Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amir Shamloo, Amin Naghdloo, Mohsen Besanjideh
Summary: The study focused on isolating rare cancer cells using two centrifugal microfluidic devices. The passive design isolates cells through inertial effects and bifurcation law, while the hybrid design captures magnetically labeled cells using permanent magnets at the end of the microchannel. The hybrid design offers better separation efficiency and purity, while the passive one is simpler and cost-effective without the need for cell labeling.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sanghyun Lee, Hojin Kim, Sung Yang
Summary: The separation of blood components is essential for biology, clinical diagnosis, therapeutics, and personalized medicine. Microfluidics has become a popular technology for this purpose, allowing for the separation of target cells based on their intrinsic properties. This review discusses various microfluidic-based hydrodynamic cell-separation technologies, categorizing them according to their working principles. The relative performances and features of these technologies are thoroughly discussed, along with future perspectives on commercialization and standardization for widespread use and applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Seyedamirhosein Abdorahimzadeh, Feby W. Pratiwi, Seppo J. Vainio, Henrikki Liimatainen, Caglar Elbuken
Summary: The lateral migration of colloidal particles inside microfluidic channels has been investigated for its fundamental importance and potential applications in particle separation. This study experimentally explores new modes of lateral particle migration in the presence of an electric field and pressure-driven flow. The relative strengths of the electric field and pressure gradient are found to be crucial in determining particle positioning. These new migration patterns are utilized for microparticle separation and present a novel separation modality.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Steffen M. Recktenwald, Christian Wagner, Thomas John
Summary: Unsteady and pulsatile flows are receiving increased attention for their potential to enhance various microscale processes. Generating precise time-dependent flow fields with commercial pressure controllers remains challenging, but this study presents a method to correct deviations and optimize pulsatile flows in microfluidic experiments. By analyzing linear responses to pressure inputs and deriving adapted input signals, deviations between desired and actual pressure outputs can be significantly reduced.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kenta Fukada, Michiko Seyama
Summary: Microfluidic control using reinforced learning with failure-based rewards can maximize training effect and find optimal separating conditions automatically, making it valuable in fields such as automatic synthetic chemistry, biomedical analysis, and microfabrication robotics.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biophysics
Liyuan Gong, Andrew Cretella, Yang Lin
Summary: Microfluidic technology offers a promising tool for various applications and provides advantages such as contactless operation, label-free detection, high accuracy, good sensitivity, and minimal reagent requirements. However, the release and recovery efficiency of trapped particles have often been overlooked. This review highlights the importance of both capture and release mechanisms in microfluidic systems and assesses their effectiveness.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yongxin Song, Deyu Li, Xiangchun Xuan
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances in multimode particle and cell separations in microfluidic devices, including serial-mode prefocused separation, serial-mode multistage separation, and parallel-mode force-tuned separation. These multimode separation methods integrate the advantages of both active and passive separation methods, improving specificity, resolution, and throughput.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Uzeyir Dogan, Ferah Sucularli, Ender Yildirim, Demet Cetin, Zekiye Suludere, Ismail Hakki Boyaci, Ugur Tamer
Summary: Pathogen detection is still a challenging issue in public health, especially in food products. Researchers have developed a method using a capillary-driven microfluidic chip and surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements for rapid detection of Escherichia coli. This method can detect very low concentrations of E. coli within 60 minutes.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Maan Al-Zareer
Summary: This paper introduces a microfluidic separation device based on hydrodynamic focusing, equipped with dual neodymium magnets for positive magnetophoretic microparticles and cell separation. By minimizing damage to the particles through different inlet flow rates, efficient separation of particles is achieved.
MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nan Xiang, Zhonghua Ni
Summary: In this study, a low-cost, portable, battery-driven microfluidic cell separation instrument was developed for use in resource-limited environments. The instrument integrated various technologies to achieve label-free cell separation and enrichment, and demonstrated excellent performance in terms of separation and enrichment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lap Man Lee, George J. J. Klarmann, Dustin W. W. Haithcock, Yi Wang, Ketan H. H. Bhatt, Balabhaskar Prabhakarpandian, Kapil Pant, Luis M. M. Alvarez, Eva Lai
Summary: Human adipose tissue is a valuable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and a microfluidic sorter cascade has been developed to enrich and purify adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from tissue-digested samples. The sorter cascade utilizes spiral-shaped inertial and deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) sorters to separate cells based on size difference, resulting in a >90% separation efficiency. The enriched ADSC sub-population shows a 6x enhancement of expansion capacity in tissue culture. This microfluidic sorter cascade holds promise for various applications in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Tang, Jiaqi Niu, Han Jin, Shujing Lin, Daxiang Cui
Summary: Passive and label-free microfluidic devices, with their simple design and reliance on geometric structure, have become popular in medical and bioresearch applications. This review discusses the importance of geometric design principles in passive and label-free microfluidics and summarizes the most creative innovations in microfluidic schemes such as deterministic lateral displacement, inertial microfluidics, and viscoelastic microfluidics. The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a guideline for incorporating geometric innovations into passive and label-free microfluidics.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Andrew S. Clark, Adriana San-Miguel
Summary: We have developed two microfluidic lobe filters inspired by the filtration mechanism of manta rays to address clogging issues. These filters can efficiently filtrate particles around 10-30 μm with high throughput and precise control, showing increased filtration efficiency with fluid flow rate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongxin Song, Xiaoshi Han, Deyu Li, Qinxin Liu, Dongqing Li
Summary: A novel microfluidic method was proposed to count the number of particles while they are separated by localized DC-dielectrophoresis force. The separation and counting of particles of different sizes, including polystyrene particles, were successfully demonstrated with a resolution of 1 μm. This method allows for simultaneous separation and in situ counting of particles, showing potential for various applications in particle analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fengtao Jiang, Nan Xiang
Summary: This paper presents the development of a novel handheld sorter with a multifunction integrated microfluidic chip for point-of-care diagnosis in resource-limited settings. The sorter utilizes a spiral inertial microfluidic channel and flow regulators for size-based cell separation. The prototype of the sorter successfully separates malignant tumor cells from clinical pleural effusions. The device is simple to use, inexpensive, portable, and compact, making it suitable for high-throughput label-free cell separation in resource-limited areas.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tartela Alkayyali, Emily Pope, Sydney K. Wheatley, Christopher Cartmell, Bradley Haltli, Russell G. Kerr, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: The development of a new device called the microbe domestication (MD) Pod enables single-cell cultivation, isolating marine bacterial cells in agarose microbeads produced using microfluidics while allowing potential transmission of chemical signals between cells during in situ incubation. This process is expected to accelerate marine natural products discovery by increasing the cultivability of marine bacteria.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Walid I. Mazyan, Ellen O'Connor, Elia Martin, Anja Vogt, Edward Charter, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: This study explores the optimal extraction temperature for total phenolic yields from avocado fruit flesh using subcritical water extraction, and how fruit ripeness affects phenol extraction efficiency. Lowering the extraction temperature can significantly enhance phenolic compounds extraction yields from avocado flesh.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mozhgan Nikdel, Hossein Rajabinejad, Hashem Yaghoubi, Elmira Mikaeiliagah, Monica A. Cella, Ali Sadeghianmaryan, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: The study explored the fabrication of wound dressings with antibacterial properties using non-woven fabric treated with polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel including zinc oxide nanoparticles and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The addition of antibiotic cephalexin to the composite coating aided in mitigating bacterial infection. The nanocomposite demonstrated significant water uptake capacity, increased swelling ratio with the incorporation of nanoparticles, and showed excellent antibacterial properties against common pathogenic bacteria.
