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Bazyar H. On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:5856. [PMID: 37447704 PMCID: PMC10346202 DOI: 10.3390/s23135856] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology and human identification to discriminating and analyzing diverse classes of drugs and explosives. Each aspect is further explained by providing a short summary on general forensic workflow and investigations for body fluid identification as well as through the analysis of drugs and explosives. Microfluidic technology, including fabrication methodologies, materials, and working modules, are touched upon. Finally, the current shortcomings on the implementation of the microfluidic technology in the forensic field are discussed along with the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Bazyar
- Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628CB Delft, The Netherlands
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2
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Choe SW, Kim B, Kim M. Progress of Microfluidic Continuous Separation Techniques for Micro-/Nanoscale Bioparticles. Biosensors (Basel) 2021; 11:464. [PMID: 34821680 PMCID: PMC8615634 DOI: 10.3390/bios11110464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Separation of micro- and nano-sized biological particles, such as cells, proteins, and nucleotides, is at the heart of most biochemical sensing/analysis, including in vitro biosensing, diagnostics, drug development, proteomics, and genomics. However, most of the conventional particle separation techniques are based on membrane filtration techniques, whose efficiency is limited by membrane characteristics, such as pore size, porosity, surface charge density, or biocompatibility, which results in a reduction in the separation efficiency of bioparticles of various sizes and types. In addition, since other conventional separation methods, such as centrifugation, chromatography, and precipitation, are difficult to perform in a continuous manner, requiring multiple preparation steps with a relatively large minimum sample volume is necessary for stable bioprocessing. Recently, microfluidic engineering enables more efficient separation in a continuous flow with rapid processing of small volumes of rare biological samples, such as DNA, proteins, viruses, exosomes, and even cells. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the recent advances in microfluidic separation of micro-/nano-sized bioparticles by summarizing the physical principles behind the separation system and practical examples of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-woon Choe
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea;
- Department of IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
| | - Bumjoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 1223-24, Korea;
- Department of Future Convergence Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 1223-24, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39177, Korea
- Department of Aeronautics, Mechanical and Electronic Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39177, Korea
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3
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Holloway PM, Willaime-Morawek S, Siow R, Barber M, Owens RM, Sharma AD, Rowan W, Hill E, Zagnoni M. Advances in microfluidic in vitro systems for neurological disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1276-1307. [PMID: 33583054 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second largest cause of death worldwide. Despite significant research efforts, neurology remains one of the most failure-prone areas of drug development. The complexity of the human brain, boundaries to examining the brain directly in vivo, and the significant evolutionary gap between animal models and humans, all serve to hamper translational success. Recent advances in microfluidic in vitro models have provided new opportunities to study human cells with enhanced physiological relevance. The ability to precisely micro-engineer cell-scale architecture, tailoring form and function, has allowed for detailed dissection of cell biology using microphysiological systems (MPS) of varying complexities from single cell systems to "Organ-on-chip" models. Simplified neuronal networks have allowed for unique insights into neuronal transport and neurogenesis, while more complex 3D heterotypic cellular models such as neurovascular unit mimetics and "Organ-on-chip" systems have enabled new understanding of metabolic coupling and blood-brain barrier transport. These systems are now being developed beyond MPS toward disease specific micro-pathophysiological systems, moving from "Organ-on-chip" to "Disease-on-chip." This review gives an outline of current state of the art in microfluidic technologies for neurological disease research, discussing the challenges and limitations while highlighting the benefits and potential of integrating technologies. We provide examples of where such toolsets have enabled novel insights and how these technologies may empower future investigation into neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Siow
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Barber
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anup D Sharma
- New Orleans BioInnovation Center, AxoSim Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Rowan
- Novel Human Genetics Research Unit, GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Eric Hill
- School of Life and Health sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michele Zagnoni
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Mejía-Salazar JR, Rodrigues Cruz K, Materón Vásques EM, Novais de Oliveira Jr. O. Microfluidic Point-of-Care Devices: New Trends and Future Prospects for eHealth Diagnostics. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:s20071951. [PMID: 32244343 PMCID: PMC7180826 DOI: 10.3390/s20071951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics is promising for early detection of a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to serving for monitoring health conditions. To be efficient and cost-effective, portable PoC devices are made with microfluidic technologies, with which laboratory analysis can be made with small-volume samples. Recent years have witnessed considerable progress in this area with “epidermal electronics”, including miniaturized wearable diagnosis devices. These wearable devices allow for continuous real-time transmission of biological data to the Internet for further processing and transformation into clinical knowledge. Other approaches include bluetooth and WiFi technology for data transmission from portable (non-wearable) diagnosis devices to cellphones or computers, and then to the Internet for communication with centralized healthcare structures. There are, however, considerable challenges to be faced before PoC devices become routine in the clinical practice. For instance, the implementation of this technology requires integration of detection components with other fluid regulatory elements at the microscale, where fluid-flow properties become increasingly controlled by viscous forces rather than inertial forces. Another challenge is to develop new materials for environmentally friendly, cheap, and portable microfluidic devices. In this review paper, we first revisit the progress made in the last few years and discuss trends and strategies for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Then, we discuss the challenges in lab-on-a-chip biosensing devices, including colorimetric sensors coupled to smartphones, plasmonic sensors, and electronic tongues. The latter ones use statistical and big data analysis for proper classification. The increasing use of big data and artificial intelligence methods is then commented upon in the context of wearable and handled biosensing platforms for the Internet of things and futuristic healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ricardo Mejía-Salazar
- National Institute of Telecommunications (Inatel), 37540-000 Santa Rita do Sapucaí, MG, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kamilla Rodrigues Cruz
- National Institute of Telecommunications (Inatel), 37540-000 Santa Rita do Sapucaí, MG, Brazil;
| | - Elsa María Materón Vásques
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, P.O. Box 369, 13560-970 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil; (E.M.M.V.); (O.N.d.O.J.)
