Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Junyi Chen, Shaoqi Huang, Yan Long, Kan Wang, Yangtai Guan, Lianping Hou, Bo Dai, Songlin Zhuang, Dawei Zhang
Summary: Droplet-based microfluidics has great potential in various applications, and this paper introduces a modular microfluidic system using 3D printing technology for droplet generation. The system allows flexible control of droplet size and generation rate by adjusting flow rates. It is a promising candidate for chemical and biological applications.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Rauno Joemaa, Nafisat Gyimah, Kanwal Ashraf, Kaiser Parnamets, Alexander Zaft, Ott Scheler, Toomas Rang, Tamas Pardy
Summary: Droplet microfluidics allows for the study of large cell populations in chemical isolation at a single-cell resolution. However, current systems rely on manual tuning and customization, limiting reproducibility. In this study, we propose an integrated, modular system for automated droplet generation with high monodispersity, providing dynamic feedback control and wireless communication. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the system's improved performance and reliability compared to existing methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cyrille L. Delley, Adam R. Abate
Summary: In this study, a modular framework is described to simplify the generation of multifunctional beads and allow for easy extension to new targets. The current barcode designs are limited to specific applications, but with this new approach, repurposing to novel targets becomes more efficient.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gangpei Cai, Yuxin Huang, Bailiang Chen, Yuemin Shen, Xiaolu Shi, Bo Peng, Shengli Mi, Jiajun Huang
Summary: Modular integration of functional components on the chip and real-time alteration in the force direction of droplets optimizes centrifugal microfluidic systems and allows for passive components, compact modules, and high-throughput control. A novel centrifugal microfluidic system is introduced to improve chip control freedom and accuracy while facilitating the design and addition of passive functional components. The system is modularized to shorten design and optimization cycles and achieve chip reusability and multi-threaded control. Testing the nucleic acid purification and detection reactions on the modular chip verifies its feasibility for high-throughput nucleic acid screening.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dominik Kralik, Anna Kovarova, Lucie Vobecka, Pavel Hasal, Zdenek Slouka, Michal Pribyl
Summary: In this study, a modular microfluidic system was designed and tested for the continuous flow separation of mandelic acid enantiomers. The system consists of a packed-bed microreactor with immobilized lipase enzyme and a membrane microseparator driven by an electric field. The immobilized catalyst converts a racemic substrate into mandelic acid enantiomers, with the enzyme efficiently synthesizing (R)-(-)-mandelic acid within minutes. The product stream is then fed into the membrane microseparator, where an inserted dialysis membrane and applied electric field completely separate the charged enantiomers from the mixture within a short time.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Rafael Ecker, Tina Mitteramskogler, Manuel Langwiesner, Andreas Fuchsluger, Marcus A. A. Hintermueller, Bernhard Jakoby
Summary: A modular microfluidic system with convenient and reliable connection technology based on magnets and casted O-ring-like structures has been designed and experimentally evaluated. Various integration technologies and functional components have been realized, including directional valves, reciprocating pumps, finger pumps, directly-cast check- and Tesla-valves, fluidic flow sensors, fluidic mixers, commercial valves, and various sensors. The feasibility of these devices has been demonstrated using different measurement setups.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Franciele Flores Vit, Rony Nunes, Yu Tzu Wu, Marco Cesar Prado Soares, Naiara Godoi, Eric Fujiwara, Hernandes F. Carvalho, Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
Summary: This study introduces a microfluidic technology for drug screening that enables the assessment of cellular behavior in dynamic conditions and the recovery of cells for subsequent processing and imaging.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chao Tan, Yixuan Chen, Yiran Wu, Zhili Xiao, Feng Dong
Summary: A portable, flexible, and extensible magnetic induction tomography (MIT) system with high-phase detection precision is proposed for imaging low-conductivity medium. Different modules in the system allow for flexibility in extending and meeting various applications, with sensor modules serving as both excitation and detection components.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Y. Alvarez-Brana, J. Etxebarria-Elezgarai, L. Ruiz de Larrinaga-Vicente, F. Benito-Lopez, L. Basabe-Desmonts
Summary: In order to facilitate the implementation of self-powered microfluidics, modular micropumps created through 3D printing have been developed. These micropumps have tunable and programmable characteristics, making them easily assemblable with microfluidic devices. A self-powered colorimetric test demonstrated the innovative potential of 3D printed micropumps in the field of self-powered microfluidics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucile Alexandre, Amel Bendali, Iago Pereiro, Madad Azimani, Simon Dumas, Laurent Malaquin, Thanh Duc Mai, Stephanie Descroix
Summary: This study reports an innovative microfluidic approach using magnetic bead fluidization to directly extract, preconcentrate, and detect IL-6 on a chip. By tuning the physical properties of the beads, assay performance can be improved by enhancing mass transport, reducing non-specific binding, and amplifying the detection signal threefold. By integrating a full ELISA protocol in a single microfluidic chamber, a twofold reduction in LOD and a large dynamic range are achieved.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tao Yue, Da Zhao, Duc T. T. Phan, Xiaolin Wang, Joshua Jonghyun Park, Zayn Biviji, Christopher C. W. Hughes, Abraham P. Lee
