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Huang S, Wu J, Zheng L, Long Y, Chen J, Li J, Dai B, Lin F, Zhuang S, Zhang D. 3D free-assembly modular microfluidics inspired by movable type printing. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:111. [PMID: 37705925 PMCID: PMC10495351 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Reconfigurable modular microfluidics presents an opportunity for flexibly constructing prototypes of advanced microfluidic systems. Nevertheless, the strategy of directly integrating modules cannot easily fulfill the requirements of common applications, e.g., the incorporation of materials with biochemical compatibility and optical transparency and the execution of small batch production of disposable chips for laboratory trials and initial tests. Here, we propose a manufacturing scheme inspired by the movable type printing technique to realize 3D free-assembly modular microfluidics. Double-layer 3D microfluidic structures can be produced by replicating the assembled molds. A library of modularized molds is presented for flow control, droplet generation and manipulation and cell trapping and coculture. In addition, a variety of modularized attachments, including valves, light sources and microscopic cameras, have been developed with the capability to be mounted onto chips on demand. Microfluidic systems, including those for concentration gradient generation, droplet-based microfluidics, cell trapping and drug screening, are demonstrated. This scheme enables rapid prototyping of microfluidic systems and construction of on-chip research platforms, with the intent of achieving high efficiency of proof-of-concept tests and small batch manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqi Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Jiandong Wu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Yan Long
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Jianlang Li
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Bo Dai
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Songlin Zhuang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
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2
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Ghaznavi A, Xu J, Hara SA. A Non-Sacrificial 3D Printing Process for Fabricating Integrated Micro/Mesoscale Molds. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1363. [PMID: 37512674 PMCID: PMC10385488 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional printing technology has been implemented in microfluidic mold fabrication due to its freedom of design, speed, and low-cost fabrication. To facilitate mold fabrication processes and avoid the complexities of the soft lithography technique, we offer a non-sacrificial approach to fabricate microscale features along with mesoscale features using Stereolithography (SLA) printers to assemble a modular microfluidic mold. This helps with addressing an existing limitation with fabricating complex and time-consuming micro/mesoscale devices. The process flow, optimization of print time and feature resolution, alignments of modular devices, and the advantages and limitations with the offered technique are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Ghaznavi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Seth A Hara
- Division of Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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3
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Cai G, Huang Y, Chen B, Shen Y, Shi X, Peng B, Mi S, Huang J. Modular design of centrifugal microfluidic system and its application in nucleic acid screening. Talanta 2023; 259:124486. [PMID: 37060723 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Modular integration of functional components on the chip and increasement in control accuracy through real-time alteration in the force direction of droplets is an effective way to optimize centrifugal microfluidic systems and realize passive components, compact modules, and high-throughput control. Conventional centrifugal microfluidic chips are mainly driven and controlled by centrifugal force and Euler force. The control valves are easily affected by machining precision, making the control unstable. In this study, a novel centrifugal microfluidic system is introduced to improve the freedom and accuracy of chip control while facilitating the design and addition of passive functional components. Furthermore, we modularize the centrifugal microfluidic chip to greatly shorten the period of design and optimization cycle and achieve chip reusability and multi-threaded control. Finally, to verify the feasibility of the modular centrifugal microfluidic chip applied to high-throughput nucleic acid screening, we test the nucleic acid purification and detection colorimetric reactions based on the modular centrifugal microfluidic chip. Among them, Chelex-100 is used to realize the purification of nucleic acid in cell lysate, and the purified solution can realize amplification in the PCR instrument, and the nucleic acid detection results are consistent with the off-chip kit by experimental testing. The system has great flexibility and stability under the acceptable purity of nucleic acid, which indicates that the platform has great potential for large-scale rapid screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangpei Cai
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Disiontech Bio-Meditech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bailiang Chen
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuemin Shen
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolu Shi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Microbiology Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengli Mi
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jiajun Huang
- Bio-manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Disiontech Bio-Meditech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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4
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Wu J, Fang H, Zhang J, Yan S. Modular microfluidics for life sciences. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:85. [PMID: 36906553 PMCID: PMC10008080 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement of microfluidics has enabled numerous discoveries and technologies in life sciences. However, due to the lack of industry standards and configurability, the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices require highly skilled technicians. The diversity of microfluidic devices discourages biologists and chemists from applying this technique in their laboratories. Modular microfluidics, which integrates the standardized microfluidic modules into a whole, complex platform, brings the capability of configurability to conventional microfluidics. The exciting features, including portability, on-site deployability, and high customization motivate us to review the state-of-the-art modular microfluidics and discuss future perspectives. In this review, we first introduce the working mechanisms of the basic microfluidic modules and evaluate their feasibility as modular microfluidic components. Next, we explain the connection approaches among these microfluidic modules, and summarize the advantages of modular microfluidics over integrated microfluidics in biological applications. Finally, we discuss the challenge and future perspectives of modular microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Wu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Nanophotonics Research Center, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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5
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Lai X, Yang M, Wu H, Li D. Modular Microfluidics: Current Status and Future Prospects. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1363. [PMID: 36014285 PMCID: PMC9414757 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This review mainly studies the development status, limitations, and future directions of modular microfluidic systems. Microfluidic technology is an important tool platform for scientific research and plays an important role in various fields. With the continuous development of microfluidic applications, conventional monolithic microfluidic chips show more and more limitations. A modular microfluidic system is a system composed of interconnected, independent modular microfluidic chips, which are easy to use, highly customizable, and on-site deployable. In this paper, the current forms of modular microfluidic systems are classified and studied. The popular fabrication techniques for modular blocks, the major application scenarios of modular microfluidics, and the limitations of modular techniques are also discussed. Lastly, this review provides prospects for the future direction of modular microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Lai
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Mingpeng Yang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Megarity D, Vroman R, Kriek M, Downey P, Bushell TJ, Zagnoni M. A modular microfluidic platform to enable complex and customisable in vitro models for neuroscience. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1989-2000. [PMID: 35466333 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00115b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) represent a global health challenge and an increased understanding of the CNS in both physiological and pathophysiological states is essential to tackle the problem. Modelling CNS conditions is difficult, as traditional in vitro models fail to recapitulate precise microenvironments and animal models of complex disease often have limited translational validity. Microfluidic and organ-on-chip technologies offer an opportunity to develop more physiologically relevant and complex in vitro models of the CNS. They can be developed to allow precise cellular patterning and enhanced experimental capabilities to study neuronal function and dysfunction. To improve ease-of-use of the technology and create new opportunities for novel in vitro studies, we introduce a modular platform consisting of multiple, individual microfluidic units that can be combined in several configurations to create bespoke culture environments. Here, we report proof-of-concept experiments creating complex in vitro models and performing functional analysis of neuronal activity across modular interfaces. This platform technology presents an opportunity to increase our understanding of CNS disease mechanisms and ultimately aid the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Megarity
- Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Devices and Health Technologies, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - R Vroman
- Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XW, UK.
| | | | - P Downey
- UCB Biopharma, Chemin du Foriest, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - T J Bushell
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - M Zagnoni
- Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XW, UK.
