1
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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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Mika T, Kalnins M, Spalvins K. The use of droplet-based microfluidic technologies for accelerated selection of Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma yeast mutants. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae049. [PMID: 39114747 PMCID: PMC11303513 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are widely used for the industrial production of various valuable products, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, biofuels, enzymes, amino acids, vaccines, etc. Research is constantly carried out to improve their properties, mainly to increase their productivity and efficiency and reduce the cost of the processes. The selection of microorganisms with improved qualities takes a lot of time and resources (both human and material); therefore, this process itself needs optimization. In the last two decades, microfluidics technology appeared in bioengineering, which allows for manipulating small particles (from tens of microns to nanometre scale) in the flow of liquid in microchannels. The technology is based on small-volume objects (microdroplets from nano to femtolitres), which are manipulated using a microchip. The chip is made of an optically transparent inert to liquid medium material and contains a series of channels of small size (<1 mm) of certain geometry. Based on the physical and chemical properties of microparticles (like size, weight, optical density, dielectric constant, etc.), they are separated using microsensors. The idea of accelerated selection of microorganisms is the application of microfluidic technologies to separate mutants with improved qualities after mutagenesis. This article discusses the possible application and practical implementation of microfluidic separation of mutants, including yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma after chemical mutagenesis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Mika
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Martins Kalnins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Kriss Spalvins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
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3
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Kim TY, Choi JW, Park K, Kim S, Kim JF, Park TE, Seo J. Lubricant-Coated Organ-on-a-Chip for Enhanced Precision in Preclinical Drug Testing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402431. [PMID: 38934549 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In drug discovery, human organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) technology has emerged as an essential tool for preclinical testing, offering a realistic representation of human physiology, real-time monitoring, and disease modeling. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is commonly used in organ chip fabrication owing to its biocompatibility, flexibility, transparency, and ability to replicate features down to the nanoscale. However, the porous nature of PDMS leads to unintended absorption of small molecules, critically affecting the drug response analysis. Addressing this challenge, the precision drug testing organ chip (PreD chip) is introduced, an innovative platform engineered to minimize small molecule absorption while facilitating cell culture. This chip features a PDMS microchannel wall coated with a perfluoropolyether-based lubricant, providing slipperiness and antifouling properties. It also incorporates an ECM-coated semi-porous membrane that supports robust multicellular cultures. The PreD chip demonstrates its outstanding antifouling properties and resistance to various biological fluids, small molecule drugs, and plasma proteins. In simulating the human gut barrier, the PreD chip demonstrates highly enhanced sensitivity in tests for dexamethasone toxicity and is highly effective in assessing drug transport across the human blood-brain barrier. These findings emphasize the potential of the PreD chip in advancing organ chip-based drug testing methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Young Kim
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Kijun Park
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - SeungHwan Kim
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University (INU), Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jeong F Kim
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University (INU), Incheon, 22012, South Korea
- Innovation Center for Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University (INU), Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmok Seo
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Lynk Solutec lnc, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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4
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Smith S, Sypabekova M, Kim S. Double-Sided Tape in Microfluidics: A Cost-Effective Method in Device Fabrication. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:249. [PMID: 38785723 PMCID: PMC11118809 DOI: 10.3390/bios14050249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The demand for easy-to-use, affordable, accessible, and reliable technology is increasing in biological, chemical, and medical research. Microfluidic devices have the potential to meet these standards by offering cost-effective, highly sensitive, and highly specific diagnostic tests with rapid performance and minimal sample volumes. Traditional microfluidic device fabrication methods, such as photolithography and soft lithography, are time-consuming and require specialized equipment and expertise, making them costly and less accessible to researchers and clinicians and limiting the applicability and potential of microfluidic devices. To address this, researchers have turned to using new low-cost materials, such as double-sided tape for microfluidic device fabrication, which offers simple and low-cost processes. The innovation of low-cost and easy-to-make microfluidic devices improves the potential for more devices to be transitioned from laboratories to commercialized products found in stores, offices, and homes. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of the growing interest in and use of double-sided tape-based microfluidic devices in the last 20 years. It discusses the advantages of using double-sided tape, the fabrication techniques used to create and bond microfluidic devices, and the limitations of this approach in certain applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seunghyun Kim
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (S.S.); (M.S.)
