Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Baobao Lin, Zhi Geng, Yanjing Chen, Wu Zeng, Bao Li, Yan Zhang, Peng Liu
Summary: Adequate intake of folic acid is crucial during pregnancy, but certain genetic polymorphisms hinder its absorption, posing a threat to the lives of pregnant women and causing birth defects in newborns. Traditional laboratory testing for genetic variants related to folic acid metabolism is time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, a microfluidics-based molecular diagnostic system offers rapid, sensitive, high-throughput, and automated detection by integrating sample pre-processing and nucleic acid amplification on-chip.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jianan Qu, Xiaoqing Wang, Yang Zhang, Ruowen Hu, Yunqi Hao, Xuechen Zhao, Chunhui Dong, Chengxi Yang, Weirong Zhang, Jingchao Sui, Yan Huang, Peng Liu, Jian Yu, Xiaofang Chen, Yubo Fan
Summary: Reprogramming somatic cells into pluripotent state using conventional culture plates is inefficient and stochastic. However, a novel micro-culture system called SMAR-chip, which utilizes precisely controlled biophysical cues, greatly improves the reprogramming efficiency. The study demonstrates that SMAR-chip promotes the transition from initiation phase to maturation phase and overcomes reprogramming roadblocks, showing potential for translational applications.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Jin Zhang, Jing Xue, Ningfeng Luo, Feng Chen, Badong Chen, Yongxi Zhao
Summary: Single-cell profiling is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity and cell fate. Microfluidics has emerged as an optimal tool for single-cell profiling due to its high throughput and automation advantages. Among different microfluidic platforms, microwell array chips offer simplicity and easy integration with in situ analysis, making them ideal for single-cell studies. This review summarizes recent advances in single-cell analysis based on microwell array chips, including chip design and preparation, cell capture and lysis strategies, as well as advanced analysis of single-cell proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. The challenges and opportunities in the development of microwell-based single-cell analysis are also discussed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sudchaya Bhanpattanakul, Tepparit Wongpakham, Patrakrit Theewasutrakul, Dettachai Ketpun, Werayut Srituravanich, Witsaroot Sripumkhai, Pattaraluck Pattamang, Mayuree Chanasakulniyom, Prapruddee Piyaviriyakul, Wutthinun Jeamsaksiri, Achariya Sailasuta, Theerawat Tharasanit, Alongkorn Pimpin, Theerayuth Kaewamatawong
Summary: This study successfully designed and developed a microfluidic device for trapping and culturing single cells of human leukemia cell line. The device achieved a trapping efficacy of about 70.8% for single cells and showed a cellular viability rate of 80% and 75% after 24 and 48 hours of incubation, respectively.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nan Li, Yuanyue Zhang, Minjie Shen, Youchun Xu
Summary: The study developed a fully integrated SNP genotyping system for identifying hereditary hearing loss-related genetic markers from human whole blood within 3 hours. The system showed accuracy and stability in genetic screening of inherited hearing loss, with 100% concordance with Sanger sequencing results.
Article
Biophysics
Xiaocheng Liu, Xinlu Wang, Haoqing Zhang, Zhiqiang Yan, Martina Ganova, Tomas Lednicky, Tomas Reznicek, Ying Xu, Wen Zeng, Marie Korabecna, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: We present a handheld digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) device integrated with smartphones (SPEED) for point-of-care applications. The device is compact and lightweight, capable of performing 45 PCR cycles in under 49 minutes. It features miniaturized modules for thermal cycling, image capture, and wireless data communication. The device's accuracy and precision are comparable to commercial dPCR machines, making it suitable for a wide range of tests including infectious disease monitoring, cancer screening, and prenatal testing.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Agnieszka Krakos, Adrianna Cieslak, Eliza Hartel, Magdalena Beata Labowska, Julita Kulbacka, Jerzy Detyna
Summary: The results of a lab-on-chip platform with a hydrogel matrix fabricated by 3D printing technique are reported. The hydrogel layers with unique composition were uniformly bio-printed. Six different hydrogel inks were proposed, and the best cell viability results were obtained for the hydrogel composition including sodium alginate, gelatin, and NaCl. The research will further focus on the microfluidic culture of lung cancer cell line and the development of novel drug delivery strategies.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wenshuai Wu, Gaozhe Cai, Yang Liu, Yuanjie Suo, Boran Zhang, Wei Jin, Yinghua Yu, Ying Mu
Summary: A 3D microwell array chip is developed for comprehensive antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of pathogens in urine at the single-cell level. The chip features high integration, dynamic range, and requires minimal user input, enabling faster AST results in 3 hours compared to conventional methods. The chip allows for simultaneous assessment of bacterial concentration and minimum inhibitory concentrations for comprehensive infection information.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hanyu Fu, Chunyun Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Guofu Chen