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7
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Brown CR, Zhao X, Park T, Chen PC, You BH, Park DS, Soper SA, Baird A, Murphy MC. Leakage pressures for gasketless superhydrophobic fluid interconnects for modular lab-on-a-chip systems. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:69. [PMID: 34567781 PMCID: PMC8433346 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chip-to-chip and world-to-chip fluidic interconnections are paramount to enable the passage of liquids between component chips and to/from microfluidic systems. Unfortunately, most interconnect designs add additional physical constraints to chips with each additional interconnect leading to over-constrained microfluidic systems. The competing constraints provided by multiple interconnects induce strain in the chips, creating indeterminate dead volumes and misalignment between chips that comprise the microfluidic system. A novel, gasketless superhydrophobic fluidic interconnect (GSFI) that uses capillary forces to form a liquid bridge suspended between concentric through-holes and acting as a fluid passage was investigated. The GSFI decouples the alignment between component chips from the interconnect function and the attachment of the meniscus of the liquid bridge to the edges of the holes produces negligible dead volume. This passive seal was created by patterning parallel superhydrophobic surfaces (water contact angle ≥ 150°) around concentric microfluidic ports separated by a gap. The relative position of the two polymer chips was determined by passive kinematic constraints, three spherical ball bearings seated in v-grooves. A leakage pressure model derived from the Young-Laplace equation was used to estimate the leakage pressure at failure for the liquid bridge. Injection-molded, Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) chip assemblies with assembly gaps from 3 to 240 µm were used to experimentally validate the model. The maximum leakage pressure measured for the GSFI was 21.4 kPa (3.1 psig), which corresponded to a measured mean assembly gap of 3 µm, and decreased to 0.5 kPa (0.073 psig) at a mean assembly gap of 240 µm. The effect of radial misalignment on the efficacy of the gasketless seals was tested and no significant effect was observed. This may be a function of how the liquid bridges are formed during the priming of the chip, but additional research is required to test that hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Brown
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3GB Canada
| | - Taehyun Park
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungnam University, Changwon, South Korea
| | - Pin-Chuan Chen
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Byoung Hee You
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Engineering Technology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666 USA
| | - Daniel S. Park
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Steven A. Soper
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Alison Baird
- SUNY Downstate Stroke Center, University Hospital of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY 11203 USA
| | - Michael C. Murphy
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
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8
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Mehta V, Rath SN. 3D printed microfluidic devices: a review focused on four fundamental manufacturing approaches and implications on the field of healthcare. Biodes Manuf 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-020-00112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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9
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Ling SD, Geng Y, Chen A, Du Y, Xu J. Enhanced single-cell encapsulation in microfluidic devices: From droplet generation to single-cell analysis. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:061508. [PMID: 33381250 PMCID: PMC7758092 DOI: 10.1063/5.0018785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis to investigate cellular heterogeneity and cell-to-cell interactions is a crucial compartment to answer key questions in important biological mechanisms. Droplet-based microfluidics appears to be the ideal platform for such a purpose because the compartmentalization of single cells into microdroplets offers unique advantages of enhancing assay sensitivity, protecting cells against external stresses, allowing versatile and precise manipulations over tested samples, and providing a stable microenvironment for long-term cell proliferation and observation. The present Review aims to give a preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds to explore the field of single-cell encapsulation and analysis. A comprehensive and introductory overview of the droplet formation mechanism, fabrication methods of microchips, and a myriad of passive and active encapsulation techniques to enhance single-cell encapsulation efficiency were presented. Meanwhile, common methods for single-cell analysis, especially for long-term cell proliferation, differentiation, and observation inside microcapsules, are briefly introduced. Finally, the major challenges faced in the field are illustrated, and potential prospects for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Da Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - An Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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10
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Irlam RC, Hughes C, Parkin MC, Beardah MS, O'Donnell M, Brabazon D, Barron LP. Trace multi-class organic explosives analysis in complex matrices enabled using LEGO®-inspired clickable 3D-printed solid phase extraction block arrays. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1629:461506. [PMID: 32866822 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of a new, lower cost method for trace explosives recovery from complex samples is presented using miniaturised, click-together and leak-free 3D-printed solid phase extraction (SPE) blocks. For the first time, a large selection of ten commercially available 3D printing materials were comprehensively evaluated for practical, flexible and multiplexed SPE using stereolithography (SLA), PolyJet and fused deposition modelling (FDM) technologies. Miniaturised single-piece, connectable and leak-free block housings inspired by Lego® were 3D-printed in a methacrylate-based resin, which was found to be most stable under different aqueous/organic solvent and pH conditions, using a cost-effective benchtop SLA printer. Using a tapered SPE bed format, frit-free packing of multiple different commercially available sorbent particles was also possible. Coupled SPE blocks were then shown to offer efficient analyte enrichment and a potentially new approach to improve the stability of recovered analytes in the field when stored on the sorbent, rather than in wet swabs. Performance was measured using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and was better, or similar, to commercially available coupled SPE cartridges, with respect to recovery, precision, matrix effects, linearity and range, for a selection of 13 peroxides, nitramines, nitrate esters and nitroaromatics. Mean % recoveries from dried blood, oil residue and soil matrices were 79 ± 24%, 71 ± 16% and 76 ± 24%, respectively. Excellent detection limits between 60 fg for 3,5-dinitroaniline to 154 pg for nitroglycerin were also achieved across all matrices. To our knowledge, this represents the first application of 3D printing to SPE of so many organic compounds in complex samples. Its introduction into this forensic method offered a low-cost, 'on-demand' solution for selective extraction of explosives, enhanced flexibility for multiplexing/design alteration and potential application at-scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Irlam
- Department Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford St., London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Cian Hughes
- Advanced Processing Technology Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin9, Ireland
| | - Mark C Parkin
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Teddington, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew S Beardah
- Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Dstl, Fort Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Michael O'Donnell
- Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Dstl, Fort Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Dermot Brabazon
- Advanced Processing Technology Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin9, Ireland
| | - Leon P Barron
- Department Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford St., London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom; Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, 80 Wood Lane, LondonW12 0BZ, United Kingdom.
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11
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Chen X, Chen S, Zhang Y, Yang H. Study on Functionality and Surface Modification of a Stair-Step Liquid-Triggered Valve for On-Chip Flow Control. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11070690. [PMID: 32708757 PMCID: PMC7407824 DOI: 10.3390/mi11070690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Distinctive from other forms of microfluidic system, capillary microfluidics is of great interest in autonomous micro-systems due to its well-engineered fluidic control based on capillary force. As an essential component of fluidic control in capillaric circuits, micro-valves enable sequential fluidic operations by performing actions such as stopping and triggering. In this paper, we present a stair-step liquid-triggered valve; the functionality of the valve and its dependencies on geometry and surface modification are studied. The surface contact angle of the microfabricated valves that are coated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) or (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) is evaluated experimentally, and the corresponding reliability of the valve structure is discussed. Moreover, the variation in the surface contact angle over time is investigated, indicating the shelf time of the device. We further discuss the overall fluidic behavior in such capillary valves, which benefits the capillaric circuit designs at the initial stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Sihui Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Medical AI, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (Y.Z.); Tel.: +86-755-8639-2675 (H.Y.)
| | - Hui Yang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.C.); (S.C.)
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (Y.Z.); Tel.: +86-755-8639-2675 (H.Y.)
