Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Francesco Nalin, Maria Celeste Tirelli, Piotr Garstecki, Witold Postek, Marco Costantini
Summary: tuna-step is a novel microfluidic module based on step emulsification that allows for reliable generation of droplets of different sizes. By incorporating a tunable nozzle and a new surface modification method, we achieved variation in droplet volume and produced functionally graded soft materials.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ziwei Liu, Xiyang Liu, Shaokun Jiang, Chunying Zhu, Youguang Ma, Taotao Fu
Summary: This study investigated the application of Y step emulsification technology in microfluidic devices, focusing on the influences of microdevice structures and fluid physical properties on droplet generation. Important factors affecting emulsion flux were identified, and a prediction equation for droplet size was proposed based on inertial and viscous forces of the dispersed phase.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xinjin Ge, Boris Y. Rubinstein, Yifeng He, Frederick N. O. Bruce, Liaonan Li, Alexander M. Leshansky, Zhenzhen Li
Summary: This study introduces a novel microfluidic tri-phasic step-emulsification device that can produce double emulsions with ultrathin shells in a single step, with controlled shell thickness achievable. The proposed theoretical model accurately predicts emulsification regimes and the approximation method shows good agreement with experimental findings, demonstrating the feasibility of this method for producing double emulsions and micro-capsules with controllable thickness.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Lu, Xuyun Liu, Xiangdong Liu, Yongping Chen
Summary: The droplet generation process in the microfluidic step emulsification chip with a triangular nozzle (SE-T) was studied through visualization experiments and numerical simulations, compared to a rectangular nozzle (SE-R). Different flow regimes, including dripping, dripping-jetting transition, and jetting, were observed in SE-T, with dripping being the preferred regime for generating monodisperse droplets. The larger space and expanding structure of the triangular nozzle in SE-T enhanced the wall wetting effects, leading to earlier appearance and faster neck shrinking. Consequently, SE-T showed more robust droplet performance, producing droplets with consistent size and higher monodispersity, regardless of variations in surfactant concentrations and dispersed phase flow rates.
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
Chemistry, Physical
Jiaoyuan Lian, Jiayi Wu, Shiying Wu, Wen Yu, Pengfei Wang, Li Liu, Qiang Zuo
Summary: In this study, the effects of viscosities on co-flowing step emulsification were investigated using the VOF-based CFD simulation method. The continuous phase viscosity was found to significantly influence droplet diameter and generation regime, while the increase in dispersed phase viscosity almost did not affect droplet diameter.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Jinjin Wang, Chunying Zhu, Taotao Fu, Youguang Ma
Summary: In this study, the droplet generation in a wedge-shaped step-emulsification microchannel was experimentally investigated. The dynamics of the dripping flow regime, as the main applicable flow regime, was primarily studied. The results showed that the droplet generation process consists of four stages, and the behaviors of the dispersed phase are influenced by its flow rate and viscosity. The size and formation period of the droplets increase with the increase in dispersed phase flow rate and viscosity. A correlation was proposed to predict the droplet size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPHASE FLOW
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xing Huang, Linbo Liu, Jie-Li Wang, Mingcheng Bi, Cong Liu, Wenya Liao, Pengfei Wang, Junfeng Liu, Zhanglin Hou, Zhongbin Xu, Fangfu Ye
Summary: Macroporous hydrogel with self-floating properties has promising applications in gastric drug delivery, water purification, and air-liquid interface cell culture. This study presents a new method for buoyancy-assisted microfluidic fabrication of anisotropic hydrogel products, allowing control over internal porosity and shape, with great potential for various applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Martin Schulz, Julian Ruediger, Emelie Landmann, Mohammed Bakheit, Sieghard Frischmann, Daniela Rassler, Ana R. Homann, Felix von Stetten, Roland Zengerle, Nils Paust
