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Chai H, Zhu J, Feng Y, Liang F, Wu Q, Ju Z, Huang L, Wang W. Capillarity Enabled Large-Array Liquid Metal Electrodes for Compact and High-Throughput Dielectrophoretic Microfluidics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310212. [PMID: 38236647 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) particle separation has label-free, well-controllable, and low-damage merits. Sidewall microelectrodes made of liquid metal alloy (LMA) inherits the additional advantage of thick electrodes to generate impactful DEP force. However, existing LMA electrode-based devices lack the ability to integrate large-array electrodes in a compact footprint, severely limiting flow rate and thus throughput. Herein, a facile and versatile method is proposed to integrate high-density thick LMA electrodes in microfluidic devices, taking advantage of the passive control ability of capillary burst valves (CBVs). CBVs with carefully designed burst pressures are co-designed in microfluidic channels, allowing self-assembly of LMA electrode array through simple hand-push injection. The arrayed electrode configuration brings the accumulative DEP deflection effect. Specifically, The fabricated 5000 pairs of sidewall electrodes in a compact chip are demonstrted to achieve ten times higher throughput in DEP deflection. The 5000-electrode-pair device is applied to successfully separate four mixed samples, including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and A549 cells with the flow rate of 70 µL min-1. It is envisioned that this work can greatly facilitate LMA electrode array fabrication and offer a robust and versatile platform for DEP separation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichao Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Fei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qiyan Wu
- The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjian Ju
- The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Liang Huang
- School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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Wang T, Wu M, Cao L, Liu B. Organic functional substance engineered living materials for biomedical applications. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122248. [PMID: 37487360 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Modifying living materials with organic functional substances (OFS) is a convenient and effective strategy to control and monitor the transport, engraftment, and secretion processes in living organisms. OFSs, including small organic molecules and organic polymers, own the merit of design flexibility, satisfying performance, and excellent biocompatibility, which allow for living materials functionalization to realize real-time sensing, controlled drug release, enhanced biocompatibility, accurate diagnosis, and precise treatment. In this review, we discuss the different principles of OFS modification on living materials and demonstrate the applications of engineered living materials in health monitoring, drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Wang
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore
| | - Min Wu
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China.
| | - Lei Cao
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore
| | - Bin Liu
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
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Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a commonly used strategy to increase cell permeability for intracellular cargo delivery or irreversible cell membrane disruption using electric fields. In recent years, EP performance has been improved by shrinking electrodes and device structures to the microscale. Integration with microfluidics has led to the design of devices performing static EP, where cells are fixed in a defined region, or continuous EP, where cells constantly pass through the device. Each device type performs superior to conventional, macroscale EP devices while providing additional advantages in precision manipulation (static EP) and increased throughput (continuous EP). Microscale EP is gentle on cells and has enabled more sensitive assaying of cells with novel applications. In this Review, we present the physical principles of microscale EP devices and examine design trends in recent years. In addition, we discuss the use of reversible and irreversible EP in the development of therapeutics and analysis of intracellular contents, among other noteworthy applications. This Review aims to inform and encourage scientists and engineers to expand the use of efficient and versatile microscale EP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Harrison Khoo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Soojung Claire Hur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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Wang F, Lin S, Yu Z, Wang Y, Zhang D, Cao C, Wang Z, Cui D, Chen D. Recent advances in microfluidic-based electroporation techniques for cell membranes. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2624-2646. [PMID: 35775630 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00122e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is a fundamental technique for applications in biotechnology. To date, the ongoing research on cell membrane electroporation has explored its mechanism, principles and potential applications. Therefore, in this review, we first discuss the primary electroporation mechanism to help establish a clear framework. Within the context of its principles, several critical terms are highlighted to present a better understanding of the theory of aqueous pores. Different degrees of electroporation can be used in different applications. Thus, we discuss the electric factors (shock strength, shock duration, and shock frequency) responsible for the degree of electroporation. In addition, finding an effective electroporation detection method is of great significance to optimize electroporation experiments. Accordingly, we summarize several primary electroporation detection methods in the following sections. Finally, given the development of micro- and nano-technology has greatly promoted the innovation of microfluidic-based electroporation devices, we also present the recent advances in microfluidic-based electroporation devices. Also, the challenges and outlook of the electroporation technique for cell membrane electroporation are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shujing Lin
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zixian Yu
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yanpu Wang
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- Centre for Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices (AEMD), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Chengxi Cao
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Di Chen