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12
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Flow Chemistry in Contemporary Chemical Sciences: A Real Variety of Its Applications. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061434. [PMID: 32245225 PMCID: PMC7146634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow chemistry is an area of contemporary chemistry exploiting the hydrodynamic conditions of flowing liquids to provide particular environments for chemical reactions. These particular conditions of enhanced and strictly regulated transport of reagents, improved interface contacts, intensification of heat transfer, and safe operation with hazardous chemicals can be utilized in chemical synthesis, both for mechanization and automation of analytical procedures, and for the investigation of the kinetics of ultrafast reactions. Such methods are developed for more than half a century. In the field of chemical synthesis, they are used mostly in pharmaceutical chemistry for efficient syntheses of small amounts of active substances. In analytical chemistry, flow measuring systems are designed for environmental applications and industrial monitoring, as well as medical and pharmaceutical analysis, providing essential enhancement of the yield of analyses and precision of analytical determinations. The main concept of this review is to show the overlapping of development trends in the design of instrumentation and various ways of the utilization of specificity of chemical operations under flow conditions, especially for synthetic and analytical purposes, with a simultaneous presentation of the still rather limited correspondence between these two main areas of flow chemistry.
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13
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Chen X, Mo D, Gong M. 3D Printed Reconfigurable Modular Microfluidic System for Generating Gel Microspheres. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E224. [PMID: 32098210 PMCID: PMC7074726 DOI: 10.3390/mi11020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Integrated microfluidic systems afford extensive benefits for chemical and biological fields, yet traditional, monolithic methods of microfabrication restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems. Here, a simple, reconfigurable and high fluid pressure modular microfluidic system is presented. The screw interconnects reversibly assemble each individual microfluidic module together. Screw connector provided leak-free fluidic communication, which could withstand fluid resistances up to 500 kPa between two interconnected microfluidic modules. A sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using 3D printing was developed. The capability for modular microfluidic system was demonstrated by generating sodium alginate gel microspheres. This 3D printed modular microfluidic system makes it possible to meet the needs of the end-user, and can be applied to bioassays, material synthesis, and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Lingnan normal university, Zhanjiang 524048, China; (D.M.); (M.G.)
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14
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Geng Y, Ling S, Huang J, Xu J. Multiphase Microfluidics: Fundamentals, Fabrication, and Functions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906357. [PMID: 31913575 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiphase microfluidics enables an alternative approach with many possibilities in studying, analyzing, and manufacturing functional materials due to its numerous benefits over macroscale methods, such as its ultimate controllability, stability, heat and mass transfer capacity, etc. In addition to its immense potential in biomedical applications, multiphase microfluidics also offers new opportunities in various industrial practices including extraction, catalysis loading, and fabrication of ultralight materials. Herein, aiming to give preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds, a comprehensive overview of the formation mechanism, fabrication methods, and emerging applications of multiphase microfluidics using different systems is provided. Finally, major challenges facing the field are illustrated while discussing potential prospects for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - SiDa Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jinpei Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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15
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Lai X, Shi Z, Pu Z, Zhang P, Zhang X, Yu H, Li D. A Rubik's microfluidic cube. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:27. [PMID: 34567642 PMCID: PMC8433458 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A Rubik's cube as a reconfigurable microfluidic system is presented in this work. Composed of physically interlocking microfluidic blocks, the microfluidic cube enables the on-site design and configuration of custom microfluidics by twisting the faces of the cube. The reconfiguration of the microfluidics could be done by solving an ordinary Rubik's cube with the help of Rubik's cube algorithms and computer programs. An O-ring-aided strategy is used to enable self-sealing and the automatic alignment of the microfluidic cube blocks. Owing to the interlocking mechanics of cube blocks, the proposed microfluidic cube exhibits good reconfigurability and robustness in versatile applications and proves to be a promising candidate for the rapid deployment of microfluidic systems in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Zhi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Zhihua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Penghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
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16
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Li C, Wang X, Xu J, Ma B. One-step liquid molding based modular microfluidic circuits. Analyst 2020; 145:6813-6820. [DOI: 10.1039/d0an01134g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We present an easy-to-follow modular method that combines liquid molding with standard SU-8 lithography to create customized integrated microfluidic devices for the changing needs of users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Li
- Single-Cell center
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao
| | - Xixian Wang
- Single-Cell center
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao
| | - Jian Xu
- Single-Cell center
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao
| | - Bo Ma
- Single-Cell center
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao
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17
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Vollertsen AR, de Boer D, Dekker S, Wesselink BAM, Haverkate R, Rho HS, Boom RJ, Skolimowski M, Blom M, Passier R, van den Berg A, van der Meer AD, Odijk M. Modular operation of microfluidic chips for highly parallelized cell culture and liquid dosing via a fluidic circuit board. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:107. [PMID: 34567716 PMCID: PMC8433198 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-00216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems enable automated and highly parallelized cell culture with low volumes and defined liquid dosing. To achieve this, systems typically integrate all functions into a single, monolithic device as a "one size fits all" solution. However, this approach limits the end users' (re)design flexibility and complicates the addition of new functions to the system. To address this challenge, we propose and demonstrate a modular and standardized plug-and-play fluidic circuit board (FCB) for operating microfluidic building blocks (MFBBs), whereby both the FCB and the MFBBs contain integrated valves. A single FCB can parallelize up to three MFBBs of the same design or operate MFBBs with entirely different architectures. The operation of the MFBBs through the FCB is fully automated and does not incur the cost of an extra external footprint. We use this modular platform to control three microfluidic large-scale integration (mLSI) MFBBs, each of which features 64 microchambers suitable for cell culturing with high spatiotemporal control. We show as a proof of principle that we can culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for multiple days in the chambers of this MFBB. Moreover, we also use the same FCB to control an MFBB for liquid dosing with a high dynamic range. Our results demonstrate that MFBBs with different designs can be controlled and combined on a single FCB. Our novel modular approach to operating an automated microfluidic system for parallelized cell culture will enable greater experimental flexibility and facilitate the cooperation of different chips from different labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. R. Vollertsen
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - D. de Boer
- Mesoscale Chemical Systems, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - S. Dekker
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - B. A. M. Wesselink
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - R. Haverkate
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - H. S. Rho
- Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R. J. Boom
- Micronit Microtechnologies, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - M. Blom
- Micronit Microtechnologies, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - R. Passier
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - A. van den Berg
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - A. D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M. Odijk
- BIOS Lab on Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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18
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Xie X, Maharjan S, Liu S, Zhang YS, Livermore C. A Modular, Reconfigurable Microfabricated Assembly Platform for Microfluidic Transport and Multitype Cell Culture and Drug Testing. MICROMACHINES 2019; 11:E2. [PMID: 31861298 PMCID: PMC7020019 DOI: 10.3390/mi11010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Modular microfluidics offer the opportunity to combine the precise fluid control, rapid sample processing, low sample and reagent volumes, and relatively lower cost of conventional microfluidics with the flexible reconfigurability needed to accommodate the requirements of target applications such as drug toxicity studies. However, combining the capabilities of fully adaptable modular microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) assembly with the simplicity of conventional microfluidic fabrication remains a challenge. A hybrid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-molding/photolithographic process is demonstrated to rapidly fabricate LEGO®-like modular blocks. The blocks are created with different sizes that interlock via tongue-and-groove joints in the plane and stack via interference fits out of the plane. These miniature strong but reversible connections have a measured resistance to in-plane and out-of-plane forces of up to >6000× and >1000× the weight of the block itself, respectively. The LEGO®-like interference fits enable O-ring-free microfluidic connections that withstand internal fluid pressures of >120 kPa. A single layer of blocks is assembled into LEGO®-like cell culture plates, where the in vitro biocompatibility and drug toxicity to lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells cultured in the modular microwells are measured. A double-layer block structure is then assembled so that a microchannel formed at the interface between layers connects two microwells. Breast tumor cells and hepatocytes cultured in the coupled wells demonstrate interwell migration as well as the simultaneous effects of a single drug on the two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Nakkhu-4, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal
| | - Sanwei Liu
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Carol Livermore
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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19
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Lai X, Lu B, Zhang P, Zhang X, Pu Z, Yu H, Li D. Sticker Microfluidics: A Method for Fabrication of Customized Monolithic Microfluidics. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:6801-6810. [PMID: 33423473 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel strategy and an all-in-one toolbox that allows instrument-free customization of integrated microfluidic systems. Unlike the modular design of combining multiple microfluidic chips in the previous literature, this work, for the first time, proposes a "template sticker" method, in which sacrificial templates for microfluidic components are batch-produced in the form of standardized stickers and packaged into a toolbox. To create a customized monolithic microfluidic system, the end users only need to select and combine various template stickers following formulated steps. The fabricated microfluidic devices have well-defined microscale features, while the fabrication process is inexpensive and time-saving. Various functional microfluidic devices were fabricated and tested using this toolbox. The capability to create microchannels on curved surfaces is also demonstrated. As a proof of concept, we developed with the proposed toolbox a colorimetric testing platform for the detection of nitrite ions. The sticker toolbox, as the first self-contained portable platform for microfluidic fabrication, allows prompt customization of monolithic devices, enabling deployment of microfluidics with both ideal performance and customizability.
