
Masse Biologique et Protéomique, LPC, UMR ESPCI CNRS 8249, 10 rue Vauquelin, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Massamba Mbacke Ndiaye
- Spectrométrie de
Masse Biologique et Protéomique, LPC, UMR ESPCI CNRS 8249, 10 rue Vauquelin, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Iman Haddad
- Spectrométrie de
Masse Biologique et Protéomique, LPC, UMR ESPCI CNRS 8249, 10 rue Vauquelin, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Joelle Vinh
- Spectrométrie de
Masse Biologique et Protéomique, LPC, UMR ESPCI CNRS 8249, 10 rue Vauquelin, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Yann Verdier
- Spectrométrie de
Masse Biologique et Protéomique, LPC, UMR ESPCI CNRS 8249, 10 rue Vauquelin, F-75005 Paris, France
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Pang X, Fu Q, Yang Y, Zhou C, Feng S, Gong K, Wang J, Zhou J. A low-voltage alternant direct current electroporation chip for ultrafast releasing the genome DNA of Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:116. [PMID: 38291180 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06187-6] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid detection, as an important molecular diagnostic method, is widely used in bacterial identification, disease diagnosis. For detecting the nucleic acid of bacteria, the prerequisite is to release nucleic acids inside the bacteria. The common means to release nucleic acids is the chemical method, which involves complex processes, is time-consuming, and remains chemical inhibitors. Compared with chemical methods, electroporation as a physical method has the advantages of easy operation, short-time consumption, and chemical reagents free. However, the current works using electroporation often necessitates high-frequency or high-voltage conditions, entailing bulky power devices. Herein, we propose a low-voltage alternant direct current (LADC) electroporation chip and the corresponding miniature device for ultrafast releasing the genome DNA from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) for detection. We connected a micrometer-interdigital electrode in the chip with a 20 V portable battery to make the miniature device. Using this low-voltage device, our chip released genome DNA of H. pylori within only 5 ms, achieving a cell lysis rate of 99.5%. We further combined this chip with a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay to visually detect H. pylori within ~ 25 min at 10 CFU/μL. We detected 11 clinical samples using the chip, and the detection results were consistent with those of the clinical standard. The results indicate that the LADC electroporation chip is useful for ultrafast release of genome DNA from bacteria and is expected to promote the development of nucleic acid detection in POCT and other scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyuan Pang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Quanying Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuxiao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Cuiping Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shaoqiong Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Keye Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiasi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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6
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Husseini AA, Yazdani AM, Ghadiri F, Şişman A. Developing a surface acoustic wave-induced microfluidic cell lysis device for point-of-care DNA amplification. Eng Life Sci 2024; 24:e2300230. [PMID: 38187928 PMCID: PMC10765258 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202300230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a microchip device using surface acoustic waves (SAW) and sharp-edge glass microparticles to rapidly lyse low-level cell samples. This microchip features a 13-finger pair interdigital transducer (IDT) with a 30-degree focused angle, creating high-intensity acoustic beams converging 6 mm away at a 16 MHz frequency. Cell lysis is achieved through centrifugal forces acting on Candida albicans cells and glass particles within the focal area. To optimize this SAW-induced streaming, we conducted 42 pilot experiments, varying electrical power, droplet volume, glass particle size, concentration, and lysis time, resulting in optimal conditions: an electrical signal of 2.5 W, a 20 μL sample volume, glass particle size below 10 μm, concentration of 0.2 μg, and a 5-min lysis period. We successfully amplified DNA target fragments directly from the lysate, demonstrating an efficient microchip-based cell lysis method. When combined with an isothermal amplification technique, this technology holds promise for rapid point-of-care (POC) applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ali Husseini
- Life Science and Biomedical Engineering Application and Research CenterIstanbul Gelisim UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Ali Mohammad Yazdani
- Mechanical Engineering ProgramFaculty of EngineeringMarmara UniversityIstanbulTurkey
- Machine Program, Vocational SchoolNişantaşı UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Fatemeh Ghadiri
- Life Science and Biomedical Engineering Application and Research CenterIstanbul Gelisim UniversityIstanbulTurkey
- Department of Computer EngineeringIstanbul University CerrahpaşaIstanbulTurkey
| | - Alper Şişman
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering ProgramFaculty of EngineeringMarmara UniversityIstanbulTurkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology and Application Center (SUNUM)Sabanci UniversityIstanbulTurkey
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer ScienceDelft University of TechnologyDelftThe Netherlands
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7
