1
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Beregoi M, Oprea D, Bunea MC, Enculescu M, Enache TA. Electrospun fibrillary scaffold for electrochemical cell biomarkers detection. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:435. [PMID: 38949689 PMCID: PMC11217050 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06523-w] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
A novel scaffold for in situ electrochemical detection of cell biomarkers was developed using electrospun nanofibers and commercial adhesive polymeric membranes. The electrochemical sensing of cell biomarkers requires the cultivation of the cells on/near the (bio)sensor surface in a manner to preserve an appropriate electroactive available surface and to avoid the surface passivation and sensor damage. This can be achieved by employing biocompatible nanofiber meshes that allow the cells to have a normal behavior and do not alter the electrochemical detection. For a better mechanical stability and ease of handling, nylon 6/6 nanofibers were collected on commercial polymeric membranes, at an optimal fiber density, obtaining a double-layered platform. To demonstrate the functionality of the fabricated scaffold, the screening of cellular stress has been achieved integrating melanoma B16-F10 cells and the (bio)sensor components on the transducer whereas the melanin exocytosis was successfully quantified using a commercial electrode. Either directly on the surface of the (bio)sensor or spatially detached from it, the integration of cell cultures in biosensing platforms based on electrospun nanofibers represents a powerful bioanalytical tool able to provide real-time information about the biomarker release, enzyme activity or inhibition, and monitoring of various cellular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Beregoi
- Functional Nanostructures Laboratory, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Daniela Oprea
- Functional Nanostructures Laboratory, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomistilor Str. 405, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Mihaela Cristina Bunea
- Functional Nanostructures Laboratory, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Monica Enculescu
- Functional Nanostructures Laboratory, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Teodor Adrian Enache
- Functional Nanostructures Laboratory, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
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2
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Ma L, Zhao X, Hou J, Huang L, Yao Y, Ding Z, Wei J, Hao N. Droplet Microfluidic Devices: Working Principles, Fabrication Methods, and Scale-Up Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301406. [PMID: 38594964 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Compared with the conventional emulsification method, droplets generated within microfluidic devices exhibit distinct advantages such as precise control of fluids, exceptional monodispersity, uniform morphology, flexible manipulation, and narrow size distribution. These inherent benefits, including intrinsic safety, excellent heat and mass transfer capabilities, and large surface-to-volume ratio, have led to the widespread applications of droplet-based microfluidics across diverse fields, encompassing chemical engineering, particle synthesis, biological detection, diagnostics, emulsion preparation, and pharmaceuticals. However, despite its promising potential for versatile applications, the practical utilization of this technology in commercial and industrial is extremely limited to the inherently low production rates achievable within a single microchannel. Over the past two decades, droplet-based microfluidics has evolved significantly, considerably transitioning from a proof-of-concept stage to industrialization. And now there is a growing trend towards translating academic research into commercial and industrial applications, primarily driven by the burgeoning demands of various fields. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in droplet-based microfluidics, covering the fundamental working principles and the critical aspect of scale-up integration from working principles to scale-up integration. Based on the existing scale-up strategies, the paper also outlines the future research directions, identifies the potential opportunities, and addresses the typical unsolved challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xiong Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Junsheng Hou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Yao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Ding
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jinjia Wei
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Nanjing Hao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
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3
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Hajam MI, Khan MM. Microfluidics: a concise review of the history, principles, design, applications, and future outlook. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:218-251. [PMID: 38108438 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01463k] [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: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have garnered significant attention due to their ability to rapidly process samples and precisely manipulate fluids in assays, making them an attractive alternative to conventional experimental methods. With the potential for revolutionary capabilities in the future, this concise review provides readers with insights into the fascinating world of microfluidics. It begins by introducing the subject's historical background, allowing readers to familiarize themselves with the basics. The review then delves into the fundamental principles, discussing the underlying phenomena at play. Additionally, it highlights the different aspects of microfluidic device design, classification, and fabrication. Furthermore, the paper explores various applications, the global market, recent advancements, and challenges in the field. Finally, the review presents a positive outlook on trends and draws lessons to support the future flourishing of microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Irfan Hajam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India.
| | - Mohammad Mohsin Khan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India.
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4
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Wang T, Chang TMS. Superparamagnetic Artificial Cells PLGA-Fe 3O 4 Micro/Nanocapsules for Cancer Targeted Delivery. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5807. [PMID: 38136352 PMCID: PMC10741498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245807] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial cells have been extensively used in many fields, such as nanomedicine, biotherapy, blood substitutes, drug delivery, enzyme/gene therapy, cancer therapy, and the COVID-19 vaccine. The unique properties of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles have contributed to increased interest in using superparamagnetic artificial cells (PLGA-Fe3O4 micro/nanocapsules) for targeted therapy. In this review, the preparation methods of Fe3O4 NPs and superparamagnetic artificial cell PLGA-drug-Fe3O4 micro/nanocapsules are discussed. This review also focuses on the recent progress of superparamagnetic PLGA-drug-Fe3O4 micro/nanocapsules as targeted therapeutics. We shall concentrate on the use of superparamagnetic artificial cells in the form of PLGA-drug-Fe3O4 nanocapsules for magnetic hyperthermia/photothermal therapy and cancer therapies, including lung breast cancer and glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Ming Swi Chang
- Artificial Cells and Organs Research Centre, Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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5
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Tseng J, Su J, Chang K, Chang A, Chuang L, Lu A, Lee R, Lee E. Electrophoresis of a dielectric droplet with constant surface charge density. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1810-1817. [PMID: 37439369 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300077] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrophoresis of a dielectric fluid droplet with constant surface charge density is investigated theoretically in this study. A pseudo-spectral method based on Chebyshev polynomials is adopted to solve the governing electrokinetic equations. It is found, among other things, that the larger the electrolyte strength in the ambient solution is, the slower the droplet moves in general. This is due to the strong screening effect of the large amount of indifferent counterions in the neighborhood of the droplet, with no reinforcement of potential-determining ions adsorbing to the droplet surface. The droplet comes to a complete halt eventually. Critical points are discovered for highly charged droplets, at which the droplet surface becomes immobile and the interior fluid stops recirculating. The droplet moves like a rigid particle with constant mobility regardless of its viscosity, a situation referred to as the "solidification phenomenon." The deadlock between the spinning motions on the charged droplet surface induced by the electric driving force and the hydrodynamic driving force respectively is responsible for this peculiar phenomenon. This is also observed for a dielectric droplet with constant surface electric potential. We demonstrate here that it occurs in the constant surface charge density situation as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Judy Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Amy Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lily Chuang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Amanda Lu
- Taipei First Girls' High School, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rose Lee
- Taipei First Girls' High School, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eric Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Yazdanparast S, Rezai P, Amirfazli A. Microfluidic Droplet-Generation Device with Flexible Walls. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1770. [PMID: 37763933 PMCID: PMC10536617 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Controlling droplet sizes is one of the most important aspects of droplet generators used in biomedical research, drug discovery, high-throughput screening, and emulsion manufacturing applications. This is usually achieved by using multiple devices that are restricted in their range of generated droplet sizes. In this paper, a co-flow microfluidic droplet-generation device with flexible walls was developed such that the width of the continuous (C)-phase channel around the dispersed (D)-phase droplet-generating needle can be adjusted on demand. This actuation mechanism allowed for the adjustment of the C-phase flow velocity, hence providing modulated viscous forces to manipulate droplet sizes in a single device. Two distinct droplet-generation regimes were observed at low D-phase Weber numbers, i.e., a dripping regime at high- and medium-channel widths and a plug regime at low-channel widths. The effect of channel width on droplet size was investigated in the dripping regime under three modes of constant C-phase flow rate, velocity, and Capillary number. Reducing the channel width at a constant C-phase flow rate had the most pronounced effect on producing smaller droplets. This effect can be attributed to the combined influences of the wall effect and increased C-phase velocity, leading to a greater impact on droplet size due to the intensified viscous force. Droplet sizes in the range of 175-913 µm were generated; this range was ~2.5 times wider than the state of the art, notably using a single microfluidic device. Lastly, an empirical model based on Buckingham's Pi theorem was developed to predict the size of droplets based on channel width and height as well as the C-phase Capillary and Reynolds numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Alidad Amirfazli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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7
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Zhang Y, Lin Y, Hong X, Di C, Xin Y, Wang X, Qi S, Liu BF, Zhang Z, Du W. Demand-driven active droplet generation and sorting based on positive pressure-controlled fluid wall. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5311-5322. [PMID: 37392212 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04806-4] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics is a rapidly advancing area of microfluidic technology, which offers numerous advantages for cell analysis, such as isolation and accumulation of signals, by confining cells within droplets. However, controlling cell numbers in droplets is challenging due to the uncertainty of random encapsulation which result in many empty droplets. Therefore, more precise control techniques are needed to achieve efficient encapsulation of cells within droplets. Here, an innovative microfluidic droplet manipulation platform had been developed, which employed positive pressure as a stable and controllable driving force for manipulating fluid within chips. The air cylinder, electro-pneumatics proportional valve, and the microfluidic chip were connected through a capillary, which enabled the formation of a fluid wall by creating a difference in hydrodynamic resistance between two fluid streams at the channel junction. Lowering the pressure of the driving oil phase eliminates hydrodynamic resistance and breaks the fluid wall. Regulating the duration of the fluid wall breakage controls the volume of the introduced fluid. Several important droplet microfluidic manipulations were demonstrated on this microfluidic platform, such as sorting of cells/droplets, sorting of droplets co-encapsulated cells and hydrogels, and active generation of droplets encapsulated with cells in a responsive manner. The simple, on-demand microfluidic platform was featured with high stability, good controllability, and compatibility with other droplet microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiwei Lin
