Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Si Kuan Thio, Sung-Yong Park
Summary: Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) is an active-type technology for small-scale liquid handling that offers unique advantages such as no requirement of mechanical components, low power consumption, and rapid response time. However, conventional EWOD devices often require complex fabrication processes and face integration challenges. Optoelectrowetting (OEW), a light-driven mechanism, has emerged as an alternative approach that allows for dynamic control of electrowetting without complex control circuitry. OEW has been explored for potential applications in biology, biochemistry, and as portable smartphone-integrated environmental sensors.
Article
Biophysics
Juhwan Park, Kyoung G. Lee, Dong Hyun Han, Ji-Soo Lee, Seok Jae Lee, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: The study introduces a portable microfluidic device, PAMD, for generating and dispensing droplets for ddPCR with a simple pushbutton operation. PAMD can control multiple droplet generation units simultaneously with a single pushbutton, and the size of droplets can be adjusted by changing the geometry of the droplet generation channel.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shuhao Zhao, Zengming Zhang, Fei Hu, Junjun Wu, Niancai Peng
Summary: The study introduces a compact SE device integrating a smart SE chip into a reaction tube for preparing large-scale water-in-fluorinated-oil droplets for ddPCR analysis. This device allows for efficient, cost-effective, and flexible droplet preparation to meet the needs of ddPCR analysis.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Samith Hettiarachchi, Gehan Melroy, Amith Mudugamuwa, Peshan Sampath, Charith Premachandra, Ranjith Amarasinghe, Van Dau
Summary: This paper discusses the modeling, simulation, and experimentation of an active droplet generator used in LOC devices, focusing on the key factor of droplet generation. The study found that optimized droplet contraction width and flow rate ratios are crucial for effective droplet generation. Experimental results show that droplet formation occurs within a certain range of flow rate ratios, with droplet diameter decreasing as the flow rate ratio decreases.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Zhang
Summary: POC testing decentralizes diagnostic tests to locations near the patient, and magnetic digital microfluidics show compelling advantages in POC diagnostics. The review categorizes POC settings into three classes and evaluates the suitability of magnetic digital microfluidics in various settings.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lexiang Zhang, Wenzhao Li, Rokshana Parvin, XiaoChen Wang, Qihui Fan, Fangfu Ye
Summary: In this study, a simple and universal method for genotyping of exosome-derived microRNAs using nanoparticles and photothermal droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is presented. This method can sensitively detect biomarkers related to prostate cancer.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yitong Xu, Weisheng Wu, Zhongyi Zhou, Qiyi Su, Xinghui Liu, Weiwei Li, Kai Wang
Summary: We present a fully-integrated lab on a chip (LOC) that combines a digital microfluidic array, on-chip resistive heater and temperature sensor, on-chip optical sensor, and transimpedance preamplifier. The LOC is manufactured on a thin-film transistor (TFT) glass substrate, making it cost-effective and suitable for disposable point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.
IEEE ELECTRON DEVICE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunxing Lu, Zhaoduo Tong, Zhenhua Wu, Xiaoyu Jian, Lin Zhou, Shihui Qiu, Chuanjie Shen, Hao Yin, Hongju Mao
Summary: Exosomes, as a unique biomarker, have potential applications in cancer diagnostics and prognosis. This study presents an integrated microfluidic system for on-chip isolation of exosomes and RNA analysis of lung cancer using droplet digital PCR. The experiments demonstrate the system's high linearity and sensitivity, making it a promising tool for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Daniel H. Solano Teran, Matias Vazquez Pinon, Antonio Luque, Ruben R. Lopez, Sergio Camacho-Leon
Summary: The integration of microfluidics and droplet-based systems has led to the development of platforms capable of characterizing multiple phases inside microchannels. This work focuses on developing a rapid and fully integrated calibration process for optical droplet-based Lab-on-PCB devices using an interfacial distance constant called lambda. The proposed calibration process allows for reliable and wide spectrum droplet detection and characterization results. Testing of the calibrated platform showed accurate characterization of different multiphase flow properties with Mean Relative Errors ranging from 2.4% up to 17%.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liping Xia, Jianjian Zhuang, Zheyu Zou, Juxin Yin, Ying Mu
Summary: A direct digital chip was developed for nucleic acid detection without extraction and purification, showing high accuracy in clinical sample testing. This chip provides fast sampling and accurate quantification, with potential applications in diagnosis, screening, and research.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jin Liu, Zhi-yong Li, Jie Dong, Dong-wei Gao
