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Jia N, Deng T, Larouche C, Galstian T, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. Microflow sensing and control using an in-channel birefringent biomembrane. Lab Chip 2024; 24:2633-2643. [PMID: 38639159 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00985h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
This study describes the function, optimization, and demonstration of a new class of passive, low-cost microfluidic flow meters based on birefringent chitosan biomembranes analyzed by polarized microscopy. We subjected the membrane to dynamic flow conditions while monitoring the real-time response of its optical properties. We obtained figures of merit, including the linear response operating range (0 to 65 μL min-1), minimum response time (250 ms), sensitivity (2.03% × 10-3 μL-1 min), and minimum sensor longevity (1 week). In addition, possible sources of interference were identified. Finally, we demonstrate the membrane as a low-cost flow rate measurement device for the close loop control of a commercial pressure-driven pump. Preliminary experiments using a basic PID controller with the membrane-based flow rate measurement device showed that stable control could be achieved and the system could reach steady-state behavior in less than 15 seconds. Analysis of fundamental limits to sensor response time indicate the potential for faster steady-state behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Tianyang Deng
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Charles Larouche
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Tigran Galstian
- Centre d'optique, photonique et laser, Département de physique, génie physique et optique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - André Bégin-Drolet
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
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2
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Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. A spectIR-fluidic reactor for monitoring fast chemical reaction kinetics with on-chip attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Anal Methods 2023; 15:5129-5138. [PMID: 37609867 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00842h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technology with diverse applications in microbiology, medicine, chemistry, and physics. While its potential for controlling and studying chemical reactions is well recognized, the extraction and analysis of useful chemical information generated within microfluidic devices remain challenging. This is mainly due to the limited tools available for in situ measurements of chemical reactions. In this study, we present a proof-of-concept spectIR-fluidic reactor design that combines microfluidics with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for in situ kinetic studies of fast reactions. By integrating a multi-ridge silicon attenuated total reflection (ATR) wafer into the microfluidic device, we enable multi-point measurements for precise reaction time monitoring. As such, this work establishes a validated foundation for studying fast chemical reactions using on-chip ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in a microfluidic reactor environment, which enables simultaneous monitoring of reagents, intermediates, and products using a phosphate proton transfer reaction. The spectIR-fluidic reactor platform offers customizable designs, allowing for the investigation of reactions with various time scales, and has the potential to significantly advance studies exploring reaction mechanisms and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jia
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - André Bégin-Drolet
- Département de Génie Mécanique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, G1L 3L5, Canada
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3
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Khodaparastasgarabad N, Sonawane JM, Baghernavehsi H, Gong L, Liu L, Greener J. Microfluidic membraneless microbial fuel cells: new protocols for record power densities. Lab Chip 2023; 23:4201-4212. [PMID: 37702583 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00387f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The main hurdle in leveraging microfluidic advantages in membraneless MFCs is their low electrode area-normalized power. For nearly a decade, maximum power densities have remained stagnant, while at the same time macrosystems continue to gather pace. To bridge this growing gap, we showcase a strategy that focuses on (i) technology improvements, (ii) establishment of record areal power densities, and (iii) presentation of different normalization methods that complement areal power densities and enable direct comparisons across all MFC scales. Using a pure-culture Geobacter sulfurreducens electroactive biofilm (EAB) in a new membraneless MFC that adheres to the strategy above, we observed optimal anode colonization, resulting in the highest recorded electrode areal power density for a microfluidic MFC of 3.88 W m-2 (24.37 kW m-3). We also consider new power normalization methods that may be more appropriate for comparison to other works. Normalized by the wetted cross-section area between electrodes accounts for constraints in electrode/electrolyte contact, resulting in power densities as high as 8.08 W m-2. Alternatively, we present a method to normalize by the flow rate to account for acetate supply, obtaining normalized energy recovery values of 0.025 kW h m-3. With these results, the performance gap between micro- and macroscale MFCs is closed, and a road map to move forward is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jayesh M Sonawane
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Haleh Baghernavehsi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Lingling Gong
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Linlin Liu
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, QC, Canada
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4
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Jia N, Daignault-Bouchard A, Deng T, Mayerhöfer TG, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. SpectIR-fluidics: completely customizable microfluidic cartridges for high sensitivity on-chip infrared spectroscopy with point-of-application studies on bacterial biofilms. Lab Chip 2023; 23:3561-3570. [PMID: 37403603 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00388d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
We present a generalizable fabrication method for a new class of analytical devices that merges virtually any microfluidic design with high-sensitivity on-chip attenuated total reflection (ATR) sampling using any standard Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Termed "spectIR-fluidics", a major design feature is the integration of a multi-groove silicon ATR crystal into a microfluidic device, compared with previous approaches in which the ATR surface served as a structural support for the entire device. This was accomplished by the design, fabrication, and aligned bonding of a highly engineered ATR sensing layer, which con```tains a seamlessly embedded ATR crystal on the channel side and an optical access port that matched the spectrometer light path characteristics at the device exterior. The refocused role of the ATR crystal as a dedicated analytical element, combined with optimized light coupling to the spectrometer, results in limits of detection as low as 540 nM for a D-glucose solution, arbitrarily complex channel features that are fully enclosed, and up to 18 world-to-chip connections. Three purpose-built spectIR-fluidic cartridges are used in a series of validation experiments followed by several point-of-application studies on biofilms from the gut microbiota of plastic-consuming insects using a small portable spectrometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Arthur Daignault-Bouchard
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Tianyang Deng
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Thomas G Mayerhöfer
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, Jena, 07745, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - André Bégin-Drolet
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
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5