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, CP 676, São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Jr.
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, P.O. Box 369, 13560-970 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil; (E.M.M.V.); (O.N.d.O.J.)
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5
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Lin Z, Luo G, Du W, Kong T, Liu C, Liu Z. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms Applied in Cancer Metastasis: Circulating Tumor Cells' (CTCs) Isolation and Tumor-On-A-Chip. Small 2020; 16:e1903899. [PMID: 31747120 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [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: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite the enormous efforts that are made in the development of cancer biology and anticancer therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, recent studies in oncology have focused on the complex cancer metastatic process as metastatic disease contributes to more than 90% of tumor-related death. In the metastatic process, isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a vital role in diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients at an early stage. To obtain relevant information on cancer metastasis and progression from CTCs, reliable approaches are required for CTC detection and isolation. Additionally, experimental platforms mimicking the tumor microenvironment in vitro give a better understanding of the metastatic microenvironment and antimetastatic drugs' screening. With the advancement of microfabrication and rapid prototyping, microfluidic techniques are now increasingly being exploited to study cancer metastasis as they allow precise control of fluids in small volume and rapid sample processing at relatively low cost and with high sensitivity. Recent advancements in microfluidic platforms utilized in various methods for CTCs' isolation and tumor models recapitulating the metastatic microenvironment (tumor-on-a-chip) are comprehensively reviewed. Future perspectives on microfluidics for cancer metastasis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Lin
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Guanyi Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weixiang Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Changkun Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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6
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Zhao X, Bian F, Sun L, Cai L, Li L, Zhao Y. Microfluidic Generation of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. Small 2020; 16:e1901943. [PMID: 31259464 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201901943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As nanomaterials (NMs) possess attractive physicochemical properties that are strongly related to their specific sizes and morphologies, they are becoming one of the most desirable components in the fields of drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. By choosing an appropriate methodology that allows for accurate control over the reaction conditions, not only can NMs with high quality and rapid production rate be generated, but also designing composite and efficient products for therapy and diagnosis in nanomedicine can be realized. Recent evidence implies that microfluidic technology offers a promising platform for the synthesis of NMs by easy manipulation of fluids in microscale channels. In this Review, a comprehensive set of developments in the field of microfluidics for generating two main classes of NMs, including nanoparticles and nanofibers, and their various potentials in biomedical applications are summarized. Furthermore, the major challenges in this area and opinions on its future developments are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, P. R. China
| | - Feika Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
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Abstract
Colloidal crystals are of great interest to researchers because of their excellent optical properties and broad applications in barcodes, sensors, displays, drug delivery, and other fields. Therefore, the preparation of high quality colloidal crystals in large quantities with high speed is worth investigating. After decades of development, microfluidics have been developed that provide new choices for many fields, especially for the generation of functional materials in microscale. Through the design of microfluidic chips, colloidal crystals can be prepared controllably with the advantages of fast speed and low cost. In this Review, research progress on colloidal crystals from microfluidics is discussed. After summarizing the classifications, the generation of colloidal crystals from microfluidics is discussed, including basic colloidal particles preparation, and their assembly inside or outside of microfluidic devices. Then, applications of the achieved colloidal crystals from microfluidics are illustrated. Finally, the future development and prospects of microfluidic-based colloidal crystals are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feika Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lijun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuetong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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Abstract
Motivated by the increasing demand of wearable and soft electronics, liquid metal (LM)-based microfluidics has been subjected to tremendous development in the past decade, especially in electronics, robotics, and related fields, due to the unique advantages of LMs that combines the conductivity and deformability all-in-one. LMs can be integrated as the core component into microfluidic systems in the form of either droplets/marbles or composites embedded by polymer materials with isotropic and anisotropic distribution. The LM microfluidic systems are found to have broad applications in deformable antennas, soft diodes, biomedical sensing chips, transient circuits, mechanically adaptive materials, etc. Herein, the recent progress in the development of LM-based microfluidics and their potential applications are summarized. The current challenges toward industrial applications and future research orientation of this field are also summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Guangdong Laboratory of ArtificialIntelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Guangdong Laboratory of ArtificialIntelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
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9
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Xu X, Wang J, Wu L, Guo J, Song Y, Tian T, Wang W, Zhu Z, Yang C. Microfluidic Single-Cell Omics Analysis. Small 2020; 16:e1903905. [PMID: 31544338 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [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: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The commonly existing cellular heterogeneity plays a critical role in biological processes such as embryonic development, cell differentiation, and disease progress. Single-cell omics-based heterogeneous studies have great significance for identifying different cell populations, discovering new cell types, revealing informative cell features, and uncovering significant interrelationships between cells. Recently, microfluidics has evolved to be a powerful technology for single-cell omics analysis due to its merits of throughput, sensitivity, and accuracy. Herein, the recent advances of microfluidic single-cell omics analysis, including different microfluidic platform designs, lysis strategies, and omics analysis techniques, are reviewed. Representative applications of microfluidic single-cell omics analysis in complex biological studies are then summarized. Finally, a few perspectives on the future challenges and development trends of microfluidic-assisted single-cell omics analysis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Junxia Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tian Tian