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20
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Gu Y, Zhuang B, Han J, Li Y, Song X, Zhou X, Wang L, Liu P. Modular-Based Integrated Microsystem with Multiple Sample Preparation Modules for Automated Forensic DNA Typing from Reference to Challenging Samples. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7435-7443. [PMID: 31050401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The realization of an automated short tandem repeat (STR) analysis for forensic investigations is facing a unique challenge, that is DNA evidence with wide disparities in sample types, quality, and quantity. We developed a fully integrated microsystem in a modular-based architecture to accept and process various forensic samples in a "sample-in-answer-out" manner for forensic STR analysis. Two sample preparation modules (SPMs), the direct and the extraction SPM, were designed to be easily assembled with a capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) chip using a chip cartridge to efficiently achieve an adequate performance to different samples at a low cost. The direct SPM processed buccal swabs to produce STR profiles without DNA extraction in about 2 h. The extraction SPM analyzed more challenging blood samples based on chitosan-modified quartz filter paper for DNA extraction. This newly developed quartz filter provided a 90% DNA extraction efficiency and the "in situ" PCR capability, which enabled DNA extraction and PCR performed within a single chamber with all the DNA concentrated in the filter. We demonstrated that minute amounts of blood (0.25 μL), highly diluted blood (0.5 μL blood in 1 mL buffer), and latent bloodstains (5-μL bloodstain on cloth washed with detergent) can be automatically analyzed using our microsystem, reliably producing full STR profiles with a 100% calling of all the alleles. This modular-based microsystem with the capability of analyzing a wide range of samples should be able to play an increasing role in both urgent situations and routine forensic investigations, dramatically extending the applications and utility of automated DNA typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Gu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases , Tsinghua University , Beijing , 100084 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application , China Astronaut Research and Training Center , Beijing , 100094 , China
| | - Bin Zhuang
- Beijing CapitalBio Technology Ltd. Co. , Beijing , 101111 , China
| | - Junping Han
- Technology Department of Chaoyang Sub-bureau , Beijing Public Security Bureau , Beijing , 100102 , China
| | - Yi Li
- Beijing CapitalBio Technology Ltd. Co. , Beijing , 101111 , China
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Beijing CapitalBio Technology Ltd. Co. , Beijing , 101111 , China
| | - Xinying Zhou
- CapitalBio Corporation , Beijing , 102206 , China
| | - Lei Wang
- CapitalBio Corporation , Beijing , 102206 , China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases , Tsinghua University , Beijing , 100084 , China
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21
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Valentin TM, DuBois EM, Machnicki CE, Bhaskar D, Cui FR, Wong IY. 3D printed self-adhesive PEGDA–PAA hydrogels as modular components for soft actuators and microfluidics. Polym Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9py00211a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel building blocks that are stimuli-responsive and self-adhesive could be utilized as a simple “do-it-yourself” construction set for soft machines and microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Valentin
- School of Engineering
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Brown University
- Providence
- USA
| | - Eric M. DuBois
- School of Engineering
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Brown University
- Providence
- USA
| | | | - Dhananjay Bhaskar
- School of Engineering
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Brown University
- Providence
- USA
| | - Francis R. Cui
- School of Engineering
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Brown University
- Providence
- USA
| | - Ian Y. Wong
- School of Engineering
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Brown University
- Providence
- USA
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22
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FAN YQ, WANG HL, GAO KX, LIU JJ, CHAI DP, ZHANG YJ. Applications of Modular Microfluidics Technology. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(18)61126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Fernandes AC, Gernaey KV, Krühne U. “Connecting worlds – a view on microfluidics for a wider application”. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1341-1366. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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24
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Phillips EA, Young AK, Albarran N, Butler J, Lujan K, Hamad-Schifferli K, Gomez-Marquez J. Ampli: A Construction Set for Paperfluidic Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800104. [PMID: 29766658 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The design and fabrication of reconfigurable, modular paperfluidics driven by a prefabricated reusable block library, asynchronous modular paperfluidic linear instrument-free (Ampli) block, are reported. The blocks are inspired by the plug-and-play modularity of electronic breadboards that lower prototyping barriers in circuit design. The resulting biochemical breadboard is a paperfluidic construction set that can be functionalized with chemical, biological, and electrical elements. Ampli blocks can form standard paperfluidic devices without any external instrumentation. Furthermore, their modular nature enhances fluidics in ways that fixed devices cannot. The blocks' ability to start, stop, modify, and reverse reaction flows, reagents, and rates in real time is demonstrated. These enhancements allow users to increase colorimetric signals, fine tune reaction times, and counter check multiplexed diagnostics for false positives or negatives. The modular construction demonstrates that field-ready, distributed fabrication of paper analytical systems can be standardized without requiring the "black box" of craft and technique inherent in paper-based systems. Ampli assembly and point-of-care redesign extends the usability of paper analytical systems and invites user-driven prototyping beyond the lab setting demonstrating "Design for Hack" in diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Phillips
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- MIT International Design Centre; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Anna K. Young
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- MIT International Design Centre; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Nikolas Albarran
- MIT International Design Centre; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Jonah Butler
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- MIT International Design Centre; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Kaira Lujan
- Thayer School of Engineering; Dartmouth College; Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | | | - Jose Gomez-Marquez
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- MIT International Design Centre; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
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25