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Bouzid K, Greener J, Carrara S, Gosselin B. Portable impedance-sensing device for microorganism characterization in the field. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10526. [PMID: 37386229 PMCID: PMC10310846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of biosensors have been proposed to quickly detect and measure the properties of individual microorganisms among heterogeneous populations, but challenges related to cost, portability, stability, sensitivity, and power consumption limit their applicability. This study proposes a portable microfluidic device based on impedance flow-cytometry and electrical impedance spectroscopy that can detect and quantify the size of microparticles larger than 45 µm, such as algae and microplastics. The system is low cost ($300), portable (5 cm [Formula: see text] 5 cm), low-power (1.2 W), and easily fabricated utilizing a 3D-printer and industrial printed circuit board technology. The main novelty we demonstrate is the use of square wave excitation signal for impedance measurements with quadrature phase-sensitive detectors. A linked algorithm removes the errors associated to higher order harmonics. After validating the performance of the device for complex impedance models, we used it to detect and differentiate between polyethylene microbeads of sizes between 63 and 83 µm, and buccal cells between 45 and 70 µm. A precision of 3% is reported for the measured impedance and a minimum size of 45 µm is reported for the particle characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Bouzid
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Laval University, Quebec-City, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, Laval University, Quebec-City, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sandro Carrara
- Institute of Electrical and Micro Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Gosselin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Laval University, Quebec-City, G1V 0A6, Canada
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6
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Sonawane JM, Mahadevan R, Pandey A, Greener J. Recent progress in microbial fuel cells using substrates from diverse sources. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12353. [PMID: 36582703 PMCID: PMC9792797 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing untreated environmental outputs from industry and the rising human population have increased the burden of wastewater and other waste streams on the environment. The most prevalent wastewater treatment methods include the activated sludge process, which requires aeration and is, therefore, energy and cost-intensive. The current trend towards a circular economy facilitates the recovery of waste materials as a resource. Along with the amount, the complexity of wastewater is increasing day by day. Therefore, wastewater treatment processes must be transformed into cost-effective and sustainable methods. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) use electroactive microbes to extract chemical energy from waste organic molecules to generate electricity via waste treatment. This review focuses use of MFCs as an energy converter using wastewater from various sources. The different substrate sources that are evaluated include industrial, agricultural, domestic, and pharmaceutical types. The article also highlights the effect of operational parameters such as organic load, pH, current, and concentration on the MFC output. The article also covers MFC functioning with respect to the substrate, and the associated performance parameters, such as power generation and wastewater treatment matrices, are given. The review also illustrates the success stories of various MFC configurations. We emphasize the significant measures required to fill in the gaps related to the effect of substrate type on different MFC configurations, identification of microbes for use as biocatalysts, and development of biocathodes for the further improvement of the system. Finally, we shortlisted the best performing substrates based on the maximum current and power, Coulombic efficiency, and chemical oxygen demand removal upon the treatment of substrates in MFCs. This information will guide industries that wish to use MFC technology to treat generated effluent from various processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh M. Sonawane
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto M5S 3E5, Canada
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahadevan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, India
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, QC, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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7
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Gong L, Abbaszadeh Amirdehi M, Sonawane JM, Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Greener J. Mainstreaming microfluidic microbial fuel cells: a biocompatible membrane grown in situ improves performance and versatility. Lab Chip 2022; 22:1905-1916. [PMID: 35441185 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A recent trend in microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to exclude a separation membrane, instead, relying on the physics of laminar flow to maintain isolation between anode and cathode compartments. To avoid solution crossover, the electrodes may be separated by distances of several millimeters, but this negatively affects the internal resistance and undermines a prime advantage of microscale MFCs. Therefore, we propose a facile method for in situ synthesis of a micromembrane that supports sub-millimeter electrode spacing. Membrane synthesis in situ reduces device fabrication complexity, and the proposed design avoids electrode contamination during its synthesis. Comparing results to a state-of-the-art membraneless MFC with 6 mm inter-electrode distances, the sub-millimeter membrane MFC under comparable flow conditions had an internal resistance that was 60% lower, power and current densities that were respectively 45% and 290% higher, and acetate conversion efficiencies that were 8 times higher. The enhanced flow stability provided stable operation under imbalanced flow conditions and delivered continuous increases to power density of up to 30% for flow rate increases of 100 times over baseline levels. As a result, maximum outputs obtained were 660 mW m-1 and 3.5 A m-1. These are the highest reported for microfluidic MFCs using pure culture bacteria, which advances the goal of competing with mainstream MFC formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gong
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | | | - Jayesh M Sonawane
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec G1L 3L5, Canada
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8
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Amirdehi MA, Gong L, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Sonawane JM, Logan BE, Greener J. Hydrodynamic interventions and measurement protocols to quantify and mitigate power overshoot in microbial fuel cells using microfluidics. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Joly M, Deng T, Morhart TA, Wells G, Achenbach S, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. Scanning Aperture Approach for Spatially Selective ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy: Application to Microfluidics. Anal Chem 2021; 93:14076-14087. [PMID: 34636233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We present a novel spectroscopy accessory that can easily convert any Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer into a fully automated mapping and assaying system. The accessory uses a multiridge attenuated total reflection (ATR) wafer as the sensing element coupled with a moving aperture that is used to select the regions of interest on the wafer. In this demonstration, the accessory is combined with a series of parallel micropatterned channels, which are positioned co-linear with the light-coupling ridges on the opposite side of the ATR wafer. The ATR spectroscopy microfluidic assay accessory (ASMAA) was used in continuous mapping mode to scan perpendicular to the ATR ridges, revealing complex but repeatable oscillations in the spectral intensities. To understand this behavior, the light path through the optical components was simulated with consideration of the aperture position, ridge-to-channel alignment, and excitation beam profile. With this approach, the simulation reproduced the experimental mapping results and provided evidence that the measurement position and area changed with the aperture position. To demonstrate the assay mode, we obtained spectra along the centerline of individual microchannels and determined noise baselines and limits of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Joly
