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Rodríguez CF, Báez-Suárez M, Muñoz-Camargo C, Reyes LH, Osma JF, Cruz JC. Zweifach-Fung Microfluidic Device for Efficient Microparticle Separation: Cost-Effective Fabrication Using CO 2 Laser-Ablated PMMA. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:932. [PMID: 39064443 PMCID: PMC11278838 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic separators play a pivotal role in the biomedical and chemical industries by enabling precise fluid manipulations. Traditional fabrication of these devices typically requires costly cleanroom facilities, which limits their broader application. This study introduces a novel microfluidic device that leverages the passive Zweifach-Fung principle to overcome these financial barriers. Through Lagrangian computational simulations, we optimized an eleven-channel Zweifach-Fung configuration that achieved a perfect 100% recall rate for particles following a specified normal distribution. Experimental evaluations determined 2 mL/h as the optimal total flow rate (TFR), under which the device showcased exceptional performance enhancements in precision and recall for micrometer-sized particles, achieving an overall accuracy of 94% ± 3%. Fabricated using a cost-effective, non-cleanroom method, this approach represents a significant shift from conventional practices, dramatically reducing production costs while maintaining high operational efficacy. The cost of each chip is less than USD 0.90 cents and the manufacturing process takes only 15 min. The development of this device not only makes microfluidic technology more accessible but also sets a new standard for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian F. Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.F.R.); (M.B.-S.); (C.M.-C.); (J.F.O.)
- Neuroscience Group of Antioquia, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Area, School of Medicine, SIU, University of Antioquia, Cl. 62 No. 52-59, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Mateo Báez-Suárez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.F.R.); (M.B.-S.); (C.M.-C.); (J.F.O.)
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.F.R.); (M.B.-S.); (C.M.-C.); (J.F.O.)
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
| | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.F.R.); (M.B.-S.); (C.M.-C.); (J.F.O.)
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.F.R.); (M.B.-S.); (C.M.-C.); (J.F.O.)
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
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Rodríguez CF, Guzmán-Sastoque P, Gantiva-Diaz M, Gómez SC, Quezada V, Muñoz-Camargo C, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Low-cost inertial microfluidic device for microparticle separation: A laser-Ablated PMMA lab-on-a-chip approach without a cleanroom. HARDWAREX 2023; 16:e00493. [PMID: 38045919 PMCID: PMC10689937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although microparticles are frequently used in chemistry and biology, their effectiveness largely depends on the homogeneity of their particle size distribution. Microfluidic devices to separate and purify particles based on their size have been developed, but many require expensive cleanroom manufacturing processes. A cost-effective, passive microfluidic separator is presented, capable of efficiently sorting and purifying particles spanning the size range of 15 µm to 40 µm. Fabricated from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) substrates using laser ablation, this device circumvents the need for cleanroom facilities. Prior to fabrication, rigorous optimization of the device's design was carried out through computational simulations conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics. To gauge its performance, chitosan microparticles were employed as a test case. The results were notably promising, achieving a precision of 96.14 %. This quantitative metric underscores the device's precision and effectiveness in size-based particle separation. This low-cost and accessible microfluidic separator offers a pragmatic solution for laboratories and researchers seeking precise control over particle sizes, without the constraints of expensive manufacturing environments. This innovation not only mitigates the limitations tied to traditional cleanroom-based fabrication but also widens the horizons for various applications within the realms of chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian F. Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Paula Guzmán-Sastoque
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Mónica Gantiva-Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Saúl C. Gómez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Wang H, Chen Y, Wang L, Liu Q, Yang S, Wang C. Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265178. [PMID: 37818188 PMCID: PMC10561302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the significance of quality control in herbal medication products, focusing on its role in maintaining efficiency and safety. With a historical foundation in traditional medicine systems, herbal remedies have gained widespread popularity as natural alternatives to conventional treatments. However, the increasing demand for these products necessitates stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety. This comprehensive review explores the importance of quality control methods in monitoring various aspects of herbal product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Emphasizing the need for standardized processes, the manuscript delves into the detection and prevention of contaminants, the authentication of herbal ingredients, and the adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, it highlights the integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches in achieving optimal quality control outcomes. By emphasizing the role of quality control in herbal medicine, this manuscript contributes to promoting consumer trust, safeguarding public health, and fostering the responsible use of herbal medication products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Wang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Innovative Center for Drug Basic Research of Metabolic Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Cunqin Wang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Innovative Center for Drug Basic Research of Metabolic Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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Rodríguez CF, Andrade-Pérez V, Vargas MC, Mantilla-Orozco A, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Breaking the clean room barrier: exploring low-cost alternatives for microfluidic devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1176557. [PMID: 37180035 PMCID: PMC10172592 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1176557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses both science and engineering, which aims to design and fabricate devices capable of manipulating extremely low volumes of fluids on a microscale level. The central objective of microfluidics is to provide high precision and accuracy while using minimal reagents and equipment. The benefits of this approach include greater control over experimental conditions, faster analysis, and improved experimental reproducibility. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), have emerged as potential instruments for optimizing operations and decreasing costs in various of industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetics. However, the high price of conventional prototypes for LOCs devices, generated in clean room facilities, has increased the demand for inexpensive alternatives. Polymers, paper, and hydrogels are some of the materials that can be utilized to create the inexpensive microfluidic devices covered in this article. In addition, we highlighted different manufacturing techniques, such as soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing, that are suitable for creating LOCs. The selection of materials and fabrication techniques will depend on the specific requirements and applications of each individual LOC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous alternatives for the development of low-cost LOCs to service industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Camila Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Luis H. Reyes, ; Juan C. Cruz,
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Luis H. Reyes, ; Juan C. Cruz,
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