Summary: With the implementation of labeling thresholds and low level presence thresholds for genetically modified (GM) components in more countries and regions, the demand for accurate quantification is rapidly increasing. Digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has shown considerable benefits in GM component quantification compared to traditional real-time fluorescence PCR. A universal quantification method using duplex digital PCR was successfully established for the detection of transgenic soybean event DAS-68416-4, with satisfactory results in various technical performances including repeatability, quantitative linear relationship, and relative limits of quantification.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuanyuan Wei, Syed Muhammad Tariq Abbasi, Nawaz Mehmood, Luoquan Li, Fuyang Qu, Guangyao Cheng, Dehua Hu, Yi-Ping Ho, Wu Yuan, Ho-Pui Ho
Summary: The study presents a deep learning-aided algorithm called Deep-qGFP for real-time absolute quantification. It enables automated detection and classification of fluorescent-labeled microreactors, accurately measuring their sizes and occupancy status. Deep-qGFP achieves high accuracy and remarkable speed, making it applicable to various GFP-labeling scenarios. It can be seamlessly integrated into common fluorescence microscopes and different microreactor formats, optimizing laboratory practices and potentially transforming GFP-labeled microreactor analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jinxian Wang, Xin Lyu, Xiaoliang Zhang, Shun Wang, Wen Zeng, Tianhang Yang, Bidou Wang, Gangyin Luo
Summary: In this study, a contamination-free dPCR detection chip was developed using fluorescence flow cytometry and micro droplet approach. The chip utilized a bifunctional cross-structure for monodisperse droplet generation and detection. By observing droplet morphology and sequence pattern, and optimizing the chip angle, the efficiency and accuracy of droplet detection were improved. The PCR performance was validated by heating the droplet array and the absolute quantification ability of the integrated dPCR microfluidic chip was successfully tested and verified.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nicholas Grant, Brian Geiss, Stuart Field, August Demann, Thomas W. Chen
Summary: Microfluidics offer advantages to Point of Care devices by reducing reagent use and device size. However, challenges still exist in integrating all supporting hardware and software. This paper demonstrates a self-contained, battery-powered handheld unit capable of operating an EWOD device for DNA extraction and isolation, representing a promising step towards portable microfluidic devices.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samaneh Zare Harofte, Madjid Soltani, Saeed Siavashy, Kaamran Raahemifar
Summary: Nowadays, artificial intelligence creates numerous opportunities in the life sciences. Integrating AI with microfluidics can significantly impact various fields of biotechnology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haijun Qu, Mengchao Yu, Wenbin Du, Lei Xu, Weiyuan Lyu, Feng Shen
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yan Yu, Ziqing Yu, Xufeng Pan, Lei Xu, Rui Guo, Xiaohua Qian, Feng Shen
Summary: Digital PCR is a method that can accurately and precisely quantify target nucleic acids. The use of digital melting curve analysis (digital MCA) allows for the multiplex quantification of multiple target molecules in a single digital PCR. This method uses a self-partitioning SlipChip microfluidic system, which can generate microdroplets with trackable physical positions. The unique melting temperature (T-m) of amplification products can be used as a fingerprint for further classification.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xu Liu, Xiang Li, Nannan Wu, Yang Luo, Jiajie Zhang, Ziqing Yu, Feng Shen
Summary: The study presents a novel microfluidic device that enables instrument-free gradient droplet formation and parallel manipulation for screening tests. The device demonstrates good performance in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and shows consistent results with clinical culture-based tests.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qixin Hu, Fariha Kanwal, Weiyuan Lyu, Jiajie Zhang, Xu Liu, Kai Qin, Feng Shen
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with low survival rates. Researchers have developed a droplet-array SlipChip for the detection of KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer using digital PCR. This high-density microwell array allows for accurate quantification of mutant genes and wild-type KRAS gene. The results obtained from this chip align well with those from next-generation sequencing, making it a promising tool for point-of-care applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiang Li, Qixin Hu, Xu Liu, Jianfang Liu, Nannan Wu, Feng Shen
Summary: The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, and there is a need for new antimicrobial drugs and alternative therapies. Phage therapy has shown promising results as an alternative treatment for antimicrobial resistance. Researchers have developed a digital biosensing method on a microfluidic device for rapid quantification of infectious bacteriophages. This method provides a promising tool for phage quantification in clinical practice and can also be used for ultrasensitive and high-specificity bacteria detection.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Yu, Sheng Wang, Yang Luo, Chang Gu, Xin Shi, Feng Shen
Summary: Methylation is an essential epigenetic modification involved in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability. Current methods of methylation analysis face limitations of high cost, time-consuming workflows, and difficulty in accurate heterogeneity analysis and precise quantification. A droplet array SlipChip-based digital melting curve analysis (MCA) method was developed for accurate quantification of both methylation level and density. This method has been demonstrated to distinguish healthy individuals from patients with atrial fibrillation and holds potential for broader application in various research and clinical settings requiring methylation analysis.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xiang Li, Xu Liu, Ziqing Yu, Yang Luo, Qixin Hu, Zhenye Xu, Jia Dai, Nannan Wu, Feng Shen