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xianzhe Hong
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chao Di
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yuelai Xin
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shuhong Qi
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wei Du
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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8
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Sheshachala S, Huber B, Schuetzke J, Mikut R, Scharnweber T, Domínguez CM, Mutlu H, Niemeyer CM. Charge controlled interactions between DNA-modified silica nanoparticles and fluorosurfactants in microfluidic water-in-oil droplets. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3914-3923. [PMID: 37496619 PMCID: PMC10367961 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00124e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic droplets are an important tool for studying and mimicking biological systems, e.g., to examine with high throughput the interaction of biomolecular components and the functionality of natural cells, or to develop basic principles for the engineering of artificial cells. Of particular importance is the approach to generate a biomimetic membrane by supramolecular self-assembly of nanoparticle components dissolved in the aqueous phase of the droplets at the inner water/oil interface, which can serve both to mechanically reinforce the droplets and as an interaction surface for cells and other components. While this interfacial assembly driven by electrostatic interaction of surfactants is quite well developed for water/mineral oil (W/MO) systems, no approaches have yet been described to exploit this principle for water/fluorocarbon oil (W/FO) emulsion droplets. Since W/FO systems exhibit not only better compartmentalization but also gas solubility properties, which is particularly crucial for live cell encapsulation and cultivation, we report here the investigation of charged fluorosurfactants for the self-assembly of DNA-modified silica nanoparticles (SiNP-DNA) at the interface of microfluidic W/FO emulsions. To this end, an efficient multicomponent Ugi reaction was used to synthesize the novel fluorosurfactant M4SURF to study the segregation and accumulation of negatively charged SiNP-DNA at the inner interface of microfluidic droplets. Comparative measurements were performed with the negatively charged fluorosurfactant KRYTOX, which can also induce SiNP-DNA segregation in the presence of cations. The segregation dynamics is characterized and preliminary results of cell encapsulation in the SiNP-DNA functionalized droplets are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahana Sheshachala
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Birgit Huber
- Soft Matter Synthesis Laboratory, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Jan Schuetzke
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Tim Scharnweber
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Carmen M Domínguez
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Hatice Mutlu
- Soft Matter Synthesis Laboratory, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Christof M Niemeyer
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
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9
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Monserrat Lopez D, Rottmann P, Fussenegger M, Lörtscher E. Silicon-Based 3D Microfluidics for Parallelization of Droplet Generation. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1289. [PMID: 37512600 PMCID: PMC10386391 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Both the diversity and complexity of microfluidic systems have experienced a tremendous progress over the last decades, enabled by new materials, novel device concepts and innovative fabrication routes. In particular the subfield of high-throughput screening, used for biochemical, genetic and pharmacological samples, has extensively emerged from developments in droplet microfluidics. More recently, new 3D device architectures enabled either by stacking layers of PDMS or by direct 3D-printing have gained enormous attention for applications in chemical synthesis or biomedical assays. While the first microfluidic devices were based on silicon and glass structures, those materials have not yet been significantly expanded towards 3D despite their high chemical compatibility, mechanical strength or mass-production potential. In our work, we present a generic fabrication route based on the implementation of vertical vias and a redistribution layer to create glass-silicon-glass 3D microfluidic structures. It is used to build different droplet-generating devices with several flow-focusing junctions in parallel, all fed from a single source. We study the effect of having several of these junctions in parallel by varying the flow conditions of both the continuous and the dispersed phases. We demonstrate that the generic concept enables an upscaling in the production rate by increasing the number of droplet generators per device without sacrificing the monodispersity of the droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Monserrat Lopez
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, CH-8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Rottmann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Lörtscher
- IBM Research Europe-Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, CH-8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
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10
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Shi J, Zhang Y, Yang M. Recent development of microfluidics-based platforms for respiratory virus detection. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:024104. [PMID: 37035101 PMCID: PMC10076069 DOI: 10.1063/5.0135778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
With the global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the inadequacies of current detection technology for respiratory viruses have been recognized. Rapid, portable, accurate, and sensitive assays are needed to expedite diagnosis and early intervention. Conventional methods for detection of respiratory viruses include cell culture-based assays, serological tests, nucleic acid detection (e.g., RT-PCR), and direct immunoassays. However, these traditional methods are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require laboratory facilities, which cannot meet the testing needs, especially during pandemics of respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19. Microfluidics-based techniques can overcome these demerits and provide simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of intact virus, viral antigen/antibody, and viral nucleic acids. This review aims to summarize the recent development of microfluidics-based techniques for detection of respiratory viruses. Recent advances in different types of microfluidic devices for respiratory virus diagnostics are highlighted, including paper-based microfluidics, continuous-flow microfluidics, and droplet-based microfluidics. Finally, the future development of microfluidic technologies for respiratory virus diagnostics is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Mo Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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11
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Marnoto S, Hashmi SM. Application of droplet migration scaling behavior to microchannel flow measurements. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:565-573. [PMID: 36562333 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00980c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In confined channels in low Reynolds number flow, droplets drift perpendicular to the flow, moving across streamlines. The phenomenon has proven useful for understanding microfluidic droplet separation, drug delivery vehicle optimization, and single-cell genomic amplification. Particles or droplets undergo several migration mechanisms including wall migration, hydrodynamic diffusion, and migration down gradients of shear. In simple shear flow only wall migration and hydrodynamic diffusion are present. In parabolic flow, droplets also move down gradients of shear. The resulting separation depends on parameters including particle size and stiffness, concentration, and flow rate. Computational methods can incorporate these effects in an exact manner to predict margination phenomena for specific systems, but do not generate a descriptive parametric dependence. In this paper, we present a scaling model that elucidates the parametric dependence of margination on emulsion droplet size, volume fraction, shear rate and suspending fluid viscosity. We experimentally measure the droplet depletion layer of silicone oil droplets and compare the results to theoretical scaling behavior that includes hydrodynamic diffusion and wall migration with and without an added shear-gradient migration. Results demonstrate the viability and limitations of applying a simple scaling behavior to experimental systems to describe parametric dependence. Our conclusions open the possibility for parametric descriptions of migration with broad applicability to particle and droplet systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Marnoto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Sara M Hashmi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Cho Y, Kim J, Park J, Kim HS, Cho Y. Monodisperse Micro-Droplet Generation in Microfluidic Channel with Asymmetric Cross-Sectional Shape. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:223. [PMID: 36677284 PMCID: PMC9866528 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro-droplets are widely used in the fields of chemical and biological research, such as drug delivery, material synthesis, point-of-care diagnostics, and digital PCR. Droplet-based microfluidics has many advantages, such as small reagent consumption, fast reaction time, and independent control of each droplet. Therefore, various micro-droplet generation methods have been proposed, including T-junction breakup, capillary flow-focusing, planar flow-focusing, step emulsification, and high aspect (height-to-width) ratio confinement. In this study, we propose a microfluidic device for generating monodisperse micro-droplets, the microfluidic channel of which has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape and high hypotenuse-to-width ratio (HTWR). It was fabricated using basic MEMS processes, such as photolithography, anisotropic wet etching of Si, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molding. Due to the geometric similarity of a Si channel and a PDMS mold, both of which were created through the anisotropic etching process of a single crystal Si, the microfluidic channel with the asymmetric cross-sectional shape and high HTWR was easily realized. The effects of HTWR of channels on the size and uniformity of generated micro-droplets were investigated. The monodisperse micro-droplets were generated as the HTWR of the asymmetric channel was over 3.5. In addition, it was found that the flow direction of the oil solution (continuous phase) affected the size of micro-droplets due to the asymmetric channel structures. Two kinds of monodisperse droplets with different sizes were successfully generated for a wider range of flow rates using the asymmetric channel structure in the developed microfluidic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngseo Cho
- Department of Mechanical System Design Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical System Design Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Park
- OJEong Resilience Institute (OJERI), Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghak Cho
- Department of Mechanical System Design Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
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13
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Wang Y, Zhao P, Zhang S, Zhu K, Shangguan X, Liu L, Zhang S. Application of Janus Particles in Point-of-Care Testing. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12090689. [PMID: 36140074 PMCID: PMC9496037 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Janus particles (JPs), named after the two-faced Roman god, are asymmetric particles with different chemical properties or polarities. JPs have been widely used in the biomedical field in recent years, including as drug carriers for targeted controlled drug release and as biosensors for biological imaging and biomarker detection, which is crucial in the early detection and treatment of diseases. In this review, we highlight the most recent advancements made with regard to Janus particles in point-of-care testing (POCT). Firstly, we introduce several commonly used methods for preparing Janus particles. Secondly, we present biomarker detection using JPs based on various detection methods to achieve the goal of POCT. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing Janus particles in POCT. This review will facilitate the development of POCT biosensing devices based on the unique properties of Janus particles.