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Smith RL, England A, Millis J, Hirn C, Collins SD, Connell LB. A Microfabricated, Flow-Driven Grinding Mill for Mechanical Cell Lysing. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17494-17501. [PMID: 37976075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the design, microfabrication, and demonstration of a novel microfluidic grinding mill for the lysis of the dinoflagellate, Alexandrium, a neurotoxin-producing genus of algae that is responsible for red tide and paralytic shellfish poisoning. The mill consists of a high-speed, hydrodynamically driven microrotor coupled to a micro grinding mill that lyses robust algal cells by mechanical abrasion with single-pass efficiencies as high as 97%. These efficiencies are comparable to, or better than, current mechanical and chemical lysing methods without adding complications associated with harsh chemical additives that can interfere with subsequent downstream bioanalysis. Release of cytoplasm from lysed algae was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Alexandrium DNA using dinoflagellate primers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Avery England
- Department of Chemsitry, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
| | | | - Corey Hirn
- School of Marine Science, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
| | - Scott D Collins
- Department of Chemsitry, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
| | - Laurie B Connell
- School of Marine Science, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
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8
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Dhaver P, Sithole T, Pletschke B, Sithole B, Govinden R. Enhanced production of a recombinant xylanase (XT6): optimization of production and purification, and scaled-up batch fermentation in a stirred tank bioreactor. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20895. [PMID: 38017111 PMCID: PMC10684889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoxylanase XT6 produced by Geobacillus stearothermophilus is a desirable candidate for industrial applications. In this study, the gene encoding XT6 was cloned using the pET-28a expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Recombinant XT6 production was improved by optimizing cell lysis (sonication, chemical, and enzymatic lysis) and expression conditions. Sonication in a 0.05 M sodium phosphate (pH 6.0) buffer resulted in the highest xylanase activity (16.48 U/ml). Screening and optimization of induction conditions using the Plackett-Burman Design and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) approaches revealed that cell density pre-induction (OD600 nm), post-induction incubation time, and IPTG concentration significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the expression levels of XT6 (16.48 U/ml to 40.06 U/ml) representing a 3.60-fold increase. BBD resulted in a further 8.74-fold increase in activity to 144.02 U/ml. Batch fermentation in a 5-l stirred tank bioreactor at 1 vvm aeration boosted recombinant xylanase production levels to 165 U/ml suggesting that heterologous expression of the XT6 enzyme is suitable for scaled-up production. The pure enzyme with a molecular weight of 43 kDa and a 15.69-fold increase in purity was obtained using affinity chromatography and a cobalt column. Future studies will include application of the purified recombinant xylanase to animal feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyashini Dhaver
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Tariro Sithole
- Enzyme Science Programme (ESP), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Makhanda (Grahamstown), 6140, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Brett Pletschke
- Enzyme Science Programme (ESP), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Makhanda (Grahamstown), 6140, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
| | - Bruce Sithole
- Biorefinery Industry Development Facility, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Durban, 4000, South Africa
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Roshini Govinden
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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9
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Lee SM, Balakrishnan HK, Doeven EH, Yuan D, Guijt RM. Chemical Trends in Sample Preparation for Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT): A Review. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:980. [PMID: 37998155 PMCID: PMC10669371 DOI: 10.3390/bios13110980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid amplification testing facilitates the detection of disease through specific genomic sequences and is attractive for point-of-need testing (PONT); in particular, the early detection of microorganisms can alert early response systems to protect the public and ecosystems from widespread outbreaks of biological threats, including infectious diseases. Prior to nucleic acid amplification and detection, extensive sample preparation techniques are required to free nucleic acids and extract them from the sample matrix. Sample preparation is critical to maximize the sensitivity and reliability of testing. As the enzymatic amplification reactions can be sensitive to inhibitors from the sample, as well as from chemicals used for lysis and extraction, avoiding inhibition is a significant challenge, particularly when minimising liquid handling steps is also desirable for the translation of the assay to a portable format for PONT. The reagents used in sample preparation for nucleic acid testing, covering lysis and NA extraction (binding, washing, and elution), are reviewed with a focus on their suitability for use in PONT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Min Lee
