Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Leah M. Dignan, M. Shane Woolf, Christopher J. Tomley, Aeren Q. Nauman, James P. Landers
Summary: This report describes the development of a centrifugally controlled microfluidic dynamic solid-phase extraction platform for obtaining amplification-ready nucleic acids directly from buccal swab cuttings. The technology showed broad utility by successfully establishing downstream compatibility with multiple nucleic acid assays. The automatable, portable microfluidic platform for nucleic acid preparation device could enable practical, in situ use by nontechnical personnel.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adrian Butterworth, Pratibha Pratibha, Andreas Marx, Damion K. Corrigan
Summary: This study demonstrates the development of a nucleic acid-based assay for antibiotic resistance genes through a modified RPA reaction and electrochemical measurement. Results show that important gene sequences can be detected by incorporating labeled nucleotides into amplified DNA strands using reagents from a standard RPA reaction kit.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alisa Alekseenko, Donal Barrett, Yerma Pareja-Sanchez, Rebecca J. Howard, Emilia Strandback, Henry Ampah-Korsah, Urska Rovsnik, Silvia Zuniga-Veliz, Alexander Klenov, Jayshna Malloo, Shenglong Ye, Xiyang Liu, Bjorn Reinius, Simon J. Elsasser, Tomas Nyman, Gustaf Sandh, Xiushan Yin, Vicent Pelechano
Summary: The study optimized the RT-LAMP detection method to make it more cost-effective and applicable for expanding the scale of COVID-19 diagnostics; it explored the compatibility between different DNA polymerases and reverse transcriptases, and validated the effectiveness of the method in clinical samples; the optimized RT-LAMP method is expected to facilitate the global expansion of SARS-CoV-2 testing, particularly in places where commercial alternatives cannot meet the demand.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hiba Salim, Laura Pont, Estela Gimenez, Fernando Benavente
Summary: This study presents an online aptamer affinity solid-phase extraction direct mass spectrometry (AA-SPE-MS) method for the rapid purification, preconcentration, and characterization of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn), a protein biomarker related to Parkinson's disease. The method utilizes SPE microcartridges and replaces the separation voltage with a pressure of 100 mbar to elute the protein towards the mass spectrometer. The developed method shows good repeatability, satisfactory linearity, and lower limits of detection compared to other techniques.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mihaela-Cristina Bunea, Mihaela Beregoi, Alexandru Evanghelidis, Andrei Galatanu, Ionut Enculescu
Summary: This work presents a new configuration of soft artificial muscle using a metal covered nylon 6/6 microfiber web attached to a thin polydimethylsiloxane film. The composite material can be shaped into various forms and displays fast and ample movement when an electric current is applied. It offers a versatile approach for untethered devices in applications where autonomous actuation and remote energy transfer are required.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Emir Nazdrajic, Khaled Murtada, Janusz Pawliszyn
Summary: Selecting the optimal binder and sorbent affinity can determine whether a composite behaves as an efficient extraction coating, permeable membrane, or impermeable barrier. For strong sorbents, extraction rate is primarily controlled by diffusion, with low analyte diffusion caused by retarding forces generated by partitioning into the sorbent.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ying-Zhuo Shen, Jie Guan, Chen Ma, Yun Shu, Qin Xu, Xiao-Ya Hu
Summary: A label-free perovskite-based photoelectrochemical aptasensor was designed for the detection of the endocrine disruptor dibutyl phthalate. CTAB greatly enhanced the PEC response and humidity resistance of the perovskite, while also facilitating the immobilization of the aptamer. The displacement of the aptamer from the perovskite surface relieved the block effect and improved the photoelectric signal.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dayong Li, Chengjie Duan, Wenting Cheng, Youjing Gong, Yanheng Yao, Xiaoping Wang, Zhongyun Wang, Yang Xiang
Summary: A simple method is proposed in this work for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA based on a primer exchange reaction (PER). By ingeniously integrating the PER cascade and CRISPR/cas12a system, this method can achieve convenient detection of the target RNA in 40 min and distinguish a single-base mutation from the target sequence, demonstrating its superior analytical performance.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Min Sun, Chunying Li, Jiaqing Feng, Haili Sun, Mingxia Sun, Yang Feng, Xiangping Ji, Sen Han, Juanjuan Feng