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14
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Rahman M, Islam KR, Islam MR, Islam MJ, Kaysir MR, Akter M, Rahman MA, Alam SMM. A Critical Review on the Sensing, Control, and Manipulation of Single Molecules on Optofluidic Devices. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:968. [PMID: 35744582 PMCID: PMC9229244 DOI: 10.3390/mi13060968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule techniques have shifted the paradigm of biological measurements from ensemble measurements to probing individual molecules and propelled a rapid revolution in related fields. Compared to ensemble measurements of biomolecules, single-molecule techniques provide a breadth of information with a high spatial and temporal resolution at the molecular level. Usually, optical and electrical methods are two commonly employed methods for probing single molecules, and some platforms even offer the integration of these two methods such as optofluidics. The recent spark in technological advancement and the tremendous leap in fabrication techniques, microfluidics, and integrated optofluidics are paving the way toward low cost, chip-scale, portable, and point-of-care diagnostic and single-molecule analysis tools. This review provides the fundamentals and overview of commonly employed single-molecule methods including optical methods, electrical methods, force-based methods, combinatorial integrated methods, etc. In most single-molecule experiments, the ability to manipulate and exercise precise control over individual molecules plays a vital role, which sometimes defines the capabilities and limits of the operation. This review discusses different manipulation techniques including sorting and trapping individual particles. An insight into the control of single molecules is provided that mainly discusses the recent development of electrical control over single molecules. Overall, this review is designed to provide the fundamentals and recent advancements in different single-molecule techniques and their applications, with a special focus on the detection, manipulation, and control of single molecules on chip-scale devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmudur Rahman
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Kazi Rafiqul Islam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Md. Rashedul Islam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Md. Jahirul Islam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Rejvi Kaysir
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Masuma Akter
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Md. Arifur Rahman
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - S. M. Mahfuz Alam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh; (M.R.); (K.R.I.); (M.R.I.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
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15
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Madadelahi M, Azimi-Boulali J, Madou M, Martinez-Chapa SO. Characterization of Fluidic-Barrier-Based Particle Generation in Centrifugal Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13060881. [PMID: 35744496 PMCID: PMC9228483 DOI: 10.3390/mi13060881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The fluidic barrier in centrifugal microfluidic platforms is a newly introduced concept for making multiple emulsions and microparticles. In this study, we focused on particle generation application to better characterize this method. Because the phenomenon is too fast to be captured experimentally, we employ theoretical models to show how liquid polymeric droplets pass a fluidic barrier before crosslinking. We explain how secondary flows evolve and mix the fluids within the droplets. From an experimental point of view, the effect of different parameters, such as the barrier length, source channel width, and rotational speed, on the particles’ size and aspect ratio are investigated. It is demonstrated that the barrier length does not affect the particle’s ultimate velocity. Unlike conventional air gaps, the barrier length does not significantly affect the aspect ratio of the produced microparticles. Eventually, we broaden this concept to two source fluids and study the importance of source channel geometry, barrier length, and rotational speed in generating two-fluid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Madadelahi
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.O.M.-C.)
| | - Javid Azimi-Boulali
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Marc Madou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Sergio Omar Martinez-Chapa
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.O.M.-C.)
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16
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Maged A, Abdelbaset R, Mahmoud AA, Elkasabgy NA. Merits and advances of microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field: design technologies and future prospects. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1549-1570. [PMID: 35612293 PMCID: PMC9154770 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2069878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is used to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels to fabricate drug delivery vesicles in a uniform tunable size. Thanks to their designs, microfluidic technology provides an alternative and versatile platform over traditional formulation methods of nanoparticles. Understanding the factors that affect the formulation of nanoparticles can guide the proper selection of microfluidic design and the operating parameters aiming at producing nanoparticles with reproducible properties. This review introduces the microfluidic systems' continuous flow (single-phase) and segmented flow (multiphase) and their different mixing parameters and mechanisms. Furthermore, microfluidic approaches for efficient production of nanoparticles as surface modification, anti-fouling, and post-microfluidic treatment are summarized. The review sheds light on the used microfluidic systems and operation parameters applied to prepare and fine-tune nanoparticles like lipid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles as well as cross-linked nanoparticles. The approaches for scale-up production using microfluidics for clinical or industrial use are also highlighted. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics in preparing novel micro/nanofluidic drug delivery systems is presented. In conclusion, the characteristic vital features of microfluidics offer the ability to develop precise and efficient drug delivery nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Maged
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.,Pharmaceutical Factory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda Abdelbaset
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza A Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen A Elkasabgy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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17
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Li Y, Cai S, Shen H, Chen Y, Ge Z, Yang W. Recent advances in acoustic microfluidics and its exemplary applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031502. [PMID: 35712527 PMCID: PMC9197543 DOI: 10.1063/5.0089051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic-based microfluidics has been widely used in recent years for fundamental research due to its simple device design, biocompatibility, and contactless operation. In this article, the basic theory, typical devices, and technical applications of acoustic microfluidics technology are summarized. First, the theory of acoustic microfluidics is introduced from the classification of acoustic waves, acoustic radiation force, and streaming flow. Then, various applications of acoustic microfluidics including sorting, mixing, atomization, trapping, patterning, and acoustothermal heating are reviewed. Finally, the development trends of acoustic microfluidics in the future were summarized and looked forward to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Honglin Shen
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yibao Chen
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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18
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Abubakar AA, Yilbas BS, Al-Qahtani H, Alzaydi A. Liquid droplet impact on a sonically excited thin membrane. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:1443-1454. [PMID: 35080547 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01603b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of droplet impact on hydrophobic surfaces can be altered by introducing surface oscillations. The contact duration, spreading, retraction, and rebounding behaviors of the impacting water droplet are examined at various sonic excitation frequencies of the hydrophobic membrane. Membrane oscillation and droplet behavior are analyzed by utilizing a high-speed camera. The restitution coefficient and membrane dynamics are formulated and the findings are compared with those of the experiments. It is found that the mode of membrane oscillation changes as the sonic excitation frequency is changed. The droplet spreading and retraction rates reduce while the rebound height and restitution coefficient increase at a sonic excitation frequency of 75 Hz. However, further increase of the excitation frequency results in reduced rebound height because of the increased energy dissipation on the impacted surface. The droplet contact (transition time) duration reduces as the excitation frequency increases. Increasing droplet Weber number enhances the droplet contact period on the membrane, which becomes more apparent at low frequencies of sonic excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bekir Sami Yilbas
- Mechanical Engineering Department, KFUPM, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy & Power Systems, KFUPM, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
- Senior Researcher at K.A. CARE Energy Research & Innovation Center at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Turkish Japanese University of Science and Technology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ammar Alzaydi
- Mechanical Engineering Department, KFUPM, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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High-Aspect-Ratio Microfluidic Channel with Parallelogram Cross-Section for Monodisperse Droplet Generation. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020118. [PMID: 35200378 PMCID: PMC8869682 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics has been widely used as a potent high-throughput platform due to various advantages, such as a small volume of reagent consumption, massive production of droplets, fast reaction time, and independent control of each droplet. Therefore, droplet microfluidic systems demand the reliable generation of droplets with precise and effective control over their size and distribution, which is critically important for various applications in the fields of chemical analysis, material synthesis, lab-on-a-chip, cell research, diagnostic test, and so on. In this study, we propose a microfluidic device with a high-aspect-ratio (HAR) channel, which has a parallelogram cross-section, for generating monodisperse droplets. The HAR channel was fabricated using simple and cheap MEMS processes, such as photolithography, anisotropic wet etching, and PDMS molding, without expensive equipment. In addition, the parallelogram cross-section channel structure, regarded as a difficult shape to implement in previous fabrication methods, was easily formed by the self-alignment between the silicon channel and the PDMS mold, both of which were created from a single crystal silicon through an anisotropic etching process. We investigated the effects of the cross-sectional shape (parallelogram vs. rectangle) and height-to-width ratio of microfluidic channels on the size and uniformity of generated droplets. Using the developed HAR channel with the parallelogram cross-section, we successfully obtained smaller monodisperse droplets for a wider range of flow rates, compared with a previously reported HAR channel with a rectangular cross-section.
