Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tao Zhang, Hong Zhang, Wuping Zhou, Keming Jiang, Cong Liu, Ru Wang, Yuanshuai Zhou, Zhiqiang Zhang, Qian Mei, Wen-Fei Dong, Minxuan Sun, Haiwen Li
Summary: This article presents a simple one-step approach for producing and purifying hydrogel microspheres and highlights their potential applications in automated spheroid and organoid cultures as well as drug screening.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenjun Ma, Yingzhe Liu, Sida Ling, Zhuo Chen, Jianhong Xu
Summary: In this study, heterogenous helical hydrogel microfiber motors were prepared using an emulsion-based microfluidic spinning method, showing great potential in applications such as drug release and water treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Qingqing Liang, Cheng Liang, Xiaojing Liu, Xiaotao Xing, Shixing Ma, Haisen Huang, Chao Liang, Lei Liu, Li Liao, Weidong Tian
Summary: This study explores a novel strategy for dental pulp regeneration using cell-laden microfibers and validates the regeneration effect in vivo, which can generate more pulp tissue, blood vessels, and odontoblast-like cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yiliang Wang, Hui Peng, Haomin Wang, Mingchao Zhang, Wei Zhao, Yingying Zhang
Summary: In this study, MOF nanoparticles were synthesized in situ in double-network hydrogels, and stretchable MOF hydrogel tubes were fabricated. The high-modulus nanoparticles served as strong crosslinks and improved the mechanical properties of the composites significantly. Furthermore, the porous nanoparticles endowed the hydrogels with good recovery behavior from compression and adsorption properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Killian C. O'Connell, Nicola K. Lawless, Brennan M. Stewart, James P. Landers
Summary: Many assays require the use of highly concentrated acids or powerful oxidizing agents, which are often incompatible with traditional microfluidic devices. This study introduces a simple and inexpensive reagent storage strategy that allows for long-term compatibility and operation of microdevices with corrosive reagents. The strategy enables the storage of multiple highly corrosive and oxidative reagents simultaneously, expanding the possibilities for integrated multistep assays.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zihao Zhao, Xiaocui Pei, Qiushuai Li, Huaxing Zhang, Yong Wang, Jianglei Qin, Yingna He
Summary: A double-network hydrogel composed of a physical glycyrrhizic acid network and a chemically crosslinked pectin-based network was fabricated as a local drug depot. It exhibited excellent mechanical performance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustained drug release.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fei Yu, Peiyu Yang, Zhengqu Yang, Xiaochen Zhang, Jie Ma
Summary: Double-network (DN) hydrogels consist of two intertwined crosslinked networks, offering a balanced mechanical performance of high strength and toughness. They not only exhibit excellent mechanical properties, but also possess good anti-swelling and self-healing abilities, making them promising materials for environmental applications. Recent research has focused on the classification, adsorption mechanisms, and potential applications of these hydrogels in addressing environmental pollutants.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenyu Zhao, Zhen Wang, Gen Li, Zhengwei Cai, Jiezhou Wu, Lei Wang, Lianfu Deng, Ming Cai, Wenguo Cui
Summary: Microfluidic hydrogel microspheres have been widely studied and used in various industries, with a focus on their applications in the medical field for controlled delivery of cells and drugs. These materials enable efficient encapsulation and control of functionalities, promoting collaboration across disciplines and advancing precision medicine and applied materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Weijun Kong, Hongtao Feng, Xiang Qian, Yizhao Chen, Mengying Deng, Pengfei Zhang, Wen Li, Wenting Bu, Wenchao Xu, Wei Jin, Yuqing Huang, Jun Chu, Shangtao Wu, Yan Chen, Yongfan Men
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic method based on oscillating electric field-induced electrojetting was proposed to fabricate size-controllable fluorescent microspheres embedded with various fluorescent substances. The size of droplets can be adjusted by varying the intensity and frequency of the electric field. The prepared microspheres showed narrow size distribution and intense fluorescence emission.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiradet Sringam, Porntipa Pankongadisak, Tatiya Trongsatitkul, Nitinat Suppakarn
Summary: This work aims to improve the mechanical properties of starch-based hydrogels using a double-network strategy. The results showed that DN hydrogels had denser microstructures compared to SN hydrogels. This approach provides a simple and effective way to enhance the mechanical properties of starch-based hydrogels without sacrificing their biocompatibility.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ming-yue Pan, Qi He, Jia-ning Liu, Kui Du, Cheng-bin Gong, Qian Tang
Summary: This study investigates the electrochromic behavior of a water-soluble monosubstituted viol-ogen analog, BPYDB-C6H13, in different electrolyte systems. Gel-state ECDs with CMC-Na hydrogel and CMC-Na-PAM double network hydrogel as the electrolytes show enhanced cycling stability, improved coloration efficiency, lower power consumption, and longer memory time compared to the solution-type ECD. The promising properties of easy fabrication, better electrochromic performance, and ultra-low power consumption make this gel-state ECD suitable for applications in electronic paper, smart windows, and displays.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sebastien Sart, Gustave Ronteix, Shreyansh Jain, Gabriel Amselem, Charles N. Baroud