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Tianyang Deng
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Tyler A Morhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C9, Canada.,Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Garth Wells
- Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Sven Achenbach
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - André Bégin-Drolet
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.,CHU de Québec, centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
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10
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Deng T, DePaoli D, Bégin L, Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Côté DC, Vincent WF, Greener J. Versatile Microfluidic Platform for Automated Live-Cell Hyperspectral Imaging Applied to Cold Climate Cyanobacterial Biofilms. Anal Chem 2021; 93:8764-8773. [PMID: 34133116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c05446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic bioanalytical platforms are driving discoveries from synthetic biology to the health sciences. In this work, we present a platform for in vivo live-cell imaging and automated species detection in mixed cyanobacterial biofilms from cold climate environments. Using a multimodal microscope with custom optics applied to a chip with six parallel growth channels, we monitored biofilm dynamics via continuous imaging at natural irradiance levels. Machine learning algorithms were applied to the collected hyperspectral images for automatic segmentation of mixed-species biofilms into individual species of cyanobacteria with similar filamentous morphology. The coupling of microfluidic technology with modern multimodal imaging and computer vision systems provides a versatile platform for the study of cause-and-effect scenarios of cyanobacterial biofilms, which are important elements of many ecosystems, including lakes and rivers of the polar regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Deng
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Damon DePaoli
- Département de Physique, Génie Physique et Optique, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Ludovick Bégin
- Département de Physique, Génie Physique et Optique, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Daniel C Côté
- Département de Physique, Génie Physique et Optique, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Warwick F Vincent
- Centre d'études nordiques (CEN), Takuvik Joint International Laboratory & Département de biologie, Université Laval, 2405 rue de la Terrasse, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, Québec G1L 3L5, Canada
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Amirdehi MA, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Landari H, Zarabadi MP, Miled A, Greener J. Front Cover: A High‐Performance Membraneless Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cell for Stable, Long‐Term Benchtop Operation Under Strong Flow (ChemElectroChem 10/2020). ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamza Landari
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Amine Miled
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
- CHU de Québec, centre de recherche Université Laval 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC G1 L 3 L5 Canada
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12
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Amirdehi MA, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Landari H, Zarabadi MP, Miled A, Greener J. A High‐Performance Membraneless Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cell for Stable, Long‐Term Benchtop Operation under Strong Flow. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamza Landari
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Amine Miled
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
- CHU de Québec, centre de recherche Université Laval 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC G1L 3L5 Canada
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13
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Jia N, Rosella E, Juère E, Pouliot R, Kleitz F, Greener J. A microfluidic approach to micromembrane synthesis for complex release profiles of nanocarriers. Lab Chip 2020; 20:1066-1071. [PMID: 32100795 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00039f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Physically crosslinked microscale biomembranes synthesized from pure chitosan are designed and demonstrated for pH-triggered release of embedded functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-loaded membranes are formed in a microfluidic channel at the junction between accurately controlled co-flowing streams to achieve highly tuneable membrane properties. After formation, the loaded membranes remain stable until contact with physiological acidic conditions, resulting in controlled nanoparticle release. Furthermore, nanoparticle-loaded membranes with complex layered architectures are synthesized using different flow schemes, thus enabling customized nanoparticle release profiles. These novel materials are well-suited for integration within small medical devices as well as off-chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jia
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Erica Rosella
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Estelle Juère
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry - Functional Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Roxane Pouliot
- Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada and Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Freddy Kleitz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry - Functional Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la médecine, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada. and Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
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14
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Amirdehi MA, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Landari H, Zarabadi MP, Miled A, Greener J. A High‐Performance Membraneless Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cell for Stable, Long‐Term Benchtop Operation Under Strong Flow. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamza Landari
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Amine Miled
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
- CHU de Québec, centre de recherche Université Laval 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC G1 L 3 L5 Canada
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15
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Pousti M, Lefèvre T, Amirdehi MA, Greener J. A surface spectroscopy study of a Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm in the presence of an immobilized air bubble. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2019; 222:117163. [PMID: 31177008 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A linear spectral mapping technique was applied to monitor the growth of biomolecular absorption bands at the bio-interface of a nascent Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm during and after interaction with a surface-adhered air bubble. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were obtained in different locations in a microchannel with adequate spatial and temporal resolution to study the effect of a static bubble on the evolution of protein and lipid signals at the ATR crystal surface. The results reveal that the presence of a bubble during the lag phase modified levels of extracellular lipids and affected a surface restructuring process, many hours after the bubble's disappearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pousti
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA), Canada; Centre québécois sur les matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF), Canada
| | - T Lefèvre
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA), Canada; Centre québécois sur les matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF), Canada
| | - M Abbaszadeh Amirdehi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - J Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; CHU de Québec, centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA), Canada; Centre québécois sur les matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF), Canada.