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20
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Maurya R, Gohil N, Bhattacharjee G, Alzahrani KJ, Ramakrishna S, Singh V. Microfluidics device for drug discovery, screening and delivery. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 187:335-346. [PMID: 35094780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and lab-on-chip are two progressive technologies widely used for drug discovery, screening and delivery. It has been designed in a way to act as a platform for sample preparations, culturing, incubation and screening through multi-channels. These devices require a small amount of reagent in about micro- to nanolitre volume. Microfluidics has the capacity to perform operations in a programmable manner and is easy to fine tune the size, shape and composition of drugs by changing flow rate and precise manipulations. Microfluidics platform comes with the advantage of mixing fluid in droplet reactors. Microfluidics is used in the field of chemistry, biomedical, biology and nanotechnology due to its high-throughput performance in various assays. It is potent enough to be used in microreactors for synthesis of particles and encapsulation of many biological entities for biological and drug delivery applications. Microfluidics therefore has the scope to be uplifted from basic to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Maurya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
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21
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A plasmonic gold nanofilm-based microfluidic chip for rapid and inexpensive droplet-based photonic PCR. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23338. [PMID: 34857792 PMCID: PMC8639772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful tool for nucleic acid amplification and quantification. However, long thermocycling time is a major limitation of the commercial PCR devices in the point-of-care (POC). Herein, we have developed a rapid droplet-based photonic PCR (dpPCR) system, including a gold (Au) nanofilm-based microfluidic chip and a plasmonic photothermal cycler. The chip is fabricated by adding mineral oil to uncured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to suppress droplet evaporation in PDMS microfluidic chips during PCR thermocycling. A PDMS to gold bonding technique using a double-sided adhesive tape is applied to enhance the bonding strength between the oil-added PDMS and the gold nanofilm. Moreover, the gold nanofilm excited by two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) from the top and bottom sides of the chip provides fast heating of the PCR sample to 230 °C within 100 s. Such a design enables 30 thermal cycles from 60 to 95 °C within 13 min with the average heating and cooling rates of 7.37 ± 0.27 °C/s and 1.91 ± 0.03 °C/s, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate successful PCR amplification of the alcohol oxidase (AOX) gene using the rapid plasmonic photothermal cycler and exhibit the great performance of the microfluidic chip for droplet-based PCR.
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22
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Amirifar L, Besanjideh M, Nasiri R, Shamloo A, Nasrollahi F, de Barros NR, Davoodi E, Erdem A, Mahmoodi M, Hosseini V, Montazerian H, Jahangiry J, Darabi MA, Haghniaz R, Dokmeci MR, Annabi N, Ahadian S, Khademhosseini A. Droplet-based microfluidics in biomedical applications. Biofabrication 2021; 14. [PMID: 34781274 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac39a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidic systems have been employed to manipulate discrete fluid volumes with immiscible phases. Creating the fluid droplets at microscale has led to a paradigm shift in mixing, sorting, encapsulation, sensing, and designing high throughput devices for biomedical applications. Droplet microfluidics has opened many opportunities in microparticle synthesis, molecular detection, diagnostics, drug delivery, and cell biology. In the present review, we first introduce standard methods for droplet generation (i.e., passive and active methods) and discuss the latest examples of emulsification and particle synthesis approaches enabled by microfluidic platforms. Then, the applications of droplet-based microfluidics in different biomedical applications are detailed. Finally, a general overview of the latest trends along with the perspectives and future potentials in the field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Amirifar
- Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Mohsen Besanjideh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | | | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
| | - Elham Davoodi
- Bioengineering, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, UNITED STATES
| | - Ahmet Erdem
- Bioengineering, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, UNITED STATES
| | | | - Vahid Hosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
| | - Hossein Montazerian
- Bioengineering, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, UNITED STATES
| | - Jamileh Jahangiry
- University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095, UNITED STATES
| | | | - Reihaneh Haghniaz
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
| | - Mehmet R Dokmeci
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
| | - Nasim Annabi
- Chemical Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, UNITED STATES
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, UNITED STATES
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23
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Fabrication of Microparticles with Front-Back Asymmetric Shapes Using Anisotropic Gelation. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12091121. [PMID: 34577764 PMCID: PMC8466830 DOI: 10.3390/mi12091121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics is a powerful tool for producing monodispersed micrometer-sized droplets with controlled sizes and shapes; thus, it has been widely applied in diverse fields from fundamental science to industries. Toward a simpler method for fabricating microparticles with front–back asymmetry in their shapes, we studied anisotropic gelation of alginate droplets, which occurs inside a flow-focusing microfluidic device. In the proposed method, sodium alginate (NaAlg) aqueous phase fused with a calcium chloride (CaCl2) emulsion dispersed in the organic phase just before the aqueous phase breaks up into the droplets. The fused droplet with a front–back asymmetric shape was generated, and the asymmetric shape was kept after geometrical confinement by a narrow microchannel was removed. The shape of the fused droplet depended on the size of prefused NaAlg aqueous phase and a CaCl2 emulsion, and the front–back asymmetry appeared in the case of the smaller emulsion size. The analysis of the velocity field inside and around the droplet revealed that the stagnation point at the tip of the aqueous phase also played an important role. The proposed mechanism will be potentially applicable as a novel fabrication technique of microparticles with asymmetric shapes.
