Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hao Yang, Mingjie Zhu, Tao Chen, Fuzhou Niu, Lining Sun, Liang Cheng
Summary: Cell mechanics is closely related to cellular functions and can serve as an effective biomarker for disease onset and progression. However, current techniques for measuring cell mechanical properties have limited data and biological significance. This study proposes a dielectrophoresis-based solution that combines a microfluidic device and an automatic control scheme to automatically obtain cell mechanical data. Experiments demonstrate the automation capability of this device.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Soojung Kim, Hyerin Song, Heesang Ahn, Taeyeon Kim, Jihyun Jung, Soo Kyung Cho, Dong-Myeong Shin, Jong-ryul Choi, Yoon-Hwae Hwang, Kyujung Kim
Summary: Electrical impedance biosensors combined with microfluidic devices offer high-throughput analysis of biological processes at the single-cell scale, enabling sensitive determination of drug effectiveness and toxicity. The efficiency and performance of the sensors are ultimately determined by the methods of single-cell trapping, while identifying the latest trends opens up opportunities for technological advancement. This leading technology in cell biology, pathology, and pharmacology allows for further understanding of complex cellular functions and mechanisms through precise analysis capabilities.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xingjian Zhang, Trevor Chan, Judith Carbonella, Xiangyu Gong, Noureen Ahmed, Chang Liu, Israel Demandel, Junqi Zhang, Farzana Pashankar, Michael Mak
Summary: Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that can cause life-threatening symptoms due to vaso-occlusive crisis. We designed a microfluidic-informatics analytical system to quantify the occlusion of sickle cell disease, and found an increase in physical occlusion events in the most severe patients. By using bioinformatics and modeling, we were able to assess the severity of the disease in vitro for individual patients. We also demonstrated the potential impact of hydration on reducing disease severity in high-risk patients. Overall, our device provides an easy-to-use assay for quick occlusion information extraction and shows promise as a platform for testing therapeutic strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lining Huang, James D. Benson, Mahmoud Almasri
Summary: This paper introduces a microfluidic lab-on-chip for dynamic particle sizing and real time individual cell membrane permeability measurements. The device utilizes gold electrode pairs and a microchannel to measure impedance changes, allowing for tracking and estimation of water permeability in individual cells. The device shows high detection throughput and fast data acquisition for accurate measurements.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Minhui Liang, Qiang Tang, Jianwei Zhong, Ye Ai
Summary: Microfluidics provides a powerful platform for biological analysis by precisely manipulating fluids and microparticles. The imaging and impedance cell analyzer (IM2Cell) introduced here combines single cell level impedance analysis and hydrodynamic mechanical phenotyping, demonstrating multi-stress level mechanical phenotyping capabilities. IM2Cell can characterize cell diameter, deformability responses, and electrical properties, providing high-dimensional information about subcellular components. It has been validated for different cell lines and shows potential for deformability studies of PBMC subpopulations.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kin Fong Lei, Yu-Chen Ho, Chia-Hao Huang, Chun-Hao Huang, Ping Ching Pai
Summary: The study developed a hybrid microfluidic platform combining dielectrophoresis and impedance measurement to identify cancer stem cell-like cells, which could be differentiated based on impedance magnitude and categorized by a 2-dimensional graph. This bio-physical approach is a label-free technique compared to the bio-chemical approach, demonstrating the ability to verify stem cell-like property in cancer cells accurately.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Miyu Terada, Sachiko Ide, Toyohiro Naito, Niko Kimura, Michiya Matsusaki, Noritada Kaji
Summary: The mechanical phenotype of cells can serve as a label-free, non-destructive, diagnostic marker, and a microfluidic device is a strong candidate for this translational research. The investigation of HT29 cells revealed a high heterogeneity in cell deformability, which may be a potential mechanical marker of CSCs, contributing to cancer diagnosis and treatment development.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xu Du, Di Chang, Shingo Kaneko, Hisataka Maruyama, Hirotaka Sugiura, Masaru Tsujii, Nobuyuki Uozumi, Fumihito Arai
Summary: This paper presents a method for measuring the mechanical properties of a single cell using a microfluidic chip. The cell is manipulated and deformed using optical tweezers, and the extracellular environment is changed through liquid exchange. The method allows for rapid measurements of the mechanical properties and dynamic response of a single cell in different osmotic concentration environments.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yue Chen, Qiong Zhan, Jian Zhang, Wei Wang, Bee Luan Khoo, Zhen Liu, Siqi Wei, Junxin Niu, Jun Xu, Chia-Chen Yu, Xiumei Hu, Yanhui Liu, Jongyoon Han, Shuwen Liu, Lihong Liu