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Lesher-Pérez SC, Zhang C, Takayama S. Capacitive coupling synchronizes autonomous microfluidic oscillators. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:1096-1103. [PMID: 29383730 PMCID: PMC5967620 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Even identically designed autonomous microfluidic oscillators have device-to-device oscillation variability that arises due to inconsistencies in fabrication, materials, and operation conditions. This work demonstrates, experimentally and theoretically, that with appropriate capacitive coupling these microfluidic oscillators can be synchronized. The size and characteristics of the capacitive coupling needed and the range of input flow rate differences that can be synchronized are also characterized. In addition to device-to-device variability, there is also within-device oscillation noise that arises. An additional advantage of coupling multiple fluidic oscillators together is that the oscillation noise decreases. The ability to synchronize multiple autonomous oscillators is also a first step towards enhancing their usefulness as tools for biochemical research applications where multiplicate experiments with identical temporal-stimulation conditions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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26
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Nie J, Gao Q, Qiu JJ, Sun M, Liu A, Shao L, Fu JZ, Zhao P, He Y. 3D printed Lego
®
-like modular microfluidic devices based on capillary driving. Biofabrication 2018; 10:035001. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aaadd3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Wietsma JJ, van der Veen JT, Buesink W, van den Berg A, Odijk M. Lab-on-a-Chip: Frontier Science in the Classroom. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2018; 95:267-275. [PMID: 30258250 PMCID: PMC6150665 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip technology is brought into the classroom through development of a lesson series with hands-on practicals. Students can discover the principles of microfluidics with different practicals covering laminar flow, micromixing, and droplet generation, as well as trapping and counting beads. A quite affordable novel production technique using scissor-cut and laser-cut lamination sheets is presented, which provides good insight into how scientific lab-on-a-chip devices are produced. In this way high school students can now produce lab-on-a-chip devices using lamination sheets and their own lab-on-a-chip design. We begin with a review of previous reports on the use of lab-on-a-chip technology in classrooms, followed by an overview of the practicals and projects we have developed with student safety in mind. We conclude with an educational scenario and some initial promising results for student learning outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jaap Wietsma
- Pre-U
/ ELAN Department of Teacher Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- E-mail:
| | - Jan T. van der Veen
- Pre-U
/ ELAN Department of Teacher Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred Buesink
- Micronit
Microfluidics B.V., Colosseum 15, 7521 PV Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS
Research Group, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Odijk
- BIOS
Research Group, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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28
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Lee TY, Han K, Barrett DO, Park S, Soper SA, Murphy MC. Accurate, predictable, repeatable micro-assembly technology for polymer, microfluidic modules. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2018. [PMID: 29531428 PMCID: PMC5844477 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2017.07.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A method for the design, construction, and assembly of modular, polymer-based, microfluidic devices using simple micro-assembly technology was demonstrated to build an integrated fluidic system consisting of vertically stacked modules for carrying out multi-step molecular assays. As an example of the utility of the modular system, point mutation detection using the ligase detection reaction (LDR) following amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out. Fluid interconnects and standoffs ensured that temperatures in the vertically stacked reactors were within ± 0.2 C° at the center of the temperature zones and ± 1.1 C° overall. The vertical spacing between modules was confirmed using finite element models (ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA) to simulate the steady-state temperature distribution for the assembly. Passive alignment structures, including a hemispherical pin-in-hole, a hemispherical pin-in-slot, and a plate-plate lap joint, were developed using screw theory to enable accurate exactly constrained assembly of the microfluidic reactors, cover sheets, and fluid interconnects to facilitate the modular approach. The mean mismatch between the centers of adjacent through holes was 64 ± 7.7 μm, significantly reducing the dead volume necessary to accommodate manufacturing variation. The microfluidic components were easily assembled by hand and the assembly of several different configurations of microfluidic modules for executing the assay was evaluated. Temperatures were measured in the desired range in each reactor. The biochemical performance was comparable to that obtained with benchtop instruments, but took less than 45 min to execute, half the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Yoon Lee
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine
- Department of Technology Education and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyudong Han
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Dwhyte O. Barrett
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine
| | - Sunggook Park
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine
| | - Steven A. Soper
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Michael C. Murphy
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Center for Bio-Modular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine
- Correspondence: Dr. Michael C. Murphy; , Tel: 1-225-578-5921, Fax: 1-225-578-5924
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Yuen PK. A reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system using magnetic interconnects. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3700-3707. [PMID: 27722698 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00741d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A reconfigurable "stick-n-play" modular microfluidic system that can be assembled, disassembled, reconfigured and assembled again for building different integrated microfluidic systems is presented. Magnetic interconnects, comprising ring magnets and sealing gaskets, are integrated into each microfluidic module's inlet(s) and outlet(s) for both module-to-module and world-to-chip fluidic interconnects. The magnetic interconnects reversibly "stick" each individual microfluidic module together and provide leak-free fluidic communication between connected microfluidic modules in order to form a larger integrated microfluidic system. Because of the magnetic interconnects, connected microfluidic modules can be easily disconnected, reconfigured and connected again to form a different integrated microfluidic system. Using a fused deposition modeling (FDM)/fused filament fabrication (FFF)-based 3D printer, a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system, comprising a serpentine channel base platform and various microfluidic modules as well as inlet/outlet modules for world-to-chip fluidic interconnects, was first 3D printed. Magnetic interconnects were then integrated into each 3D printed module. Finally, the stick-n-play modular microfluidic system was used to demonstrate its reconfigurability to build various integrated microfluidic systems by simply and reversibly sticking various modules together. Based on the magnetic interconnects, customized multi-dimensional stick-n-play modular microfluidic systems can be easily designed and built providing a convenient platform for designing large scale microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Ki Yuen
- Science & Technology, Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY 14831-0001, USA.