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24
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Sun J, Zhang L, Li Z, Tang Q, Chen J, Huang Y, Hu C, Guo H, Peng Y, Wang ZL. A Mobile and Self-Powered Micro-Flow Pump Based on Triboelectricity Driven Electroosmosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102765. [PMID: 34270820 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Electroosmotic pumps have been widely used in microfluidic systems. However, traditional high-voltage (HV)-sources are bulky in size and induce numerous accessional reactions, which largely reduce the system's portability and efficiency. Herein, a motion-controlled, highly efficient micro-flow pump based on triboelectricity driven electroosmosis is reported. Utilizing the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a strong electric field can be formed between two electrodes in the microfluidic channel with an electric double layer, thus driving the controllable electroosmotic flow by biomechanical movements. The performance and operation mechanism of this triboelectric electroosmotic pump (TEOP) is systematically studied and analyzed using a basic free-standing mode TENG. The TEOP produces ≈600 nL min-1 micro-flow with a Joule heat down to 1.76 J cm-3 nL-1 compared with ≈50 nL min-1 and 8.12 J cm-3 nL-1 for an HV-source. The advantages of economy, efficiency, portability, and safety render the TEOP a more conducive option to achieve wider applications in motion-activated micro/nanofluidic transportation and manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Sun
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Lingjun Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qian Tang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - YingZhou Huang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Chenguo Hu
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Hengyu Guo
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yan Peng
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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Svetlov S, Abiev R. Mathematical modeling of the droplet formation process in a microfluidic device. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wu Y, Fan L, Jian E, Lee E. Electrophoresis of a highly charged dielectric fluid droplet in electrolyte solutions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 598:358-368. [PMID: 33905997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.03.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrophoresis of a dielectric fluid droplet with arbitrary surface potentials is investigated theoretically in this study. A pseudo-spectral method based on Chebyshev polynomials is adopted to solve the governing electrokinetic equations. Droplet mobilities are expressed as functions of electrolyte strength for fluid droplets with various viscosities and surface potentials. Effects of various electrokinetic parameters upon the droplet motion are investigated extensively. It is found, among other things, that the viscosity-dependence of the droplet mobility is synchronized with the presence of a separate axisymmetric exterior vortex flow surrounding the droplet, in addition to the axisymmetric interior vortex flow induced by the spinning motion of the charged surface. With its presence, the more viscous a fluid droplet is, the faster it moves; otherwise, the viscosity-dependence is the other way around. Critical points are discovered for highly charged droplets, at which the droplet surface becomes immobile and the interior fluid becomes motionless, just like a rigid solid particle. The orientation of the interior vortex flow changes each time passing these critical points, accompanied by the onset or shutdown of the exterior vortex flow. The results are useful in various practical applications such as drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Leia Fan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Elaine Jian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Eric Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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Mauri E, Giannitelli SM, Trombetta M, Rainer A. Synthesis of Nanogels: Current Trends and Future Outlook. Gels 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 33805279 PMCID: PMC8103252 DOI: 10.3390/gels7020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanogels represent an innovative platform for tunable drug release and targeted therapy in several biomedical applications, ranging from cancer to neurological disorders. The design of these nanocarriers is a pivotal topic investigated by the researchers over the years, with the aim to optimize the procedures and provide advanced nanomaterials. Chemical reactions, physical interactions and the developments of engineered devices are the three main areas explored to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional nanofabrication approaches. This review proposes a focus on the current techniques used in nanogel design, highlighting the upgrades in physico-chemical methodologies, microfluidics and 3D printing. Polymers and biomolecules can be combined to produce ad hoc nanonetworks according to the final curative aims, preserving the criteria of biocompatibility and biodegradability. Controlled polymerization, interfacial reactions, sol-gel transition, manipulation of the fluids at the nanoscale, lab-on-a-chip technology and 3D printing are the leading strategies to lean on in the next future and offer new solutions to the critical healthcare scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.M.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Sara Maria Giannitelli
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.M.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.M.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (S.M.G.); (M.T.)
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Can 3D Printing Bring Droplet Microfluidics to Every Lab?-A Systematic Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12030339. [PMID: 33810056 PMCID: PMC8004812 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, additive manufacturing has steadily gained attention in both research and industry. Applications range from prototyping to small-scale production, with 3D printing offering reduced logistics overheads, better design flexibility and ease of use compared with traditional fabrication methods. In addition, printer and material costs have also decreased rapidly. These advantages make 3D printing attractive for application in microfluidic chip fabrication. However, 3D printing microfluidics is still a new area. Is the technology mature enough to print complex microchannel geometries, such as droplet microfluidics? Can 3D-printed droplet microfluidic chips be used in biological or chemical applications? Is 3D printing mature enough to be used in every research lab? These are the questions we will seek answers to in our systematic review. We will analyze (1) the key performance metrics of 3D-printed droplet microfluidics and (2) existing biological or chemical application areas. In addition, we evaluate (3) the potential of large-scale application of 3D printing microfluidics. Finally, (4) we discuss how 3D printing and digital design automation could trivialize microfluidic chip fabrication in the long term. Based on our analysis, we can conclude that today, 3D printers could already be used in every research lab. Printing droplet microfluidics is also a possibility, albeit with some challenges discussed in this review.
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Lee D, Shen AQ. Interfacial Tension Measurements in Microfluidic Quasi-Static Extensional Flows. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:272. [PMID: 33800831 PMCID: PMC8000871 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics provides a versatile tool for measuring interfacial tensions between two immiscible fluids owing to its abilities of fast response, enhanced throughput, portability and easy manipulations of fluid compositions, comparing to conventional techniques. Purely homogeneous extension in the microfluidic device is desirable to measure the interfacial tension because the flow field enables symmetric droplet deformation along the outflow direction. To do so, we designed a microfluidic device consisting of a droplet production region to first generate emulsion droplets at a flow-focusing area. The droplets are then trapped at a stagnation point in the cross junction area, subsequently being stretched along the outflow direction under the extensional flow. These droplets in the device are either confined or unconfined in the channel walls depending on the channel height, which yields different droplet deformations. To calculate the interfacial tension for confined and unconfined droplet cases, quasi-static 2D Darcy approximation model and quasi-static 3D small deformation model are used. For the confined droplet case under the extensional flow, an effective viscosity of the two immiscible fluids, accounting for the viscosity ratio of continuous and dispersed phases, captures the droplet deformation well. However, the 2D model is limited to the case where the droplet is confined in the channel walls and deforms two-dimensionally. For the unconfined droplet case, the 3D model provides more robust estimates than the 2D model. We demonstrate that both 2D and 3D models provide good interfacial tension measurements under quasi-static extensional flows in comparison with the conventional pendant drop method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doojin Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Amy Q. Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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Tarn MD, Sikora SNF, Porter GCE, Shim JU, Murray BJ. Homogeneous Freezing of Water Using Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:223. [PMID: 33672200 PMCID: PMC7926757 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The homogeneous freezing of water is important in the formation of ice in clouds, but there remains a great deal of variability in the representation of the homogeneous freezing of water in the literature. The development of new instrumentation, such as droplet microfluidic platforms, may help to constrain our understanding of the kinetics of homogeneous freezing via the analysis of monodisperse, size-selected water droplets in temporally and spatially controlled environments. Here, we evaluate droplet freezing data obtained using the Lab-on-a-Chip Nucleation by Immersed Particle Instrument (LOC-NIPI), in which droplets are generated and frozen in continuous flow. This high-throughput method was used to analyse over 16,000 water droplets (86 μm diameter) across three experimental runs, generating data with high precision and reproducibility that has largely been unrepresented in the microfluidic literature. Using this data, a new LOC-NIPI parameterisation of the volume nucleation rate coefficient (JV(T)) was determined in the temperature region of -35.1 to -36.9 °C, covering a greater JV(T) compared to most other microfluidic techniques thanks to the number of droplets analysed. Comparison to recent theory suggests inconsistencies in the theoretical representation, further implying that microfluidics could be used to inform on changes to parameterisations. By applying classical nucleation theory (CNT) to our JV(T) data, we have gone a step further than other microfluidic homogeneous freezing examples by calculating the stacking-disordered ice-supercooled water interfacial energy, estimated to be 22.5 ± 0.7 mJ m-2, again finding inconsistencies when compared to theoretical predictions. Further, we briefly review and compile all available microfluidic homogeneous freezing data in the literature, finding that the LOC-NIPI and other microfluidically generated data compare well with commonly used non-microfluidic datasets, but have generally been obtained with greater ease and with higher numbers of monodisperse droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Tarn
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (S.N.F.S.); (G.C.E.P.)
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Sebastien N. F. Sikora
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (S.N.F.S.); (G.C.E.P.)
| | - Grace C. E. Porter
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (S.N.F.S.); (G.C.E.P.)
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Jung-uk Shim
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Benjamin J. Murray
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (S.N.F.S.); (G.C.E.P.)