Summary: The drug-induced diverse response among patients is a severe problem for improving hemorheological character. However, there is no validated method for personalized therapy to the best of our knowledge. Here, we apply a gravity-driven deformability cytometry platform (GD-DCP) to profile the drug response of the red cell deform -ability (RCD) at the single-cell level using pentoxifylline (PTX) as a model drug, the effect of different concen-trations of PTX (0, 2, 20, 200 mu g mL(-1), the clinical dosage of PTX is 20 mu g mL(-1)) on RCD in patients with cardiovascular disease was explored. Based on the GD-DCP, about 38 and 56% of the acute phase of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in the acute phase and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients respond positively to PTX, respectively, indicating that PTX has a strong patient dependency on RCD. Moreover, RCD is observed to be significantly inversely correlated with the activation of membrane protein kinase C (PKC) as well as the concentration of Ca2+ (both P < 0.001). The results of animal experiments show that the protective effects of PTX on myocardial ischemia rats have substantial individual variation, too. It is noted that the effect of PTX is highly consistent between RCD in vitro and in vivo outcomes (blood viscosity, myocardial injury, and electro-cardiogram (ECG)) in the same rat. All these new findings suggest that the GD-DCP is a promising method that uses deformability in vitro as one of the important criteria in personalized medicine, and our study provides unique insight into the individual-dependent mechanisms of PTX for improving RCD.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qiaodong Wei, Ying Xiong, Yuhang Ma, Deyun Liu, Yunshu Lu, Shenghong Zhang, Xiaolong Wang, Huaxiong Huang, Yingbin Liu, Ming Dao, Xiaobo Gong
Summary: The physical and mechanical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) play an important role in disease diagnosis, but it is challenging to measure these properties accurately due to the unique shape and high heterogeneity of RBCs. In this study, a microfluidic technology combined with machine learning is developed to measure the mechanical properties of individual RBCs. The method can detect subtle changes in RBC components in response to different doses of drugs and explore the correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin and RBC mechanical properties. This approach has the potential to offer novel label-free single-cell-assay-based biophysical markers for RBCs, enhancing the potential for more robust disease diagnosis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xing Wei, Meng Yang, Ze Jiang, Jinhui Liu, Xuan Zhang, Mingli Chen, Jianhua Wang
Summary: Accurate single-cell capture is crucial for single-cell biological and chemical analysis. This study presents a modular single-cell pipette microfluidic chip that enables efficient and precise capture of single viable cells and compatibility with various analytical instruments. The chip holds great potential for applications in single-cell research and analysis.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Shu Zhu, Xiaozhe Zhang, Zheng Zhou, Yu Han, Nan Xiang, Zhonghua Ni
Summary: This paper introduces the theoretical background of impedance technique for single-cell analysis and discusses the characteristics of various electrode configurations, including their advantages, disadvantages, and applications. The current limitations and future perspectives of these electrode configurations are also summarized.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hossein Tavassoli, Prunella Rorimpandey, Young Chan Kang, Michael Carnell, Chris Brownlee, John E. Pimanda, Peggy P. Y. Chan, Vashe Chandrakanthan
Summary: A label-free method using inertial microfluidics is developed to purify viable cardiomyocytes from mouse neonatal hearts with purities over 90%. The isolated cardiomyocytes retain their identity and function, exhibiting different physico-mechanical properties compared to non-cardiomyocytes. This method could be a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of cardiomyocyte identity and function, with potential benefits for cell therapy and diagnostic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qingyu Ruan, Jian Yang, Fenxiang Zou, Xiaofeng Chen, Qianqian Zhang, Kaifeng Zhao, Xiaoye Lin, Xi Zeng, Xiyuan Yu, Lingling Wu, Shuichao Lin, Zhi Zhu, Chaoyong Yang
Summary: This study introduces a single-CTC mass spectrometry analysis method based on digital microfluidics, which can efficiently and accurately perform multiplex mutation profiling of individual CTCs, offering new avenues for cancer therapy guidance.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chao Xu, Kun Wang, Peng Huang, Demeng Liu, Yimin Guan
Summary: The isolation of single cells is crucial for the advancement of single cell analysis methods. Traditional techniques have limitations in terms of complexity and throughput. A microfluidic chip has been developed using thermal bubble micropump technology, allowing for efficient single-cell isolation without the need for injection pumps or peristaltic pumps. The method has shown high capture rates for both polystyrene beads and cells, making it a promising approach for single-cell isolation.