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
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10
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Zhao Q, Cui H, Wang Y, Du X. Microfluidic Platforms toward Rational Material Fabrication for Biomedical Applications. Small 2020; 16:e1903798. [PMID: 31650698 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [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: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of micro/nanomaterials in recent decades has brought promising alternative approaches in various biomedicine-related fields such as pharmaceutics, diagnostics, and therapeutics. These micro/nanomaterials for specific biomedical applications shall possess tailored properties and functionalities that are closely correlated to their geometries, structures, and compositions, therefore placing extremely high demands for manufacturing techniques. Owing to the superior capabilities in manipulating fluids and droplets at microscale, microfluidics has offered robust and versatile platform technologies enabling rational design and fabrication of micro/nanomaterials with precisely controlled geometries, structures and compositions in high throughput manners, making them excellent candidates for a variety of biomedical applications. This review briefly summarizes the progress of microfluidics in the fabrication of various micro/nanomaterials ranging from 0D (particles), 1D (fibers) to 2D/3D (film and bulk materials) materials with controllable geometries, structures, and compositions. The applications of these microfluidic-based materials in the fields of diagnostics, drug delivery, organs-on-chips, tissue engineering, and stimuli-responsive biodevices are introduced. Finally, an outlook is discussed on the future direction of microfluidic platforms for generating materials with superior properties and on-demand functionalities. The integration of new materials and techniques with microfluidics will pave new avenues for preparing advanced micro/nanomaterials with enhanced performance for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Huanqing Cui
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Yunlong Wang
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Xuemin Du
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518035, China
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11
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Wang S, Yang X, Wu F, Min L, Chen X, Hou X. Inner Surface Design of Functional Microchannels for Microscale Flow Control. Small 2020; 16:e1905318. [PMID: 31793747 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201905318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluidic flow behaviors in microfluidics are dominated by the interfaces created between the fluids and the inner surface walls of microchannels. Microchannel inner surface designs, including the surface chemical modification, and the construction of micro-/nanostructures, are good examples of manipulating those interfaces between liquids and surfaces through tuning the chemical and physical properties of the inner walls of the microchannel. Therefore, the microchannel inner surface design plays critical roles in regulating microflows to enhance the capabilities of microfluidic systems for various applications. Most recently, the rapid progresses in micro-/nanofabrication technologies and fundamental materials have also made it possible to integrate increasingly complex chemical and physical surface modification strategies with the preparation of microchannels in microfluidics. Besides, a wave of researches focusing on the ideas of using liquids as dynamic surface materials is identified, and the unique characteristics endowed with liquid-liquid interfaces have revealed that the interesting phenomena can extend the scope of interfacial interactions determining microflow behaviors. This review extensively discusses the microchannel inner surface designs for microflow control, especially evaluates them from the perspectives of the interfaces resulting from the inner surface designs. In addition, prospective opportunities for the development of surface designs of microchannels, and their applications are provided with the potential to attract scientific interest in areas related to the rapid development and applications of various microchannel systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Bionic and Soft Matter Research Institute, College of Physical Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Lingli Min
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xu Hou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Bionic and Soft Matter Research Institute, College of Physical Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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12
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Liu Z, Fontana F, Python A, Hirvonen JT, Santos HA. Microfluidics for Production of Particles: Mechanism, Methodology, and Applications. Small 2020; 16:e1904673. [PMID: 31702878 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, microfluidics-based particle production is widely applied for multiple biological usages. Compared to conventional bulk methods, microfluidic-assisted particle production shows significant advantages, such as narrower particle size distribution, higher reproducibility, improved encapsulation efficiency, and enhanced scaling-up potency. Herein, an overview of the recent progress of the microfluidics technology for nano-, microparticles or droplet fabrication, and their biological applications is provided. For both nano-, microparticles/droplets, the previously established mechanisms behind particle production via microfluidics and some typical examples during the past five years are discussed. The emerging interdisciplinary technologies based on microfluidics that have produced microparticles or droplets for cellular analysis and artificial cells fabrication are summarized. The potential drawbacks and future perspectives are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Liu
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Flavia Fontana
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andre Python
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK
| | - Jouni T Hirvonen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Abstract
This review describes the current knowledge and applications of pulsatile flow in microfluidic systems. Elements of fluid dynamics at low Reynolds number are first described in the context of pulsatile flow. Then the practical applications in microfluidic processes are presented: the methods to generate a pulsatile flow, the generation of emulsion droplets through harmonic flow rate perturbation, the applications in mixing and particle separation, and the benefits of pulsatile flow for clog mitigation. The second part of the review is devoted to pulsatile flow in biological applications. Pulsatile flows can be used for mimicking physiological systems, to alter or enhance cell cultures, and for bioassay automation. Pulsatile flows offer unique advantages over a steady flow, especially in microfluidic systems, but also require some new physical insights and more rigorous investigation to fully benefit future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dincau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Emilie Dressaire
