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Seo S, Kim T. Gas transport mechanisms through gas-permeable membranes in microfluidics: A perspective. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:061301. [PMID: 38025658 PMCID: PMC10656118 DOI: 10.1063/5.0169555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Gas-permeable membranes (GPMs) and membrane-like micro-/nanostructures offer precise control over the transport of liquids, gases, and small molecules on microchips, which has led to the possibility of diverse applications, such as gas sensors, solution concentrators, and mixture separators. With the escalating demand for GPMs in microfluidics, this Perspective article aims to comprehensively categorize the transport mechanisms of gases through GPMs based on the penetrant type and the transport direction. We also provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in GPM-integrated microfluidic devices, provide an overview of the fundamental mechanisms underlying gas transport through GPMs, and present future perspectives on the integration of GPMs in microfluidics. Furthermore, we address the current challenges associated with GPMs and GPM-integrated microfluidic devices, taking into consideration the intrinsic material properties and capabilities of GPMs. By tackling these challenges head-on, we believe that our perspectives can catalyze innovative advancements and help meet the evolving demands of microfluidic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangjin Seo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesung Kim
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +82-52-217-2313. Fax: +82-52-217-2409
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2
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Public-Health-Driven Microfluidic Technologies: From Separation to Detection. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12040391. [PMID: 33918189 PMCID: PMC8066776 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Separation and detection are ubiquitous in our daily life and they are two of the most important steps toward practical biomedical diagnostics and industrial applications. A deep understanding of working principles and examples of separation and detection enables a plethora of applications from blood test and air/water quality monitoring to food safety and biosecurity; none of which are irrelevant to public health. Microfluidics can separate and detect various particles/aerosols as well as cells/viruses in a cost-effective and easy-to-operate manner. There are a number of papers reviewing microfluidic separation and detection, but to the best of our knowledge, the two topics are normally reviewed separately. In fact, these two themes are closely related with each other from the perspectives of public health: understanding separation or sorting technique will lead to the development of new detection methods, thereby providing new paths to guide the separation routes. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper is two-fold: reporting the latest developments in the application of microfluidics for separation and outlining the emerging research in microfluidic detection. The dominating microfluidics-based passive separation methods and detection methods are discussed, along with the future perspectives and challenges being discussed. Our work inspires novel development of separation and detection methods for the benefits of public health.
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Fukuba T, Fujii T. Lab-on-a-chip technology for in situ combined observations in oceanography. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:55-74. [PMID: 33300537 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00871k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The oceans sustain the global environment and diverse ecosystems through a variety of biogeochemical processes and their complex interactions. In order to understand the dynamism of the local or global marine environments, multimodal combined observations must be carried out in situ. On the other hand, instrumentation of in situ measurement techniques enabling biological and/or biochemical combined observations is challenging in aquatic environments, including the ocean, because biochemical flow analyses require a more complex configuration than physicochemical electrode sensors. Despite this technical hurdle, in situ analyzers have been developed to measure the concentrations of seawater contents such as nutrients, trace metals, and biological components. These technologies have been used for cutting-edge ocean observations to elucidate the biogeochemical properties of water mass with a high spatiotemporal resolution. In this context, the contribution of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technology toward the miniaturization and functional integration of in situ analyzers has been gaining momentum. Due to their mountability, in situ LoC technologies provide ideal instrumentation for underwater analyzers, especially for miniaturized underwater observation platforms. Consequently, the appropriate combination of reliable LoC and underwater technologies is essential to realize practical in situ LoC analyzers suitable for underwater environments, including the deep sea. Moreover, the development of fundamental LoC technologies for underwater analyzers, which operate stably in extreme environments, should also contribute to in situ measurements for public or industrial purposes in harsh environments as well as the exploration of the extraterrestrial frontier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiro Fukuba
- Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Natsushima-cho 2-15, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.
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Kimoto T, Suzuki K, Fukuda T, Emoto A. An on-demand bench-top fabrication process for fluidic chips based on cross-diffusion through photopolymerization. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:044104. [PMID: 32699564 PMCID: PMC7354092 DOI: 10.1063/5.0014956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel approach to fabricate fluidic chips. The method utilizes molecular cross-diffusion, induced by photopolymerization under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in a channel pattern, to form the channel structures. During channel structure formation, the photopolymer layer still contains many uncured molecules. Subsequently, a top substrate is attached to the channel structure under adequate pressure, and the entire chip is homogenously irradiated by UV light. Immediately thereafter, a sufficiently sealed fluidic chip is formed. Using this fabrication process, the channel pattern of a chip can be designed quickly by a computer as binary images, and practical chips can be produced on demand at a benchtop, instead of awaiting production in specialized factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kimoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara-Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
| | - Kou Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara-Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
| | - Takashi Fukuda
- Sensing System Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Akira Emoto
- Institute of Post-LED Photonics (pLED), Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