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures (CeRRF), Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Hari Kalathil Balakrishnan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Egan H. Doeven
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Dan Yuan
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Rosanne M. Guijt
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures (CeRRF), Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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10
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Nam H, Park JE, Waheed W, Alazzam A, Sung HJ, Jeon JS. Acoustofluidic lysis of cancer cells and Raman spectrum profiling. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4117-4125. [PMID: 37655531 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00550j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The lysis of cancer cells inside a sessile droplet was performed using traveling surface acoustic waves (SAWs) without any chemical reagents. Raman spectrum profiling was then carried out to explore detailed cell-derived data. The Rayleigh waves formed by an interdigital transducer were made to propagate along the surface of an LiNbO3 substrate. Polystyrene microparticles (PSMPs) were used to establish mechanical cell lysis effectively, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were added to enhance the Raman signals from the lysed cells by SAWs. The lysis efficiency was evaluated according to the size and concentration of the PSMPs in experiments where the frequency was varied. Lysis occurred mainly by mechanical collision using PSMPs in a high-frequency domain, and the lysis efficiency was improved by increasing the application time and the energy density of the SAWs. Raman signals from the lysed cells were greatly enhanced by nanogaps formed by the AuNPs, which were evenly distributed irrespective of the SAWs through the frequency-independent behavior of the AuNPs. Finally, detailed Raman spectra of MDA-MB-231, malignant breast cancer cells, were acquired, and various organic matter-derived peaks were observed. The 95% confidence region for cells subjected to lysis was more widely distributed than that of cells not subjected to lysis. The proposed SAW platform is expected to facilitate the detection of small quantities and to be applied in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeono Nam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The State University of New York Korea, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Waqas Waheed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anas Alazzam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hyung Jin Sung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Xesfyngi Y, Georgoutsou-Spyridonos M, Tripathy A, Milionis A, Poulikakos D, Mastellos DC, Tserepi A. A High-Performance Antibacterial Nanostructured ZnO Microfluidic Device for Controlled Bacterial Lysis and DNA Release. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1276. [PMID: 37627695 PMCID: PMC10451374 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, the antibacterial properties of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) surfaces are explored by incorporating them as walls in a simple-to-fabricate microchannel device. Bacterial cell lysis is demonstrated and quantified in such a device, which functions due to the action of its nanostructured ZnO surfaces in contact with the working fluid. To shed light on the mechanism responsible for lysis, E. coli bacteria were incubated in zinc and nanostructured ZnO substrates, as well as the here-investigated ZnO-based microfluidic devices. The unprecedented killing efficiency of E. coli in nanostructured ZnO microchannels, effective after a 15 min incubation, paves the way for the implementation of such microfluidic chips in the disinfection of bacteria-containing solutions. In addition, the DNA release was confirmed by off-chip PCR and UV absorption measurements. The results indicate that the present nanostructured ZnO-based microfluidic chip can, under light, achieve partial inactivation of the released bacterial DNA via reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative damage. The present device concept can find broader applications in cases where the presence of DNA in a sample is not desirable. Furthermore, the present microchannel device enables, in the dark, efficient release of bacterial DNA for downstream genomic DNA analysis. The demonstrated potential of this antibacterial device for tailored dual functionality in light/dark conditions is the main novel contribution of the present work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonni Xesfyngi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou E’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (Y.X.); (M.G.-S.)
| | - Maria Georgoutsou-Spyridonos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou E’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (Y.X.); (M.G.-S.)
| | - Abinash Tripathy
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.T.); (A.M.); (D.P.)
| | - Athanasios Milionis
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.T.); (A.M.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimos Poulikakos
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.T.); (A.M.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimitrios C. Mastellos
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou E’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece;
| | - Angeliki Tserepi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, Patr. Gregoriou E’ and 27 Neapoleos Str., 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (Y.X.); (M.G.-S.)
