Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Md Ehtashamul Haque, Alvaro J. J. Conde, William N. N. MacPherson, Stephen R. R. Knight, Richard M. M. Carter, Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas
Summary: A finger-actuated blood lysate preparation device based on acoustofluidic micromixer is developed for effective red blood cell lysis, which has potential applications in various blood-based diagnostic tests. The device features innovative design and user-friendly operation, offering opportunities for the development of low-cost microfluidic-based diagnostics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. de Hemptinne, P. Gelin, I. Ziemecka, W. De Malsche
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic chip was developed to assemble multiple layers on magnetic particles using magnetic fields. The chip design allows for three parallel liquid streams, with two reactant solutions separated by a washing solution. By utilizing the magnetic field, particles are carried by the flow and diverted in a perpendicular direction to switch between liquid streams, allowing for the adsorption of a layer during each passage. The use of walls between streams minimizes liquid diffusion and enables the placement of multiple chip units in series to increase the number of coated layers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Niko Kimura, Masatoshi Maeki, Kosuke Sasaki, Yusuke Sato, Akihiko Ishida, Hirofumi Tani, Hideyoshi Harashima, Manabu Tokeshi
Summary: The study developed a three-dimensional symmetrically assembled microfluidic device named the 3D-iLiNP device with the aim of precise size control of large-sized LNPs. Through computational fluid dynamics simulation, the device was designed and demonstrated to improve the LNP size distribution. Results showed that LNPs with sizes between 90 and 120 nm exhibited higher gene silencing activity compared to other sizes. The 3D-iLiNP device is expected to enhance DDS performance by accurately controlling the size of LNPs.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ali Khodayari Bavil, Vladimir Coltisor, Zachary Estlack, Jungkyu Kim
Summary: The article introduces a pneumatically controlled microfluidic rectifier (PCMR) developed based on the concept of a transistor, which can prevent backflow in pulsatile flow. The study shows that by adjusting the gate pressure on the PCMR, zero backflow can be achieved, albeit at the cost of pumping efficiency, enabling laminar flow.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wen-Pin Hu, Yi-Fang Lai, Cao-An Vu, Chia-Wen Tsao, Shin-Chen Pan, Chao-Min Cheng, Wen-Yih Chen
Summary: This study presents a paper/PMMA hybrid device that is capable of isolating exosomes and extracting exosomal miRNA for quantitative analysis. By integrating paper and a PMMA mold with a microvalve controlled design, the entire process can be performed on paper. The device exhibits excellent performance in capturing exosomes and extracting miRNA, showing comparable results to commercial extraction kits. This innovative device should be incorporated into point-of-care testing (POCT) systems for efficient exosomal miRNA extraction.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peiwen Huang, Hongbo Fu, Matthew Wei Ming Tan, Yixuan Jiang, Pooi See Lee
Summary: This study presents a one-step DLP 3D printing method for multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs), avoiding the time-consuming layer-by-layer process. Optimized DLP-printable Polyurethane Acrylate-based DEA material results in a non-pre-stretched cylindrical DEA with 270 mN blocked force and 45% actuation efficiency at 100 Hz. Demonstrated applicability as vibrotactile devices show promise for robotics and haptic interfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Regan P. Moore, Ellen C. O'Shaughnessy, Yu Shi, Ana T. Nogueira, Katelyn M. Heath, Klaus M. Hahn, Wesley R. Legant
Summary: The microfluidic device presented is compatible with high resolution light sheet and super-resolution microscopy, featuring a transparent FEP cover with similar refractive index to water for top-down imaging. It supports long-term imaging, rapid reagent handling, and sterile culture conditions by physically isolating the sample, and can be used for super-resolution imaging techniques such as LLS-SIM and DNA PAINT.