Summary: Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and a rapid high-throughput phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) method is needed. The cs-SlipChip, containing 192 nanoliter-sized compartments, allows for high-throughput AST by monitoring bacterial growth and analyzing changes in bright-field imaging. The chip can measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Escherichia coli against four antibiotics within 3 hours and has been validated against a VITEK 2 automated system. This technology provides a practical and rapid method for AST and screening antibiotic combinations for treating multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ziqing Yu, Lei Xu, Weiyuan Lyu, Feng Shen
Summary: Digital biological analysis compartmentalizes targets of interest and performs detection and investigation. This study presents a parallel multistep digital analysis SlipChip, which enables the manipulation of a large number of droplets for digital biological analysis. The SlipChip utilizes a self-partitioning droplet formation mechanism and can perform digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification and digital CRISPR detection in parallel.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jin Li, Chang He, Haijun Qu, Feng Shen, Jian Ye
Summary: The study introduces the design of O-GERTs for creating PUF security labels, achieving a large encoding capacity and high information density. Digitized from signals of embedded alkyne Raman reporters, the PUF labels exhibit robustness against interference and demonstrate high reliability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Weiyuan Lyu, Jiajie Zhang, Yan Yu, Lei Xu, Feng Shen
Summary: The da-SlipChip is a novel microfluidic device that can generate droplets of various sizes at high density in a single slipping step, without requiring precise alignment of microfeatures, thus significantly increasing design flexibility and partition density.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chang Gu, Xin Shi, Chenyang Dai, Feng Shen, Gaetano Rocco, Jiafei Chen, Zhengyu Huang, Chunji Chen, Chuan He, Tao Huang, Chang Chen
Article
Biophysics
Reza Khodadadi, Manouchehr Eghbal, Hamideh Ofoghi, Alireza Balaei, Ali Tamayol, Karen Abrinia, Amir Sanati-Nezhad, Mohamadmahdi Samandari
Summary: This paper introduces an integrated portable centrifugal microfluidic system that automates cell and fluid manipulation for complete blood counting (CBC) analysis at the point-of-care (POC). The system utilizes a specially designed microfluidic disc for cell separation, solution metering and mixing, and cell counting, and is equipped with a custom script for automated quantification of cells. The proposed method shows a strong correlation with the gold standard hematology analyzer for various blood parameters. The portable system offers simplicity, affordability, and low power consumption, making it a potential solution for improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings and remote areas.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Nabil H. Bhuiyan, Joon S. Shim
Summary: Developing herd immunity is crucial for changing the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. An AI-driven point-of-care testing platform has been proposed for analyzing the body's response to SARS-CoV-2, and it has been successfully used for quantifying viral proteins and antibodies in blood samples. A data-receptive web-based dashboard system has also been developed for real-time analysis of herd immunity progress.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Alexiane Godain, Timothy M. Vogel, Pascal Fongarland, Naoufel Haddour
Summary: This study provides comprehensive insights into the intricate relationship between shear stress and electroactive biofilms in microbial fuel cells, highlighting the pivotal role of shear stress in influencing the growth kinetics, electrical performance, and physical structure of the biofilms. The study also emphasizes the complexities of extracellular electron transfer mechanisms and the need for complementary metaproteomic analyses.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Linjie Wang, Yixin Chen, Yang Ji, Shujun Zheng, Fei Wang, Caolong Li
Summary: A paper-based biosensor incorporating surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and colorimetric detection has been developed for efficient quantification of intracellular glutathione (GSH). The biosensor exhibits excellent selectivity, stability, and precision, with low detection limits in both SERS and colorimetric modes. It has been successfully utilized for intracellular GSH detection and validated against a commercial GSH assay kit.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Quan Zhou, Jing Wang, Zhen Zhang, Alain Wuethrich, Richard J. Lobb, Matt Trau
Summary: This study presents a biosensor for sensitive detection of EMT-associated biomarkers on extracellular vesicles (EVs) surfaces during targeted therapy. Through longitudinal monitoring of patients, the biosensor shows its ability to identify the EMT-like phenotype switching on circulating EVs during the development of resistance.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Review
Biophysics
Pratika Rai, Sabrina N. Hoba, Celine Buchmann, Robert J. Subirana-Slotos, Christian Kersten, Tanja Schirmeister, Kristina Endres, Bernd Bufe, Alexey Tarasov
