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Wells TN, Schmidt H, Hawkins AR. Constrained Volume Micro- and Nanoparticle Collection Methods in Microfluidic Systems. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:699. [PMID: 38930668 PMCID: PMC11206162 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Particle trapping and enrichment into confined volumes can be useful in particle processing and analysis. This review is an evaluation of the methods used to trap and enrich particles into constrained volumes in microfluidic and nanofluidic systems. These methods include physical, optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic, and some hybrid techniques, all capable of locally enhancing nano- and microparticle concentrations on a microscale. Some key qualitative and quantitative comparison points are also explored, illustrating the specific applicability and challenges of each method. A few applications of these types of particle trapping are also discussed, including enhancing biological and chemical sensors, particle washing techniques, and fluid medium exchange systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner N. Wells
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Holger Schmidt
- School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Aaron R. Hawkins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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2
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Popescu RC, Calin BS, Tanasa E, Vasile E, Mihailescu M, Paun IA. Magnetically-actuated microcages for cells entrapment, fabricated by laser direct writing via two photon polymerization. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1273277. [PMID: 38170069 PMCID: PMC10758856 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1273277] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The manipulation of biological materials at cellular level constitutes a sine qua non and provocative research area regarding the development of micro/nano-medicine. In this study, we report on 3D superparamagnetic microcage-like structures that, in conjunction with an externally applied static magnetic field, were highly efficient in entrapping cells. The microcage-like structures were fabricated using Laser Direct Writing via Two-Photon Polymerization (LDW via TPP) of IP-L780 biocompatible photopolymer/iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) composite. The unique properties of LDW via TPP technique enabled the reproduction of the complex architecture of the 3D structures, with a very high accuracy i.e., about 90 nm lateral resolution. 3D hyperspectral microscopy was employed to investigate the structural and compositional characteristics of the microcage-like structures. Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy was used to prove the unique features regarding the morphology and the functionality of the 3D structures seeded with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Comparative studies were made on microcage-like structures made of IP-L780 photopolymer alone (i.e., without superparamagnetic properties). We found that the cell-seeded structures made by IP-L780/MNPs composite actuated by static magnetic fields of 1.3 T were 13.66 ± 5.11 folds (p < 0.01) more efficient in terms of cells entrapment than the structures made by IP-L780 photopolymer alone (i.e., that could not be actuated magnetically). The unique 3D architecture of the microcage-like superparamagnetic structures and their actuation by external static magnetic fields acted in synergy for entrapping osteoblast-like cells, showing a significant potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Cristina Popescu
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering “Horia Hulubei”, Magurele, Romania
- Faculty of Applied Physics, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Stefanita Calin
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies (CETAL), National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurelee, Romania
| | - Eugenia Tanasa
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Physics, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugeniu Vasile
- Faculty of Applied Physics, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mona Mihailescu
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Physics, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Alexandra Paun
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies (CETAL), National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurelee, Romania
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Physics, Politehnica University from Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Lan Y, Zhou Y, Wu M, Jia C, Zhao J. Microfluidic based single cell or droplet manipulation: Methods and applications. Talanta 2023; 265:124776. [PMID: 37348357 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of single cell or droplet is first and crucial step to single-cell analysis, which is important for cancer research and diagnostic methods. This review provides an overview of technologies that are currently used or in development to realize the isolation. Microfluidic based manipulation is an emerging technology with the distinct advantages of miniaturization and low cost. Therefore, recent developments in microfluidic isolated methods have attracted extensive attention. We introduced herein five strategies based on microfluid: trap, microfluidic discrete manipulation, bioprinter, capillary and inertial force. For every technology, their basic principles and features were discussed firstly. Then some modified approaches and applications were listed as the extension. Finally, we compared the advantages and drawbacks of these methods, and analyzed the trend of the manipulation based on microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China; Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China; Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Man Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China.