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Key Lab. for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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Zhang P, Shao N, Qin L. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms for Programming Cell-Based Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005944. [PMID: 34270839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based living materials, including single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs, have attracted intensive interests owing to their widespread applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, drug development, and so on. Significant progress in materials, microfabrication, and cell biology have promoted the development of numerous promising microfluidic platforms for programming these cell-based living materials with a high-throughput, scalable, and efficient manner. In this review, the recent progress of novel microfluidic platforms for programming cell-based living materials is presented. First, the unique features, categories, and materials and related fabrication methods of microfluidic platforms are briefly introduced. From the viewpoint of the design principles of the microfluidic platforms, the recent significant advances of programming single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs in turns are then highlighted. Last, by providing personal perspectives on challenges and future trends, this review aims to motivate researchers from the fields of materials and engineering to work together with biologists and physicians to promote the development of cell-based living materials for human healthcare-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ning Shao
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Liu X, Chang AY, Ma Y, Hua L, Yang Z, Wang S. Robust three-dimensional nanotube-in-micropillar array electrodes to facilitate size independent electroporation in blood cell therapy. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4196-4207. [PMID: 34546271 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00690h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Blood is an attractive carrier for plasmid and RNA-based medicine in cell therapy. Electroporation serves as a favorable delivery tool for simple operation, quick internalization, minimum cell culture involvement, and low contamination risk. However, the delivery outcome of electroporation heavily depends on the treated cells such as their type, size, and orientation to the electric field, not ideal for highly heterogeneous blood samples. Herein, a new electroporation system was developed towards effective transfection to cells in blood regardless of their large diversity. By coupling replica molding and infiltration-coating processes, we successfully configured a three-dimensional electrode comprised of a polymer micropillar array on which carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are partially embedded. During electroporation, cells sag between micropillars and deform to form a conformal contact with their top and side surfaces. The implanted CNTs not only provide a robust conductive coating for polymer micropattern but also have their protruded ends face the cell membrane vertically everywhere with maximum transmembrane potential. Regardless of their largely varied sizes and random dispersion, both individual blood cell type and whole blood samples were effectively transfected with plasmid DNA (85% after 24 h and 95% after 72 h, or 2.5-3.0 folds enhancement). High-dose RNA probes were also introduced, which regulate better the expression levels of exogenous and endogenous genes in blood cells. Besides its promising performance on non-viral delivery routes to cell-related studies and therapy, the involved new fabrication method also provides a convenient and effective way to construct flexible electronics with stable micro/nano features on the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitations, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, PO Box 10137, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
| | - An-Yi Chang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitations, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, PO Box 10137, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
| | - Yifan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Liping Hua
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitations, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, PO Box 10137, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
| | - Zhaogang Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Shengnian Wang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitations, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, PO Box 10137, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
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AmbroŽič R, Plazl I. Development of an electrically responsive hydrogel for programmable in situ immobilization within a microfluidic device. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:6751-6764. [PMID: 34195747 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00510c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A novel microfluidic channel device with programmable in situ formation of a hydrogel 3D network was designed. A biocompatible hybrid material consisting of iron ion-crosslinked alginate was used as the active porous medium. The sol-gel transition of the alginate was controlled by the oxidation state of Fe ions and regulated by an external electrical signal through an integrated gold plate electrode. The SEM images, FT-IR analysis, and rheological test demonstrated that homogeneous yet programmable hydrogel films were formed. The higher the concentration of the crosslinker (Fe(iii)), the smaller the pore and mesh size of the hydrogel. Moreover, the hydrogel thickness and volume were tailored by controlling the deposition time and the strength of electric current density. The as-prepared system was employed as an active medium for immobilization of target molecules, using BSA as a drug-mimicking protein. The reductive potential (activated by switching the current direction) caused dissolution of the hydrogel and consequently the release of BSA and Fe. The diffusion of the entrapped molecules was optimally adjusted by varying the dissolution conditions and the initial formulations. Finally, the altering electrical conditions confirm the programmable nature of the electrically responsive material and highlight its wide-ranging application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok AmbroŽič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Igor Plazl