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Alban Sauret
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
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14
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López-Marzo AM, Merkoçi A. Paper-based sensors and assays: a success of the engineering design and the convergence of knowledge areas. Lab Chip 2016; 16:3150-76. [PMID: 27412239 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00737f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This review shows the recent advances and state of the art in paper-based analytical devices (PADs) through the analysis of their integration with microfluidics and LOC micro- and nanotechnologies, electrochemical/optical detection and electronic devices as the convergence of various knowledge areas. The important role of the paper design/architecture in the improvement of the performance of sensor devices is discussed. The discussion is fundamentally based on μPADs as the new generation of paper-based (bio)sensors. Data about the scientific publication ranking of PADs, illustrating their increase as an experimental research topic in the past years, are supplied. In addition, an analysis of the simultaneous evolution of PADs in academic lab research and industrial commercialization highlighting the parallelism of the technological transfer from academia to industry is displayed. A general overview of the market behaviour, the leading industries in the sector and their commercialized devices is given. Finally, personal opinions of the authors about future perspectives and tendencies in the design and fabrication technology of PADs are disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaris M López-Marzo
- Nanobioelectronics & Biosensors Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| | - Arben Merkoçi
- Nanobioelectronics & Biosensors Group, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain. and Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Abstract
Microfluidic systems enable rapid diagnosis, screening and monitoring of diseases and health conditions using small amounts of biological samples and reagents. Despite these remarkable features, conventional microfluidic systems rely on bulky expensive external equipment, which hinders their utility as powerful analysis tools outside of research laboratories. 'Self-contained' microfluidic systems, which contain all necessary components to facilitate a complete assay, have been developed to address this limitation. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of self-contained microfluidic systems. We categorise these systems based on their operating mechanisms into three major groups: passive, hand-powered and active. Several examples are provided to discuss the structure, capabilities and shortcomings of each group. In particular, we discuss the self-contained microfluidic systems enabled by active mechanisms, due to their unique capability for running multi-step and highly controllable diagnostic assays. Integration of self-contained microfluidic systems with the image acquisition and processing capabilities of smartphones, especially those equipped with accessory optical components, enables highly sensitive and quantitative assays, which are discussed. Finally, the future trends and possible solutions to expand the versatility of self-contained, stand-alone microfluidic platforms are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Martina Di Venere
- School of Civil & Industrial Engineering, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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16
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Lifson MA, Ozen MO, Inci F, Wang S, Inan H, Baday M, Henrich TJ, Demirci U. Advances in biosensing strategies for HIV-1 detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 103:90-104. [PMID: 27262924 PMCID: PMC4943868 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 is a major global epidemic that requires sophisticated clinical management. There have been remarkable efforts to develop new strategies for detecting and treating HIV-1, as it has been challenging to translate them into resource-limited settings. Significant research efforts have been recently devoted to developing point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that can monitor HIV-1 viral load with high sensitivity by leveraging micro- and nano-scale technologies. These POC devices can be applied to monitoring of antiretroviral therapy, during mother-to-child transmission, and identification of latent HIV-1 reservoirs. In this review, we discuss current challenges in HIV-1 diagnosis and therapy in resource-limited settings and present emerging technologies that aim to address these challenges using innovative solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Lifson
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mehmet Ozgun Ozen
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Fatih Inci
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - ShuQi Wang
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Institute for Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hakan Inan
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Medicine Faculty, Zirve University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Murat Baday
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Radiology Department, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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17
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Abstract
Microfluidics, featuring microfabricated structures, is a technology for manipulating fluids at the micrometer scale. The small dimension and flexibility of microfluidic systems are ideal for mimicking molecular and cellular microenvironment, and show great potential in translational research and development. Here, the recent progress of microfluidics in biological and biomedical applications, including molecular analysis, cellular analysis, and chip-based material delivery and biomimetic design is presented. The potential future developments in the translational microfluidics field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbin Liu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Han
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Gómez-Lechón MJ, Tolosa L, Donato MT. Metabolic activation and drug-induced liver injury: in vitro approaches for the safety risk assessment of new drugs. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 36:752-68. [PMID: 26691983 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant leading cause of hepatic dysfunction, drug failure during clinical trials and post-market withdrawal of approved drugs. Many cases of DILI are unexpected reactions of an idiosyncratic nature that occur in a small group of susceptible individuals. Intensive research efforts have been made to understand better the idiosyncratic DILI and to identify potential risk factors. Metabolic bioactivation of drugs to form reactive metabolites is considered an initiation mechanism for idiosyncratic DILI. Reactive species may interact irreversibly with cell macromolecules (covalent binding, oxidative damage), and alter their structure and activity. This review focuses on proposed in vitro screening strategies to predict and reduce idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with drug bioactivation. Compound incubation with metabolically competent biological systems (liver-derived cells, subcellular fractions), in combination with methods to reveal the formation of reactive intermediates (e.g., formation of adducts with liver proteins, metabolite trapping or enzyme inhibition assays), are approaches commonly used to screen the reactivity of new molecules in early drug development. Several cell-based assays have also been proposed for the safety risk assessment of bioactivable compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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MESH Headings