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12
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Belgodere JA, Alam M, Browning VE, Eades J, North J, Armand JA, Liu Y, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. A Modified-Herringbone Micromixer for Assessing Zebrafish Sperm (MAGS). MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1310. [PMID: 37512621 PMCID: PMC10386169 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility analysis of aquatic model species is important yet challenging due to the small sample volume, the necessity to activate with water, and the short duration of motility. To achieve standardization of sperm activation, microfluidic mixers have shown improved reproducibility over activation by hand, but challenges remain in optimizing and simplifying the use of these microdevices for greater adoption. The device described herein incorporates a novel micromixer geometry that aligns two sperm inlet streams with modified herringbone structures that split and recombine the sample at a 1:6 dilution with water to achieve rapid and consistent initiation of motility. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip can be operated in a positive or negative pressure configuration, allowing a simple micropipettor to draw samples into the chip and rapidly stop the flow. The device was optimized to not only activate zebrafish sperm but also enables practical use with standard computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems. The micromixer geometry could be modified for other aquatic species with differing cell sizes and adopted for an open hardware approach using 3D resin printing where users could revise, fabricate, and share designs to improve standardization and reproducibility across laboratories and repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Belgodere
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Mustafa Alam
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Valentino E Browning
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jason Eades
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jack North
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Julie A Armand
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - W Todd Monroe
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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13
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Nittala PVK, Hohreiter A, Rosas Linhard E, Dohn R, Mishra S, Konda A, Divan R, Guha S, Basu A. Integration of silicon chip microstructures for in-line microbial cell lysis in soft microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2327-2340. [PMID: 37083052 PMCID: PMC10259373 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00896c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper presents fabrication methodologies that integrate silicon components into soft microfluidic devices to perform microbial cell lysis for biological applications. The integration methodology consists of a silicon chip that is fabricated with microstructure arrays and embedded in a microfluidic device, which is driven by piezoelectric actuation to perform cell lysis by physically breaking microbial cell walls via micromechanical impaction. We present different silicon microarray geometries, their fabrication techniques, integration of said micropatterned silicon impactor chips into microfluidic devices, and device operation and testing on synthetic microbeads and two yeast species (S. cerevisiae and C. albicans) to evaluate their efficacy. The generalized strategy developed for integration of the micropatterned silicon impactor chip into soft microfluidic devices can serve as an important process step for a new class of hybrid silicon-polymeric devices for future cellular processing applications. The proposed integration methodology can be scalable and integrated as an in-line cell lysis tool with existing microfluidics assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavani Vamsi Krishna Nittala
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Allison Hohreiter
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Emilio Rosas Linhard
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Ryan Dohn
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Suryakant Mishra
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Abhiteja Konda
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Ralu Divan
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Supratik Guha
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Anindita Basu
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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14
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Feng Y, Jia D, Yue H, Wang J, Song W, Li L, Zhang AM, Li S, Chang X, Zhou D. Breaking through Barriers: Ultrafast Microbullet Based on Cavitation Bubble. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207565. [PMID: 36732889 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Micromotors hold great promise for extensive practical applications such as those in biomedical domains and reservoir exploration. However, insufficient propulsion of the micromotor limits its application in crossing biological barriers and breaking reservoir boundaries. In this study, an ultrafast microbullet based on laser cavitation that can utilize the energy of a cavitation bubble and realize its own hurtling motion is reported. The experiments are performed using high-speed photography. A boundary integral method is adopted to reveal the motion mechanism of a polystyrene (PS)/magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) microbullet under the action of laser cavitation. Furthermore, the influence of certain factors (including laser intensity, microbullet size, and ambient temperature) on the motion of the microbullet was explored. For the PS/MNP microbullet driven by laser cavitation, the instantaneous velocity obtained can reach 5.23 m s-1 . This strategy of driving the PS/MNP microbullet provides strong penetration ability and targeted motion. It is believed that the reported propulsion mechanism opens up new possibilities for micromotors in a wide range of engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Feng
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Deli Jia
- Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Honger Yue
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wenping Song