Summary: By implementing dual-volume centrifugal step emulsification on a single chip, the dynamic range of digital assays can be extended significantly, showing an increase of two orders of magnitude between the lower detection limit (LDL) and the upper limit of quantification (ULQ). This approach eliminates the need for complex manufacturing processes and specialized equipment, with sample metering, droplet generation, and quantification being automated through microfluidic design.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ali Lashkaripour, Christopher Rodriguez, Noushin Mehdipour, Rizki Mardian, David McIntyre, Luis Ortiz, Joshua Campbell, Douglas Densmore
Summary: Microfluidic devices based on droplet generation show great potential in various life science applications, but the lack of predictive understanding makes the design process iterative and resource-intensive. The DAFD tool utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict performance and automate the design of flow-focusing droplet generators, reducing the need for design iterations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhan, Ziwei Liu, Shaokun Jiang, Chunying Zhu, Youguang Ma, Taotao Fu
Summary: In this study, the generation processes of bubbles and droplets in a step-emulsification microfluidic device are compared to show the similarities and differences in the emulsification process. By changing the placement of the microdevice, the effects of buoyancy and gravity on the generation of bubbles and droplets are introduced, and the feedback mechanism of the bubble layer and the effect of droplet accumulation on the emulsification process are clarified.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Beibei Jing, Hongwei Ding, Zhijun Yang, Bo Li, Qianlin Liu
Summary: This paper introduces the LGAN (Link Generative Adversarial Networks) model, which consists of G1 and G2 parts for image synthesis; G1 generates anime images with highly abstract features, while G2 enhances image resolution and performs conditional generation. The comparison test shows LGAN(SEG) outperforming other models.
APPLIED INTELLIGENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carolina Cionti, Giovanni Vavassori, Eleonora Pargoletti, Daniela Meroni, Giuseppe Cappelletti
Summary: The study explores the in situ functionalization of ZnO in vegetable oils to achieve highly stable Pickering emulsions without the use of additional modifiers. Experiment results show that the wetting properties of functionalized ZnO play a crucial role in emulsion stability, and the presence of fatty acids in vegetable oil leads to the in situ functionalization of bare ZnO particles.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiyang Liu, Shaokun Jiang, Chunying Zhu, Youguang Ma, Taotao Fu
Summary: This article investigates the formation mechanism of viscoelastic fluid droplets in a step-emulsification microdevice using polyethylene oxide glycerin aqueous solution as the dispersed phase and cyclohexane as the continuous phase. It is found that elasticity has a delaying effect on the necking and pinch-off stages of droplet formation, leading to the beading phenomenon.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yazhi Zheng, Hanxu Chen, Xiang Lin, Minli Li, Yuanjin Zhao, Luoran Shang
Summary: Drug microcarriers were prepared using a microfluidic step emulsification method, which allows for high-throughput production of droplets and hydrogel microparticles. The microparticles encapsulated basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and incorporated black phosphorus (BP) for controllable release via near-infrared (NIR) stimulation. These microparticles serve as drug carriers to induce angiogenesis and collagen deposition, promoting wound repair. These findings suggest that the step emulsification technique has the potential to provide scalable production of drug microcarriers for wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongpeng Sun, Lin Zheng, Xuejing Xu, Kaiyang Du, Zhiqiang An, Xuan Zhou, Li Chen, Jiliang Zhu, Dong Chen