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16
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Zarabadi MP, Couture M, Charette SJ, Greener J. A Generalized Kinetic Framework Applied to Whole‐Cell Bioelectrocatalysis in Bioflow Reactors Clarifies Performance Enhancements for
Geobacter Sulfurreducens
Biofilms. ChemElectroChem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201900732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génieUniversité Laval, Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Manon Couture
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génieUniversité Laval Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Steve J. Charette
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génieUniversité Laval Québec City, QC Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génieUniversité Laval, Québec City, QC Canada
- CHU de Québec, centre de rechercheUniversité Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC Canada
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17
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Pousti M, Zarabadi MP, Abbaszadeh Amirdehi M, Paquet-Mercier F, Greener J. Microfluidic bioanalytical flow cells for biofilm studies: a review. Analyst 2019; 144:68-86. [PMID: 30394455 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01526k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are among the oldest and most prevalent multicellular life forms on Earth and are increasingly relevant in research areas related to industrial fouling, medicine and biotechnology. The main hurdles to obtaining definitive experimental results include time-varying biofilm properties, structural and chemical heterogeneity, and especially their strong sensitivity to environmental cues. Therefore, in addition to judicious choice of measurement tools, a well-designed biofilm study requires strict control over experimental conditions, more so than most chemical studies. Due to excellent control over a host of physiochemical parameters, microfluidic flow cells have become indispensable in microbiological studies. Not surprisingly, the number of lab-on-chip studies focusing on biofilms and other microbiological systems with expanded analytical capabilities has expanded rapidly in the past decade. In this paper, we comprehensively review the current state of microfluidic bioanalytical research applied to bacterial biofilms and offer a perspective on new approaches that are expected to drive continued advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Pousti
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mehran Abbaszadeh Amirdehi
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Paquet-Mercier
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada and CHU de Quebec Research Centre, Laval University, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Quebec City, (QC) G1L 3L5, Canada
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18
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Zarabadi MP, Charette SJ, Greener J. Cover Feature: Flow-Based Deacidification of Geobacter sulfurreducens
Biofilms Depends on Nutrient Conditions: a Microfluidic Bioelectrochemical Study (ChemElectroChem 23/2018). ChemElectroChem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201801495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Steve J. Charette
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec; Québec City, QC Canada
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
- CHU de Québec centre de recherche; Université Laval; 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC Canada
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19
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Pousti M, Joly M, Roberge P, Amirdehi MA, Bégin-Drolet A, Greener J. Linear Scanning ATR-FTIR for Chemical Mapping and High-Throughput Studies of Pseudomonas sp. Biofilms in Microfluidic Channels. Anal Chem 2018; 90:14475-14483. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Pousti
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maxime Joly
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Patrice Roberge
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Andre Bégin-Drolet
- Département de génie mécanique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- CHU de Quebec Research Centre, Laval University, 10 rue de l’Espinay, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
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20
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Zarabadi MP, Charette SJ, Greener J. Flow-Based Deacidification of Geobacter sulfurreducens
Biofilms Depends on Nutrient Conditions: a Microfluidic Bioelectrochemical Study. ChemElectroChem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201800968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Steve J. Charette
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec; Québec City, QC Canada
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Faculté des sciences et de génie; Université Laval; Québec City, QC Canada
- CHU de Québec centre de recherche; Université Laval; 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC Canada
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21
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Asayesh F, Zarabadi MP, Greener J. A new look at bubbles during biofilm inoculation reveals pronounced effects on growth and patterning. Biomicrofluidics 2017; 11:064109. [PMID: 29282421 PMCID: PMC5729033 DOI: 10.1063/1.5005932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Specially designed microfluidic bioflow cells were used to temporarily trap microbubbles during different inoculation stages of Pseudomonas sp. biofilms. Despite being eliminated many hours before biofilm appearance, templated growth could occur at former bubble positions. Bubble-templated growth was either continuous or in ring patterns, depending on the stage of inoculation when the bubbles were introduced. Templated biofilms were strongly enhanced in terms of their growth kinetics and structural homogeneity. High resolution confocal imaging showed two separate bubble-induced bacterial trapping modes, which were responsible for the altered biofilm development. It is concluded that static bubbles can be exploited for fundamental improvements to bioreactor performance, as well as open new avenues to study isolated bacteria and small colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Asayesh
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
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22
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Gillespie A, Fink EL, Traino HM, Uversky A, Bass SB, Greener J, Hunt J, Browne T, Hammer H, Reese PP, Obradovic Z. Hemodialysis Clinic Social Networks, Sex Differences, and Renal Transplantation. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2400-2409. [PMID: 28316126 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study describes patient social networks within a new hemodialysis clinic and models the association between social network participation and kidney transplantation. Survey and observational data collected between August 2012 and February 2015 were used to observe the formation of a social network of 46 hemodialysis patients in a newly opened clinic. Thirty-two (70%) patients formed a social network, discussing health (59%) and transplantation (44%) with other patients. While transplant-eligible women participated in the network less often than men (56% vs. 90%, p = 0.02), women who participated discussed their health more often than men (90% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.02). Patients in the social network completed a median of two steps toward transplantation compared with a median of 0 for socially isolated patients (p = 0.003). Patients also completed more steps if network members were closely connected (β = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-4.29, p = 0.03) and if network members themselves completed more steps (β = 2.84, 95% CI 0.11-5.57, p = 0.04). The hemodialysis clinic patient social network had a net positive effect on completion of transplant steps, and patients who interacted with each other completed a similar number of steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gillespie
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Kidney Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - E L Fink
- Department of Communication and Social Influence, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - H M Traino
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - A Uversky
- Center for Data Analytics and Biomedical Informatics, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - S B Bass
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - J Greener
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - J Hunt
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Kidney Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - T Browne
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - H Hammer
- Abt Associates, Silver Spring, MD
| | - P P Reese
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Z Obradovic
- Center for Data Analytics and Biomedical Informatics, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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23
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Miled A, Greener J. Recent Advancements towards Full-System Microfluidics. Sensors (Basel) 2017; 17:E1707. [PMID: 28757587 PMCID: PMC5579583 DOI: 10.3390/s17081707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is quickly becoming a key technology in an expanding range of fields, such as medical sciences, biosensing, bioactuation, chemical synthesis, and more. This is helping its transformation from a promising R&D tool to commercially viable technology. Fuelling this expansion is the intensified focus on automation and enhanced functionality through integration of complex electrical control, mechanical properties, in situ sensing and flow control. Here we highlight recent contributions to the Sensors Special Issue series called "Microfluidics-Based Microsystem Integration Research" under the following categories: (i) Device fabrication to support complex functionality; (ii) New methods for flow control and mixing; (iii) Towards routine analysis and point of care applications; (iv) In situ characterization; and (v) Plug and play microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Miled
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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24