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. and Chair of Microprocess Engineering and Technology - COMPETE, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Torres-Ortega PV, Smerdou C, Ansorena E, Ballesteros-Briones MC, Martisova E, Garbayo E, Blanco-Prieto MJ. Optimization of a GDNF production method based on Semliki Forest virus vector. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 159:105726. [PMID: 33482318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (hGDNF) is the most potent dopaminergic factor described so far, and it is therefore considered a promising drug for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. However, the production of therapeutic proteins with a high degree of purity and a specific glycosylation pattern is a major challenge that hinders its commercialization. Although a variety of systems can be used for protein production, only a small number of them are suitable to produce clinical-grade proteins. Specifically, the baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21) has shown to be an effective system for the expression of high levels of hGDNF, with appropriate post-translational modifications and protein folding. This system, which is based on the electroporation of BHK-21 cells using a Semliki Forest virus (SFV) as expression vector, induces a strong shut-off of host cell protein synthesis that simplify the purification process. However, SFV vector exhibits a temperature-dependent cytopathic effect on host cells, which could limit hGDNF expression. The aim of this study was to improve the expression and purification of hGDNF using a biphasic temperature cultivation protocol that would decrease the cytopathic effect induced by SFV. Here we show that an increase in the temperature from 33°C to 37°C during the "shut-off period", produced a significant improvement in cell survival and hGDNF expression. In consonance, this protocol led to the production of almost 3-fold more hGDNF when compared to the previously described methods. Therefore, a "recovery period" at 37°C before cells are exposed at 33°C is crucial to maintain cell viability and increase hGDNF expression. The protocol described constitutes an efficient and highly scalable method to produce highly pure hGDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Vicente Torres-Ortega
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Ansorena
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Cristina Ballesteros-Briones
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Martisova
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - María J Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/ Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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Han C, He X, Wang J, Gao L, Yang G, Li D, Wang S, Chen X, Peng Z. A low-cost smartphone controlled portable system with accurately confined on-chip 3D electrodes for flow-through cell electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 134:107486. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Flow micropillar array electroporation to enhance size specific transfection to a large population of cells. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 132:107417. [PMID: 31830670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite serving as a popular non-viral delivery approach, electroporation carries several drawbacks in its current configurations. We developed a Flow Micropillar-array Electroporation (FME) system to wisely regulate an important transmembrane-determining factor, namely cell size variations among individual cells, to achieve effective transfection. In FME, cells flow through a slit-type microfluidic channel on which carbon electrodes with well-patterned micropillar array texture are integrated as the top and bottom wall. Gravity helps bring cells to the micropillar array surface so that the permeable area on cells in different size populations is specified by their size regardless their random location fact. Without sacrificing cell viability, we demonstrate this FME concept by delivering DNA plasmids to several mammalian cell lines with obvious transfection enhancement when compared to a commercial system (K562: 3.0 folds; A549: 3.3 folds; HeLa: 1.8 folds, COS7: 1.7 folds; 293T: 2.9 folds; mES: 2.5 folds). Moreover, carbon-based electrodes are less expensive, more durable, and convenient for integration with a microfluidic setup which enables rapid and massive transfection capability that many therapeutic application needs. The success of FME may benefit many emerging biological studies and clinical practice that requires effective transfection to a large population of cells in limited processing time.
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Zhu Q, Hamilton M, Vasquez B, He M. 3D-printing enabled micro-assembly of a microfluidic electroporation system for 3D tissue engineering. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2362-2372. [PMID: 31214669 PMCID: PMC6636854 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00046a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Electro-transfection is an essential workhorse tool for regulating cellular responses and engineering cellular materials in tissue engineering. However, most of the existing approaches are only focused on cell suspensions in vitro, which fails to mimic an in vivo tissue microenvironment regarding the 3D electric field distribution and mass transport in a biological matrix. However, building a 3D electro-transfection system that is compatible with 3D cell culture for mimicking the in vivo tissue microenvironment is challenging, due to the substantial difficulties in control of the 3D electric field distribution as well as the cellular growth. To address such challenges, we introduce a novel 3D micro-assembly strategy assisted by 3D printing, which enables the molding of 3D microstructures as LEGO® parts from 3D-printed molds. The molded PDMS LEGO® bricks are then assembled into a 3D-cell culture chamber interconnected with vertical and horizontal perfusion microchannels as a 3D channel network. Such a 3D perfusion microchannel network is unattainable by direct 3D printing or other microfabrication approaches, which can facilitate the highly-efficient exchange of nutrition and waste for 3D cell growth. Four flat electrodes are mounted into the 3D culture chamber via a 3D-printed holder and controlled by a programmable power sequencer for multi-directional electric frequency scanning (3D μ-electro-transfection). This multi-directional scanning not only can create transient pores all over the cell membrane, but also can generate local oscillation for enhancing mass transport and improving cell transfection efficiency. As a proof-of-concept, we electro-delivered the pAcGFP1-C1 vector to 3D cultured HeLa cells within peptide hydrogel scaffolding. The expressed GFP level from transfected HeLa cells reflects the transfection efficiency. We found two key parameters including electric field strength and plasmid concentration playing more important roles than the pulse duration and duty cycles. The results showed an effective transfection efficiency of ∼15% with ∼85% cell viability, which is 3-fold higher compared to that of the conventional benchtop 3D cell electro-transfection. This 3D μ-electrotransfection system was further used for genetically editing 3D-cultured Hek-293 cells via direct delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid which showed successful transfection with GFP expressed in the cytoplasm as the reporter. The 3D-printing enabled micro-assembly allows facile creation of a novel 3D culture system for electro-transfection, which can be employed for versatile gene delivery and cellular engineering, as well as building in vivo like tissue models for fundamentally studying cellular regulation mechanisms at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfu Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
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