- Activation, Metabolic
- Animals
- Cell Culture Techniques/trends
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/epidemiology
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/pathology
- Coculture Techniques/trends
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/trends
- Drugs, Investigational/adverse effects
- Drugs, Investigational/chemistry
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacokinetics
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques/trends
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Microfluidics/methods
- Microfluidics/trends
- Microsomes, Liver/drug effects
- Microsomes, Liver/enzymology
- Microsomes, Liver/metabolism
- Models, Biological
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/drug effects
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/pathology
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Factors
- Tissue Scaffolds/trends
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Affiliation(s)
- M José Gómez-Lechón
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD, FIS, Spain
| | - Laia Tolosa
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - M Teresa Donato
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD, FIS, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
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19
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Abstract
Microfluidics has experienced massive growth in the past two decades, and especially with advances in rapid prototyping researchers have explored a multitude of channel structures, fluid and particle mixtures, and integration with electrical and optical systems towards solving problems in healthcare, biological and chemical analysis, materials synthesis, and other emerging areas that can benefit from the scale, automation, or the unique physics of these systems. Inertial microfluidics, which relies on the unconventional use of fluid inertia in microfluidic platforms, is one of the emerging fields that make use of unique physical phenomena that are accessible in microscale patterned channels. Channel shapes that focus, concentrate, order, separate, transfer, and mix particles and fluids have been demonstrated, however physical underpinnings guiding these channel designs have been limited and much of the development has been based on experimentally-derived intuition. Here we aim to provide a deeper understanding of mechanisms and underlying physics in these systems which can lead to more effective and reliable designs with less iteration. To place the inertial effects into context we also discuss related fluid-induced forces present in particulate flows including forces due to non-Newtonian fluids, particle asymmetry, and particle deformability. We then highlight the inverse situation and describe the effect of the suspended particles acting on the fluid in a channel flow. Finally, we discuss the importance of structured channels, i.e. channels with boundary conditions that vary in the streamwise direction, and their potential as a means to achieve unprecedented three-dimensional control over fluid and particles in microchannels. Ultimately, we hope that an improved fundamental and quantitative understanding of inertial fluid dynamic effects can lead to unprecedented capabilities to program fluid and particle flow towards automation of biomedicine, materials synthesis, and chemical process control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Amini
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 420 Westwood Plaza, 5121 Engineering V, P.O. Box 951600, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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20
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21
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Titmarsh DM, Chen H, Glass NR, Cooper-White JJ. Concise review: microfluidic technology platforms: poised to accelerate development and translation of stem cell-derived therapies. Stem Cells Transl Med 2013; 3:81-90. [PMID: 24311699 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are a powerful resource for producing a variety of cell types with utility in clinically associated applications, including preclinical drug screening and development, disease and developmental modeling, and regenerative medicine. Regardless of the type of stem cell, substantial barriers to clinical translation still exist and must be overcome to realize full clinical potential. These barriers span processes including cell isolation, expansion, and differentiation; purification, quality control, and therapeutic efficacy and safety; and the economic viability of bioprocesses for production of functional cell products. Microfluidic systems have been developed for a myriad of biological applications and have the intrinsic capability of controlling and interrogating the cellular microenvironment with unrivalled precision; therefore, they have particular relevance to overcoming such barriers to translation. Development of microfluidic technologies increasingly utilizes stem cells, addresses stem cell-relevant biological phenomena, and aligns capabilities with translational challenges and goals. In this concise review, we describe how microfluidic technologies can contribute to the translation of stem cell research outcomes, and we provide an update on innovative research efforts in this area. This timely convergence of stem cell translational challenges and microfluidic capabilities means that there is now an opportunity for both disciplines to benefit from increased interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew M Titmarsh
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and
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22
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Kim S, Roy S. Microelectromechanical systems and nephrology: the next frontier in renal replacement technology. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2013; 20:516-35. [PMID: 24206604 PMCID: PMC3866020 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are playing a prominent role in the development of many new and innovative biomedical devices, but they remain a relatively underused technology in nephrology. The future landscape of clinical medicine and research will only see further expansion of MEMS-based technologies in device designs and applications. This enthusiasm stems from the ability to create small-scale device features with high precision in a cost-effective manner. MEMS also offers the possibility to integrate multiple components into a single device. The adoption of MEMS has the potential to revolutionize how nephrologists manage kidney disease by improving the delivery of renal replacement therapies and enhancing the monitoring of physiologic parameters. To introduce nephrologists to MEMS, this review will first define relevant terms and describe the basic processes used to fabricate devices. Next, a survey of MEMS devices being developed for various biomedical applications will be illustrated with current examples. Finally, MEMS technology specific to nephrology will be highlighted and future applications will be examined. The adoption of MEMS offers novel avenues to improve the care of kidney disease patients and assist nephrologists in clinical practice. This review will serve as an introduction for nephrologists to the exciting world of MEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kim