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31
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Hernandez-Valdes JA, aan de Stegge M, Hermans J, Teunis J, van Tatenhove-Pel RJ, Teusink B, Bachmann H, Kuipers OP. Enhancement of amino acid production and secretion by Lactococcus lactis using a droplet-based biosensing and selection system. Metab Eng Commun 2020; 11:e00133. [PMID: 32551230 PMCID: PMC7292884 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are attractive metabolites for the pharmaceutical and food industry field. On one hand, the construction of microbial cell factories for large-scale production aims to satisfy the demand for amino acids as bulk biochemical. On the other hand, amino acids enhance flavor formation in fermented foods. Concerning the latter, flavor formation in dairy products, such as cheese is associated with the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In particular, Lactococcus lactis, one of the most important LAB, is used as a starter culture in fermented foods. The proteolytic activity of some L. lactis strains results in peptides and amino acids, which are flavor compounds or flavor precursors. However, it is still a challenge to isolate bacterial cells with enhanced amino acid production and secretion activity. In this work, we developed a growth-based sensor strain to detect the essential amino acids isoleucine, leucine, valine, histidine and methionine. Amino acids are metabolites that can be secreted by some bacteria. Therefore, our biosensor allowed us to identify wild-type L. lactis strains that naturally secrete amino acids, by using co-cultures of the biosensor strain with potential amino acid producing strains. Subsequently, we used this biosensor in combination with a droplet-based screening approach, and isolated three mutated L. lactis IPLA838 strains with 5-10 fold increased amino acid-secretion compared to the wild type. Genome re-sequencing revealed mutations in genes encoding proteins that participate in peptide uptake and peptide degradation. We argue that an unbalance in the regulation of amino acid levels as a result of these gene mutations may drive the accumulation and secretion of these amino acids. This biosensing system tackles the problem of selection for overproduction of secreted molecules, which requires the coupling of the product to the producing cell in the droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatan A. Hernandez-Valdes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Myrthe aan de Stegge
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Hermans
- Analytical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Teunis
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rinke J. van Tatenhove-Pel
- Systems Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Teusink
- Systems Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Herwig Bachmann
- Systems Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- NIZO Food Research, Kernhemseweg 2, 6718, ZB, Ede, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
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32
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Yafia M, Foudeh AM, Tabrizian M, Najjaran H. Low-Cost Graphene-Based Digital Microfluidic System. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11090880. [PMID: 32971896 PMCID: PMC7569958 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the laser-scribing technique was used as a low-cost, rapid and facile method for fabricating digital microfluidic (DMF) systems. Laser-scribed graphene (LSG) electrodes are directly synthesized on flexible substrates to pattern the DMF electrode arrays. This facilitates the DMF electrodes’ fabrication process by eliminating many microfabrication steps. An electrowetting test was performed to investigate the effectiveness of the LSG DMF electrodes in changing the contact angles of droplets. Different DMF operations were successfully performed using the proposed LSG DMF chips in both open and closed DMF systems. The quality and output resolution were examined to assess the performance of such patterned electrodes in the DMF systems. To verify the efficacy of the LSG DMF chips, a one-step direct assay for the detection of Legionellapneumophila deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was performed on the chip without the need for any washing step. The high specificity in distinguishing a single-nucleotide mismatch was achieved by detecting target DNA concentrations as low as 1 nM. Our findings suggest that the proposed rapid and easy fabrication method for LSG DMF electrodes offers a great platform for low-cost and easily accessible point-of-care diagnostic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Yafia
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (H.N.)
| | - Amir M. Foudeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; (A.M.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; (A.M.F.); (M.T.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Homayoun Najjaran
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (H.N.)
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33
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Tarn MD, Sikora SNF, Porter GCE, Wyld BV, Alayof M, Reicher N, Harrison AD, Rudich Y, Shim JU, Murray BJ. On-chip analysis of atmospheric ice-nucleating particles in continuous flow. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2889-2910. [PMID: 32661539 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00251h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are of atmospheric importance because they catalyse the freezing of supercooled cloud droplets, strongly affecting the lifetime and radiative properties of clouds. There is a need to improve our knowledge of the global distribution of INPs, their seasonal cycles and long-term trends, but our capability to make these measurements is limited. Atmospheric INP concentrations are often determined using assays involving arrays of droplets on a cold stage, but such assays are frequently limited by the number of droplets that can be analysed per experiment, often involve manual processing (e.g. pipetting of droplets), and can be susceptible to contamination. Here, we present a microfluidic platform, the LOC-NIPI (Lab-on-a-Chip Nucleation by Immersed Particle Instrument), for the generation of water-in-oil droplets and their freezing in continuous flow as they pass over a cold plate for atmospheric INP analysis. LOC-NIPI allows the user to define the number of droplets analysed by simply running the platform for as long as required. The use of small (∼100 μm diameter) droplets minimises the probability of contamination in any one droplet and therefore allows supercooling all the way down to homogeneous freezing (around -36 °C), while a temperature probe in a proxy channel provides an accurate measure of temperature without the need for temperature modelling. The platform was validated using samples of pollen extract and Snomax®, with hundreds of droplets analysed per temperature step and thousands of droplets being measured per experiment. Homogeneous freezing of purified water was studied using >10 000 droplets with temperature increments of 0.1 °C. The results were reproducible, independent of flow rate in the ranges tested, and the data compared well to conventional instrumentation and literature data. The LOC-NIPI was further benchmarked in a field campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean against other well-characterised instrumentation. The continuous flow nature of the system provides a route, with future development, to the automated monitoring of atmospheric INP at field sites around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Tarn
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | | | - Grace C E Porter
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Bethany V Wyld
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Matan Alayof
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Naama Reicher
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Jung-Uk Shim
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Benjamin J Murray
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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Sattari A, Hanafizadeh P, Hoorfar M. Multiphase flow in microfluidics: From droplets and bubbles to the encapsulated structures. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 282:102208. [PMID: 32721624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have a unique ability to control more precisely and effectively on two-phase flow systems in comparison with macro systems. Controlling the size of the droplets and bubbles has led to an ever-increasing expansion of this technology in two-phase systems. Liquid-liquid and gas-liquid two-phase flows because of their numerous applications in different branches such as reactions, synthesis, emulsions, cosmetic, food, drug delivery, etc. have been the most critical two-phase flows in microfluidic systems. This review highlights recent progress in two-phase flows in microfluidic devices. The fundamentals of two-phase flows, including some essential dimensionless numbers, governing equations, and some most well-known numerical methods are firstly introduced, followed by a review of standard methods for producing segmented flows such as emulsions in microfluidic systems. Then various encapsulated structures, a common two-phase flow structure in microfluidic devices, and different methods of their production are reviewed. Finally, applications of two-phase microfluidic flows in drug-delivery, biotechnology, mixing, and microreactors are briefly discussed.
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35
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Optical Etching to Pattern Microstructures on Plastics by Vacuum Ultraviolet Light. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13092206. [PMID: 32403429 PMCID: PMC7254391 DOI: 10.3390/ma13092206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We proposed and demonstrated an optical dry etching method for transferring a pattern on a photomask to a surface of plastics by decomposing the irradiated area using the high energy of vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV) at room temperature and pressure. Two kinds of wavelengths of 160 nm and 172 nm were used as the vacuum ultraviolet light, and the patterning performances for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) were compared. As a result, it was revealed that proportional relationships were obtained between the etching rate and the irradiation dose for both wavelengths, and the cross-sectional profiles were anisotropic. In addition, both PMMA and PC were etched at a wavelength of 160 nm, whereas PC could not be etched at a wavelength of 172 nm, suggesting that it correlates with the bond dissociation energies of the molecular bonds of the materials and the energies of the photons. Furthermore, by combining this method with the optical bonding method that we had previously developed to bond surfaces irradiated with VUV, we have demonstrated a method for fabricating microfluidic devices by irradiating only with VUV. This paper shows that this technique is a new microfabrication method suitable for simple and mass production of plastic materials.
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36
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Arjun A, Ajith RR, Kumar Ranjith S. Mixing characterization of binary-coalesced droplets in microchannels using deep neural network. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:034111. [PMID: 32549924 PMCID: PMC7274813 DOI: 10.1063/5.0008461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Real-time object identification and classification are essential in many microfluidic applications especially in the droplet microfluidics. This paper discusses the application of convolutional neural networks to detect the merged microdroplet in the flow field and classify them in an on-the-go manner based on the extent of mixing. The droplets are generated in PMMA microfluidic devices employing flow-focusing and cross-flow configurations. The visualization of binary coalescence of droplets is performed by a CCD camera attached to a microscope, and the sequence of images is recorded. Different real-time object localization and classification networks such as You Only Look Once and Singleshot Multibox Detector are deployed for droplet detection and characterization. A custom dataset to train these deep neural networks to detect and classify is created from the captured images and labeled manually. The merged droplets are segregated based on the degree of mixing into three categories: low mixing, intermediate mixing, and high mixing. The trained model is tested against images taken at different ambient conditions, droplet shapes, droplet sizes, and binary-fluid combinations, which indeed exhibited high accuracy and precision in predictions. In addition, it is demonstrated that these schemes are efficient in localization of coalesced binary droplets from the recorded video or image and classify them based on grade of mixing irrespective of experimental conditions in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arjun
- Micro/nanofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananathapuram 695016, Kerala, India
| | - R R Ajith
- Micro/nanofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananathapuram 695016, Kerala, India
| | - S Kumar Ranjith
- Micro/nanofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananathapuram 695016, Kerala, India
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37
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Bento D, Lopes S, Maia I, Lima R, Miranda JM. Bubbles Moving in Blood Flow in a Microchannel Network: The Effect on the Local Hematocrit. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040344. [PMID: 32224993 PMCID: PMC7230880 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Air inside of blood vessels is a phenomenon known as gas embolism. During the past years, studies have been performed to assess the influence of air bubbles in microcirculation. In this study, we investigated the flow of bubbles in a microchannel network with several bifurcations, mimicking part of a capillary system. Thus, two working fluids were used, composed by sheep red blood cells (RBCs) suspended in a Dextran 40 solution with different hematocrits (5% and 10%). The experiments were carried out in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel network fabricated by a soft lithography. A high-speed video microscopy system was used to obtain the results for a blood flow rate of 10 µL/min. This system enables the visualization of bubble formation and flow along the network. The results showed that the passage of air bubbles strongly influences the cell's local concentration, since a higher concentration of cells was observed upstream of the bubble, whereas a lower local hematocrit was visualized at the region downstream of the bubble. In bifurcations, bubbles may split asymmetrically, leading to an uneven distribution of RBCs between the outflow branches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bento
- CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP) Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.B.); (R.L.)
- Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, ESTiG/IPB, C. Sta. Apolónia, 5300-857 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Sara Lopes
- Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, ESTiG/IPB, C. Sta. Apolónia, 5300-857 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Inês Maia
- Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Rui Lima
- CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP) Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.B.); (R.L.)
- MEtRICS, Mechanical Eng. Dep., University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João M. Miranda
- CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP) Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.B.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence:
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38
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Richter D, Marinčič M, Humar M. Optical-resonance-assisted generation of super monodisperse microdroplets and microbeads with nanometer precision. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:734-740. [PMID: 31845692 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01034c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Droplets with predefined sizes have been controllably produced at the tip of a micro-capillary immersed in an external fluid while tracking the high Q-factor whispering gallery modes (WGM). The modes were fitted to a model to give precise real-time size measurement, which was used as a feedback to control the pressure in the capillary and the release of the droplet from the capillary when it reached the target size. In this way a dispersion of highly monodisperse droplets anywhere in the size range from 5 μm to 50 μm were produced. To fabricate solid beads, the droplets were made from a liquid photopolymer and were later polymerized with UV light. The polymerized beads showed long term stability. The diameter of the generated oil droplets and polymerized microbeads could be reproduced with a standard deviation of 1.1 nm and 20 nm, respectively. Overall, the demonstrated method improves the size precision by three and two orders of magnitude for microdroplets and microbeads, respectively, compared to standard production methods such as reported in microfluidics. Encoding of short words and numbers has been demonstrated by producing three beads with predefined sizes. The stored information has been read from the emitted spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Richter
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA and Department of Condensed Matter Physics, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - MatevŽ Marinčič
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. and Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - MatjaŽ Humar
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. and Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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39
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Babahosseini H, Padmanabhan S, Misteli T, DeVoe DL. A programmable microfluidic platform for multisample injection, discretization, and droplet manipulation. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:014112. [PMID: 32038741 PMCID: PMC7002170 DOI: 10.1063/1.5143434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A programmable microfluidic platform enabling on-demand sampling, compartmentalization, and manipulation of multiple aqueous volumes is presented. The system provides random-access actuation of a microtrap array supporting selective discretization of picoliter volumes from multiple sample inputs. The platform comprises two interconnected chips, with parallel T-junctions and multiplexed microvalves within one chip enabling programmable injection of aqueous sample plugs, and nanoliter volumes transferred to a second microtrap array chip in which the plugs are actively discretized into picoliter droplets within a static array of membrane displacement actuators. The system employs two different multiplexer designs that reduce the number of input signals required for both sample injection and discretization. This versatile droplet-based technology offers flexible sample workflows and functionalities for the formation and manipulation of heterogeneous picoliter droplets, with particular utility for applications in biochemical synthesis and cell-based assays requiring flexible and programmable operation of parallel and multistep droplet processes. The platform is used here for the selective encapsulation of differentially labeled cells within a discrete droplet array.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Supriya Padmanabhan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Tom Misteli
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Don L. DeVoe
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1-301-405-8125
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40
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Padmanabhan S, Han JY, Nanayankkara I, Tran K, Ho P, Mesfin N, White I, DeVoe DL. Enhanced sample filling and discretization in thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays using asymmetric contact angles. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:014113. [PMID: 32095199 PMCID: PMC7028432 DOI: 10.1063/1.5126938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sample filling and discretization within thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays is investigated toward the development of low cost disposable microfluidics for passive sample discretization. By using a high level of contact angle asymmetry between the filling channel and microwell surfaces, a significant increase in the range of well geometries that can be successfully filled is revealed. The performance of various array designs is characterized numerically and experimentally to assess the impact of contact angle asymmetry and device geometry on sample filling and discretization, resulting in guidelines to ensure robust microwell filling and sample isolation over a wide range of well dimensions. Using the developed design rules, reliable and bubble-free sample filling and discretization is achieved in designs with critical dimensions ranging from 20 μm to 800 μm. The resulting devices are demonstrated for discretized nucleic acid amplification by performing loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of the mecA gene associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Padmanabhan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - J. Y. Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - I. Nanayankkara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - K. Tran
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - P. Ho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - N. Mesfin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - I. White
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - D. L. DeVoe
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1-301-405-8125
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Wang Y, Liu S, Zhang T, Cong H, Wei Y, Xu J, Ho YP, Kong SK, Ho HP. A centrifugal microfluidic pressure regulator scheme for continuous concentration control in droplet-based microreactors. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:3870-3879. [PMID: 31638632 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00631a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics is an emerging tool in many biological and chemical application areas such as digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in vitro diagnosis because of its extremely small sample volume and wide range of possibilities for on-demand adjustment of droplet properties. Although centrifugal microfluidics has been reported as a viable scheme for droplet generation, there is not much progress as far as droplet manipulation and droplet-based reactions are concerned. In this paper, we report a microfluidic pressure regulator scheme along with the use of microcapillaries for periodic droplet generation and the subsequent fusion. This scheme enables fine control over droplet generation and the fusion process by varying the rotational frequency. To control the solution concentration in droplets, we have implemented several fusion devices, including one-to-one mode using a symmetric structure and ratio-adjustable mode with an asymmetric structure. As an application example, we performed cell transfection using the reported droplet-based technique, which resulted in considerable improvement in terms of transfection efficiency compared to the traditional bulk approach. In another example, we synthesized quasi-2D perovskites with controllable compositions and tunable photoluminescence peaks, thus confirming the volumetric accuracy of this approach down to the nano-liter scale. Compared to the common pressure pulsation approach, our centrifugal force actuation scheme offers the advantages of compactness and highly parallel batch processing. We anticipate that the new scheme will find many applications in cell biology and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuye Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Shiyue Liu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tiankai Zhang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hengji Cong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jianbin Xu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Siu-Kai Kong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho-Pui Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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Unveiling the Potential of Droplet Generation, Sorting, Expansion, and Restoration in Microfluidic Biochips. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10110756. [PMID: 31698735 PMCID: PMC6915428 DOI: 10.3390/mi10110756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic biochip techniques are prominently replacing conventional biochemical analyzers by the integration of all functions necessary for biochemical analysis using microfluidics. The microfluidics of droplets offer exquisite control over the size of microliter samples to satisfy the requirements of embryo culture, which might involve a size ranging from picoliter to nanoliter. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the mainstream material for the fabrication of microfluidic devices due to its excellent biocompatibility and simplicity of fabrication. Herein, we developed a microfluidic biomedical chip on a PDMS substrate that integrated four key functions—generation of a droplet of an emulsion, sorting, expansion and restoration, which were employed in a mouse embryo system to assess reproductive medicine. The main channel of the designed chip had width of 1200 μm and height of 500 μm. The designed microfluidic chips possessed six sections—cleaved into three inlets and three outlets—to study the key functions with five-day embryo culture. The control part of the experiment was conducted with polystyrene (PS) beads (100 μm), the same size as the murine embryos, for the purpose of testing. The outcomes of our work illustrate that the rate of success of the static droplet culture group (87.5%) is only slightly less than that of a conventional group (95%). It clearly demonstrates that a droplet-based microfluidic system can produce a droplet in a volume range from picoliter to nanoliter.