Summary: Simulating the structures and behaviors of living organisms is important for developing novel multi-functional intelligent devices. This study proposes a simple and effective approach to create biomimetic devices with independently pre-programmable visual patterns, complex geometries, and morphable modes. By combining a metal organic framework (MOF) and a chiral nematic liquid crystal elastomer (CLCE), the researchers achieved shape transformation and color change in an artificial flower, which could respond to local stimuli.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianpeng Sheng, Jiangchao Wu, Xianghong Yin, Zhu Sun, Xun Wang, Junlei Zhang, Jianghui Tang, Yongtao Ji, Jinyuan Song, Xiaobao Wei, Lin Wang, Yaxing Zhao, Hui Zhang, Taohong Li, Qi Zhang, Xueli Bai, Li Chen, Dong Chen, Tingbo Liang
Summary: Hypoxia is a major obstacle in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current treatments can worsen tumor hypoxia. Utilizing nanoparticle-stabilized oxygen microcapsules in combination with Lenvatinib, it is possible to alleviate tumor hypoxia and enhance the therapeutic effect.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Li, Guangze Yang, Lukas Gerstweiler, San H. H. Thang, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: This article provides a review of five intensively studied types of stimuli-responsive peptides and proteins, their design principles and applications, with a focus on key design concepts and switch function. It also discusses typical examples of their applications to enhance the understanding of the design concept and methodology. This review will inspire future innovation in peptide- and protein-based materials and their diverse applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yilun Weng, Supun Ranaweera, Da Zou, Anna P. Cameron, Xiaojing Chen, Hao Song, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: Enzymes are essential for industries, but their sensitivity to high temperatures can be problematic. Encapsulation with alginate microparticles has been shown to improve enzyme thermal stability, but other factors like enzyme loading and bioavailability also need to be considered. This study optimized the efficiency of enzyme encapsulation and achieved high enzyme loading and thermal stability, with excellent bioavailability demonstrated in an animal trial.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Nan-yang Zhao, Zhong-bin Xu, Yan Shan, Hou-pan Zhou, Xing Huang
Summary: This article investigates the kinematics analysis and stability management strategy of the mold in the early design stage for the clamping mechanism. The constant and variable kinematics adjustments of the crosshead are compared in the clamping analysis. Three factors of the crosshead are validated for the stability control of the mold's motion in the injection molding process. The results show that the constant condition has a faster process compared to the variable crosshead's kinematics adjustment. By adjusting the maximum velocity and two special positions of the crosshead, the maximum acceleration fluctuation of the mold is decreased by more than 50%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yubin Ren, Yi Zhang, Yawei Liu, Qinglin Wu, Hong-Gang Hu, Jingjing Li, Chunhai Fan, Dong Chen, Kai Liu, Hongjie Zhang
Summary: By developing reliable and highly efficient encoding systems (RABSR and RAHRSR), high-density information storage for polypeptide data can be achieved, with advantages such as data compression, error correction, elimination of homopolymers, and pseudo-randomized encryption. The coding efficiency for audio, picture, and text data was 3.20, 3.12, and 3.53 Bits/AA for the RABSR system, and 4.89, 4.80, and 6.84 Bits/AA for the RAHRSR system, respectively. The coding efficiency further increased to 7.24, 7.11, and 9.82 Bits/AA with redundancy for error correction and arithmetic compression for the RAHRSR system. Thus, these hexadecimal polypeptide-based systems may provide a new scenario for highly reliable and highly efficient data storage.