| | - Chunping Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China; Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China; Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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4
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Murakami T, Teratani H, Aoki D, Noguchi M, Tsugane M, Suzuki H. Single-cell trapping and retrieval in open microfluidics. iScience 2023; 26:108323. [PMID: 38026163 PMCID: PMC10656270 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among various single-cell analysis platforms, hydrodynamic cell trapping systems remain relevant because of their versatility. Among those, deterministic hydrodynamic cell-trapping systems have received significant interest; however, their applications are limited because trapped cells are kept within the closed microchannel, thus prohibiting access to external cell-picking devices. In this study, we develop a hydrodynamic cell-trapping system in an open microfluidics architecture to allow external access to trapped cells. A technique to render only the inside of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel hydrophilic is developed, which allows the precise confinement of spontaneous capillary flow in the open-type microchannel with a width on the order of several tens of micrometers. Efficient trapping of single beads and single cells is achieved, in which trapped cells can be retrieved via automated robotic pipetting. The present system can facilitate the development of new single-cell analytical systems by bridging between microfluidic devices and macro-scale apparatus used in conventional biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Murakami
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Kasuga 1-13-27, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroto Teratani
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Kasuga 1-13-27, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Dai’ichiro Aoki
- Aeternus Co., Ltd, Minamidai 2-1-14, Fujimino, Saitama 356-0036, Japan
| | - Masao Noguchi
- Caravell Co., Ltd, Surugadai 1-29-39, Funabashi, Chiba 273-0862, Japan
| | - Mamiko Tsugane
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Kasuga 1-13-27, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suzuki
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Kasuga 1-13-27, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
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Gong L, Cretella A, Lin Y. Microfluidic systems for particle capture and release: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 236:115426. [PMID: 37276636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115426] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in various applications, including biosensing, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. One of the notable features of microfluidic devices is their ability to selectively capture and release specific cells, biomolecules, bacteria, and particles. Compared to traditional bulk analysis instruments, microfluidic capture-and-release platforms offer several advantages, such as contactless operation, label-free detection, high accuracy, good sensitivity, and minimal reagent requirements. However, despite significant efforts dedicated to developing innovative capture mechanisms in the past, the release and recovery efficiency of trapped particles have often been overlooked. Many previous studies have focused primarily on particle capture techniques and their efficiency, disregarding the crucial role of successful particle release for subsequent analysis. In reality, the ability to effectively release trapped particles is particularly essential to ensure ongoing, high-throughput analysis. To address this gap, this review aims to highlight the importance of both capture and release mechanisms in microfluidic systems and assess their effectiveness. The methods are classified into two categories: those based on physical principles and those using biochemical approaches. Furthermore, the review offers a comprehensive summary of recent applications of microfluidic platforms specifically designed for particle capture and release. It outlines the designs and performance of these devices, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various target applications and purposes. Finally, the review concludes with discussions on the current challenges faced in the field and presents potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Gong
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Andrew Cretella
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
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Bettenfeld R, Claudel J, Kourtiche D, Nadi M, Schlauder C. Design and Modeling of a Device Combining Single-Cell Exposure to a Uniform Electrical Field and Simultaneous Characterization via Bioimpedance Spectroscopy. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3460. [PMID: 37050519 PMCID: PMC10098563 DOI: 10.3390/s23073460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the electropermeabilization of cell membranes exposed to an electric field with moderate intensity (<2 V/cm) and a frequency of <100 MHz. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is an electrical characterization technique that can be useful in studying this phenomenon because it is already used for electroporation. In this paper, we report a device designed to perform BIS on single cells and expose them to an electric field simultaneously. It also allows cells to be monitored by visualization through a transparent exposure electrode. This device is based on a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) with a microfluidic cell-trapping system and microelectrodes for BIS characterization. We present numerical simulations that support the design of the LOC. We also describe the fabrication of the LOC and the first electrical characterization of its measurement bandwidth. This first test, performed on reference medium with a conductivity in the same order than human cells, confirms that the measurement capabilities of our device are suitable for electrical cells characterization.