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Tweedie M, Maguire PD. Microfluidic ratio metering devices fabricated in PMMA by CO 2 laser. MICROSYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES : SENSORS, ACTUATORS, SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2020; 27:47-58. [PMID: 33551575 PMCID: PMC7843490 DOI: 10.1007/s00542-020-04902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We describe microfluidic fabrication results achieved using a 10.6 μm CO2 engraving laser on cast PMMA, in both raster and vector mode, with a 1.5″ lens and a High Power Density Focussing Optics lens. Raster written channels show a flatter base and are more U-shaped, while vector written channels are V shaped. Cross-sectional images, and, where possible, stylus profilometry results are presented. The sides of V-grooves become increasing steep with laser power, but broader shallower channels may be produced in vector mode by laser defocus, as illustrated. Smoothing of raster engraved channels by heated IPA etch, and transparency enhancement by CHCl3 vapour treatment are briefly discussed. An asymmetric Y meter is discussed as one method of diluting acid into seawater for dissolved CO2 analysis. Alternatively, microfluidic snake channel restrictors of different lengths in 2 channels may achieve the same result. Samples are fabricated with bases bonded by CHCl3 vapour treatment, and the devices are flow tested with either dilute food dye or DI water. Microfluidics fabricated in this manner have applications in ocean sensing of dissolved CO2 and other analytes, as well as broader sensing measurements, including biomedical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Tweedie
- NIBEC, Ulster University, Belfast, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland, UK
| | - P. D. Maguire
- NIBEC, Ulster University, Belfast, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland, UK
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Tweedie M, Sun D, Gajula DR, Ward B, Maguire PD. The analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon in liquid using a microfluidic conductivity sensor with membrane separation of CO 2. MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS 2020; 24:37. [PMID: 32362805 PMCID: PMC7183500 DOI: 10.1007/s10404-020-02339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Autonomous continuous analysis of oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration with depth is of great significance with regard to ocean acidification and climate change. However, miniaturisation of in situ analysis systems is hampered by the size, cost and power requirements of traditional optical instrumentation. Here, we report a low-cost microfluidic alternative based on CO2 separation and conductance measurements that could lead to integrated lab-on-chip systems for ocean float deployment, or for moored or autonomous surface vehicle applications. Conductimetric determination of concentration, in the seawater range of 1000-3000 µmol kg-1, has been achieved using a microfluidic thin-film electrode conductivity cell and a membrane-based gas exchange cell. Sample acidification released CO2 through the membrane, reacting in a NaOH carrier, later drawn through a sub-µL conductivity cell, for impedance versus time measurements. Precision values (relative standard deviations) were ~ 0.2% for peak height measurements at 2000 µmol kg-1. Comparable precision values of ~ 0.25% were obtained using a C4D electrophoresis headstage with similar measurement volume. The required total sample and reagent volumes were ~ 500 µL for the low volume planar membrane gas exchange cell. In contrast, previous conductivity-based DIC analysis systems required total volumes between 5000 and 10,000 µL. Long membrane tubes and macroscopic wire electrodes were avoided by incorporating a planar membrane (PDMS) in the gas exchange cell, and by sputter deposition of Ti/Au electrodes directly onto a thermoplastic (PMMA) manifold. Future performance improvements will address membrane chemical and mechanical stability, further volume reduction, and component integration into a single manifold.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Tweedie
- Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB UK
| | - D. Sun
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University, Belfast, BT9 5AH UK
| | - D. R. Gajula
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634 USA
| | - B. Ward
- AirSea Laboratory, Ryan Institute and School of Physics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - P. D. Maguire
- Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB UK
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Application of Microfluidic Chip Technology in Food Safety Sensing. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20061792. [PMID: 32213909 PMCID: PMC7146374 DOI: 10.3390/s20061792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Food safety analysis is an important procedure to control food contamination and supervision. It is urgently needed to construct effective methods for on-site, fast, accurate and popular food safety sensing. Among them, microfluidic chip technology exhibits distinguish advantages in detection, including less sample consumption, fast detection, simple operation, multi-functional integration, small size, multiplex detection and portability. In this review, we introduce the classification, material, processing and application of the microfluidic chip in food safety sensing, in order to provide a good guide for food safety monitoring.
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Sivakumar R, Trinh KTL, Lee NY. Heat and pressure-resistant room temperature irreversible sealing of hybrid PDMS–thermoplastic microfluidic devices via carbon–nitrogen covalent bonding and its application in a continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction. RSC Adv 2020; 10:16502-16509. [PMID: 35498866 PMCID: PMC9053085 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra02332a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have introduced a facile room-temperature strategy for irreversibly sealing polydimethylsiloxane to various thermoplastics using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and [2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl]trimethoxysilane (ECTMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajamanickam Sivakumar
- Department of Industrial Environmental Engineering
- College of Industrial Environmental Engineering
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
| | - Kieu The Loan Trinh
- Department of Industrial Environmental Engineering
- College of Industrial Environmental Engineering
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology
- Gachon University
- Seongnam-si
- Korea
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Morgan SC, Hendricks AD, Seto ML, Sieben VJ. A Magnetically Tunable Check Valve Applied to a Lab-on-Chip Nitrite Sensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E4619. [PMID: 31652900 PMCID: PMC6864443 DOI: 10.3390/s19214619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Presented here is the fabrication and characterization of a tunable microfluidic check valve for use in marine nutrient sensing. The ball-style valve makes use of a rare-earth permanent magnet, which exerts a pulling force to ensure it remains passively sealed until the prescribed cracking pressure is met. By adjusting the position of the magnet, the cracking pressure is shown to be customizable to meet design requirements. Further applicability is shown by integrating the valve into a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) lab-on-chip device with an integrated optical absorbance cell for nitrite detection in seawater. Micro-milling is used to manufacture both the valve and the micro-channel structures. The valve is characterized up to a flow rate of 14 mL min-1 and exhibits low leakage rates at high back pressures (<2 µL min-1 at ~350 kPa). It is low cost, requires no power, and is easily implemented on microfluidic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Morgan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Andre D Hendricks
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Mae L Seto
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Vincent J Sieben
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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