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carlos H. H. Luna-Flores, Yilun Weng, Alexander Wang, Xiaojing Chen, Bingyin Peng, Chun-Xia Zhao, Laura Navone, Juhani von Hellens, Robert E. E. Speight
Summary: This study aims to optimize the expression of plant acid phosphatase in P. pastoris by using continuous and fed-batch cultures in an industrial fermentation apparatus. The results showed that higher enzyme production can be achieved through continuous culture under glucose de-repression conditions. Furthermore, enzyme production was further improved by introducing methanol induction in fed-batch cultures. This study highlights the importance of optimizing protein production in P. pastoris.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junfeng Liu, Pengfei Wang, Nanyang Zhao, Zhongbin Xu, Xing Huang
Summary: Continuous tubular flow reactors are widely used due to their simple structures and controllable reaction conditions. Microreactors with microscale characteristics offer enhanced mixing and high surface area to volume ratio. Microcapillary reactors combine the advantages of continuous processing and microscale reactions, but scaling up microreactions remains challenging. Residence time distribution (RTD) is a crucial method to study flow behaviors in microreactors. Microcapillary films (MCFs) provide a strategy for multiplexing microreactions, but the uniformity of microcapillaries in MCF strips limits their application. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations and experimental validations were carried out to investigate the effects of dimension, convection, and diffusion on RTD. MCFs with high size uniformity were manufactured, showing enhanced performance in RTD and microreactions, and suggesting broad applications in large-scale microreactions in the chemical engineering industry.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chanqi Ye, Xiaoxiao Yan, Xiaomeng Dai, Ruyin Chen, Qiong Li, Shuaishuai Xu, Qi Jiang, Feifei Yan, Suzhen Xu, Chun-Xia Zhao, Peng Zhao, Dong Chen, Jian Ruan
Summary: This study designs and synthesizes snowman-like tumor-targeting nanoparticles that improve drug delivery and enhance anti-tumor therapy. In vivo tests demonstrate that these nanoparticles can effectively reduce tumor-associated macrophages and activate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yao Xiao, Shikai Zhang, Jingyi Chen, Baoling Guo, Dong Chen
Summary: Polyethylene (PE), a popular thermoplastic polymer, is widely used in materials and biomedical engineering. 3D printing via fused deposition modeling (FDM) provides an easy method for preparing PE products. We investigated the effects of printing parameters and degradation on the mechanical performance of FDM-printed PE fibers. Smaller diameter fibers prepared at higher collecting speeds exhibited higher tensile strength and Young's modulus. Higher printer head temperatures led to lower viscosity and weaker shearing, resulting in decreased tensile strength and Young's modulus. Degradation, such as UV exposure and thermal degradation, caused a decrease in all four mechanical properties. These findings will aid in optimizing FDM-printed PE materials and assessing their durability against degradation for practical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Letao Xu, Xing Wang, Guangze Yang, Zihan Zhao, Yilun Weng, Yang Li, Yun Liu, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: Lipid-based nanostructures have gained significant attention for their clinical applications, including the approval of the liposome Doxil for cancer therapy in 1995 and the recent mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines for COVID-19. Compared to liposomes, lipid nanoparticles with a particle structure offer advantages such as greater stability and higher drug encapsulation efficiency. This study introduces a concentration-controlled nanoprecipitation platform technology to fabricate lipid nanoparticles with tunable drug loading up to 70 wt%. The resulting nanoparticles exhibit excellent properties and hold promise for future drug delivery applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yao Xiao, Chenjing Yang, Baoling Guo, Xiaowei Zhai, Shuxing Lao, Peng Zhao, Jian Ruan, Xingyu Lu, Kai Liu, Dong Chen
Summary: High-strength and high-toughness organic-inorganic regenerated silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite (RSF/HAP) hybrid fibers were prepared using a single-channel microfluidic device. The fibers demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 778 MPa, a Young's modulus of 17.8 GPa, a tensile strain of 19.9%, and a toughness of 121 MJ m(-3) after twisting treatments. Additionally, the fibers showed good performances under static loading, dynamic impact, and extreme cold conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangze Yang, Yun Liu, Song Jin, Yue Hui, Xing Wang, Letao Xu, Dong Chen, David Weitz, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: We report a simple and efficient salt concentration screening method for making polymer nanoparticles with high drug loading. This technology offers a novel approach to fabricating polymer nanoparticles with tunable drug loading, and opens great potentials for future nanomedicines.
Article
Polymer Science
Nanyang Zhao, Junfeng Liu, Mingcheng Bi, Zhongbin Xu, Jing Zhou, Jisong Ding, Qiong Wu
Summary: Online viscosity information is important for manufacturing in various industries. This study designed a rheometric mold to identify the in situ viscosity of molten resin during injection molding. By controlling the entrance effect and viscous dissipation effect, the in situ thermal-rheological behavior of polymer can be successfully determined. The study shows potential for low-cost, nondestructive, and inner-mold measurement in manufacturing applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