Article
Polymer Science
Ji Woo Kim, Hea Ji Kim, Jieun Park, Ji Ae Chae, Hyeong-Woo Song, Eunpyo Choi, Hyungwoo Kim
Summary: This paper describes the design of poly(benzyl ether)-based amphiphiles that can achieve demicellization of polymeric micelles through depolymerization triggered by a specific stimulus. The design concept can be applied to controlled drug release and targeted delivery systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Bobby Aditya Darmawan, Sang Bong Lee, Minghui Nan, Van Du Nguyen, Jong-Oh Park, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: In this study, solid drugs based on PEGDA hydrogel and doxorubicin were successfully fabricated with variable geometries using UV-light patterning. The final drug concentration was found to be influenced by the geometric volume and UV-light exposure time. This approach allows for simple, fast, and uniform fabrication of personalized drugs.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hiep Xuan Cao, Daewon Jung, Han-Sol Lee, Van Du Nguyen, Eunpyo Choi, Byungjeon Kang, Jong-Oh Park, Chang-Sei Kim
Summary: Acoustic tweezers have unique capabilities in medical applications for contactless manipulation of small objects. This study presents a five-degree-of-freedom acoustic system that uses ultrasound transducers to control the position and orientation of nanocarrier clusters in water. The method employs phase modulation and switching power supply to achieve translation and rotation of the nanocarrier clusters.
Article
Robotics
Tongil Park, Eunpyo Choi, Chang-Sei Kim, Jong-Oh Park, Ayoung Hong
Summary: This paper proposes a multi-segment soft finger design that can generate dual modes using only a single input channel, overcoming the issue of complexity in the original structure. Experimental results indicate that the geometrical design and material properties of the valve have significant impact on the performance and mode transition of the soft fingers. The designed antipodal gripper structure not only has a wide grasp range, but also achieves grasp robustness.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dongwoo Seo, Dongjun Kim, Sangjin Seo, Jungyul Park, Taesung Kim
Summary: We report a nanopore-integrated microfluidic platform to characterize ion transport in the presence of electrolyte and temperature gradients. Various nanopores with different pore sizes were produced using our previous self-assembled particle membrane (SAPM)-integrated microfluidic platform. Pore-size-dependent ionic transport was quantified by measuring the short circuit current (SCC) and open circuit voltage (OCV) across different nanopores by manipulating the electrolyte and temperature gradients. Three simple theoretical models heavily depending on pore size, electrolyte concentration, and temperature were established and validated with experimental results. The results of this study would help clarify ion transport phenomena at low-temperature conditions and enable practical applications of cryo-anesthesia in the near future.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Minghui Nan, Bobby Aditya Darmawan, Gwangjun Go, Shirong Zheng, Junhyeok Lee, Seokjae Kim, Taeksu Lee, Eunpyo Choi, Jong-Oh Park, Doyeon Bang
Summary: A flexible localized surface plasmon resonance biosensor was manufactured to detect cortisol levels in the human body. The biosensor exhibited excellent detection ability in cortisol solutions of various concentrations and demonstrated good stability under mechanical deformations. These biosensors can be versatile candidates for measuring human stress levels by combining flexible sensors with sensitive cortisol-detecting molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Junhyeok Lee, Hyeong-Woo Song, Kim Tien Nguyen, Seokjae Kim, Minghui Nan, Jong-Oh Park, Gwangjun Go, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: Novel magnetically actuated microscaffolds for cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration have been developed using double emulsion and microfluidic flow. The microscaffolds showed good biocompatibility and different magnetizations due to their sizes and amounts of attached magnetic nanoparticles. Feasibility tests demonstrated the successful magnetic targeting of the microscaffolds, providing a potential noninvasive treatment for osteochondral tissue disease.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
T. Lee, E. Choi, J. -o. Park, D. Bang
Summary: Tunable plasmonic gap nanostructures on flexible substrates have been considered as an evolutionary development in diverse fields. The size-controllable nano-gaps provide optimal and strong signal generation, and flexible devices realize rapid analysis and cost-effectiveness. However, it remains challenging to synthesize a structure that satisfies these requirements.