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5
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Aubrecht P, Smejkal J, Panuška P, Španbauerová K, Neubertová V, Kaule P, Matoušek J, Vinopal S, Liegertová M, Štofik M, Malý J. Performance and biocompatibility of OSTEMER 322 in cell-based microfluidic applications. RSC Adv 2024; 14:3617-3635. [PMID: 38268545 PMCID: PMC10804231 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05789e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Off-Stoichiometry Thiol-ene and Epoxy (OSTE+) polymer technology has been increasingly utilised in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications. However, the impact of OSTEMER polymers, specifically the OSTEMER 322 formulation, on cell viability has remained limited. In this work, we thoroughly explored the biocompatibility of this commercial OSTEMER formulation, along with various surface modifications, through a broad range of cell types, from fibroblasts to epithelial cells. We employed cell viability and confluence assays to evaluate the performance of the material and its modified variants in cell culturing. The properties of the pristine and modified OSTEMER were also investigated using surface characterization methods including contact angle, zeta potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the absence of leaching constituents from OSTEMER, indicating its safety for cell-based applications. Our findings demonstrated that cell viability on OSTEMER surfaces is sufficient for typical cell culture experiments, suggesting OSTEMER 322 is a suitable material for a variety of cell-based assays in microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Aubrecht
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Smejkal
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Petr Panuška
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Klára Španbauerová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Viktorie Neubertová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kaule
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Matoušek
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Vinopal
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Liegertová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem Pasteurova 3632/15 400 96 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic
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6
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Steinberg E, Friedman R, Goldstein Y, Friedman N, Beharier O, Demma JA, Zamir G, Hubert A, Benny O. A fully 3D-printed versatile tumor-on-a-chip allows multi-drug screening and correlation with clinical outcomes for personalized medicine. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1157. [PMID: 37957280 PMCID: PMC10643569 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05531-5] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal clinical outcomes in cancer treatments could be achieved through the development of reliable, precise ex vivo tumor models that function as drug screening platforms for patient-targeted therapies. Microfluidic tumor-on-chip technology is emerging as a preferred tool since it enables the complex set-ups and recapitulation of the physiologically relevant physical microenvironment of tumors. In order to overcome the common hindrances encountered while using this technology, a fully 3D-printed device was developed that sustains patient-derived multicellular spheroids long enough to conduct multiple drug screening tests. This tool is both cost effective and possesses four necessary characteristics of effective microfluidic devices: transparency, biocompatibility, versatility, and sample accessibility. Compelling correlations which demonstrate a clinical proof of concept were found after testing and comparing different chemotherapies on tumor spheroids, derived from ten patients, to their clinical outcomes. This platform offers a potential solution for personalized medicine by functioning as a predictive drug-performance tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Steinberg
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roy Friedman
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Interdisciplinary Data Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoel Goldstein
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nethanel Friedman
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Hadassah Medical Center and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jonathan Abraham Demma
- Department of General Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gideon Zamir
- Department of General Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayala Hubert
- Oncology Department, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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7
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Baek S, Kim H, Hwang H, Kaba AM, Kim H, Chung M, Kim J, Kim D. A Laser-Micromachined PCB Electrolytic Micropump Using an Oil-Based Electrolyte Separation Barrier. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-023-00100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
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8
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Rahimnejad M, Rasouli F, Jahangiri S, Ahmadi S, Rabiee N, Ramezani Farani M, Akhavan O, Asadnia M, Fatahi Y, Hong S, Lee J, Lee J, Hahn SK. Engineered Biomimetic Membranes for Organ-on-a-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5038-5059. [PMID: 36347501 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems are engineered nanobiosystems to mimic the physiochemical environment of a specific organ in the body. Among various components of OOC systems, biomimetic membranes have been regarded as one of the most important key components to develop controllable biomimetic bioanalysis systems. Here, we review the preparation and characterization of biomimetic membranes in comparison with the features of the extracellular matrix. After that, we review and discuss the latest applications of engineered biomimetic membranes to fabricate various organs on a chip, such as liver, kidney, intestine, lung, skin, heart, vasculature and blood vessels, brain, and multiorgans with perspectives for further biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Rahimnejad
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Fariba Rasouli
- Bioceramics and Implants Laboratory, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14174-66191, Iran
| | - Sepideh Jahangiri
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran.,School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Omid Akhavan
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadnia
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Sanghoon Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Jungho Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
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9
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Bae G, Park T, Song IH. Surface Modification of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by Ultraviolet (UV) Irradiation and IPA Rinsing. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1952. [PMID: 36422382 PMCID: PMC9695257 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly applied to microfluidic devices due to its excellent biocompatibility, high optical transparency, and suitability for mass production. Recently, various surface treatment methods have been reported to improve the wettability of polymers, which is directly related to adhesion. In this research, the effect of a UV irradiation technique and an IPA rinsing technique as surface treatments for PMMA is investigated regarding the water contact angle of the PMMA surface. PMMA sheets that were 1.62 mm thick and commercially available were exposed to UV light with four different exposure times. Significant decreases in the water contact angle were observed after exposure to UV light, and the lowered contact angles due to the UV irradiation increased over time. According to the measurement, the water contact angle is a function of UV exposure dose as well as storage time after UV exposure. We examined the effect of a IPA rinsing process after UV irradiation and observed an increase in the water contact angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geundong Bae
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungnam University, Changwon 51767, Korea
| | - Taehyun Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungnam University, Changwon 51767, Korea
| | - In-Hyouk Song
- Department of Engineering Technology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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10
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Iakovlev AP, Erofeev AS, Gorelkin PV. Novel Pumping Methods for Microfluidic Devices: A Comprehensive Review. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12110956. [PMID: 36354465 PMCID: PMC9688261 DOI: 10.3390/bios12110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This review is an account of methods that use various strategies to control microfluidic flow control with high accuracy. The reviewed systems are divided into two large groups based on the way they create flow: passive systems (non-mechanical systems) and active (mechanical) systems. Each group is presented by a number of device fabrications. We try to explain the main principles of operation, and we list advantages and disadvantages of the presented systems. Mechanical systems are considered in more detail, as they are currently an area of increased interest due to their unique precision flow control and "multitasking". These systems are often applied as mini-laboratories, working autonomously without any additional operations, provided by humans, which is very important under complicated conditions. We also reviewed the integration of autonomous microfluidic systems with a smartphone or single-board computer when all data are retrieved and processed without using a personal computer. In addition, we discuss future trends and possible solutions for further development of this area of technology.