Summary: Sample pretreatment is a crucial step in analyzing and detecting trace targets, and aerogels have shown great potential as extraction materials in sample preparation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification, development, and application of aerogels in solid-phase extraction and solid-phase microextraction from 2010 to 2021. Different types of aerogels, including silica, carbon, organic, organic-inorganic hybridized, and metal-oxide aerogels, have been introduced in these techniques. They have demonstrated excellent adsorption performance and the ability to capture various analytes in environmental, biological, and food samples. The challenges and future prospects for the use of aerogels in sample preparation are also discussed.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sergey S. Volynkin, Pavel A. Demakov, Olga V. Shuvaeva, Konstantin A. Kovalenko
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are increasingly used in analytical chemistry for pre-concentration and determination of trace elements. A new methodology for speciation of inorganic and organic mercury in water was proposed, demonstrating high efficiency, low LODs, wide linear range, and acceptable analysis duration.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohammad Reza Bayatloo, Niloofar Salehpour, Ali Alavi, Saeed Nojavan
Summary: In this study, fully green maltodextrin nanosponges (MDNSs) were introduced as extraction phases for the preparation of magnetic sorbents for the first time. The extraction performance of MDNSs in magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) procedure was evaluated using fluoroquinolones as model analytes. Under optimized conditions, the developed MSPE-HPLC-UV method showed wide linearity and low limits of detection for the sensitive quantification of fluoroquinolones in water samples.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lucile Alexandre, Monica Araya-Farias, Manh-Louis Nguyen, Nikoletta Naoumi, Giacomo Gropplero, Electra Gizeli, Laurent Malaquin, Stephanie Descroix
Summary: Liquid biopsy, especially ctDNA analysis, has provided a new noninvasive approach to cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, and follow-up. A new generation of microfluidic fluidized beds (FBs) has been developed to efficiently extract and preconcentrate specific ctDNA sequences from human serum. These FBs, combined with vibration-induced flow rate fluctuations and a mixture of different bead sizes, significantly enhance bead homogeneity and capture efficiency.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaojin Zhang, Huimin Dou, Xiaorui Chen, Meihua Lin, Yu Dai, Fan Xia
Summary: Solid-state nanopores have a wide range of applications in various fields, such as DNA sequencing, energy conversion and storage, seawater desalination, sensors, and reactors. They offer high stability and controllable geometry, making them suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of different molecules. This review summarizes the past decade's research on nucleic acid amplification strategies for enhancing the sensitivity of solid-state nanopore sensors and discusses the future prospects and challenges in this field.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Imen Abdelhadi-Miladi, Taha Chabbah, Saber Chatti, Houyem Abderrazak, Patrice Saint-Martin, Herve Casabianca, Catherine Marestin, Regis Mercier, Hatem Ben Romdhane, Emmanuelle Vulliet, Abdelhamid Errachid, Nicole Jaffrezic-Renault
Summary: Four semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPN) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were developed for the sorptive extraction of polar phenolic compounds. Physico-chemical properties of the semi-IPN were controlled and optimized, resulting in good extraction efficiency for target analytes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joyce Odeke Akello, Erika Bujaki, Alexander G. Shaw, Adnan Khurshid, Yasir Arshad, Catherine Troman, Manasi Majumdar, Aine O'Toole, Andrew Rambaut, Muhammad Masroor Alam, Javier Martin, Nicholas C. Grassly
Summary: This article examines the effects of 11 nucleic acid extraction methods on the detection of poliovirus. The study found that the choice of RNA extraction method is an important factor in nucleic acid amplification-based diagnostics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alice Massimiani, Filippo Panini, Simone Luigi Marasso, Nicolo Vasile, Marzia Quaglio, Christian Coti, Donatella Barbieri, Francesca Verga, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Dario Viberti
Summary: Understanding multiphase flow in porous media is important in various fields, but detailed visualization is challenging due to opacity and complexity. Microfluidic devices provide a solution by enabling direct visualization and control of fluid dynamics. In this study, two different micromodels were designed, fabricated, and tested for visualizing gas-brine flow in underground storage systems. Preliminary experiments were conducted to validate the design and fabrication procedures and to explore the impact of design on fluid dynamics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Petretta, Simona Villata, Marika Pia Scozzaro, Livia Roseti, Marta Favero, Lucia Napione, Francesca Frascella, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Brunella Grigolo, Eleonora Olivotto