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Shuvo Roy
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158
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23
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Elvira KS, Casadevall i Solvas X, Wootton RCR, deMello AJ. The past, present and potential for microfluidic reactor technology in chemical synthesis. Nat Chem 2013; 5:905-915. [PMID: 24153367 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.l753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The past two decades have seen far-reaching progress in the development of microfluidic systems for use in the chemical and biological sciences. Here we assess the utility of microfluidic reactor technology as a tool in chemical synthesis in both academic research and industrial applications. We highlight the successes and failures of past research in the field and provide a catalogue of chemistries performed in a microfluidic reactor. We then assess the current roadblocks hindering the widespread use of microfluidic reactors from the perspectives of both synthetic chemistry and industrial application. Finally, we set out seven challenges that we hope will inspire future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Elvira
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli Strasse 10, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
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24
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Abstract
The field of microfluidics, often also referred to as "Lab-on-a-Chip" has made significant progress in the last 15 years and is an essential tool in the development of new products and protocols in the life sciences. This article provides a broad overview on the developments on the academic as well as the commercial side. Fabrication technologies for polymer-based devices are presented and a strategy for the development of complex integrated devices is discussed, together with an example on the use of these devices in pathogen detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Becker
- ChipShop GmbH, Stockholmer Str. 20, D-07747 Jena, Germany.
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25
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Cullen DK, Pfister B. Transformative research in neural engineering: Foreword / editors' commentary (volume 3). Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2011; 39:181-183. [PMID: 21967301 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.v39.i3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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26
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Flanagan D. Materials science: state of the art 2010. Adv Mater 2010; 22:139. [PMID: 20217680 DOI: 10.1002/adma.200904184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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27
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28
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Abstract
Recently, microfluidic systems have shown great potential in the study of molecular and cellular biology. With its excellent properties, such as miniaturization, integration and automation, to name just a few, microfluidics creates new opportunities for the spatial and temporal control of cell growth and environmental stimuli in vitro. In the field of neuroscience, microfluidic devices offer precise control of the microenvironment surrounding individual cells, and the delivery of biochemical or physical cues to neural networks or single neurons. The intent of this review is to outline recent advances in microfluidic-based applications in neurobiology, with emphasis on neuron culture, neuron manipulation, neural stem cell differentiation, neuropharmacology, neuroelectrophysiology, and neuron biosensors. It also aims to stimulate development of microfluidic-based applications in neurobiology by involving scientists from various disciplines, especially neurobiology and microtechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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29
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30
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Ateya DA, Erickson JS, Howell PB, Hilliard LR, Golden JP, Ligler FS. The good, the bad, and the tiny: a review of microflow cytometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2008; 391:1485-98. [PMID: 18228010 PMCID: PMC2746035 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-007-1827-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [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: 10/31/2007] [Revised: 12/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in microflow cytometry have concentrated on advancing technology in four main areas: (1) focusing the particles to be analyzed in the microfluidic channel, (2) miniaturization of the fluid-handling components, (3) miniaturization of the optics, and (4) integration and applications development. Strategies for focusing particles in a narrow path as they pass through the detection region include the use of focusing fluids, nozzles, and dielectrophoresis. Strategies for optics range from the use of microscope objectives to polymer waveguides or optical fibers embedded on-chip. While most investigators use off-chip fluidic control, there are a few examples of integrated valves and pumps. To date, demonstrations of applications are primarily used to establish that the microflow systems provide data of the same quality as laboratory systems, but new capabilities-such as automated sample staining-are beginning to emerge. Each of these four areas is discussed in detail in terms of the progress of development, the continuing limitations, and potential future directions for microflow cytometers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Ateya
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
| | - Jeffrey S. Erickson
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
| | - Peter B. Howell
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
| | - Lisa R. Hilliard
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
| | - Joel P. Golden
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
| | - Frances S. Ligler
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA, e-mail:
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31
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Becker H. Microfluidics: a technology coming of age. Med Device Technol 2008; 19:21-24. [PMID: 18557405] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The number of applications and products utilising microfluidics technology has been growing rapidly. This article highlights the progress of this maturing technology and the significant factors that make it a valuable tool for new product development.