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11
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Shakeri A, Khan S, Jarad NA, Didar TF. The Fabrication and Bonding of Thermoplastic Microfluidics: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15186478. [PMID: 36143790 PMCID: PMC9503322 DOI: 10.3390/ma15186478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Various fields within biomedical engineering have been afforded rapid scientific advancement through the incorporation of microfluidics. As literature surrounding biological systems become more comprehensive and many microfluidic platforms show potential for commercialization, the development of representative fluidic systems has become more intricate. This has brought increased scrutiny of the material properties of microfluidic substrates. Thermoplastics have been highlighted as a promising material, given their material adaptability and commercial compatibility. This review provides a comprehensive discussion surrounding recent developments pertaining to thermoplastic microfluidic device fabrication. Existing and emerging approaches related to both microchannel fabrication and device assembly are highlighted, with consideration toward how specific approaches induce physical and/or chemical properties that are optimally suited for relevant real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Shakeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Shadman Khan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Noor Abu Jarad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tohid F. Didar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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12
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Tsao CW, Chang CY, Chien PY. Microwave-Assisted Solvent Bonding for Polymethyl Methacrylate Microfluidic Device. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071131. [PMID: 35888948 PMCID: PMC9320591 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper demonstrated a microwave-assisted solvent bonding method that uses organic solvent to seal the thermoplastic substrates with microwave assistance. This direct bonding is a simple and straightforward process that starts with solvent application followed by microwave irradiation without the need for expensive facilities or complex procedures. The organic solvent applied at the bonding interface is used in dissolving and dielectric heating of the thermoplastic surfaces to seal the thermoplastic substrates under microwave assistance. We evaluated acetone and ethanol to seal the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic device. The bonding performance, such as bonding coverage, geometry stability, and bonding strength (tensile) were observed and compared with the oven-heating and non-heating control experiments under the same force applications. Results showed that the microwave-assisted solvent bonding method presents a high bonding yield (maximum > 99%) and bonding strength (maximum ~2.77 MPa) without microchannel distortion, which can be used for various microfluidic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Tsao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-4267343; Fax: +886-3-4254501
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13
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Juang YJ, Chiu YJ. Fabrication of Polymer Microfluidics: An Overview. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14102028. [PMID: 35631909 PMCID: PMC9147778 DOI: 10.3390/polym14102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic platform technology has presented a new strategy to detect and analyze analytes and biological entities thanks to its reduced dimensions, which results in lower reagent consumption, fast reaction, multiplex, simplified procedure, and high portability. In addition, various forces, such as hydrodynamic force, electrokinetic force, and acoustic force, become available to manipulate particles to be focused and aligned, sorted, trapped, patterned, etc. To fabricate microfluidic chips, silicon was the first to be used as a substrate material because its processing is highly correlated to semiconductor fabrication techniques. Nevertheless, other materials, such as glass, polymers, ceramics, and metals, were also adopted during the emergence of microfluidics. Among numerous applications of microfluidics, where repeated short-time monitoring and one-time usage at an affordable price is required, polymer microfluidics has stood out to fulfill demand by making good use of its variety in material properties and processing techniques. In this paper, the primary fabrication techniques for polymer microfluidics were reviewed and classified into two categories, e.g., mold-based and non-mold-based approaches. For the mold-based approaches, micro-embossing, micro-injection molding, and casting were discussed. As for the non-mold-based approaches, CNC micromachining, laser micromachining, and 3D printing were discussed. This review provides researchers and the general audience with an overview of the fabrication techniques of polymer microfluidic devices, which could serve as a reference when one embarks on studies in this field and deals with polymer microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Je Juang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Core Facility Center, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-62757575 (ext. 62653); Fax: +886-62344496
| | - Yu-Jui Chiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
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