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Zarabadi MP, Paquet-Mercier F, Charette SJ, Greener J. Hydrodynamic Effects on Biofilms at the Biointerface Using a Microfluidic Electrochemical Cell: Case Study of Pseudomonas sp. Langmuir 2017; 33:2041-2049. [PMID: 28147485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The anchoring biofilm layer is expected to exhibit a different response to environmental stresses than for portions in the bulk, due to the protection from other strata and the proximity to the attachment surface. The effect of hydrodynamic stress on surface-adhered biofilm layers was tested using a specially designed microfluidic bio flow cell with an embedded three-electrode detection system. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of biocapacitance and bioresistance of Pseudomonas sp. biofilms were conducted during the growth phase and under different shear flow conditions with verification by other surface sensitive techniques. Distinct, but reversible changes to the amount of biofilm and its structure at the attachment surface were observed during the application of elevated shear stress. In contrast, regular microscopy revealed permanent distortion to the biofilm bulk, in the form of streamers and ripples. Following the application of extreme shear stresses, complete removal of significant portions of biofilm outer layers occurred, but this did not change the measured quantity of biofilm at the electrode attachment surface. The structure of the remaining biofilm, however, appeared to be modified and susceptible to further changes following application of shear stress directly to the unprotected biofilm layers at the attachment surface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steve J Charette
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec , Québec City, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
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25
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Hof LA, Guo X, Seo M, Wüthrich R, Greener J. Glass Imprint Templates by Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving for Microfabrication by Hot Embossing. Micromachines 2017. [PMCID: PMC6190378 DOI: 10.3390/mi8010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) matures, new demands are being placed on the microfabrication of complex architectures in robust materials, such as hard plastics. Iterative design optimization in a timely manner—rapid prototyping—places challenges on template fabrication, for methods such as injection moulding and hot embossing. In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility of using spark assisted chemical engraving (SACE) to produce micro patterned glass templates. The direct, write-based approach enabled the facile fabrication of smooth microfeatures with variations in all three-dimensions, which could be replicated by hot embossing different thermoplastics. As a proof of principle, we demonstrated the technique for a high glass transition temperature polycarbonate. Good fidelity over more than 10 cycles provides evidence that the approach is viable for rapid prototyping and has the potential to satisfy commercial-grade production at medium-level output volumes. Glass imprint templates showed no degradation after use, but care must be taken due to brittleness. The technique has the potential to advance microfabrication needs in academia and could be used by MEMS product developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Abia Hof
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada;
| | - Xin Guo
- FlowJEM Inc., 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada; (X.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Minseok Seo
- FlowJEM Inc., 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada; (X.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Rolf Wüthrich
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada;
- Posalux SA, 18, Fritz Oppliger, CH-2504 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland; or
| | - Jesse Greener
- FlowJEM Inc., 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada; (X.G.); (M.S.)
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-656-2131 (ext. 7157)
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Paquet-Mercier F, Parvinzadeh Gashti M, Bellavance J, Taghavi SM, Greener J. Through thick and thin: a microfluidic approach for continuous measurements of biofilm viscosity and the effect of ionic strength. Lab Chip 2016; 16:4710-4717. [PMID: 27808313 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01101b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Continuous, non-intrusive measurements of time-varying viscosity of Pseudomonas sp. biofilms are made using a microfluidic method that combines video tracking with a semi-empirical viscous flow model. The approach uses measured velocity and height of tracked biofilm segments, which move under the constant laminar flow of a nutrient solution. Following a low viscosity growth stage, rapid thickening was observed. During this stage, viscosity increased by over an order of magnitude in less than ten hours. The technique was also demonstrated as a promising platform for parallel experiments by subjecting multiple biofilm-laden microchannels to nutrient solutions containing NaCl in the range of 0 to 34 mM. Preliminary data suggest a strong relationship between ionic strength and biofilm properties, such as average viscosity and rapid thickening onset time. The technique opens the way for a combinatorial approach to study the response of biofilm viscosity under well-controlled physical, chemical and biological growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Paquet-Mercier
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | | | - J Bellavance
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - S M Taghavi
- Département de Génie Chimique, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - J Greener
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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27
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Greener J, Parvinzadeh Gashti M, Eslami A, Zarabadi MP, Taghavi SM. A microfluidic method and custom model for continuous, non-intrusive biofilm viscosity measurements under different nutrient conditions. Biomicrofluidics 2016; 10:064107. [PMID: 27965730 PMCID: PMC5116028 DOI: 10.1063/1.4968522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Straight, low-aspect ratio micro flow cells are used to support biofilm attachment and preferential accumulation at the short side-wall, which progressively reduces the effective channel width. The biofilm shifts downstream at measurable velocities under the imposed force from the constant laminar co-flowing nutrient stream. The dynamic behaviour of the biofilm viscosity is modeled semi-analytically, based on experimental measurements of biofilm dimensions and velocity as inputs. The technique advances the study of biofilm mechanical properties by strongly limiting biases related to non-Newtonian biofilm properties (e.g., shear dependent viscosity) with excellent time resolution. To demonstrate the proof of principle, young Pseudomonas sp. biofilms were analyzed under different nutrient concentrations and constant micro-flow conditions. The striking results show that large initial differences in biofilm viscosities grown under different nutrient concentrations become nearly identical in less than one day, followed by a continuous thickening process. The technique verifies that in 50 h from inoculation to early maturation stages, biofilm viscosity could grow by over 2 orders of magnitude. The approach opens the way for detailed studies of mechanical properties under a wide variety of physiochemical conditions, such as ionic strength, temperature, and shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Greener
- Department of Chemistry, Université Laval , 1045 Ave. de la Médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - M Parvinzadeh Gashti
- Department of Chemistry, Université Laval , 1045 Ave. de la Médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - A Eslami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université Laval , Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - M P Zarabadi
- Department of Chemistry, Université Laval , 1045 Ave. de la Médecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - S M Taghavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université Laval , Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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28
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Asselin J, Parvinzadeh Gashti M, Boudreau D, Greener J. A Microfluidic Platform with Nanoparticle-Based Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence for pH Mapping Acidified Aqueous Solutions by CO2 Microbubbles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1557/adv.2016.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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29
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Gashti MP, Asselin J, Barbeau J, Boudreau D, Greener J. A microfluidic platform with pH imaging for chemical and hydrodynamic stimulation of intact oral biofilms. Lab Chip 2016; 16:1412-9. [PMID: 26956837 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01540e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A microfluidic platform with a fluorescent nanoparticle-based sensor is demonstrated for real-time, ratiometric pH imaging of biofilms. Sensing is accomplished by a thin patterned layer of covalently bonded Ag@SiO2+FiTC nanoparticles on an embedded planar glass substrate. The system is designed to be sensitive, responsive and give sufficient spatial resolution to enable new micro-scale studies of the dynamic response of oral biofilms to well-controlled chemical and hydrodynamic stimulation. Performance under challenging operational conditions is demonstrated, which include long-duration exposure to sheer stresses, photoexcitation and pH sensor biofouling. After comprehensive validation, the device was used to monitor pH changes at the attachment surface of a biofilm of the oral bacteria, Streptococcus salivarius. By controlling flow and chemical concentration conditions in the microchannel, biochemical and mass transport contributions to the Stephan curve could be probed individually. This opens the way for the analysis of separate contributions to dental caries due to localized acidification directly at the biofilm tooth interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Asselin
- Département de chimie, Université Laval, Québec (QC), G1V 0A6 Canada. and Centre d'optique, photonique et laser (COPL), Québec (QC), G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - J Barbeau
- Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal (QC), H3C 3J4 Canada
| | - D Boudreau
- Département de chimie, Université Laval, Québec (QC), G1V 0A6 Canada. and Centre d'optique, photonique et laser (COPL), Québec (QC), G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - J Greener
- Département de chimie, Université Laval, Québec (QC), G1V 0A6 Canada.