Summary: This study developed a novel modular microfluidic system with a vertical two-layered configuration to generate large-scale perfused microvascular networks in vitro. It successfully achieved angiogenesis and anastomosis, demonstrating high flexibility and scalability for various multiorgan-on-a-chip applications.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Baicheng Huang, Yufeng Lou, Zihan Zeng, Xingchi Kan, Xinping Shi, Yue Wu, Ling Guo, Muzhen Wang, Xingxu Huang, Xuemei Tian, Xinjie Wang
Summary: A Cas12a-based fluorescent microfluidic detection system was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of six HPV subtypes. The assay showed consistent results with the qPCR assay when tested with clinical samples, holding promise for improving cervical cancer screening and prevention.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zhiyuan Zhang, Hengxin He, Hui Yu, Kejie Li, Kai Bian, Weijiang Chen
Summary: In order to simulate the electric field during a lightning strike, a voltage pulse generator is urgently needed. This study proposes a new pulse generator structure based on a push-pull dc-dc converter and a flyback converter. The pulses produced by the generator have a variable voltage rise rate, and a modular design is used. Each module works independently and is powered by an exclusive lithium battery, avoiding the problems of existing generators. The electrical behavior of the generator during the switching transient is analyzed, and the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed generator are verified through experiments.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John J. Wright, Olivier Biner, Injae Chung, Nils Burger, Hannah R. Bridges, Judy Hirst
Summary: This study demonstrates, for the first time, the reverse electron transfer (RET) through complex I in a synthetic proteoliposome system, and provides a complete kinetic characterization of RET catalysis. The researchers also reveal new mechanisms and physiological features of the reversibility of complex I catalysis by studying the regulation in mammalian enzyme and evaluating RET in other species.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Shan Jiang, Ke Ma, Xu Cai, Georgios Konstantinou
Summary: This article proposes an efficient method for mission profile emulation (MPE) of submodules (SMs) in the modular multilevel converter (MMC). The method allows for testing the loading behaviors of multiple SMs in a cost-effective manner, by using a common H-bridge circuit as a voltage compensator. This significantly reduces current distortion and maintains testing accuracy without the need for large inductors in the testing circuit.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Peng, Dominik L. Siebert, Martin K. M. Engqvist, Christof M. Niemeyer, Kersten S. Rabe
Summary: A novel thermostable benzaldehyde lyase ReBAL was discovered, showing structural differences from PfBAL but with higher thermostability and different activity in rational design-generated variants. Using the most stable variant, (R)-benzoin was successfully synthesized, providing new insights for the production of alpha-hydroxy ketones and APIs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raphael Greifenstein, Tim Ballweg, Tawheed Hashem, Eric Gottwald, David Achauer, Frank Kirschhoefer, Michael Nusser, Gerald Brenner-Weiss, Elaheh Sedghamiz, Wolfgang Wenzel, Esther Mittmann, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer, Matthias Franzreb, Christof Woell
Summary: We have demonstrated a MOF-based continuous flow enzyme reactor system that allows efficient and stable catalysis in organic solvents. The stability and productivity of the enzyme were significantly improved under aqueous conditions, without the need for additional functionalization, making the fabrication process time- and cost-efficient using label-free enzymes.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Edina Klein, Janek Weiler, Michael Wagner, Minja Celikic, Christof M. Niemeyer, Harald Horn, Johannes Gescher
Summary: Aerobic granular sludge has become an increasingly popular method for wastewater treatment due to its ability to remove organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus simultaneously. However, analyzing the processes and microbial population within the granules is challenging due to their microscale. In this study, a small-scale model system for aerobic granular sludge was introduced using a machine-assisted microfluidic cultivation platform. With this setup, it was possible to enrich specific microorganisms and investigate the influence of process parameters on wastewater treatment systems.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sabrina Gallus, Esther Mittmann, Kersten S. Rabe
Summary: Comparing different membrane anchor motifs for surface display of a protein is crucial, and using a modular display system allows for easy assembly of anchors and passengers without the need for direct genetic fusion constructs in each case. Membrane anchors not only impact cell growth and membrane integrity, but also affect surface display capacity and biocatalytic activity. The strategy can be applied to other anchor and passenger combinations for various applications involving cell surface display.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
I Zoi, A. Ebrahimi, F. Feindt, E. Garutti, P. Gunnellini, A. Hinzmann, C. Niemeyer, D. Pitzl, J. Schwandt, G. Steinbruck
Summary: Pixelated silicon detectors are advanced technology designed to accurately measure the hit position of incoming particles in high rate and radiation environments. Operation requirements become extremely demanding at the High-Luminosity LHC due to multiple interactions and radiation, affecting sensor performance and resolution.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Esther Mittmann, Frank Mickoleit, Denis S. Maier, Sabrina Y. Staebler, Marius A. Klein, Christof M. Niemeyer, Kersten S. Rabe, Dirk Schueler