MATERIALS TODAY NANO
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
In -Young Kim, Ho Yong Kim, Hyeong-woo Song, Jong-Oh Park, You Hee Choi, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: In this study, the synergistic anti-tumor effects of NK-exos stimulated with IL-15 and IL-21 (NK-exosIL-15/21) in Hep3B cells were investigated. It was found that NK-exosIL-15/21 expressed cytotoxic proteins and contained typical exosome markers within a specific size range. Furthermore, NK-exosIL-15/21 induced enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity in Hep3B cells by activating specific pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibiting an anti-apoptotic protein. These findings suggest that NK-exosIL-15/21 can regulate strong anti-tumor effects in HCC cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gwangjun Go, Hyeong-Woo Song, Minghui Nan, Junhyeok Lee, Seokjae Kim, Jong-Oh Park, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: A chitosan-based biodegradable microrobot with optimized structural design and X-ray imaging for targeted vessel chemoembolization is reported. The microrobot takes into account its magnetizability and stackability in blood vessels. The optimized microrobot is biocompatible, biodegradable, thrombogenic, magnetically targetable, and drug-loadable, as demonstrated both in vitro and in a blood vessel phantom. X-ray imaging of the gold nanoparticle-attached microrobots compares well with using commercial iodinated contrast materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jaehyun Kim, Cong Wang, Jungyul Park
Summary: In this study, a multi-layered bipolar ionic diode based on an asymmetric nanochannel network membrane (NCNM) was proposed, which showed strong and stable ICR performance. The freely changeable geometry based on soft lithography allowed for exploration of ICR performance. Multi-physics simulation confirmed the trend of higher ionic concentration and less depletion in the bipolar diode junction, compared to the single-layer scenario. The study also revealed the potential for applications such as electroosmotic pumps, memristors, and biosensors, with the emergence of large-area hysteresis loops under different frequencies and salt concentrations.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Bobby Aditya Darmawan, Jong-Oh Park, Gwangjun Go, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: Due to their small size, microrobots have various potential applications. 4D printing enables reversible shape transformation over time or upon stimuli, leading to a more sophisticated microrobot design. This paper reviews recent advances in 4D-printed microrobots, including strategies for shape transformations, types of external stimuli, and medical and nonmedical applications. The challenges and prospects of 4D-printed microrobots are also highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Byeongjun Choi, Ji Woo Kim, Geunyoung Choi, Songah Jeong, Eunpyo Choi, Hyungwoo Kim
Summary: This paper presents a molecular design concept for stimuli-responsive polymer adhesives. A self-immolative poly(benzyl ether) (PBE) is synthesized as a functional macro-monomer, which offers reversible cross-linking points and can depolymerize in response to a specific stimulus. By grafting just 0.1 mol% PBE onto a soft polynorbornene matrix, an adhesive thermoset is created that functions as a high-shear pressure-sensitive adhesive, and can be easily removed and reused when no longer needed. This concept can be further improved by modifying the monomer composition, incorporating additional functionalities, or using a wide range of polymeric structures for various practical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Van Du Nguyen, Jong-Oh Park, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: Macrophages, with their sensory receptors and ability to engulf cancer cells and drug-hidden particles, have been utilized in the development of anticancer microrobots. This review summarizes the recent progress in macrophage-based microrobot research for anticancer therapy, including macrophage types, targeting strategies, and applications.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Shirong Zheng, Jiyun Nan, Manh Cuong Hoang, Minghui Nan, Kim Tien Nguyen, Jayoung Kim, Jong-Oh Park, Gwangjun Go, Eunpyo Choi
Summary: A soft-shell capsule endoscope (SSCE) is a new type of gastrointestinal detection tool that has softness properties and highly efficient passability, which can reduce inspection time.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