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Rezaei Kolahchi A, Khadem Mohtaram N, Pezeshgi Modarres H, Mohammadi MH, Geraili A, Jafari P, Akbari M, Sanati-Nezhad A. Microfluidic-Based Multi-Organ Platforms for Drug Discovery. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:E162. [PMID: 30404334 PMCID: PMC6189912 DOI: 10.3390/mi7090162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of predictive multi-organ models before implementing costly clinical trials is central for screening the toxicity, efficacy, and side effects of new therapeutic agents. Despite significant efforts that have been recently made to develop biomimetic in vitro tissue models, the clinical application of such platforms is still far from reality. Recent advances in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) modeling, micro- and nanotechnology, and in silico modeling have enabled single- and multi-organ platforms for investigation of new chemical agents and tissue-tissue interactions. This review provides an overview of the principles of designing microfluidic-based organ-on-chip models for drug testing and highlights current state-of-the-art in developing predictive multi-organ models for studying the cross-talk of interconnected organs. We further discuss the challenges associated with establishing a predictive body-on-chip (BOC) model such as the scaling, cell types, the common medium, and principles of the study design for characterizing the interaction of drugs with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Nima Khadem Mohtaram
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Armin Geraili
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Parya Jafari
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran 11155-9516, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Center for Bioengineering Research and Education, Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Hill DA, Anderson LE, Hill CJ, Mostaghim A, Rodgers VGJ, Grover WH. MECs: "Building Blocks" for Creating Biological and Chemical Instruments. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158706. [PMID: 27437989 PMCID: PMC4954702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new biological and chemical instruments for research and diagnostic applications is often slowed by the cost, specialization, and custom nature of these instruments. New instruments are built from components that are drawn from a host of different disciplines and not designed to integrate together, and once built, an instrument typically performs a limited number of tasks and cannot be easily adapted for new applications. Consequently, the process of inventing new instruments is very inefficient, especially for researchers or clinicians in resource-limited settings. To improve this situation, we propose that a family of standardized multidisciplinary components is needed, a set of “building blocks” that perform a wide array of different tasks and are designed to integrate together. Using these components, scientists, engineers, and clinicians would be able to build custom instruments for their own unique needs quickly and easily. In this work we present the foundation of this set of components, a system we call Multifluidic Evolutionary Components (MECs). “Multifluidic” conveys the wide range of fluid volumes MECs operate upon (from nanoliters to milliliters and beyond); “multi” also reflects the multiple disciplines supported by the system (not only fluidics but also electronics, optics, and mechanics). “Evolutionary” refers to the design principles that enable the library of MEC parts to easily grow and adapt to new applications. Each MEC “building block” performs a fundamental function that is commonly found in biological or chemical instruments, functions like valving, pumping, mixing, controlling, and sensing. Each MEC also has a unique symbol linked to a physical definition, which enables instruments to be designed rapidly and efficiently using schematics. As a proof-of-concept, we use MECs to build a variety of instruments, including a fluidic routing and mixing system capable of manipulating fluid volumes over five orders of magnitude, an acid-base titration instrument suitable for use in schools, and a bioreactor suitable for maintaining and analyzing cell cultures in research and diagnostic applications. These are the first of many instruments that can be built by researchers, clinicians, and students using the MEC system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A. Hill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Lindsey E. Anderson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Casey J. Hill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Afshin Mostaghim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Victor G. J. Rodgers
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - William H. Grover
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hill DA, Anderson LE, Hill CJ, Grover WH. MECs: building blocks for custom microfluidic diagnostics in the developing world. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016; 2014:786-8. [PMID: 25570076 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2014.6943708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic diagnostics for use in the developing world face a number of unique challenges. Doctors and nurses in developing countries are best suited to addresses these challenges, but they lack the resources and training needed to develop their own microfluidic diagnostics. To address this need, we are developing a system of Multifluidic Evolutionary Components or MECs, "building blocks" that can be snapped together by healthcare providers in resource-limited settings to build custom diagnostic instruments. MECs operate on multiple scales of fluid volumes (from nanoliters to milliliters) and include not only fluidic but also optical, mechanical, and electronic functions. In this work we share several prototype MECs and use them to build a demonstration instrument capable of measuring the pH of a sample.
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Morgan AJL, Hidalgo San Jose L, Jamieson WD, Wymant JM, Song B, Stephens P, Barrow DA, Castell OK. Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152023. [PMID: 27050661 PMCID: PMC4822857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The uptake of microfluidics by the wider scientific community has been limited by the fabrication barrier created by the skills and equipment required for the production of traditional microfluidic devices. Here we present simple 3D printed microfluidic devices using an inexpensive and readily accessible printer with commercially available printer materials. We demonstrate that previously reported limitations of transparency and fidelity have been overcome, whilst devices capable of operating at pressures in excess of 2000 kPa illustrate that leakage issues have also been resolved. The utility of the 3D printed microfluidic devices is illustrated by encapsulating dental pulp stem cells within alginate droplets; cell viability assays show the vast majority of cells remain live, and device transparency is sufficient for single cell imaging. The accessibility of these devices is further enhanced through fabrication of integrated ports and by the introduction of a Lego®-like modular system facilitating rapid prototyping whilst offering the potential for novices to build microfluidic systems from a database of microfluidic components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. L. Morgan
- Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Lorena Hidalgo San Jose
- Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
- Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom
| | - William D. Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer M. Wymant
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Bing Song
- Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom
| | - Phil Stephens
- Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Barrow
- Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver K. Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
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35
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Gerber LC, Kim H, Riedel-Kruse IH. Microfluidic assembly kit based on laser-cut building blocks for education and fast prototyping. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:064105. [PMID: 26634013 PMCID: PMC4654734 DOI: 10.1063/1.4935593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present an inexpensive rapid-prototyping method that allows researchers and children to quickly assemble multi-layered microfluidic devices from easily pre-fabricated building blocks. We developed low-cost (<$2) kits based on laser-cut acrylic building block pieces and double-sided tape that allow users to generate water droplets in oil, capture living cells, and conduct basic phototaxis experiments. We developed and tested a 90-min lesson plan with children aged 12-14 yr and provide here the instructions for teachers to replicate these experiments and lessons. All parts of the kit are easy to make or order. We propose to use such easy to fabricate kits in labs with no access to current microfluidic tools as well as in classroom environments to get exposure to the powerful techniques of microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas C Gerber
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Honesty Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, USA
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36
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You BH, Park DS, Rani SD, Murphy MC. Assembly of Polymer Microfluidic Components and Modules: Validating Models of Passive Alignment Accuracy. JOURNAL OF MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS : A JOINT IEEE AND ASME PUBLICATION ON MICROSTRUCTURES, MICROACTUATORS, MICROSENSORS, AND MICROSYSTEMS 2015; 24:634-650. [PMID: 31814689 PMCID: PMC6897507 DOI: 10.1109/jmems.2014.2339733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Low-cost modular polymer microfluidic platforms integrating several different functional units may potentially reduce the cost of molecular and environmental analyses, and enable broader applications. Proper function of such systems depends on well-characterized assembly of the instruments. Passive alignment is one approach to obtaining such assemblies. Model modular devices containing passive alignment features, hemispherical pins in v-grooves, and integrated alignment standards for characterizing the accuracy of the assemblies were replicated in polycarbonate using doubled-sided injection molding. The dimensions and locations of the assembly features and alignment standards were measured. The assemblies had mismatches from 16 ± 4 to 20 ± 6 μm along the x-axis and from 103 ± 7 to 118 ± 11 μm along the y-axis. The vertical variation from the nominal value of 287 μm ranged from -10 ± 4 to 34 ± 7 μm. An assembly tolerance model was used to estimate the accuracy of the assemblies based on the manufacturing variations of the alignment structures. Variation of the alignment structure features were propagated through the assembly using Monte Carlo methods. The estimated distributions matched the measured experimental results well, with differences of 2%-13% due to unmodeled aspects of the variations Accurate assembly of advanced polymer microsystems is feasible and predictable in the design phase. [2014-0125].