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
Cell Biology
Lucie Descamps, Marie-Charlotte Audry, Jordyn Howard, Samir Mekkaoui, Clement Albin, David Barthelemy, Lea Payen, Jessica Garcia, Emmanuelle Laurenceau, Damien Le Roy, Anne-Laure Deman
Summary: Magnetophoresis-based microfluidic devices allow for simple manipulation of micro-scale objects, especially with the integration of micrometer-scale permanent magnets made from NdFeB particles. These micro-magnets not only exhibit strong trapping capabilities but also enhance magnetic forces for efficient cell sorting and high-throughput sorting applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yen-Heng Lin, Ching-Hui Chang
Summary: A simple and reusable three-dimensional microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing device is proposed for fluorescent particle counting and fluorescence intensity detection, assembled using commercially available glass capillaries. The device can provide a symmetric three-dimensional hydrodynamic focus flow by matching the inner diameter of a square capillary with the outer diameter of a circular capillary. It is capable of controlling the diameter of the focused flow by adjusting the flow rates, allowing accurate counting of fluorescent particles and detection of fluorescence intensity.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gianluca Mezzanzanica, Olivier Francais, Stefano Mariani
Summary: Size sorting, line focusing, and isolation of microparticles or cells are essential for disease diagnostic tools in biology and biomedicine. This paper presents a finite element model of a microfluidic surface acoustic wave-based device for microparticle manipulation. Acoustic waves are used to create a standing surface acoustic wave in a microchannel, allowing for non-contact manipulation. The effects of microchannel size on microparticle actuation are discussed using sensitivity analysis and exemplary results.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mia Kvale Lovmo, Benedikt Pressl, Gregor Thalhammer, Monika Ritsch-Marte
Summary: Recent advancements in cell biology research have shown that suspended cell clusters, such as organoids or cancer spheroids, have greater potential compared to traditional 2D cell cultures. However, sample confinement has been found to significantly impact cell clusters, leading to a demand for contact-less tools for 3D manipulation and inspection. This study introduces a reconfigurable, hybrid sono-optical system for contact-free 3D manipulation and imaging, suitable for biological samples in liquid suspension.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Vinit Kumar Yadav, Preetha Ganguly, Prashant Mishra, Samaresh Das, Dhiman Mallick
Summary: This study developed a versatile magnetic microfluidic device for concentration-dependent compartmentalization of a magnetically controlled anticancer drug. By optimizing the microfluidic design and magnet configuration, predictable concentration control and gradient generation were achieved. The results of drug screening and cytotoxicity testing using the device were consistent with traditional methods.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Taiki Otomo, Tatsuya Matsubara, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Deok-Ho Kim, Masashi Ikeuchi, Joon-wan Kim
Summary: This study proposes a microfluidic device that uses MEMS-fabricated micro-pumps to apply stretch stimulation to cells in order to mimic the in vivo environment of organs. The device successfully stretches a microporous membrane with similar frequency and strain as the organs' in vivo environment, demonstrating its potential for efficient and effective drug discovery screening.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taeksu Lee, Soongeun Kwon, Hak-Jong Choi, Hyungjun Lim, Jaejong Lee
Summary: The study introduces a repeatable SERS-based microfluidic device with a disposable SERS substrate and a reusable microfluidic channel. These components, prepared through mechanical processing and nanoimprint lithography, provide excellent SERS enhancement and reliable signal reproducibility, facilitating accurate detection of target molecules such as microRNA.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kavitha Illath, Srabani Kar, Pallavi Gupta, Ashwini Shinde, Syrpailyne Wankhar, Fan-Gang Tseng, Ki-Taek Lim, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: Microfluidic platforms have gained popularity in biomedical research due to their unique features in synthesizing nanomaterials, enabling automated synthesis with high speed and repeatability for specific biomedical applications. The ability of microfluidics to simulate physiological conditions for nanomaterial evaluation and achieve more effective clinical applications is emphasized in this review.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pallavi Gupta, Ashwini Shinde, Kavitha Illath, Srabani Kar, Moeto Nagai, Fan-Gang Tseng, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: Single-neuron actions are crucial for brain function, and microfluidic systems provide precise control over the micro-environment for single-neuron analysis. These platforms offer insights into brain cell diversity and dynamics related to brain development and disorders. This review highlights recent advances in microfluidic devices for single-neuron analysis and emphasizes limitations and future challenges.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pulasta Chakrabarty, Pallavi Gupta, Kavitha Illath, Srabani Kar, Moeto Nagai, Fan-Gang Tseng, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: Efficient intracellular delivery strategies are crucial for biomedical applications, with recent advancements in micro/nanotechnology leading to research on microfluidic device-based strategies. Mechanoporation techniques, specifically advantageous due to their high efficiency and cell viability without external energy sources, have seen significant progress in the past two decades.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Sangjin Ryu, Haipeng Zhang, Moeto Nagai