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing, 401151, China
| | - Longqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - A-Man Zhang
- College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaocong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing, 401151, China
| | - Dekai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Microstructures Manufacturing (Harbin Institute of Technology), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute of Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing, 401151, China
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15
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Qian J, Zhang Q, Lu M. Integration of on-chip lysis and paper-based sensor for rapid detection of viral and exosomal RNAs. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 226:115114. [PMID: 36753990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115114] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, paper-based nucleic acid sensors have been demonstrated for the ability to detect DNA and RNA molecules extracted from viruses and bacteria. In clinical samples, these nucleic acids are mostly encapsulated in lipid membranes and need to be released before being analyzed using paper-based sensors. For the nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), it is also desirable to remove the interfering molecules that can inhibit the nucleic acid amplification. To achieve a field deployable NAAT, we report a portable sensor system that combines the thermolysis and paper-based NAATs to detect target RNA molecules carried by viral and exosomal nanoparticles. The sensor cartridge includes a lysis chamber with a pressure-controlled diaphragm valve, paper flow channels, and three paper-based NAAT reaction chambers to extract, transport, and detect nucleic acids respectively. A compact instrument was prototyped to automate the assay, collect fluorescence images of the nucleic acid amplification, and generate amplification curves for NAATs. The pump-free and paper-based sensor achieved quantitative analysis of influenza A virus (IAV) RNA and exosome microRNA within 1 h, with the lowest detect concentration of 104 TCID50/mL and 106 EV/mL for IAV and exosome, respectively. Owing to the advantages of easy storage, simple operation, and low cost, such as system has great potential to be used as a point-of-care test for in-field diagnosis of viral and bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qian
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Qinming Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Meng Lu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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16
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Wang J, Jiang H, Pan L, Gu X, Xiao C, Liu P, Tang Y, Fang J, Li X, Lu C. Rapid on-site nucleic acid testing: On-chip sample preparation, amplification, and detection, and their integration into all-in-one systems. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1020430. [PMID: 36815884 PMCID: PMC9930993 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1020430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As nucleic acid testing is playing a vital role in increasingly many research fields, the need for rapid on-site testing methods is also increasing. The test procedure often consists of three steps: Sample preparation, amplification, and detection. This review covers recent advances in on-chip methods for each of these three steps and explains the principles underlying related methods. The sample preparation process is further divided into cell lysis and nucleic acid purification, and methods for the integration of these two steps on a single chip are discussed. Under amplification, on-chip studies based on PCR and isothermal amplification are covered. Three isothermal amplification methods reported to have good resistance to PCR inhibitors are selected for discussion due to their potential for use in direct amplification. Chip designs and novel strategies employed to achieve rapid extraction/amplification with satisfactory efficiency are discussed. Four detection methods providing rapid responses (fluorescent, optical, and electrochemical detection methods, plus lateral flow assay) are evaluated for their potential in rapid on-site detection. In the final section, we discuss strategies to improve the speed of the entire procedure and to integrate all three steps onto a single chip; we also comment on recent advances, and on obstacles to reducing the cost of chip manufacture and achieving mass production. We conclude that future trends will focus on effective nucleic acid extraction via combined methods and direct amplification via isothermal methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-products Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-products Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leiming Pan
- Zhejiang Hongzheng Testing Co., Ltd., Ningbo, China
| | - Xiuying Gu
- Zhejiang Gongzheng Testing Center Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaogeng Xiao
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biosafety detection for Zhejiang Market Regulation, Zhejiang Fangyuan Testing Group LO.T, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yulong Tang
- Hangzhou Tiannie Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiehong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-products Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-products Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenze Lu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-products Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Khosla NK, Lesinski JM, Colombo M, Bezinge L, deMello AJ, Richards DA. Simplifying the complex: accessible microfluidic solutions for contemporary processes within in vitro diagnostics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3340-3360. [PMID: 35984715 PMCID: PMC9469643 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00609j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) form the cornerstone of modern medicine. They are routinely employed throughout the entire treatment pathway, from initial diagnosis through to prognosis, treatment planning, and post-treatment surveillance. Given the proven links between high quality diagnostic testing and overall health, ensuring broad access to IVDs has long been a focus of both researchers and medical professionals. Unfortunately, the