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30
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Kara A, Reitz A, Mathault J, Mehou-Loko S, Amirdehi MA, Miled A, Greener J. Electrochemical imaging for microfluidics: a full-system approach. Lab Chip 2016; 16:1081-1087. [PMID: 26912254 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00077k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemistry is developed as a new chemical imaging modality for microfluidics. The technique is based on multipoint voltammetry using an embedded 20 × 10 miniature electrode array implemented on a customized printed circuit board. Electrode durability was enhanced by chemical modification of the electrode surfaces, which enabled continuous, stable use for over 2 months. A system-level approach enables automatic calibration, data acquisition and data processing through a graphical user interface. Following data processing, redox currents and peak positions are extracted from location-specific voltammograms and converted into pixels of an "electrochemical image". The system is validated by imaging steady-state and dynamic laminar flow patterns of flow-confined solutions of the redox pairs Fe(CN)6(3-/4-) or multi-redox environments that include coflowing Ru(NH3)6(2+/3+) solutions. The images obtained are compared with flow simulations and optical images for validation. A strategy to achieve measurements with spatial resolution smaller than the individual electrodes is also demonstrated as an avenue to enhance image spatial resolution. It is expected that this new approach to chemical imaging will expand the applicability of microfluidics in certain areas of chemistry and biology without requiring expertise in electrochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnane Kara
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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31
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Mathault J, Zamprogno P, Greener J, Miled A. Microfluidic platform for neurotransmitter sensing based on cyclic voltammetry and dielectrophoresis for in vitro experiments. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2016; 2015:2171-4. [PMID: 26736720 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2015.7318820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a new microfluidic platform that can simultaneously measure and locally modulate neurotransmitter concentration in a neuron network. This work focuses on the development of a first prototype including a potentiostat and electrode functionalization to detect several neurotransmitter's simultaneously. We tested dopamine as proof of concept to validate functionality. The system is based on 320 bidirectional electrode array for dielectrophoretic manipulation and cyclic voltammetry. Each electrode is connected to a mechanical multiplexer in order to reduce noise interference and fully isolate the electrode. The multiplexing rate is 476 kHz and each electrode can drive a signal with an amplitude of 60 V pp for dielectrophoretic manipulation.
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32
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Parvinzadeh Gashti M, Bellavance J, Kroukamp O, Wolfaardt G, Taghavi SM, Greener J. Live-streaming: Time-lapse video evidence of novel streamer formation mechanism and varying viscosity. Biomicrofluidics 2015; 9:041101. [PMID: 26339304 PMCID: PMC4529438 DOI: 10.1063/1.4928296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Time-lapse videos of growing biofilms were analyzed using a background subtraction method, which removed camouflaging effects from the heterogeneous field of view to reveal evidence of streamer formation from optically dense biofilm segments. In addition, quantitative measurements of biofilm velocity and optical density, combined with mathematical modeling, demonstrated that streamer formation occurred from mature, high-viscosity biofilms. We propose a streamer formation mechanism by sudden partial detachment, as opposed to continuous elongation as observed in other microfluidic studies. Additionally, streamer formation occurred in straight microchannels, as opposed to serpentine or pseudo-porous channels, as previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Otini Kroukamp
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University , Toronto, Canada
| | - Gideon Wolfaardt
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval , Québec, Canada
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33
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Paquet-Mercier F, Karas A, Safdar M, Aznaveh NB, Zarabadi M, Greener J. Development and calibration of a microfluidic biofilm growth cell with flow-templating and multi-modal characterization. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2015; 2014:1557-62. [PMID: 25570268 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2014.6943900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We report the development of a microfluidic flow-templating platform with multi-modal characterization for studies of biofilms and their precursor materials. A key feature is a special three inlet flow-template compartment, which confines and controls the location of biofilm growth against a template wall. Characterization compartments include Raman imaging to study the localization of the nutrient solutions, optical microscopy to quantify biofilm biomass and localization, and cyclic voltammetry for flow velocity measurements. Each compartment is tested and then utilized to make preliminary measurements.