Summary: This study aimed to develop a bioartificial synovial tissue using 3D bioprinting technology for drug screening or personalized medicine applications. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) and K4IM cells were used to fabricate cell-laden scaffolds with desired morphology and internal architecture. The scaffolds showed high cell viability and negligible cytotoxicity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Nicolo Cacocciola, Simone Luigi Marasso, Giancarlo Canavese, Matteo Cocuzza, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Frascella
Summary: Mechanical forces play a role in shaping and altering cells and tissue microenvironments. In this study, a versatile pneumatic system based on Arduino was developed to provide mechanical hydrostatic stimulation to a cell culture. The system is capable of modifying the hydrostatic pressure inside a culture chamber, allowing researchers to investigate the effects of dynamic compression on cell differentiation, stiffness, and cytoskeleton rearrangements. A human respiration-like compression pattern was used to mimic the mechanical stress conditions in the human lung alveoli.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lia Vanzetti, Martina Germanis, Cristina Potrich, Lorenzo Lunelli
Summary: Antibiotics have been widely used to treat human and animal diseases and to enhance the growth of food animals. However, excessive use of antibiotics in food-producing animals has resulted in serious issues for human health, including direct toxicity and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it has become crucial to detect traces of antibiotics in food before they enter the market, which has led to the demand for novel bioanalytical methods and protocols. In this study, a microfluidic system was developed for the purification of tetracycline from raw milk, honey, and eggs. The system utilized magnetic beads with copper ions, which were loaded into a microfluidic chamber and driven by a ready-made device. Tetracycline was captured by the copper ions on the beads, purified from unwanted raw materials, and recovered using a suitable elution solution. The efficacy of different elution solutions was evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and visible spectrometry. The microfluidic system successfully purified tetracycline from raw milk, honey, and eggs after an initial dilution in buffer. Overall, this protocol effectively purified tetracycline and could potentially pave the way for future in-field on-chip testing.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alice Massimiani, Filippo Panini, Simone Luigi Marasso, Matteo Cocuzza, Marzia Quaglio, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Verga, Dario Viberti
Summary: Underground porous media are complex multiphase systems influenced by physical phenomena occurring at the pore(micro)-scale, and understanding pore-scale fluid flow, transport properties, and chemical reactions is crucial. Microfluidics, with its synthetic tools known as micromodels or microfluidic devices, offers direct visualization of fluid dynamics and has become a valuable tool for investigating multiphase flow in underground porous media. This article provides a review of the design, materials, and fabrication techniques of 2D micromodels, as well as their applications and limitations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pietro Zaccagnini, Lars Henning Hess, Luisa Baudino, Marco Laurenti, Mara Serrapede, Andrea Lamberti, Andrea Balducci
Summary: The present work investigates a new phenomenon observed during aluminum dissolution experiments for supercapacitors (SCs) stability investigation. Supercapacitor (SC) electrodes based on carbon-coated aluminum foils were cyclically electrochemically treated in harsh conditions using bis-trifluoromethylsulfonyl imide (TFSI)-based electrolyte and Acetonitrile (ACN) as solvent. Dissolution of aluminum and subsequent plating on the carbonaceous surface were observed. The same process could also be reproduced on standard SC activated carbon electrodes. This mechanism suggests a potential strategy for achieving competitive Al film deposition by electroplating instead of the common copper counterpart.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lorenzo Lunelli, Martina Germanis, Lia Vanzetti, Cristina Potrich
Summary: The presence of residual antibiotics in food poses a growing risk to human health due to their direct toxicity and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Microfluidic methods based on magnetic microbeads and polymeric microchambers offer improved performance in terms of speed, portability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use for food safety. Aptamers functionalized microbeads show the most promising results in capturing and releasing antibiotics, providing enriched and simplified solutions suitable for further analysis.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Alejandra Salas, Hanna Pazniak, Jesus Gonzalez-Julian, Stefano Bianco, Julia Amici, Thierry Ouisse, Ignazio Roppolo, Matteo Cocuzza