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32
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Abstract
Nanofluidics is a relatively new area of research, generally viewed as the study of the behavior, manipulation, and control of fluids at nanometer (<100 nm) scales. At nanometer scales, fluids exhibit unique physical behaviors which are not present in larger structures. Nanofluidic structures have been successfully applied to technologies including analytical separations and the manipulation of proteins, RNA and DNA. There are increasing numbers of applications emerging, as well as innovative fabrication methods enabling the development of these applications. This review covers some of the recent and significant patents relating to nanofluidic devices and methods. We particularly focus on nanofluidic patents targeted to separate, sense and manipulate biofluids and the presence of macromolecules therein. Moreover, several important fabrication methods are reviewed relating to forming microscale and nanoscale fluidic structures. This study found that a majority of the current nanofluidic patents are intended for bioengineering and biotechnology applications, and none of these patents used gas as a working fluid. To date, the number of nanofluidic patents has been very limited, though it is expected that the nanofluidic area will grow in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanta Dutta
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920, USA.
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33
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Odenwälder PK, Irvine S, McEwan JR, Jayasinghe SN. Bio-electrosprays: a novel electrified jetting methodology for the safe handling and deployment of primary living organisms. Biotechnol J 2007; 2:622-30. [PMID: 17373645 DOI: 10.1002/biot.200700031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Electrohydrodynamic jetting (EHDJ) which is also known as electrosprays (ES) has recently been elucidated as a unique electrified biotechnique for the safe handling and deployment of living organisms. This high intensity electric field driven jetting methodology is now referred to as "bioelectrosprays" (BES). Previously these charged jets have only been shown to jet-process immortalized cells which have undergone expected cellular behavior when compared with control cells. In this paper we demonstrate the ability to jet process primary living organisms in the stable conejetting mode. Finally the viability of the bio-electrosprayed living organisms has been assessed employing a flow cytometry approach which forms the discussion in this paper. Our findings further establish BES as a competing biotechnique, which could be employed for the deposition of primary living organisms according to a predetermined active cellular architecture. One day this could be used for the fabrication of viable tissues and organs for repair or replacement. These advanced studies carried out on BES have direct widespread applications ranging from developmental biology to regenerative and therapeutic medicine, which are a few amongst several other areas of study within the life sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Odenwälder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, UK
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34
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Huang H, Zheng X. [Research progress in microfluidic immunoassay chip]. Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 2007; 24:928-31. [PMID: 17899776] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent 10 years, microfluidic technology has developed rapidly. Hence the speed of analysis can be upgraded, the performance be improved and the consumption of sample and reagent be reduced. In this review, we introduce the design, fabrication and application of microfluidic immunoassay chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- Key Lab of Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering, State Education Ministry, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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35
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36
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Michelsen U. Microfluidics in medical applications. Med Device Technol 2007; 18:12-4. [PMID: 17585713] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The challenge of microfluidics is to control liquids or gases on the micro scale. The developing use of microfluidics in diagnostics, drug delivery and implants is discussed. These technology advances include electrowetting and a piezo-driven membrane micropump.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Michelsen
- Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH, Dortmund, Germany.
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37
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Abstract
Up to now, the productivity of mammalian cell culture has been perceived as limiting the productivity of the industrial manufacture of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Dramatic improvements in cell culture performance have changed this picture, and the throughput of antibody purification processes is gaining increasing attention. Although chromatographic separations currently are the centerpiece of antibody purification, mostly due to their high resolving power, it becomes more and more apparent that there may be limitations at the very large scale. This review will discuss a number of alternatives to chromatographic antibody purification, with a particular emphasis on the ability to increase throughput and overcome traditional drawbacks of column chromatography. Specifically, precipitation, membrane chromatography, high-resolution ultrafiltration, crystallization, and high-pressure refolding will be evaluated as potential large scale unit operations for industrial antibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Thömmes
- Biogen IDEC, Inc., 5200 Research Place, San Diego, California 92122, USA
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Lim CT, Zhang Y. Bead-based microfluidic immunoassays: The next generation. Biosens Bioelectron 2007; 22:1197-204. [PMID: 16857357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2006.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2006] [Revised: 05/23/2006] [Accepted: 06/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices possess many advantages like high throughput, short analysis time, small volume and high sensitivity that fulfill all the important criteria of an immunoassay used for clinical diagnoses, environmental analyses and biochemical studies. These devices can be made from a few different materials, with polymers presently emerging as the most popular choice. Other than being optically clear, non-toxic and cheap, polymers can also be easily fabricated with a variety of techniques. In addition, there are many polymer surface modification methods available to improve the efficiency of these devices. Unfortunately, current microfluidic immunoassays have limited multiplexing capability compared to flow cytometric assays. Flow cytometry employ the use of encoded microbeads in contrast with normal or paramagnetic microbeads applied in current microfluidic devices. The encoded microbead is the key in providing multiplexing capability to the assay by allowing multi-analyte analysis. Using several unique sets of code, different analytes can be detected in a single assay by tracing the identity of individual beads. The same principle could be applied to microfluidic immunoassays in order to retain all the advantages of a fluidic device and significantly improve multiplexing capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Lim