Summary: This study demonstrates that using magnetosomes as an alternative for immobilizing biocatalysts can achieve high and stable conversion rates. By genetically engineering foreign proteins onto the surface of magnetosomes, stable functionality of the particles is achieved. Results show that SpyCatcher magnetosomes significantly expand the genetic toolbox for particle surface functionalization.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen M. Dominguez, Miguel Garcia-Chame, Ulrike Mueller, Andreas Kraus, Klavdiya Gordiyenko, Ahmad Itani, Heiko Haschke, Peter Lanzerstorfer, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: This article reports on the high dynamic interaction between streptavidin and DNA origami nanostructures, and provides detailed insights into this interaction using a novel high-speed atomic force microscope. The study also demonstrates a correlation between this interaction and cellular activation. This work is significant for further standardizing the use of DNA nanostructures in the study of biological processes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ahmed E. Zoheir, Laura Meisch, Marta Velaz Martin, Christoph Bickmann, Alexei Kiselev, Florian Lenk, Anne-Kristin Kaster, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: This study presents the fabrication and application of a novel device for decoding microbial dark matter (MDM) in environmental microbiomes. The device, which is low-cost and easily scalable, allows for rapid colonization and enrichment of microorganisms. The results highlight the potential of this device for systematic study of MDM and cultivation of previously unculturable microorganisms.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick Bitterwolf, Ahmed E. Zoheir, Julian Hertel, Sandra Kroll, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: An intracellular approach to produce all-enzyme hydrogel particles has been developed, enabling efficient and sustainable biocatalysis. By using gene engineering, the researchers were able to simplify the construction of biocatalytic reactors and improve the stability and continuity of the reactions. This study provides a novel method for optimizing sustainable biocatalytic processes.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bingquan Yang, Klavdiya Gordiyenko, Andreas Schaefer, Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Dadfar, Wenwu Yang, Kristina Riehemann, Ravi Kumar, Christof M. Niemeyer, Michael Hirtz
Summary: In this study, three different surface coatings were compared to investigate their influence on DNA hybridization behavior. The structures and chemical properties of the coatings were characterized using various methods. The results showed that one of the coatings (PBAG) exhibited the highest hybridization efficiency, which has significant implications for the fabrication of DNA sensors.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Enrico Domenico Lemma, Roberta Tabone, Kai Richler, Ann-Kathrin Schneider, Claudia Bizzarri, Franco Weth, Christof M. Niemeyer, Martin Bastmeyer
Summary: Three-dimensional microscaffolds have shown great potential in mimicking physiological environments and simulating complex multicellular constructs in cell biology. However, controlling the precise localization of cells on microfabricated structures is still complex and limited to two-dimensional assays. This study presents a novel method using two-photon lithography and UV-mediated click reactions to selectively target different cell types to specific regions of a 3D microscaffold through DNA hybridization, enabling controlled cocultures of eukaryotic cells in 3D.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leonie Schneider, Kersten S. Rabe, Carmen M. Dominguez, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: The immunological response of mast cells is regulated by the binding of antigens to IgE antibodies bound to the Fc epsilon RI receptor on the cell membrane surface. However, the organization and structural requirements of these antigen-antibody-receptor complexes at the nanometer scale are not fully understood. In this study, DNA nanostructures were used to generate multivalent artificial antigens, allowing for control over valency and nanoscale architecture. The results showed that the assembly of antibody-receptor complexes is critical for mast cell activation, and the affinity and nanoscale distance between the binding partners have less influence on the activation process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leonie Schneider, Kersten S. Rabe, Carmen M. Dominguez, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: This study utilizes DNA nanostructures to create multivalent artificial antigens and investigates the spatial requirements and critical factors for mast cell activation. It reveals the importance of antigen-directed assembly of antibody-receptor complexes in triggering degranulation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Kroell, Leonie Schneider, Parvesh Wadhwani, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: We propose an efficient and readily applicable strategy for covalently linking proteins to DNA origami using the SpyCatcher-SpyTag (SC-ST) connector system. This method exhibits orthogonality with other covalent connectors and has been successfully used to immobilize and study stereoselective ketoreductases on DNA nanostructures, providing insights into enzyme spatial arrangement.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ahmed E. Zoheir, Laura Meisch, Marta Velaz Martin, Christoph Bickmann, Alexei Kiselev, Florian Lenk, Anne-Kristin Kaster, Kersten S. Rabe, Christof M. Niemeyer
Summary: Natural evolution has generated a wide variety of microorganisms that are still largely unknown. In order to exploit the potential of these microbial dark matter (MDM) in biotechnology, a new chip design has been developed. This chip allows for rapid decoding of MDM and efficient enrichment of microorganisms in various habitats. The initial case studies demonstrate the chip's suitability for systematic study and cultivation of previously unculturable microorganisms.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