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Wu J, Fang H, Zhang J, Yan S. Modular microfluidics for life sciences. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:85. [PMID: 36906553 PMCID: PMC10008080 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement of microfluidics has enabled numerous discoveries and technologies in life sciences. However, due to the lack of industry standards and configurability, the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices require highly skilled technicians. The diversity of microfluidic devices discourages biologists and chemists from applying this technique in their laboratories. Modular microfluidics, which integrates the standardized microfluidic modules into a whole, complex platform, brings the capability of configurability to conventional microfluidics. The exciting features, including portability, on-site deployability, and high customization motivate us to review the state-of-the-art modular microfluidics and discuss future perspectives. In this review, we first introduce the working mechanisms of the basic microfluidic modules and evaluate their feasibility as modular microfluidic components. Next, we explain the connection approaches among these microfluidic modules, and summarize the advantages of modular microfluidics over integrated microfluidics in biological applications. Finally, we discuss the challenge and future perspectives of modular microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Wu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Grigorev GV, Lebedev AV, Wang X, Qian X, Maksimov GV, Lin L. Advances in Microfluidics for Single Red Blood Cell Analysis. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:117. [PMID: 36671952 PMCID: PMC9856164 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The utilizations of microfluidic chips for single RBC (red blood cell) studies have attracted great interests in recent years to filter, trap, analyze, and release single erythrocytes for various applications. Researchers in this field have highlighted the vast potential in developing micro devices for industrial and academia usages, including lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip systems. This article critically reviews the current state-of-the-art and recent advances of microfluidics for single RBC analyses, including integrated sensors and microfluidic platforms for microscopic/tomographic/spectroscopic single RBC analyses, trapping arrays (including bifurcating channels), dielectrophoretic and agglutination/aggregation studies, as well as clinical implications covering cancer, sepsis, prenatal, and Sickle Cell diseases. Microfluidics based RBC microarrays, sorting/counting and trapping techniques (including acoustic, dielectrophoretic, hydrodynamic, magnetic, and optical techniques) are also reviewed. Lastly, organs on chips, multi-organ chips, and drug discovery involving single RBC are described. The limitations and drawbacks of each technology are addressed and future prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii V. Grigorev
- Data Science and Information Technology Research Center, Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California in Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- School of Information Technology, Cherepovets State University, 162600 Cherepovets, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Lebedev
- Machine Building Department, Bauman Moscow State University, 105005 Moscow, Russia
| | - Xiaohao Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang Qian
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George V. Maksimov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Physical metallurgy Department, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education National Research Technological University “MISiS”, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liwei Lin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California in Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Wang Y, Tong N, Li F, Zhao K, Wang D, Niu Y, Xu F, Cheng J, Wang J. Trapping of a Single Microparticle Using AC Dielectrophoresis Forces in a Microfluidic Chip. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:159. [PMID: 36677221 PMCID: PMC9863554 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Precise trap and manipulation of individual cells is a prerequisite for single-cell analysis, which has a wide range of applications in biology, chemistry, medicine, and materials. Herein, a microfluidic trapping system with a 3D electrode based on AC dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology is proposed, which can achieve the precise trapping and release of specific microparticles. The 3D electrode consists of four rectangular stereoscopic electrodes with an acute angle near the trapping chamber. It is made of Ag-PDMS material, and is the same height as the channel, which ensures the uniform DEP force will be received in the whole channel space, ensuring a better trapping effect can be achieved. The numerical simulation was conducted in terms of electrode height, angle, and channel width. Based on the simulation results, an optimal chip structure was obtained. Then, the polystyrene particles with different diameters were used as the samples to verify the effectiveness of the designed trapping system. The findings of this research will contribute to the application of cell trapping and manipulation, as well as single-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjuan Wang
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Ning Tong
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
| | - Fengqi Li
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Deguang Wang
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
| | - Yijie Niu
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
| | - Fengqiang Xu
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
| | - Jiale Cheng
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Junsheng Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
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Single-cell extracellular vesicle analysis by microfluidics and beyond. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Validation of Easy Fabrication Methods for PDMS-Based Microfluidic (Bio)Reactors. SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sci4040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The common method for producing casting molds for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips is standard photolithography. This technique offers high resolution from hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers. However, this mold fabrication method is costly, time-consuming, and might require clean room facilities. Additionally, there is a need for non-micromechanics experts, who do not have specialized equipment to easily and quickly prototype chips themselves. Simple, so-called, makerspace technologies are increasingly being explored as alternatives that have potential to enable anyone to fabricate microfluidic structures. We therefore tested simple fabrication methods for a PDMS-based microfluidic device. On the one hand, channels were replicated from capillaries and tape. On the other hand, different mold fabrication methods, namely laser cutting, fused layer 3D printing, stereolithographic 3D printing, and computer numerical control (CNC) milling, were validated in terms of machine accuracy and tightness. Most of these methods are already known, but the incorporation and retention of particles with sizes in the micrometer range have been less investigated. We therefore tested two different types of particles, which are actually common carriers for the immobilization of enzymes, so that the resulting reactor could ultimately be used as a microfluidic bioreactor. Furthermore, CNC milling provide the most reliable casting mold fabrication method. After some optimization steps with regard to manufacturing settings and post-processing polishing, the chips were tested for the retention of two different particle types (spherical and non-spherical particles). In this way, we successfully tested the obtained PDMS-based microfluidic chips for their potential applicability as (bio)reactors with enzyme immobilization carrier beads.
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