Summary: As the eutrophication of natural water bodies worsens, harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by harmful algae are becoming more frequent. HABs have become a global ecological problem that poses a serious threat to human health and food safety. It is crucial to establish methods for rapid detection of harmful algal species to provide early warning for HABs. Molecular biology techniques have provided new ideas for the detection of harmful algae and have become a research hotspot. However, current methods can only detect single harmful algal species at a time. Establishing methods for the simultaneous detection of multiple harmful algal species has become a new trend in molecular detection technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wenshuai Wu, Binh Thi Thanh Nguyen, Patricia Yang Liu, Gaozhe Cai, Shilun Feng, Yuzhi Shi, Boran Zhang, Yuzhi Hong, Ruozhen Yu, Xiaohong Zhou, Yi Zhang, Eric Peng Huat Yap, Ai Qun Liu, Lip Ket Chin
Summary: Single cell analysis is vital for disease diagnosis by searching for rare biomarkers. Microfluidic technology enables single cell analysis, but current devices have limitations such as low throughput and the need for external instruments. In this study, a self-driven high-density microwell array was developed, which significantly improved the efficiency of single-cell metabolic activity analysis.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Abdul Raouf Atif, Michael Pujari-Palmer, Maria Tenje, Gemma Mestres
Summary: This study demonstrated that cells respond differently to hydroxyapatite (HA) under flow conditions compared to static conditions, highlighting the need for more physiologically relevant methods to evaluate biomaterials. The use of a microfluidic platform allowed for continuous flow, which shielded changes in ion concentration and influenced cell behavior in a way that mimics the body's environment. The results obtained with this dynamic platform were distinct from those obtained with traditional static cell culture systems, emphasizing the importance of incorporating more realistic physiological conditions in biomaterial evaluation studies.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haiying Shen, Lianhua Dong, Yunhua Gao, Xia Wang, Xinhua Dai
Summary: In this study, a highly integrated microfluidic chip for nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection was designed. A hand-held device with precise temperature control and high-quality imaging was developed for experiment and data analysis. The chip allows for mobile point-of-care testing via wireless communication with a smartphone. The results show the potential of this platform for nucleic acid detection.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
S. Padmanabhan, A. Sposito, M. Yeh, M. Everitt, I White, D. L. DeVoe
Summary: This study demonstrates the seamless integration of multiple reagents into thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays using a scalable pin spotting technique, allowing for high-resolution deposition of concentrated reagents. The performance of this integration method was successfully characterized, showing potential for future applications in disposable diagnostics.
Article
Polymer Science
Gulsim Kulsharova, Akbota Kurmangaliyeva, Elvira Darbayeva, Luis Rojas-Solorzano, Galiya Toxeitova
Summary: The study introduces a hybrid COC-PDMS microfluidic chip for successfully culturing Huh7 hepatoma cell line, showing potential for developing liver-on-a-chip platforms.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jie Wang, Lin Du, Yuwei Han, Dawei Zhang, Dalei Jing
Summary: The utilization of microfluidic analysis technology has advanced fast pathogenic bacteria detection at the single-cell level. However, challenges remain in achieving rapid and effective in situ detection of single-bacteria arrays due to the complexity of bacterial populations and insufficient diffusion of low Reynolds coefficient fluid. In this study, microwell droplet array chips were developed to address this issue, demonstrating the feasibility of preparing cell arrays and identifying them inside the microwells. The platform successfully isolated, cultivated, and detected pathogenic bacteria, showcasing its capability in pathogen detection.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Howard, Sofia Ygberg, Magnus Andersson, Evgeny Akkuratov, Daniel Jans, Hjalmar Brismar, Anna Lindstrand, Anita Aperia
Article
Cell Biology
Anita Aperia, Hjalmar Brismar, Per Uhlen
Article
Neurosciences
Evgeny E. Akkuratov, Linda Westin, Erika Vazquez-Juarez, Minttu de Marothy, Aleksandra K. Melnikova, Hans Blom, Maria Lindskog, Hjalmar Brismar, Anita Aperia
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Linnea M. Nilsson, Miguel Castresana-Aguirre, Lena Scott, Hjalmar Brismar
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
David Unnersjoe-Jess, Linus Butt, Martin Hoehne, Anna Witasp, Lucas Kuehne, Peter F. Hoyer, Jaakko Patrakka, Paul T. Brinkkoetter, Annika Wernerson, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing, Lena Scott, Hjalmar Brismar, Hans Blom