Summary: This review paper revisits selected Japanese papers on the stalk contraction and relaxation of Vorticellidae, summarizing their key findings and insights. The authors also rework selected figures and analyze selected data for better readability. This revisiting is meaningful to research communities in the fields of biomechanical engineering, bioinspired engineering, and biophysics.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Loganathan Mohan, Ren Hattori, Haipeng Zhang, Yuki Matsumura, Tuhin Subhra Santra, Takayuki Shibata, Sangjin Ryu, Moeto Nagai
Summary: In this study, the effects of nanoparticle size, interparticle distance, and laser energy on bubble formation were investigated using trapped bubbles in hydrogels. The results showed that the size of the trapped bubbles increased with softer hydrogels, higher laser energy level, larger agglomerate size, and smaller interparticle distance among agglomerates. It was also observed that nanobubbles initially formed on nanoparticles merged to become microbubbles.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daigo Natsuhara, Sae Misawa, Ryogo Saito, Koki Shirai, Shunya Okamoto, Moeto Nagai, Masashi Kitamura, Takayuki Shibata
Summary: The identification of accidental allergen contamination in processed foods is crucial, and the researchers proposed a newly designed air plug-in valve to improve microfluidic devices. With this valve, higher flow rate can be achieved and multiple food allergens can be detected simultaneously, providing a rapid and convenient sample-to-answer platform for ensuring food safety.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Srabani Kar, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanmay Debnath, Ren Hattori, Shunya Okamoto, Takayuki Shibata, Tuhin Subhra Santra, Moeto Nagai
Summary: This study presents a method of trapping and isolating single cells in hydrogel microwell arrays, and introduces an object detection-based deep learning algorithm that achieves accurate detection and prediction of cells with high precision, enhancing the efficiency and throughput of single-cell analysis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Daigo Natsuhara, Ryogo Saito, Shunya Okamoto, Moeto Nagai, Takayuki Shibata
Summary: This study presents a new design of an efficient micromixer with a simple geometrical feature, which can be easily incorporated into microchannel networks, enhancing mixing efficiency. The micromixer features asymmetric vertical obstacle structures that increase the interfacial contact area, facilitating effective mixing between the two fluids.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashwini Shinde, Kavitha Illath, Uvanesh Kasiviswanathan, Shalini Nagabooshanam, Pallavi Gupta, Koyel Dey, Pulasta Chakrabarty, Moeto Nagai, Suresh Rao, Srabani Kar, Tuhin Subhra Santra
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pulasta Chakrabarty, Kavitha Illath, Srabani Kar, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: The physical energy activated techniques for cellular delivery and analysis is a rapidly expanding research area in biological and biomedical studies. These techniques have been widely used for delivering biomolecules into different cell types, but individual methods have limitations. Recent studies have combined different membrane disruption techniques, resulting in enhanced transfection, lower delivery parameters, and high cell viability. These studies open up new avenues for understanding subcellular structure and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kavitha Illath, Ashwini Shinde, Priyesh Paremmal, Pallavi Gupta, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: In this study, LSPR tunable gold nanostars were tailored using a flow-focusing droplet device. The flow parameters were optimized through 2D simulations to achieve improved mixing and synthesis of highly branched gold nanostars. The as-synthesized gold nanostars exhibit desirable properties for photothermal and photodynamic applications.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
R. Gayathri, S. Kar, M. Nagai, F-G Tseng, P. S. Mahapatra, T. S. Santra
Summary: Single-cell patterning technologies are rapidly evolving and provide a platform for various biological and biomedical applications. Regulating cell adhesion on a substrate is crucial in cell patterning and can be achieved through different physical and biochemical strategies for substrate modification and adhesion. Moreover, the advantages, limitations, and future challenges of single-cell printing are also discussed in detail.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ashwini Shinde, Pallavi Shinde, Srabani Kar, Kavitha Illath, Souvik Dey, Nitish R. R. Mahapatra, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient and uniform method for delivering biomolecules into diverse cell types was reported using a titanium micro-ring device activated by infrared light pulse. The device generates photothermal cavitation bubbles, disrupting the cell plasma membrane and allowing biomolecules to enter the cells through diffusion. The successful delivery of various biomolecules into different cell types suggests potential applications in cellular diagnostics and therapeutics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kavitha Illath, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of highly monodispersed dumbbell-shaped gold nanorods (Ds-Au NRs) in a droplet microfluidic device. By optimizing flow parameters and device geometry, the aspect ratio of Ds-Au NRs can be controlled. Compared to traditional batch reactors, the microfluidic synthesis method has shorter reaction times and higher monodispersity, with non-toxic properties and potential for biomedical applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