- Division of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Blk, EA-03-12, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576, Singapore
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Manuel J. Fluid movement. Environ Health Perspect 2006; 114:A710-3. [PMID: 17185265 PMCID: PMC1764151 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.114-a710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
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van den Berg A, Bergveld P. Labs-on-a-Chip: origin, highlights and future perspectives. On the occasion of the 10th microTAS conference. Lab Chip 2006; 6:1266-73. [PMID: 17102838 DOI: 10.1039/b612120a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert van den Berg
- BIOS/Lab-on-a-Chip group, MESA+ Research Institute, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
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41
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Abstract
Hydro-Jet technology utilizes an extremely thin, high-pressure stream of water. This technology has been routinely used in industry as a cutting tool for different materials such as metal, ceramic, wood and glass. Recently, Hydro-Jet technology has been used for dissection and resection during open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. A high-pressure jet of water allows selective dissection and isolation of vital structures such as blood vessels and nerves. This has resulted in improved dissection and decreased complication rate in recent experimental and clinical studies. This technology has been successfully applied during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cholecystecomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Shekarriz
- Upstate Medical University, Department of Urology, State University of New York, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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Abstract
The manipulation of fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometres--microfluidics--has emerged as a distinct new field. Microfluidics has the potential to influence subject areas from chemical synthesis and biological analysis to optics and information technology. But the field is still at an early stage of development. Even as the basic science and technological demonstrations develop, other problems must be addressed: choosing and focusing on initial applications, and developing strategies to complete the cycle of development, including commercialization. The solutions to these problems will require imagination and ingenuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Whitesides
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138,
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Bi YN, Zhang HJ. [Application of microfluidic-chip in biomedicine]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2006; 22:167-71. [PMID: 16572859] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As a novel analytical technology, the research of Micro total analysis systems (micro-TAS) has been spreading rapidly. micro-TAS has been widely used to perform chemical and biochemical analysis. Microfluidic-based analytical system as micro-TAS's manily direction develops very fast in terms of it's reaction speed, reagent consumption, miniaturization, cost, and automation. After having proven the value of microfluidics for genetic, proteomic and cytomics analysis, this article also anticipates the development tendency of this technology in the biology medicine domain. It has demonstrated that a truly, easy-to-handle Microfluidic-based analytical device will be emerged in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Nan Bi
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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Abstract
Magnetic forces are now being utilised in an amazing variety of microfluidic applications. Magnetohydrodynamic flow has been applied to the pumping of fluids through microchannels. Magnetic materials such as ferrofluids or magnetically doped PDMS have been used as valves. Magnetic microparticles have been employed for mixing of fluid streams. Magnetic particles have also been used as solid supports for bioreactions in microchannels. Trapping and transport of single cells are being investigated and recently, advances have been made towards the detection of magnetic material on-chip. The aim of this review is to introduce and discuss the various developments within the field of magnetism and microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pamme
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), International Centre for Young Scientists (ICYS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
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Abstract
Microfluidic systems are increasingly used as tools in various stages of the drug discovery process. Microscale systems offer several obvious advantages, such as low sample consumption and significantly reduced analysis or experiment time. These technologies raise the possibility of massive parallelization and concomitant reduction in cost per acquired data point. In addition, fluids in confined spaces display unique behaviors that can be used to acquire information not accessible using macroscopic systems. This article will focus on the implementation of microfluidic systems and technologies in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Pihl
- Cellectricon AB, Fabriksgatan 7, SE-412 50 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Diller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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50
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Dittrich PS, Manz A. Single-molecule fluorescence detection in microfluidic channels—the Holy Grail in μTAS? Anal Bioanal Chem 2005; 382:1771-82. [PMID: 16075229 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-005-3335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2005] [Revised: 05/12/2005] [Accepted: 05/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Both single-molecule detection (SMD) methods and miniaturization technologies have developed very rapidly over the last ten years. By merging these two techniques, it may be possible to achieve the optimal requirements for the analysis and manipulation of samples on a single molecule scale. While miniaturized structures and channels provide the interface required to handle small particles and molecules, SMD permits the discovery, localization, counting and identification of compounds. Widespread applications, across various bioscience/analytical science fields, such as DNA-analysis, cytometry and drug screening, are envisaged. In this review, the unique benefits of single fluorescent molecule detection in microfluidic channels are presented. Recent and possible future applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra S Dittrich
- Department of Miniaturization, Institute for Analytical Sciences (ISAS), Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany.
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