current diagnostic paradigm relies heavily on centralized laboratories, complex and expensive equipment, and highly trained personnel. It is commonly assumed that this level of complexity is required to achieve the performance necessary for sensitive and specific disease diagnosis, and that making something affordable and accessible entails significant compromises in test performance. However, recent work in the field of microfluidics is challenging this notion. By exploiting the unique features of microfluidic systems, researchers have been able to create progressively simple devices that can perform increasingly complex diagnostic assays. This review details how microfluidic technologies are disrupting the status quo, and facilitating the development of simple, affordable, and accessible integrated IVDs. Importantly, we discuss the advantages and limitations of various approaches, and highlight the remaining challenges within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan K Khosla
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Jake M Lesinski
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Monika Colombo
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Léonard Bezinge
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel A Richards
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
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18
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Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a commonly used strategy to increase cell permeability for intracellular cargo delivery or irreversible cell membrane disruption using electric fields. In recent years, EP performance has been improved by shrinking electrodes and device structures to the microscale. Integration with microfluidics has led to the design of devices performing static EP, where cells are fixed in a defined region, or continuous EP, where cells constantly pass through the device. Each device type performs superior to conventional, macroscale EP devices while providing additional advantages in precision manipulation (static EP) and increased throughput (continuous EP). Microscale EP is gentle on cells and has enabled more sensitive assaying of cells with novel applications. In this Review, we present the physical principles of microscale EP devices and examine design trends in recent years. In addition, we discuss the use of reversible and irreversible EP in the development of therapeutics and analysis of intracellular contents, among other noteworthy applications. This Review aims to inform and encourage scientists and engineers to expand the use of efficient and versatile microscale EP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Harrison Khoo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Soojung Claire Hur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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19
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Flexible Liquid Crystal Polymer Technologies from Microwave to Terahertz Frequencies. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27041336. [PMID: 35209131 PMCID: PMC8877632 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
With the emergence of fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks, millimeter-wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) frequencies have attracted ever-growing interest for advanced wireless applications. The traditional printed circuit board materials have become uncompetitive at such high frequencies due to their high dielectric loss and large water absorption rates. As a promising high-frequency alternative, liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have been widely investigated for use in circuit devices, chip integration, and module packaging over the last decade due to their low loss tangent up to 1.8 THz and good hermeticity. The previous review articles have summarized the chemical properties of LCP films, flexible LCP antennas, and LCP-based antenna-in-package and system-in-package technologies for 5G applications, although these articles did not discuss synthetic LCP technologies. In addition to wireless applications, the attractive mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of LCP films enable interesting applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), biomedical electronics, and microfluidics, which have not been summarized to date. Here, a comprehensive review of flexible LCP technologies covering electric circuits, antennas, integration and packaging technologies, front-end modules, MEMS, biomedical devices, and microfluidics from microwave to THz frequencies is presented for the first time, which gives a broad introduction for those outside or just entering the field and provides perspective and breadth for those who are well established in the field.
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20
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Chi Y, Sun P, Gao Y, Zhang J, Wang L. Ion Interference Therapy of Tumors Based on Inorganic Nanoparticles. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:100. [PMID: 35200360 PMCID: PMC8870137 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an essential substance for cell life activities, ions play an important role in controlling cell osmotic pressure balance, intracellular acid-base balance, signal transmission, biocatalysis and so on. The imbalance of ion homeostasis in cells will seriously affect the activities of cells, cause irreversible damage to cells or induce cell death. Therefore, artificially interfering with the ion homeostasis in tumor cells has become a new means to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. This treatment is called ion interference therapy (IIT). Although some molecular carriers of ions have been developed for intracellular ion delivery, inorganic nanoparticles are widely used in ion interference therapy because of their higher ion delivery ability and higher biocompatibility compared with molecular carriers. This article reviewed the recent development of IIT based on inorganic nanoparticles and summarized the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment and the challenges of future development, hoping to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Chi
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.C.); (P.S.); (Y.G.); (J.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.C.); (P.S.); (Y.G.); (J.Z.)