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Abstract
We present a microfluidic device capable of patterning linear biofilm formations using a flow templating approach. We describe the design considerations and fabrication methodology of a two level flow-templating micro-bioreactor (FT-μBR), which generates a biofilm growth stream surrounded on 3 sides by a growth inhibiting confinement stream. Through a combination of experiments and simulations we comprehensively evaluate and exploit control parameters to manipulate the biofilm growth template stream dimensions. The FT-μBR is then used to grow biofilm patterns with controllable dimensions. A proof-of-principle study using the device demonstrates its utility in conducting biofilm growth rate measurements under different shear stress environments. This opens the way for quantitative studies into the effects of the local shear environment on biofilm properties and for the synthesis of a new generation of functional biomaterials with controllable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Babaei Aznaveh
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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35
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Voicu D, Abolhasani M, Choueiri R, Lestari G, Seiler C, Menard G, Greener J, Guenther A, Stephan DW, Kumacheva E. Microfluidic Studies of CO2 Sequestration by Frustrated Lewis Pairs. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:3875-80. [DOI: 10.1021/ja411601a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Voicu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Milad Abolhasani
- Department
of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Rachelle Choueiri
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Gabriella Lestari
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Caroline Seiler
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Gabriel Menard
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Départment
de Chimie, Université Laval, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon local 1220, av. De la
Médecine, Québec QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Axel Guenther
- Department
of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Douglas W. Stephan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Institute
of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
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36
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Paquet-Mercier F, Aznaveh NB, Safdar M, Greener J. A microfluidic bioreactor with in situ SERS imaging for the study of controlled flow patterns of biofilm precursor materials. Sensors (Basel) 2013; 13:14714-27. [PMID: 24172286 PMCID: PMC3871105 DOI: 10.3390/s131114714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A microfluidic bioreactor with an easy to fabricate nano-plasmonic surface is demonstrated for studies of biofilms and their precursor materials via Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The system uses a novel design to induce sheath flow confinement of a sodium citrate biofilm precursor stream against the SERS imaging surface to measure spatial variations in the concentration profile. The unoptimised SERS enhancement was approximately 2.5 × 104, thereby improving data acquisition time, reducing laser power requirements and enabling a citrate detection limit of 0.1 mM, which was well below the concentrations used in biofilm nutrient solutions. The flow confinement was observed by both optical microscopy and SERS imaging with good complementarity. We demonstrate the new bioreactor by growing flow-templated biofilms on the microchannel wall. This work opens the way for in situ spectral imaging of biofilms and their biochemical environment under dynamic flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Paquet-Mercier
- Département de Chimie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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37
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Voicu D, Scholl C, Li W, Jagadeesan D, Nasimova I, Greener J, Kumacheva E. Kinetics of Multicomponent Polymerization Reaction Studied in a Microfluidic Format. Macromolecules 2012. [DOI: 10.1021/ma300444k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Voicu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Clement Scholl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Dinesh Jagadeesan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Irina Nasimova
- Department of Physics, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- FlowJEM, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering
and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
- Biomaterials and Biomedical
Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto,
Ontario M5S 3G9,
Canada
- FlowJEM, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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38
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Petukhova A, Greener J, Liu K, Nykypanchuk D, Nicolaÿ R, Matyjaszewski K, Kumacheva E. Standing arrays of gold nanorods end-tethered with polymer ligands. Small 2012; 8:731-737. [PMID: 22228672 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials with vectoral electromagnetic properties have potential applications in solar cells, plasmonic cavity resonators, light polarizers, and biosensing. Here a new, simple, solution-based method for producing nanomaterials comprising vertically aligned standing arrays of gold nanorods (NRs) end-functionalized with polymer ligands is reported. The method utilizes the side-by-side assembly of the NRs into large 2D superlattices, followed by the precipitation of the lattices on a solid substrate. The critical design rules for the self-assembly of superlattices are demonstrated, and they show the generality of the method by forming standing arrays from the NRs end-tethered with poly(N-vinylcarbazole) or with polystyrene molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Petukhova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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39
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Greener J, Tumarkin E, Debono M, Dicks AP, Kumacheva E. Education: a microfluidic platform for university-level analytical chemistry laboratories. Lab Chip 2012; 12:696-701. [PMID: 22237720 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc20951a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate continuous flow acid-base titration reactions as an educational microfluidic platform for undergraduate and graduate analytical chemistry courses. A series of equations were developed for controlling and predicting the results of acid-base neutralisation reactions conducted in a microfluidic format, including the combinations of (i) a strong base and a strong acid, (ii) a strong base and a weak acid, and (iii) a strong base and a multiprotic acid. Microfluidic titrations yielded excellent repeatability. The small experimental footprint is advantageous in crowded teaching laboratories, and it offers limited waste and exposure to potentially hazardous acids and bases. This platform will help promote the utilisation of microfluidics at an earlier stage of students' careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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40
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Li W, Liu K, Simms R, Greener J, Jagadeesan D, Pinto S, Günther A, Kumacheva E. Microfluidic Study of Fast Gas–Liquid Reactions. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:3127-32. [DOI: 10.1021/ja2101278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Ryan Simms
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Dinesh Jagadeesan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sascha Pinto
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Axel Günther
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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41
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Greener J, Tumarkin E, Debono M, Kwan CH, Abolhasani M, Guenther A, Kumacheva E. Development and applications of a microfluidic reactor with multiple analytical probes. Analyst 2011; 137:444-50. [PMID: 22108956 DOI: 10.1039/c1an15940b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the development of a versatile microfluidic (MF) reactor with multiple analytical probes, which can be used for (i) quantitative characterisation of molecular vibrational signatures of reactants or products, (ii) the localised real-time monitoring of temperature and (iii) site-specific measurements of pH of the reaction system. The analytical probes utilised for in situ reaction analysis include an ATR-FTIR probe, a temperature probe, and a pH probe. We demonstrate the applications of the MF reactor with integrated probes for the parallel monitoring of multiple variables in acid/base neutralisation reaction, of changes in buffer pH, temperature, and vibrational absorption bands, and for monitoring the kinetics of the reaction between CO(2) and a buffer system with therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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42