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoung Hee You
- Department of Engineering Technology and the Material Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666 USA
| | - Daniel S. Park
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Sudheer D. Rani
- Institute of Imaging Science, Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
| | - Michael C. Murphy
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
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Meng ZJ, Wang W, Liang X, Zheng WC, Deng NN, Xie R, Ju XJ, Liu Z, Chu LY. Plug-n-play microfluidic systems from flexible assembly of glass-based flow-control modules. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:1869-78. [PMID: 25711675 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00132c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report on a simple and versatile plug-n-play microfluidic system that is fabricated from flexible assembly of glass-based flow-control modules for flexibly manipulating flows for versatile emulsion generation. The microfluidic system consists of three basic functional units: a flow-control module, a positioning groove, and a connection fastener. The flow-control module that is based on simple assembly of low-cost glass slides, coverslips, and glass capillaries provides excellent chemical resistance and optical properties, and easy wettability modification for flow manipulation. The flexible combination of the flow-control modules with 3D-printed positioning grooves and connection fasteners enables creation of versatile microfluidic systems for generating various higher-order multiple emulsions. The simple and reversible connection of the flow-control modules also allows easy disassembly of the microfluidic systems for further scale-up and functionalization. We demonstrate the scalability and controllability of flow manipulation by creating microfluidic systems from flexible assembly of flow-control modules for controllable generation of multiple emulsions from double emulsions to quadruple emulsions. Meanwhile, the flexible flow manipulation in the flow-control module provides advanced functions for improved control of the drop size, and for controllable generation of drops containing distinct components within multiple emulsions to extend the emulsion structure. Such modular microfluidic systems provide flexibility and versatility to flexibly manipulate micro-flows for enhanced and extended applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Meng
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
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Stoller MA, Konda A, Kottwitz MA, Morin SA. Thermoplastic building blocks for the fabrication of microfluidic masters. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra22742a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript reports a building-block-based approach for the design and fabrication of masters that enables “ultra-rapid” prototyping of functional microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhiteja Konda
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Lincoln
- USA
| | | | - Stephen A. Morin
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Lincoln
- USA
- Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience
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Hsieh YF, Yang AS, Chen JW, Liao SK, Su TW, Yeh SH, Chen PJ, Chen PH. A Lego ®-like swappable fluidic module for bio-chem applications. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2014; 204:489-496. [PMID: 32288248 PMCID: PMC7126727 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2014.07.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A Lego®-like swappable fluidic module (SFM) is proposed in this research. We designed and fabricated selected modular fluidic components, including functional and auxiliary types that can be effortlessly swapped and integrated into a variety of modular devices to rapidly assemble a fully-portable, disposable fluidic system. In practice, an integrated SFM uses finger-operated, electricity-free pumps to deliver fluids. Using a swirling mechanism, the vortex mixer can rapidly mix two liquids in a one-shot mixing event. We demonstrate the successful application of this SFM in several microfluidic applications, such as the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from chloroauric acid (HAuCl4), and nucleic acid amplification from the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a capillary convective polymerase chain reaction (ccPCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Hsieh
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - An-Shik Yang
- Department of Energy and Refrigerating Air-Conditioning Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Wei Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Kai Liao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Wen Su
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hei Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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40
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Abstract
Microfluidic systems are rapidly becoming commonplace tools for high-precision materials synthesis, biochemical sample preparation, and biophysical analysis. Typically, microfluidic systems are constructed in monolithic form by means of microfabrication and, increasingly, by additive techniques. These methods restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems by placing unnecessary emphasis on complete functional integration of operational elements in a planar environment. Here, we present a solution based on discrete elements that liberates designers to build large-scale microfluidic systems in three dimensions that are modular, diverse, and predictable by simple network analysis techniques. We develop a sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using stereolithography. We predict and validate the flow characteristics of these individual components to design and construct a tunable concentration gradient generator with a scalable number of parallel outputs. We show that these systems are rapidly reconfigurable by constructing three variations of a device for generating monodisperse microdroplets in two distinct size regimes and in a high-throughput mode by simple replacement of emulsifier subcircuits. Finally, we demonstrate the capability for active process monitoring by constructing an optical sensing element for detecting water droplets in a fluorocarbon stream and quantifying their size and frequency. By moving away from large-scale integration toward standardized discrete elements, we demonstrate the potential to reduce the practice of designing and assembling complex 3D microfluidic circuits to a methodology comparable to that found in the electronics industry.
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Lim J, Maes F, Taly V, Baret JC. The microfluidic puzzle: chip-oriented rapid prototyping. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:1669-72. [PMID: 24658639 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51399h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a new concept for reconfigurable microfluidic devices from elementary functional units. Our approach suppresses the need for patterning, soft molding and bonding when details on a chip have to be modified. Our system has two parts, a base-platform used as a scaffold and functional modules which are combined by 'plug-and-play'. To demonstrate that our system sustains typical pressures in microfluidic experiments, we produce droplets of different sizes using T-junction modules with three different designs assembled successively on a 3 × 3 modular scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseok Lim
- Droplets, Membranes and Interfaces, MPI for Dynamics and Self-organization, Am Fassberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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Zhou Q, Kwa T, Gao Y, Liu Y, Rahimian A, Revzin A. On-chip regeneration of aptasensors for monitoring cell secretion. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:276-9. [PMID: 24287497 PMCID: PMC4386865 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50953b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We report on the use of reconfigurable microfluidics for on-chip regeneration of aptasensors used for continuous monitoring of cell-secreted products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Room 2619, Davis, CA 95616-5294, USA.
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Lee KG, Park KJ, Seok S, Shin S, Kim DH, Park JY, Heo YS, Lee SJ, Lee TJ. 3D printed modules for integrated microfluidic devices. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra05072j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct 3d printing for functional modules and their assembly into an integrated microfluidic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung G. Lee
- Center for Nanobio Integration & Convergence Engineering (NICE)
- NationalNanofabCenter
- Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Joo Park
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Seok
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujeong Shin
- Center for Nanobio Integration & Convergence Engineering (NICE)
- NationalNanofabCenter
- Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Youn Park
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute
- Busan 619-705, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Seok Heo
- Biomedical Engineering
- School of Medicine
- Keimyung University
- Daegu 704–701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Jae Lee
- Center for Nanobio Integration & Convergence Engineering (NICE)
- NationalNanofabCenter
- Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jae Lee
- Center for Nanobio Integration & Convergence Engineering (NICE)
- NationalNanofabCenter
- Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
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44
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Son KJ, Shin DS, Kwa T, Gao Y, Revzin A. Micropatterned sensing hydrogels integrated with reconfigurable microfluidics for detecting protease release from cells. Anal Chem 2013; 85:11893-901. [PMID: 24255999 PMCID: PMC4370905 DOI: 10.1021/ac402660z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a central role in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and are typically upregulated in cancer cells. The goal of the present study is to develop microwells suitable for capture of cells and detection of cell-secreted proteases. Hydrogel microwells comprised of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were photopatterned on glass and modified with ligands to promote cell adhesion. To sense protease release, peptides cleavable by MMP9 were designed to contain a donor/acceptor FRET pair (FITC and DABCYL). These sensing molecules were incorporated into the walls of the hydrogel wells to enable a detection scheme where cells captured within the wells secreted protease molecules which diffused into the gel, cleaved the peptide, and caused a fluorescence signal to come on. By challenging sensing hydrogel microstructures to known concentrations of recombinant MMP9, the limit of detection was determined to be 0.625 nM with a linear range extending to 40 nM. To enhance sensitivity and to limit cross-talk between adjacent sensing sites, microwell arrays containing small groups (∼20 cells/well) of lymphoma cells were integrated into reconfigurable PDMS microfluidic devices. Using this combination of sensing hydrogel microwells and reconfigurable microfluidics, detection of MMP9 release from as few as 11 cells was demonstrated. Smart hydrogel microstructures capable of sequestering small groups of cells and sensing cell function have multiple applications ranging from diagnostics to cell/tissue engineering. Further development of this technology will include single-cell analysis and function-based cell sorting capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Jin Son
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Dong-Sik Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Timothy Kwa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Yandong Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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45
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Safavieh R, Juncker D. Capillarics: pre-programmed, self-powered microfluidic circuits built from capillary elements. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:4180-9. [PMID: 23978958 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50691f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic capillary systems employ surface tension effects to manipulate liquids, and are thus self-powered and self-regulated as liquid handling is structurally and chemically encoded in microscale conduits. However, capillary systems have been limited to perform simple fluidic operations. Here, we introduce complex capillary flow circuits that encode sequential flow of multiple liquids with distinct flow rates and flow reversal. We first introduce two novel microfluidic capillary elements including (i) retention burst valves and (ii) robust low aspect ratio trigger valves. These elements are combined with flow resistors, capillary retention valves, capillary pumps, and open and closed reservoirs to build a capillary circuit that, following sample addition, autonomously delivers a defined sequence of multiple chemicals according to a preprogrammed and predetermined flow rate and time. Such a circuit was used to measure the concentration of C-reactive protein. This work illustrates that as in electronics, complex capillary circuits may be built by combining simple capillary elements. We define such circuits as "capillarics", and introduce symbolic representations. We believe that more complex circuits will become possible by expanding the library of building elements and formulating abstract design rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Safavieh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.