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.C.); (P.S.); (Y.G.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Chemistry Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.C.); (P.S.); (Y.G.); (J.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lianyan Wang
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (Y.C.); (P.S.); (Y.G.); (J.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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21
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Digital E. coli Counter: A Microfluidics and Computer Vision-Based DNAzyme Method for the Isolation and Specific Detection of E. coli from Water Samples. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12010034. [PMID: 35049662 PMCID: PMC8773571 DOI: 10.3390/bios12010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biological water contamination detection-based assays are essential to test water quality; however, these assays are prone to false-positive results and inaccuracies, are time-consuming, and use complicated procedures to test large water samples. Herein, we show a simple detection and counting method for E. coli in the water samples involving a combination of DNAzyme sensor, microfluidics, and computer vision strategies. We first isolated E. coli into individual droplets containing a DNAzyme mixture using droplet microfluidics. Upon bacterial cell lysis by heating, the DNAzyme mixture reacted with a particular substrate present in the crude intracellular material (CIM) of E. coli. This event triggers the dissociation of the fluorophore-quencher pair present in the DNAzyme mixture leading to a fluorescence signal, indicating the presence of E. coli in the droplets. We developed an algorithm using computer vision to analyze the fluorescent droplets containing E. coli in the presence of non-fluorescent droplets. The algorithm can detect and count fluorescent droplets representing the number of E. coli present in the sample. Finally, we show that the developed method is highly specific to detect and count E. coli in the presence of other bacteria present in the water sample.
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22
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Xiang N, Ni Z. Hand-Powered Inertial Microfluidic Syringe-Tip Centrifuge. BIOSENSORS 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 35049644 PMCID: PMC8774109 DOI: 10.3390/bios12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Conventional sample preparation techniques require bulky and expensive instruments and are not compatible with next-generation point-of-care diagnostic testing. Here, we report a manually operated syringe-tip inertial microfluidic centrifuge (named i-centrifuge) for high-flow-rate (up to 16 mL/min) cell concentration and experimentally demonstrate its working mechanism and performance. Low-cost polymer films and double-sided tape were used through a rapid nonclean-room process of laser cutting and lamination bonding to construct the key components of the i-centrifuge, which consists of a syringe-tip flow stabilizer and a four-channel paralleled inertial microfluidic concentrator. The unstable liquid flow generated by the manual syringe was regulated and stabilized with the flow stabilizer to power inertial focusing in a four-channel paralleled concentrator. Finally, we successfully used our i-centrifuge for manually operated cell concentration. This i-centrifuge offers the advantages of low device cost, simple hand-powered operation, high-flow-rate processing, and portable device volume. Therefore, it holds potential as a low-cost, portable sample preparation tool for point-of-care diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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23
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Culberson AL, Chilmonczyk MA, Kottke PA, Bowles-Welch AC, Ghoshal D, Fedorov AG. Sample-to-analysis platform for rapid intracellular mass spectrometry from small numbers of cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4696-4706. [PMID: 34751694 PMCID: PMC8721559 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00884f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Real-time, advanced diagnostics of the biochemical state within cells remains a significant challenge for research and development, production, and application of cell-based therapies. The fundamental biochemical processes and mechanisms of action of such advanced therapies are still largely unknown, including the critical quality attributes that correlate to therapeutic function, performance, and potency and the critical process parameters that impact quality throughout cell therapy manufacturing. An integrated microfluidic platform has been developed for in-line analysis of a small number of cells via direct infusion nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Central to this platform is a microfabricated cell processing device that prepares cells from limited sample volumes removed directly from cell culture systems. The sample-to-analysis workflow overcomes the labor intensive, time-consuming, and destructive nature of existing mass spectrometry approaches for analysis of cells. By providing rapid, high-throughput analyses of the intracellular state, this platform enables untargeted discovery of critical quality attributes and their real-time, in-process monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin L Culberson
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Mason A Chilmonczyk
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Peter A Kottke
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Annie C Bowles-Welch
- Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Delta Ghoshal
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrei G Fedorov
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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