Summary: Proteases have been proposed as potential biomarkers for various pathological conditions. The development of protease biosensors offers a more efficient way to investigate dysregulated proteases. This review article presents different optical and electrochemical detection methods for designing biosensors for all major protease families.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Chengxin Liu, Xu Shen, Li Yan, Runlian Qu, Yue Wang, Yaqin He, Zixuan Zhan, Piaopiao Chen, Feng Lin
Summary: In this study, a homogeneous rapid electrochemical aptasensor was developed to quantitatively detect CTCs in lung cancer patients. The aptasensor utilized a DNA nanosphere structure and a complementary aptamer to specifically detect mucin 1 as a marker for CTCs. The assay exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, and the results were consistent with other detection methods.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Danni Xue, Xing Dai, Jialong Zhao, Jiayao Zhang, Huan Liu, Kui Liu, Tao Xu, Chenjie Gu, Xingfei Zhou, Tao Jiang
Summary: In this study, a dual-enhancement SERS substrate based on Ti3C2TX and Ag nanocubes was fabricated for precise quantification of ritonavir and ibrutinib in serum. The formation of numerous electromagnetic hotspots between Ag nanocubes facilitated effective photo-induced charge transfer. The composite substrate showed excellent sensitivity, achieving low detection limits and high recoveries, making it promising for monitoring and identification of clinical blood drug concentration.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Tenghua Zhang, Zihui Xie, Xiaohe Zheng, Yuxin Liang, Yao Lu, Hankang Zhong, Feiyang Qian, Yuqing Zhu, Ruiting Sun, Yan Sheng, Jiaming Hu
Summary: This study reports a technology based on cationic lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for efficient extracellular vesicle (EV) enrichment and in-situ detection of internal microRNAs. The technology demonstrates high EV enrichment efficiency and sensitive internal RNA detection, making it potentially useful for early pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Wenjie Dai, Gaoxu Chen, Xiaoyan Wang, Shujun Zhen, Chengzhi Huang, Lei Zhan, Yuanfang Li
Summary: In this study, a novel metal organic gel (MOG) with dual electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties was prepared by simple mixing. The MOG exhibited strong and stable anodic and cathodic ECL signals. By utilizing this MOG, an ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) biosensor was constructed for ultrasensitive detection of a specific gene. The study developed a straightforward technique for obtaining a single luminescent material with dual signals and expanded the analytical application of MOGs in the realm of ECL.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Lais Canniatti Brazaca, Amanda Hikari Imamura, Rodrigo Vieira Blasques, Jessica Rocha Camargo, Bruno Campos Janegitz, Emanuel Carrilho
Summary: The use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (muPADs) for medical diagnosis is a growing trend due to their low cost, easy use, simple manufacturing, and potential for application in low-resource settings. This review focuses on the advances in muPADs for medical diagnostics, discussing their use in detecting various biomarkers in common human biofluids. The challenges of biomarker detection in each sample are examined, along with innovative techniques to overcome these limitations. The commercialization difficulties of muPADs are also considered, along with future trends such as wearable devices and integrated platforms.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Minghong Jian, Xudong Sun, Hua Zhang, Xiaotong Li, Shasha Li, Zhenxin Wang
Summary: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are attractive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment, but their low abundance in biological samples, especially in the early stages of tumors, makes it challenging to precisely analyze MMP activities. In this study, a peptide microarray-based metal-enhanced fluorescence assay (PMMEFA) is proposed as a sensitive and specific method to simultaneously detect MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, and -13 activities. The PMMEFA showed excellent sensitivity and was capable of detecting MMP activities in various matrices.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Kyung Ho Kim, Eunsu Ryu, Zinah Hilal Khaleel, Sung Eun Seo, Lina Kim, Yong Ho Kim, Hyun Gyu Park, Oh Seok Kwon
Summary: We have developed a novel strategy for discriminative detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using the plasmonic photothermal effect of gold nanofilms and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technology. With this method, we were able to detect the delta and omicron variants with high sensitivity within 25 minutes from COVID-19 patients' clinical samples, making it a rapid and accurate point-of-care testing tool.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Zepeng Kang, Yuanming Wang, Haiyan Song, Xueli Wang, Job Zhang, Zhiguang Zhu
Summary: By designing a wearable and flexible lactic-acid/O2 EBFC with an air-breathing biocathode, the limitations of biocathode are effectively solved. The optimal performance conditions are determined through experiments, and the EBFC is successfully applied to power a low-power device.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Huayun Chen, Zhiheng You, Yuhui Hong, Xiao Wang, Mingming Zhao, Yushi Luan, Yibin Ying, Yixian Wang
Summary: This study developed a colorimetric sensor array using gas-responsive two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) composites for highly sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The dye/Zn-2(bim)(4) composites-based sensor arrays showed enhanced sensitivity and anti-interference properties. The findings demonstrate the potential use of dye/Zn-2(bim)(4) sensor arrays for early perception of plant diseases.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)