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43
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Katigbak RD, Turchini GM, de Graaf SP, Kong L, Dumée LF. Review on Sperm Sorting Technologies and Sperm Properties toward New Separation Methods via the Interface of Biochemistry and Material Science. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900079. [PMID: 32648656 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Successful fertilization in mammals requires spermatozoa to efficiently traverse the female reproductive tract to meet the egg. This process naturally selects high quality sperm cells for fertilization, but when artificial reproductive technologies are used such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination, other methods of sperm selection are required. Currently, technology enables sperm sorting based on motility, maturity as defined by zeta potential or hyaluronic acid binding site expression, absence of apoptotic factors, appropriate morphology, and even sex. This review summarizes current knowledge on all known methods of sperm cell sorting, compares their efficiency, and discusses the advantages and limitations of each technique. Scope for further refinement and improvement of current methods are discussed as is the potential to utilize a variety of materials to innovate new methods of sperm separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto D Katigbak
- Deakin University, Geelong, Institute for Frontier Materials, Waurn Ponds 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giovanni M Turchini
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Burwood, 3125, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Deakin University, Geelong, Institute for Frontier Materials, Waurn Ponds 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ludovic F Dumée
- Deakin University, Geelong, Institute for Frontier Materials, Waurn Ponds 3216, Victoria, Australia
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44
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Abstract
Cells are the basic units of life, and can be mimicked to create artificial analogs enabling the investigation of cellular mechanisms under controlled conditions. Building biomimetic systems ranging from proto-cells to cell-like objects such as compartment membranes can be achieved by collecting biobricks that self-assemble to build simplified models performing specific functions. Hence, scientists can develop and optimize new synthetic cells with biological functions by taking inspiration from nature and exploiting the advantages of synthetic biology. However, the bottom-down approach is not restricted to the basic principles of biological cells, and new mimicry systems can be designed starting with a combination of living and non-living simple molecules to focus on a cellular machinery function. In recent years, microfluidic devices have been well established to engineer bioarchitecture models resembling cell-like structures involving vesicles, compartmentalization, synthetic membranes, and the chip itself as a synthetic cell. This review aims to highlight the role of biological cells and their impact on inspiring the development of biomimetic models. The combination of the principles of synthetic biology with microfluidic technology represents the newly-introduced field of synthetic cells and synthetic membranes that can be further exploited in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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45
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Bangjang T, Cherkasov N, Denissenko P, Jaree A, Rebrov EV. Enhanced Droplet Size Control in Liquid‐Liquid Emulsions Obtained in a Wire‐Guided X‐Mixer. Chem Eng Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201800440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thapanee Bangjang
- Kasetsart University, Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering 50 Paholyotin Rd. 10900 Bangkok Thailand
- University of WarwickSchool of Engineering Library Road CV4 7AL Coventry United Kingdom
| | - Nikolay Cherkasov
- University of WarwickSchool of Engineering Library Road CV4 7AL Coventry United Kingdom
| | - Petr Denissenko
- University of WarwickSchool of Engineering Library Road CV4 7AL Coventry United Kingdom
| | - Attasak Jaree
- Kasetsart University, Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering 50 Paholyotin Rd. 10900 Bangkok Thailand
- Kasetsart UniversityFaculty of Engineering, Center for Advanced Studies in Industrial Technology 50 Ngamwongwan Rd. Chatuchak 10900 Bangkok Thailand
| | - Evgeny V. Rebrov
- University of WarwickSchool of Engineering Library Road CV4 7AL Coventry United Kingdom
- Tver State Technical UniversityDepartment of Biotechnology and Chemistry Nab. A. Nikitina 22 170026 Tver Russia
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46
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Feng H, Zheng T, Li M, Wu J, Ji H, Zhang J, Zhao W, Guo J. Droplet-based microfluidics systems in biomedical applications. Electrophoresis 2019; 40:1580-1590. [PMID: 30892714 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics has made a very impressive progress in the past decades due to its unique and instinctive advantages. Droplet-based microfluidic systems show excellent compatibility with many chemical and biological reagents and are capable of performing variety of operations that can implement microreactor, complex multiple core-shell structure, and many applications in biomedical research such as drug encapsulation, targeted drug delivery systems, and multifunctionalization on carriers. Droplet-based systems have been directly used to synthesize particles and encapsulate many biological entities for biomedicine applications due to their powerful encapsulation capability and facile versatility. In this paper, we review its origin, deviation, and evolution to draw a clear future, especially for droplet-based biomedical applications. This paper will focus on droplet generation, variations and complication as starter, and logistically lead to the numerous typical applications in biomedical research. Finally, we will summarize both its challenge and future prospects relevant to its droplet-based biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital & Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen-PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Junwei Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Hongjun Ji
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jiaheng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jinhong Guo
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, P. R. China
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47
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Kempa EE, Hollywood KA, Smith CA, Barran PE. High throughput screening of complex biological samples with mass spectrometry – from bulk measurements to single cell analysis. Analyst 2019; 144:872-891. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an01448e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We review the state of the art in HTS using mass spectrometry with minimal sample preparation from complex biological matrices. We focus on industrial and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Kempa
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Katherine A. Hollywood
- Manchester Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM)
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester M1 7DN
- UK
| | - Clive A. Smith
- Sphere Fluidics Limited
- The Jonas-Webb Building
- Babraham Research Campus
- Cambridge
- UK
| | - Perdita E. Barran
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
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48
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Bodénès P, Wang HY, Lee TH, Chen HY, Wang CY. Microfluidic techniques for enhancing biofuel and biorefinery industry based on microalgae. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:33. [PMID: 30815031 PMCID: PMC6376642 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1369-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This review presents a critical assessment of emerging microfluidic technologies for the application on biological productions of biofuels and other chemicals from microalgae. Comparisons of cell culture designs for the screening of microalgae strains and growth conditions are provided with three categories: mechanical traps, droplets, or microchambers. Emerging technologies for the in situ characterization of microalgae features and metabolites are also presented and evaluated. Biomass and secondary metabolite productivities obtained at microscale are compared with the values obtained at bulk scale to assess the feasibility of optimizing large-scale operations using microfluidic platforms. The recent studies in microsystems for microalgae pretreatment, fractionation and extraction of metabolites are also reviewed. Finally, comments toward future developments (high-pressure/-temperature process; solvent-resistant devices; omics analysis, including genome/epigenome, proteome, and metabolome; biofilm reactors) of microfluidic techniques for microalgae applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bodénès
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yu Wang
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Nuclear Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hua Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Wang
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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49
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Kaushik AM, Hsieh K, Wang TH. Droplet microfluidics for high-sensitivity and high-throughput detection and screening of disease biomarkers. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1522. [PMID: 29797414 PMCID: PMC6185786 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers are nucleic acids, proteins, single cells, or small molecules in human tissues or biological fluids whose reliable detection can be used to confirm or predict disease and disease states. Sensitive detection of biomarkers is therefore critical in a variety of applications including disease diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug screening. Unfortunately for many diseases, low abundance of biomarkers in human samples and low sample volumes render standard benchtop platforms like 96-well plates ineffective for reliable detection and screening. Discretization of bulk samples into a large number of small volumes (fL-nL) via droplet microfluidic technology offers a promising solution for high-sensitivity and high-throughput detection and screening of biomarkers. Several microfluidic strategies exist for high-throughput biomarker digitization into droplets, and these strategies have been utilized by numerous droplet platforms for nucleic acid, protein, and single-cell detection and screening. While the potential of droplet-based platforms has led to burgeoning interest in droplets, seamless integration of sample preparation technologies and automation of platforms from biological sample to answer remain critical components that can render these platforms useful in the clinical setting in the near future. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
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50
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Calvino C, Weder C. Microcapsule-Containing Self-Reporting Polymers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1802489. [PMID: 30265445 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201802489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-reporting polymers, which can indicate damage or exposure to excessive stress with a clearly perceptible optical signal, are potentially useful for several technological applications, including stress-sensitive sensors that enable in situ monitoring of mechanical events and structural health monitoring systems. A versatile and simple concept to realize this function is the exploitation of microcapsules that are filled with solutions of dyes that are released and chemically or physically activated when the protective shell is damaged. Such microcapsules can readily be incorporated into polymers and the composites thus made can be processed into films, coatings, or other objects. Mechanochromic effects can be realized with different types of dyes and activation schemes. In this concept article, a selection of recent key studies is presented to provide an overview of the state of the field. Different architectures and operating principles and their advantages and drawbacks are reviewed. The parameters that influence the design of microcapsule-based mechanochromic systems are considered and unexplored chromophore systems that might be useful to design future self-reporting polymers are discussed. Finally, specific aspects of capsule design, fabrication, and integration into polymers are presented. Throughout the article, challenges and opportunities of the concept are highlighted and possible future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Calvino
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
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