Summary: The study introduces a fast and simple three-dimensional visualization protocol for kidney morphology, combining optical clearing and tissue expansion concepts to achieve sufficient resolution for nanoscale structures. This protocol can be applied to visualize a wide variety of pathologic features and may have potential application in future clinical routines.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Kristoffer Bernhem, Jacopo M. Fontana, Daniel Svensson, Liang Zhang, Linnea M. Nilsson, Lena Scott, Hans Blom, Hjalmar Brismar, Anita Aperia
Summary: Activation of the apoptotic pathway is a major factor in the progression of chronic diseases, and ouabain, a cardiotonic steroid, has shown potential as an anti-apoptotic drug by interfering with early steps in the apoptotic process. The activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinases by ouabain plays a crucial role in its anti-apoptotic effect. This research paves the way for further exploration of ouabain as a treatment for diabetic kidney disease and other chronic conditions associated with excessive apoptosis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Ygberg, Evgeny E. Akkuratov, Rebecca J. Howard, Fulya Taylan, Daniel C. Jans, Dhani R. Mahato, Adriana Katz, Paula F. Kinoshita, Benjamin Portal, Inger Nennesmo, Maria Lindskog, Steven J. D. Karlish, Magnus Andersson, Anna Lindstrand, Hjalmar Brismar, Anita Aperia
Summary: The Trp931Arg mutation of the Na+,K+-ATPase catalytic alpha 1 subunit described in this study led to reduced membrane expression of the mutant protein, loss of ion pumping activity, and formation of water-filled pores in the plasma membrane. This resulted in depolarization of neurons, a lowered threshold for epileptic seizures, and destabilization of the ion-binding sites. These findings suggest that Na+,K+-ATPase plays a significant role in diseases associated with epilepsy and loss of plasma membrane integrity.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Linus Butt, David Unnersjoe-Jess, Martin Hoehne, Robert Hahnfeldt, Dervla Reilly, Markus M. Rinschen, Ingo Plagmann, Paul Diefenhardt, Sebastian Braehler, Paul T. Brinkkoetter, Hjalmar Brismar, Hans Blom, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing
Summary: This study demonstrated the pathogenic effect of podocin R231Q on its own, supporting the notion of podocin R229Q contributing to genetic predisposition in adult patients.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linnea Nordahl, Stefan Wennmalm, Jakob Jonsson, Simon Elsasser, Evgeny E. Akkuratov, Hjalmar Brismar
Article
Cell Biology
Moa Stenudd, Hanna Sabelstrom, Enric Llorens-Bobadilla, Margherita Zamboni, Hans Blom, Hjalmar Brismar, Shupei Zhang, Onur Basak, Hans Clevers, Christian Goritz, Fanie Barnabe-Heider, Jonas Frisen
Summary: Spinal cord ependymal cells can possess neural stem cell properties and have the potential to generate scar-forming astrocytes and remyelinating oligodendrocytes after injury. A small subpopulation of these cells with stem cell potential, called ependymal A (EpA) cells, can revert to a stem cell state and serve as a therapeutic target for spinal cord repair.
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Kouznetsova, Jian Guo Liu, Sonata Valentiniene, Hjalmar Brismar, Christer Hoog
Summary: Aging significantly impacts the chromosome segregation process in human oocytes, leading to aneuploidy, infertility, and developmental disorders. As age increases, the likelihood of chromosome segregation irregularities also increases, resulting in a higher incidence of aneuploidy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jan Schlegel, Bartlomiej Porebski, Luca Andronico, Leo Hanke, Steven Edwards, Hjalmar Brismar, Ben Murrell, Gerald M. McInerney, Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo, Erdinc Sezgin
Summary: Speed is crucial in dealing with infectious disease outbreaks, including quickly identifying host binding factors to pathogens. The complexity of the host plasma membrane often hinders fast and accurate determination of these binding factors and high-throughput screening for antimicrobial drug targets. This study presents a multiparametric and high-throughput platform that overcomes this barrier, allowing for rapid screening of host binding factors and discovery of new antiviral drug targets. The platform's sensitivity and robustness were demonstrated by successfully blocking SARS-CoV-2 particles using nanobodies and IgGs from human serum samples.
Meeting Abstract
Physiology
Hjalmar Brismar, Steven Edwards, Sebastian Bauer, Birthe Meineke, Simon Elsasser, Stefan Wennmalm
Meeting Abstract
Physiology
Steven Edwards, Sebastian Bauer, Philipp Graef, Birthe Meineke, Simon Elsasser, Hjalmar Brismar
Article
Urology & Nephrology
David Unnersjoe-Jess, Amer Ramdedovic, Linus Butt, Ingo Plagmann, Martin Hoehne, Agnes Hackl, Hjalmar Brismar, Hans Blom, Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing
Summary: This study reveals that podocytes in mammalian kidneys exhibit a preferred spatial orientation on glomerular capillaries, with secondary processes aligning along the longitudinal axis and primary processes perpendicular to it. This orientation is crucial for podocytes to counteract mechanical forces from pressurized capillaries. However, under pathological conditions or with specific mutations, podocytes lose this preferred orientation. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind podocyte orientation and its loss in disease.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)