Summary: 3D printing technology is used for various applications, including electronics, but requires the development of novel 3D printable materials to produce complex structures. This study reports the synthesis of 3D printable photocurable resins embedding Ti3C2Tz-MXenes, a class of 2D layered materials with excellent electronic properties. Stable inks suitable for Digital Light Processing 3D printing technology were successfully synthesized and used to fabricate complex 3D composite structures. Annealing treatments were performed to enhance the electrical conductivity of the material, resulting in objects with improved conductivity and opening new possibilities for the development of complex 3D electronics.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Valentina Bertana, Giorgio Scordo, Elena Camilli, Limeng Ge, Pietro Zaccagnini, Andrea Lamberti, Simone Luigi Marasso, Luciano Scaltrito
Summary: Renewable energy technologies and IoT devices require proper energy storage devices, and additive manufacturing techniques offer the possibility to fabricate functional features. Among these techniques, direct ink writing is widely investigated for producing energy storage devices. This study presents the development and characterization of a resin for micro precision stereolithography 3D printing of a supercapacitor. The printed electrodes were electrically and electrochemically investigated in an interdigitated device architecture, showing good electrical conductivity and energy density within the literature range.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan De Carlo, Luisa Baudino, Petr Klapetek, Mara Serrapede, Fabio Michieletti, Natascia De Leo, Fabrizio Pirri, Luca Boarino, Andrea Lamberti, Gianluca Milano
Summary: This study reports on the electrical and thermal properties of copper oxide nanowires synthesized through thermal growth on copper foil. The nanowires exhibited high conductivity and thermal conductivity, making them suitable for the rational design of optoelectronic devices.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pietro Zaccagnini, Ye Tien, Luisa Baudino, Alessandro Pedico, Stefano Bianco, Andrea Lamberti
Summary: This article presents the first charge-balanced double-layer microsupercapacitor based on laser-induced graphene, with improved lifetime and energy efficiency through electrode optimization and the use of an ionic liquid electrolyte.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Andrea Carpignano, Raffaella Gerboni, Alessio Mezza, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Adriano Sacco, Daniele Sassone, Alessandro Suriano, Anna Chiara Uggenti, Francesca Verga, Dario Viberti
Summary: New possibilities for repurposing old platforms have been explored, particularly for transitioning them from recreational tourism to fish farming. This study examines the potential conversion options in the context of the current energy transition and the offshore Italian scenario. The findings show that offshore platforms can be converted into valuable infrastructure, contributing to the energy transition targets, as long as system specificity is considered, including the relevant depleted reservoirs.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Christoforos Benetatos, Felice Catania, Giorgio Giglio, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Alice Raeli, Luciano Scaltrito, Cristina Serazio, Francesca Verga
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of underground fluid storage for balancing energy production and consumption, ensuring energy supply security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through CO2 geological sequestration. The authors developed a technology and methodology to monitor seabed movements and validate predictions of offshore underground fluid storage impacts. They integrated a measurement system into an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle to periodically monitor seabed bathymetry and compared these measurements with numerical simulations to confirm safety conditions. The Virtual Element Method was applied to simulate the response of the storage system to fluid storage.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Behrouz Aghajanloo, Fatemeh Ejeian, Francesca Frascella, Simone L. L. Marasso, Matteo Cocuzza, Alireza Fadaei Tehrani, Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani, David W. W. Inglis
Summary: Deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) is a passive separation method for particle and cell sorting. It offers high size resolution and operates using capillary pressure, making it suitable for point-of-care devices. The method achieves high separation efficiency and is simple to use, making it a valuable technique in the field of microfluidic technologies.