Summary: The manipulation of cells in droplets using microfluidic technologies has shown great success, particularly in single-cell screening. It has also been used to study interactions between different cells and their environment. The quantitative aspects, biological constraints, and measurement methods of this technology have been reviewed, with a focus on applications in cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells, emphasizing the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines for improvement.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinxin Huang, Jingchao Li, Jing Luo, Qiang Gao, An Mao, Jianzhang Li
Summary: Research on double-network (DN) hydrogels with good biocompatibility and mechanical properties has been flourishing recently. These hydrogels have significant advantages in mechanical properties, structure, biocompatibility, and various potential applications. Focus is on enhancement mechanisms, preparation methods, and applications in different fields, breaking away from current limitations and providing new ideas for future development.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wisawat Keaswejjareansuk, Somrudee Keawmaloon, Nuttawat Sawangrat, Satit Puttipipatkhachorn, Teerapong Yata, Phornphimon Maitarad, Liyi Shi, Mattaka Khongkow, Katawut Namdee
Summary: Cell encapsulation in hydrogels, particularly alginate hydrogels, is a promising strategy for tissue engineering and cell therapy. However, the gradual degradation of alginate hydrogels in the physiological environment can negatively affect cell-cell interaction and tissue formation. This study successfully produced cell-encapsulated hydrogel microfibers with accelerated degradation to promote cell proliferation, showing potential for novel therapies in tissue regeneration.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minjun Chen, Ruqaiya Aluunmani, Guido Bolognesi, Goran T. Vladisavljevic
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) microgels with tuneable size and porosity have various applications. The microgels were produced using modular droplet microfluidics and their properties were studied.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Koki Kamiya, Toshihisa Osaki, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: Nano-sized asymmetric lipid vesicles can serve as carriers in drug delivery systems, mimicking the cellular transportation systems of exosomes.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Byeongwook Jo, Yuya Morimoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: Interest in skeletal muscle tissue has grown due to its unique ability to control body movements. Recent research in engineered skeletal muscle tissue has expanded its potential applications in nonclinical models. However, limitations in satisfying in vivo-like position and proportion of intermuscular fat have led to the proposal of a fabrication method for cocultured tissue composed of both skeletal muscle and adipose tissues.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kazuto Ogishi, Toshihisa Osaki, Yuya Morimoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This paper verifies the feasibility of single-step and monolithic fabrication of 3D structural lipid bilayer devices using stereolithography, and explores the key factors for successful formation of lipid bilayers. The study shows that devices fabricated by stereolithography have comparable measurement performances to those fabricated by conventional procedures, and demonstrates the extendibility of the technology.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Byeongwook Jo, Yuya Morimoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This study presents a 3D-printed centrifugal pump driven by magnetic force for microfluidics and biological analysis. The pump has a compact size and contactless driving part, making it suitable for conventional experimental setups. It is demonstrated that this device has a high potential for applications in microfluidic devices and perfusion culture of cells.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shigenori Miura, Yuya Morimoto, Tomomi Furihata, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: Studying the functional regulation of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) is of great importance. In this study, a simple and easy-to-handle microfluidic device was proposed to mimic the functional regulation of the human BBB endothelium in response to fluid shear stress (FSS), and the drug efflux activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was analyzed using a cell culture insert. The results showed that the BBB endothelium stimulated by FSS exhibited higher P-gp activity. This microfluidic system can be used to investigate the bidirectional transport of drugs and its regulation by fluid shear stress.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Miki Matsumoto, Yuya Morimoto, Toshiro Sato, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic organoid-trapping device was proposed to immobilize and stimulate human intestinal organoids. The device successfully trapped and cultured human intestinal organoids, and demonstrated the ability to induce organoid fusion and regulate their surface structures using fluidic shear stress.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Satoshi Inagaki, Yuya Morimoto, Ikuo K. Suzuki, Kazuo Emoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This study presents a co-culture system of human skin equivalents (HSEs) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Spheroids of mouse DRG neurons with or without Schwann cells (SCs) were prepared. Spheroids with DRG neurons and SCs exhibited longer neurite extensions compared to those with DRG neurons alone. Neurite extension of more than 1 mm was observed from spheroids cultured inside HSEs, while neurite extension was primarily observed on the surface of HSEs from spheroids cultured on HSEs. This model may be a useful tool for studying neurite extension in human skin.
JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Minghao Nie, Shogo Nagata, Haruka Oda, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic bioprinting method was developed to fabricate three-dimensional tissue constructs consisting of core-shell microfibers, which enabled the encapsulation of cells and extracellular matrices. The optimized printhead design and printing parameters allowed for the printing of core-shell microfibers into macroscale constructs with high cell viability. Analysis of the tissues cultured using dynamic culture methods showed the establishment of intensive cell-cell contacts in the fiber cores, leading to enhanced albumin secretion function compared to 2D cultured cells. The densely cellularized tissues formed in the fiber cores had similar cell density to in-vivo solid organ tissues. Future improvements in culture techniques are expected to enable the fabrication of thicker tissues for applications in tissue modeling and cell therapy.
Article
Biophysics
Kazuto Ogishi, Toshihisa Osaki, Hisatoshi Mimura, Izumi Hashimoto, Yuya Morimoto, Norihisa Miki, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This paper presents a novel signal processing method for real-time and quantitative characterization of ion channel activities on a lipid bilayer system. The characterization of ion channel activities has traditionally relied on time-consuming analyses after recording, posing a challenge in incorporating the system into practical applications. The proposed system divides the ion channel signal into short segments for processing during the recording, allowing for real-time characterization and response.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kazuma Morita, Yuya Morimoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: Biohybrid robots composed of both biological and artificial materials can exhibit unique characteristics of living organisms. To enable multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs), we propose a biohybrid actuator with a tensegrity structure that arranges multiple muscle tissues in a 3D configuration. By using muscle tissues as tension members, the actuator can tilt in multiple directions through muscle contractions. The actuator also demonstrates stability and robustness, providing a platform for the development of muscle-driven biohybrid robots with complex and flexible movements.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hisatoshi Mimura, Toshihisa Osaki, Sho Takamori, Kenji Nakao, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This study proposes a device for repeated measurements of ion channels incorporated into individually arrayed lipid bilayers, overcoming the limitations of existing parallelized approaches. By optimizing the surface properties and clearance of a wiping blade module, the device achieves repeated bilayer formation and a 5-fold improvement in data throughput during ion channel activity measurements. The practical utility of the device is validated by evaluating the effects of an ion channel inhibitor. This device opens new avenues for high-throughput analysis and screening of ion channels, leading to significant advancements in drug discovery and functional studies of membrane proteins.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Koji Sakai, Shigenori Miura, Tetsuhiko F. Teshima, Toichiro Goto, Shoji Takeuchi, Masumi Yamaguchi
Summary: Researchers have developed a 3D culture model of small vascular tissue using a self-folding graphene-based porous film. This model replicates the structural features of a small artery and can help in understanding intercellular communications in physiological and pathological conditions.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Koji Sakai, Shigenori Miura, Tetsuhiko F. Teshima, Toichiro Goto, Shoji Takeuchi, Masumi Yamaguchi
Summary: In this study, we developed a three-dimensional culture model of small vascular tissue using a self-folding graphene-based porous film. This model successfully recapitulates the structural features of a small artery and provides insights into intercellular communications at the artery wall under physiological and pathological conditions.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sho Takamori, Pietro Cicuta, Shoji Takeuchi, Lorenzo Di Michele
Summary: DNA-assisted selective electrofusion (DASE) utilizes membrane-anchored DNA constructs to bring together objects for fusion, and an electric impulse is applied to trigger fusion, combining the efficiency of standard electrofusion and the selectivity of fusogenic nanostructures.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michio Kawai, Minghao Nie, Haruka Oda, Yuya Morimoto, Shoji Takeuchi
Summary: This research proposes using skin equivalent as a coverage material for robots to achieve more harmonious and natural human-robot interactions. By replicating human appearance and self-healing ability, the researchers created a three-joint robotic finger covered with skin equivalent and demonstrated wound repair using grafted collagen sheet. The results indicate the potential of using skin equivalent as a human-like and self-healing coverage material for robots.