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46
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Segato TP, Bhakta SA, Gordon M, Carrilho E, Willis PA, Jiao H, Garcia CD. Microfab-less Microfluidic Capillary Electrophoresis Devices. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2013; 5:1652-1657. [PMID: 23585815 PMCID: PMC3622270 DOI: 10.1039/c3ay26392d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Compared to conventional bench-top instruments, microfluidic devices possess advantageous characteristics including great portability potential, reduced analysis time (minutes), and relatively inexpensive production, putting them on the forefront of modern analytical chemistry. Fabrication of these devices, however, often involves polymeric materials with less-than-ideal surface properties, specific instrumentation, and cumbersome fabrication procedures. In order to overcome such drawbacks, a new hybrid platform is proposed. The platform is centered on the use of 5 interconnecting microfluidic components that serve as the injector or reservoirs. These plastic units are interconnected using standard capillary tubing, enabling in-channel detection by a wide variety of standard techniques, including capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). Due to the minimum impact on the separation efficiency, the plastic microfluidic components used for the experiments discussed herein were fabricated using an inexpensive engraving tool and standard Plexiglas. The presented approach (named 52-platform) offers a previously unseen versatility: enabling the assembly of the platform within minutes using capillary tubing that differs in length, diameter, or material. The advantages of the proposed design are demonstrated by performing the analysis of inorganic cations by capillary electrophoresis on soil samples from the Atacama Desert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P. Segato
- Instituto de Quimica de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Samir A. Bhakta
- Department of Chemistry, UT San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Matthew Gordon
- Department of Chemistry, UT San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Instituto de Quimica de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Hong Jiao
- HJ Science & Technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA
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47
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Devaraju NSGK, Unger MA. Pressure driven digital logic in PDMS based microfluidic devices fabricated by multilayer soft lithography. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:4809-4815. [PMID: 23000861 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc21155f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Advances in microfluidics now allow an unprecedented level of parallelization and integration of biochemical reactions. However, one challenge still faced by the field has been the complexity and cost of the control hardware: one external pressure signal has been required for each independently actuated set of valves on chip. Using a simple post-modification to the multilayer soft lithography fabrication process, we present a new implementation of digital fluidic logic fully analogous to electronic logic with significant performance advances over the previous implementations. We demonstrate a novel normally closed static gain valve capable of modulating pressure signals in a fashion analogous to an electronic transistor. We utilize these valves to build complex fluidic logic circuits capable of arbitrary control of flows by processing binary input signals (pressure (1) and atmosphere (0)). We demonstrate logic gates and devices including NOT, NAND and NOR gates, bi-stable flip-flops, gated flip-flops (latches), oscillators, self-driven peristaltic pumps, delay flip-flops, and a 12-bit shift register built using static gain valves. This fluidic logic shows cascade-ability, feedback, programmability, bi-stability, and autonomous control capability. This implementation of fluidic logic yields significantly smaller devices, higher clock rates, simple designs, easy fabrication, and integration into MSL microfluidics.
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48
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Sabourin D, Skafte-Pedersen P, Søe MJ, Hemmingsen M, Alberti M, Coman V, Petersen J, Emnéus J, Kutter JP, Snakenborg D, Jørgensen F, Clausen C, Holmstrøm K, Dufva M. The MainSTREAM component platform: a holistic approach to microfluidic system design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 18:212-28. [PMID: 23015520 DOI: 10.1177/2211068212461445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A microfluidic component library for building systems driving parallel or serial microfluidic-based assays is presented. The components are a miniaturized eight-channel peristaltic pump, an eight-channel valve, sample-to-waste liquid management, and interconnections. The library of components was tested by constructing various systems supporting perfusion cell culture, automated DNA hybridizations, and in situ hybridizations. The results showed that the MainSTREAM components provided (1) a rapid, robust, and simple method to establish numerous fluidic inputs and outputs to various types of reaction chips; (2) highly parallel pumping and routing/valving capability; (3) methods to interface pumps and chip-to-liquid management systems; (4) means to construct a portable system; (5) reconfigurability/flexibility in system design; (6) means to interface to microscopes; and (7) compatibility with tested biological methods. It was found that LEGO Mindstorms motors, controllers, and software were robust, inexpensive, and an accessible choice as compared with corresponding custom-made actuators. MainSTREAM systems could operate continuously for weeks without leaks, contamination, or system failures. In conclusion, the MainSTREAM components described here meet many of the demands on components for constructing and using microfluidics systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sabourin
- DTU Nanotech, Dept. of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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49
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Wang AB, Hsieh MC. Unveiling the missing transport mechanism inside the valveless micropump. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:3024-7. [PMID: 22766601 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40210f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
It has long been held, misleadingly, that the rectifier is the only decisive element for the design of fluid transportation in a valveless micropump. We have shown here that pump performance is also critically dependent on the design of the vibration chamber, a neglected element in micropump design that has drawn almost no attention in the past. Moreover, the generally used in-line design has, surprisingly, the lowest efficiency. The transport mechanism was found to be linked to the hydraulic coupling of two asymmetric vortex pairs inside the vibration chamber. Based upon the discovered flow mechanism, the proposed design inspired by an ancient fish trap has shown extraordinary improvement in micropump performance. It could also be potentially integrated with most existing designs for further energy saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Bang Wang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617 Taiwan, Republic of China.
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50
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Wang H, Chen HW, Hupert ML, Chen PC, Datta P, Pittman TL, Goettert J, Murphy MC, Williams D, Barany F, Soper SA. Fully Integrated Thermoplastic Genosensor for the Highly Sensitive Detection and Identification of Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201200732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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