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Tumarkin E, Nie Z, Park JI, Abolhasani M, Greener J, Sherwood-Lollar B, Günther A, Kumacheva E. Temperature-controlled 'breathing' of carbon dioxide bubbles. Lab Chip 2011; 11:3545-3550. [PMID: 21869987 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20490d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We report a microfluidic (MF) approach to studies of temperature mediated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) transfer between the gas and the liquid phases. Micrometre-diameter CO(2) bubbles with a narrow size distribution were generated in an aqueous or organic liquid and subsequently were subjected to temperature changes in the downstream channel. In response to the cooling-heating-cooling cycle the bubbles underwent corresponding contraction-expansion-contraction transitions, which we term 'bubble breathing'. We examined temperature-controlled dissolution of CO(2) in four exemplary liquid systems: deionized water, a 0.7 M aqueous solution of NaCl, ocean water extracted from Bermuda coastal waters, and dimethyl ether of poly(ethylene glycol), a solvent used in industry for absorption of CO(2). The MF approach can be extended to studies of other gases with a distinct, temperature-dependent solubility in liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Tumarkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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43
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Kumachev A, Greener J, Tumarkin E, Eiser E, Zandstra PW, Kumacheva E. High-throughput generation of hydrogel microbeads with varying elasticity for cell encapsulation. Biomaterials 2010; 32:1477-83. [PMID: 21095000 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Elasticity of cellular microenvironments strongly influences cell motility, phagocytosis, growth and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between the cell behaviour and matrix stiffness is being studied for cells seeded on planar substrates, however in three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments cells may experience mechanical signalling that is distinct from that on a two-dimensional matrix. We report a microfluidic approach for high-throughput generation of 3D microenvironments with different elasticity for studies of cell fate. The generation of agarose microgels with different elastic moduli was achieved by (i) introducing into a microfluidic droplet generator two streams of agarose solutions, one with a high concentration of agarose and the other one with a low concentration of agarose, at varying relative volumetric flow rate ratios of the two streams, and (ii) on-chip gelation of the precursor droplets. At 37 degreesC, the method enabled a approximately 35-fold variation of the shear elastic modulus of the agarose gels. The application of the method was demonstrated by encapsulating two mouse embryonic stem cell lines within the agarose microgels. This work establishes a foundation for the high-throughput generation of combinatorial microenvironments with different mechanical properties for cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kumachev
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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44
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Greener J, Abbasi B, Kumacheva E. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for on-chip monitoring of solute concentrations. Lab Chip 2010; 10:1561-1566. [PMID: 20376405 DOI: 10.1039/c001889a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report a cost-efficient Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) method for monitoring concentrations of solutes in solutions flowing through microfluidic channels. The method allows rapid acquisition of spectra and enables chemical characterisation and concentration measurements that are independent of the flow rate of liquids. The method enables independent measurement of concentrations of solutes with distinct spectral features in mixed solutions. For the polymer solutes studied in the present work, the method has a sensitivity of at least 10 microM (0.01 wt%). We also propose the applicability of the method for the differentiation between dissolved and adsorbed amphiphilic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
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45
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Greener J, Li W, Ren J, Voicu D, Pakharenko V, Tang T, Kumacheva E. Rapid, cost-efficient fabrication of microfluidic reactors in thermoplastic polymers by combining photolithography and hot embossing. Lab Chip 2010; 10:522-4. [PMID: 20126695 DOI: 10.1039/b918834g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We report a cost-efficient and easy to implement process for fabricating microfluidic reactors in thermoplastic materials. The method includes (i) the fabrication of an imprint template (master), which consists of a photoresist deposited on a metal plate; (ii) the thermoembossing of the reactor features into polymer sheets; (iii) the activation of the embossed and planar thermoplastic surfaces; and (iv) the low-temperature bonding of these surfaces. The generality of the method is established by fabricating microfluidic reactors with a complex geometry in a range of thermoplastic polymers, including cycloolefin, polycarbonate, and UV-transparent acrylic polymers and by the multiple, high-fidelity use of the master.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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46
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Li W, Greener J, Voicu D, Kumacheva E. Multiple modular microfluidic (M3) reactors for the synthesis of polymer particles. Lab Chip 2009; 9:2715-21. [PMID: 19704988 DOI: 10.1039/b906626h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We report a study of the continuous generation of polymer particles in parallel multiple modular microfluidic (M3) reactors. Each module consisted of sixteen parallel microfluidic reactors comprising emulsification and polymerization compartments. We identified and minimized the effects of the following factors that could result in the broadening of the distribution of sizes of the particles synthesized in the M3 reactors, in comparison with an individual microfluidic reactor: (i) the fidelity in the fabrication of multiple microfluidic droplet generators; (ii) the crosstalk between parallel droplet generators sharing liquid supply sources; and (iii) the coalescence of precursor droplets and/or partly polymerized polymer particles. Our results show that the M3 reactors can produce polymer microgel particles with polydispersity not exceeding 5% at a productivity of approximately 50 g/h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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47
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Zhao N, Liu K, Greener J, Nie Z, Kumacheva E. Close-packed superlattices of side-by-side assembled Au-CdSe nanorods. Nano Lett 2009; 9:3077-3081. [PMID: 19637890 DOI: 10.1021/nl901567a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We report solution-based side-by-side self-assembly of Au-tipped CdSe nanorods (NRs) in large two-dimensional superlattices and the deposition of these lattices on a substrate with NRs aligned perpendicular to the surface. The side-by-side assembly of the NRs was triggered by changing the solvent quality for the ligands coating the long side of the nanorods. The stability of the self-assembled superlattices was enhanced due to the hydrogen bonding between the ligands attached to the Au tips of the nanorods. The reported approach can further facilitate the hierarchical integration of multicomponent NRs into functional devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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Greener J, van der Loop TH, Paquet C, Scholes G, Kumacheva E. A study of simultaneous patterning and alignment of semiconductor nanorods via polymerization-induced phase separation. Langmuir 2009; 25:3173-3177. [PMID: 19437720 DOI: 10.1021/la803521t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We report simultaneous patterning and alignment of semiconductor nanorods (NRs) in nanorod-polymer films by using photolithographic polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS). Exposure of the nanoparticle-monomer mixture to UV irradiation through a mask resulted in the site-specific photoinitiated polymerization of the monomer, which was followed with flow of the NRs from the areas rich in polymer to the areas rich in monomer. The orientation of NRs in the direction of flow was trapped in the polymerized films and characterized in polarization absorption experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Greener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
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Greener J, Ng KC, Vaeth KM, Smith TM. Moisture permeability through multilayered barrier films as applied to flexible OLED display. J Appl Polym Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/app.26863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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