ECS JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haley M. Butler, Emad Naseri, Debra S. MacDonald, R. Andrew Tasker, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: This study found that a balanced mixture of 40% agarose and 60% NOOC is the most suitable bioink for 3D bioprinting, ensuring both cell viability and printability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emad Naseri, Christopher Cartmell, Matthew Saab, Russell G. Kerr, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: This study investigated a novel hybrid biomaterial ink consisting of starch and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC), used for fabricating controlled release biodegradable wound dressing scaffolds via a low-temperature solvent-free 3D printing technique. By altering the ratio of NOCC to starch in the biomaterial ink, drug release and inhibition zone size can be controlled. Increasing NOCC accelerated drug release and led to larger zones of inhibition, attributed to enhanced hydrophilicity of NOCC-dominated scaffolds.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Emad Naseri, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: Skin, the largest organ of the body, protects against injuries and is prone to wounds. Wound care is critical for compromised immune systems or severe wounds. Infection is a common complication, and wound dressings are widely used to aid in complete skin recovery. Recent research focuses on antimicrobial agents, biomaterials, and fabrication techniques in wound dressings, emphasizing the importance of non-toxic solvents and stimuli-responsive dressings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Ali Sadeghianmaryan, Saman Naghieh, Ali Salimi, Kourosh Kabiri, Monica A. Cella, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: Novel wound dressings with antibacterial activity were fabricated using the coating technique, and microwave techniques were employed to enhance fibroblast cell viability. Physical, mechanical, and antibacterial tests showed that the coated nonwoven with layers of hydrogels possessed the desired strength, breathability, flexibility, and wettability. The results suggest that the fabricated structures have potential applications in wound dressing.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Emily Pope, Bradley Haltli, Russell G. Kerr, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: Microencapsulation of bacteria is a promising cultivation technique for previously unculturable microbial species. Lowering the encapsulation temperature and adding nutrients significantly improve the viability and metabolic activity of marine bacteria. Therefore, the use of low-gelling-temperature agarose with supplemental nutrients is recommended for encapsulating marine bacteria obtained from temperate habitats.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Samantha MacDougall, Fatih Bayansal, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: Surveillance and management of the spread of plant pests and diseases are crucial for protecting crops and ecosystems. Traditional detection methods are expensive and require expertise, so there is a need for inexpensive and user-friendly options. Gas-sensing technologies that detect volatile organic compounds released by plants offer a potential solution, but there are challenges such as environmental factors and lack of research on field conditions.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mohsen Gorji, Dara Zarbaf, Saeedeh Mazinani, Abolfazl Sajadi Noushabadi, Monica A. Cella, Ali Sadeghianmaryan, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: This study investigated the release characteristics of a CUR-loaded PMMA-co-PDEAEMA membrane under different stimuli, and evaluated its potential applications in wound dressing and tissue engineering. The results showed that the nanofibrous membrane had high drug release controllability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for targeted drug delivery and other medical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Elias Madadian, Emad Naseri, Ryan Legault, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: This article introduces a method to develop 3D printable hybrid sodium alginate and albumin foam, crosslinked with calcium chloride mist. Highly porous structures are produced without the need for further postprocessing. The printed foams show excellent lift-off and water absorption properties, making it beneficial for the development of wound dressing.
3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ryan Legault, Emad Naseri, Elias Madadian, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: The development of more environmentally friendly fishing gear is desired to reduce pollution caused by recreational fishing and to protect aquatic species and the environment. This study investigates the influence of different components on the important properties of biodegradable lures, such as strength, heat resistance, swelling, viscosity, and porosity. The results will aid in optimizing the formula for biodegradable lures and progressing towards more sustainable alternatives.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sydney K. Wheatley, Christopher Cartmell, Elias Madadian, Sara Badr, Bradley A. Haltli, Russell G. Kerr, Ali Ahmadi
Summary: In this study, a mu Microbial-Domestication Pod (mu MD Pod) was developed through the integration of microfabrication, microfluidics, and microbiology. This in situ cultivation device facilitates cell signaling and interactions with environmental stimuli, overcoming the limitations of standard laboratory cultivation methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
W. Mazyan, A. Ahmadi, H. Ahmed, M. Hoorfar
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haley M. Butler, Emad Naseri, Debra S. MacDonald, R. Andrew Tasker, Ali Ahmadi